President Mahama Flags Low Compliance with Governance Standards Among Public Entities
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed serious concerns about the low level of compliance with key governance and accountability requirements among public entities in Ghana. Speaking at the SIGA Governing Boards and CEOs Conference 2026 on Thursday, September 10, the President revealed that only 72 out of the 148 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) expected to sign performance contracts had done so since his administration took office. While acknowledging improvements in the governance and management of public institutions, President Mahama warned that these positive changes should not be mistaken for the resolution of all governance issues. He pointed out that several entities were still falling short on crucial statutory and administrative obligations, particularly in the submission of audited financial statements, performance contracts, quarterly reports, annual general meetings, and employment data. “We must not confuse improvement with complete success. Only 61 entities submitted their audited financial statements by the statutory deadline of April 30. A significant number of entities either submitted after the deadline or still relied on management and draft accounts,” President Mahama noted. He further highlighted that, in addition to the low number of signed performance contracts, only 71 entities had submitted their quarterly reports, and just 37 out of 177 had held their required annual general or stakeholder meetings. Employment data submissions also declined, dropping from 142 entities in 2024 to 137 in 2025. “These compliance gaps are unacceptable,” President Mahama stressed, urging all public entities to meet their governance and reporting obligations to improve transparency and accountability in the management of state resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Warns SOE Boards Against Conflict of Interest and Mismanagement
President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a stern warning to members of his administration and governing boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), cautioning them against conflicts of interest, abuse of office, and the improper management of state resources. Addressing the SIGA Governing Boards and CEOs Conference 2026 on Thursday, September 10, President Mahama emphasized the critical need for integrity, transparency, and accountability among public officials entrusted with managing state institutions and assets. He reminded government appointees and board members of their duty to protect the public interest, insisting that decisions made under their authority should be able to withstand public and official scrutiny. “Ladies and gentlemen, this administration will not tolerate conflict of interest or abuse of office. Procurement must be lawful and follow the guidelines; it must be competitive and transparent,” President Mahama declared. He further stressed that recruitment and promotions should be based strictly on merit, and that contracts, investments, and asset disposals must demonstrate clear value for money. The President made it clear that governing boards must take personal responsibility for state assets in their care—including land, buildings, equipment, and investments. He warned that unauthorized disposal or mismanagement of state assets would not be treated as a minor administrative lapse, but as a serious breach of trust against the people of Ghana. “The government will continue to demand accountability from those entrusted with managing public institutions and resources,” President Mahama stated. The conference brought together governing board members and Chief Executive Officers of SOEs to discuss best practices in governance, accountability, performance, and the effective management of public institutions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NCPTA Warns Parents: Don’t Pay Unauthorized Fees for SHS Prospectus Items
The National Council of Parents-Teachers Associations, Ghana (NCPTA), has sounded a strong warning to parents of first-year Senior High School (SHS) students: do not pay GHS1,617 to EduPack PGL for prospectus items. This follows reports that EduPack PGL, also known as Prospectus Ghana Limited, has been urging parents to pay for a package, including a metal trunk, plastic chop box, Macintosh mattress, and pillow, for collection on SHS campuses. The company allegedly circulated messages via SMS, WhatsApp, and other channels, and is accused of invoking the name of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to legitimize their offer. In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the NCPTA clarified that the Ghana Education Service had not approved this arrangement, stating, “GES Management has NOT sanctioned, directed or authorized any parent to engage EduPack PGL.” The association instructed parents clearly: “DON’T PAY! We instruct all Ghanaian parents NOT TO PAY ANY MONEY OR BUY ANY ITEM FROM EDUPACK PGL.” The NCPTA emphasized that parents have the right to buy prospectus items from the open market, as has always been the practice. “Every parent retains the full and unqualified liberty to purchase prospectus items on the open market,” the statement added. The association also raised concerns about the attempt to force parents to buy items from a single source at a fixed price on school premises, calling it “illegal commercialization of school admission.” While commending the GES for distancing itself from the practice, the NCPTA called for even stronger action. They urged the GES to use its legal and administrative powers to warn and sanction any school heads who permit such sales, and to consider taking legal action against EduPack PGL and any entity allegedly misusing the GES logo to defraud parents. “Punish the real culprit so others will learn,” the NCPTA stated. Parents were also advised to stay alert and report any such incidents to the NCPTA Secretariat and the GES. The statement was signed by the General Secretary of the NCPTA, Gapson Kofi Raphael. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Demands Answers: 30-Day Ultimatum for Rural Telephony Report
In a move that has stirred Ghana’s tech and political circles, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. The party wants the Ministry to publish a comprehensive status report on the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, a flagship initiative meant to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. The demand, spearheaded by the NPP’s Policy Committee on Communications and Digitalization, was made public following a high-level briefing by Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George. The Minister had outlined the government’s plan to upgrade rural telephony sites to at least 4G, but the NPP insists that more transparency is needed on the current state of the project. According to a statement signed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Chairman of the NPP Policy Co-ordination Committee, the party is seeking detailed data: How many sites have been constructed, connected, and are fully operational? How many have been built but remain out of service? The NPP argues that these answers are critical to understanding the real progress made. Rejecting claims that rural connectivity had been neglected in the previous decade, the NPP stated that, contrary to the Minister’s characterization, “the records show significant investments were made under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.” The Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, they pointed out, was launched in 2020 with a €155 million facility from the China EXIM Bank, aiming to build 2,016 sites and connect 3-4 million people. By the end of the last NPP administration in January 2025, the party claims, 1,961 sites had been constructed, with equipment procured for 400 more. But since the change in government, the NPP alleges, progress has stalled. “No new rural telephony site was constructed in 2025 despite the availability of equipment,” the statement read. Even more troubling, the NPP says that many previously operational sites are now offline. The party also pushed back against suggestions that 46 sites could not be connected because they are in hard-to-reach areas. “A satellite hub at the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT had already been upgraded to provide backhaul services,” the NPP said. They argue that the issue is not technical, but a matter of administrative delays and commercial arrangements that have yet to be finalized. While the NPP welcomed government plans to upgrade rural infrastructure to 4G, they cautioned against leaving existing sites disconnected or allowing service to lapse. Their demands are clear: The Ministry and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) must publish a deployment schedule for the remaining sites, report on the operational status of the satellite hub, and share a detailed plan, including costs and timelines, for the 4G upgrade. The party also wants Parliament’s Select Committee on Communications to be briefed with verifiable data, not just public statements or claims. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Samuel Nartey George to Feature in Government’s Accountability Series on September 7, 2026
The stage is set for another edition of the government’s Accountability Series, with the spotlight this time on Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. On Monday, September 7, 2026, at precisely 11 AM, Mr. George will engage the nation as part of the Presidency Communications team’s ongoing initiative to foster transparency and public dialogue. The Accountability Series, organized by the team at the Presidency, has become a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to keep citizens informed and involved. Through these sessions, ministers and high-level officials provide direct updates on policies, programmes, and achievements in their respective sectors. As anticipation builds, Mr. George is expected to address key issues and recent developments within the communications, digital technology, and innovation landscape. The session aims to shed light on the government’s progress, challenges, and future plans in these fast-evolving sectors. The Presidency Communications team emphasized the importance of the series as a vital platform, enabling government members to connect with the public, share information, and answer questions about their stewardship. Monday’s session promises to be an important opportunity for Ghanaians to gain insight into the work being undertaken to keep the nation at the forefront of digital innovation. All eyes will be on the Minister as he takes to the stage at 11 AM, continuing the tradition of open government and accountability that has become a hallmark of the current administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Concludes Evacuation of 1,900 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stood at the airport, his face a portrait of relief and resolve, as he greeted the last group of weary, homebound Ghanaians. The day marked the conclusion of a massive national effort: the evacuation of approximately 1,900 Ghanaian citizens from South Africa, following a recent surge in xenophobic violence there. In a heartfelt Facebook post, accompanied by photos capturing the emotional reunions, Minister Ablakwa recounted the journey. “Today I warmly welcomed the final group of Ghanaians successfully evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks,” he wrote, his words echoing the collective sigh of a nation relieved to see its people safe. The evacuation unfolded in two phases, with the second phase alone seeing 1,000 Ghanaians return. Each evacuee received support not just for their journey home, but for their new start: reintegration financial aid, transportation allowances, medical care, psychosocial support, free health insurance registration, and ongoing employment assistance. Minister Ablakwa was quick to emphasize that this was more than a government operation—it was a demonstration of national unity and compassion. “We achieved this together as Ghanaians. Our message is clear: we value the lives of Ghanaians everywhere in the world, and no Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way,” he declared. He expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his inspirational leadership and extended thanks to all local partners whose efforts made the mission possible. Yet, amidst the relief, the Foreign Affairs Minister did not forget those lost: he acknowledged the four Ghanaians who tragically died during the period of unrest, offering prayers and heartfelt condolences to their grieving families. Looking ahead, Minister Ablakwa assured the public that the Foreign Ministry would provide a full and transparent account of the evacuation process. “Next week the Foreign Ministry shall present a comprehensive report and account fully and transparently to the great people of Ghana,” he promised. As the final plane touched down and families embraced, the story of Ghana’s response stood as a testament to unity and the unwavering commitment to protect its citizens, no matter how far from home they may be. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tony Tambil Ga-Rentome Declares Candidacy for NDC Talensi Deputy Communication Officer Position
Tony Tambil Ga-Rentome has officially expressed his intention to contest the position of Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Talensi Constituency, citing his more than a decade of active service and experience within the party. Ga-Rentome, a committed NDC grassroots activist and communicator, has been involved in the party’s activities since 2015. Over the years, he has contributed to the party’s communication efforts, grassroots mobilisation and election-related activities at various levels. As an NDC social media communicator since 2015, he has used various digital platforms to promote the party’s policies and achievements, defend its positions and engage with the youth and the wider public. His political experience also includes serving as a Branch Communication Officer from 2022 to 2026. In that capacity, he coordinated communication activities at the branch level, shared party information, organised communication engagements and represented the branch in official communication matters. During the 2024 General Elections, Ga-Rentome served as a Ward Election Collator, where he was responsible for collating results from polling stations within the ward and ensuring that the figures were accurately and promptly transmitted to the constituency collation centre. He also played an advocacy role in pushing for improved welfare and support for polling station agents ahead of the 2024 elections, stressing the importance of strengthening vigilance and protecting the integrity of the electoral process. With his background in communication, grassroots politics and election monitoring, Ga-Rentome says his experience has equipped him with skills relevant to the Deputy Communication Officer position. Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and has professional experience as an Insurance Marketer, with expertise in client acquisition, financial services marketing and relationship management. His stated areas of strength include grassroots mobilisation, strategic communication, election collation and monitoring, youth advocacy and public relations. His declaration is expected to add another dimension to the contest for the NDC’s communication leadership in the Talensi Constituency as the party prepares for its internal activities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
James Tenga Eyes Nabdam NDC Secretary Position After Years of Service
After nearly twelve years of dedicated service as the Nabdam Constituency Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. James Naismith Yidaan Tenga has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of Constituency Secretary. Having spent over a decade championing the party’s ideals, communicating its vision, defending its policies, and maintaining strong ties with the grassroots, James Tenga believes the time has come to take on a new challenge within the party’s leadership. His decision marks a transition from leading the party’s communication efforts to seeking a key administrative role in the Constituency Secretariat. According to him, the move is driven by a desire to contribute more directly to strengthening the party’s internal organisation, improving coordination, and enhancing the effectiveness of the Secretariat. Supporters describe his bid not as a departure from his previous responsibilities, but as a natural progression built on years of experience, commitment, and institutional knowledge. They believe his background in communication, coupled with his understanding of the party’s structures and grassroots dynamics, positions him well to serve in the Secretariat. As the contest approaches, attention is shifting from whether James Tenga possesses the necessary experience to how his expertise can help build a stronger, more responsive, and better-organised constituency administration. With his declaration, the journey to the Nabdam NDC Secretariat has officially begun, as James Tenga presents himself as the next face of the Constituency Secretariat. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NHIA Executive Hits Back at GoldBod Critics, Says Claims of Losses and Forex Operations Are Misleading
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) in charge of Finance and Investment at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has strongly rejected allegations surrounding the operations and financial performance of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated. In a statement dated September 4, 2026, Ms. Bogobiri argued that GoldBod’s legal mandate, financial performance and contribution to Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves do not support claims that the institution is operating like a forex bureau or making financial losses. She also cautioned the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) against turning the allegations into a political campaign message ahead of the 2028 general elections. GoldBod operating within its legal mandate According to Ms. Bogobiri, GoldBod’s activities are firmly backed by the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which received presidential assent in April 2025. She explained that the legislation gives GoldBod the responsibility of generating foreign exchange for the country while supporting the Bank of Ghana’s efforts to build up the nation’s gold reserves. She therefore dismissed comparisons between GoldBod’s foreign exchange activities and those of conventional forex bureaux, describing such comparisons as a misunderstanding of the institution’s statutory responsibilities. GoldBod generated US$1.315 billion in August Ms. Bogobiri cited GoldBod’s reported foreign exchange generation as evidence of the institution’s growing economic importance. Referring to a Ghana News Agency report published on September 2, 2026, she stated that GoldBod generated US$1.315 billion in foreign exchange in August alone. She explained that the funds came from gold exports and were subsequently made available to the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP). According to her, US$668.21 million was sold directly to commercial banks, while another US$646.59 million was made available to the Bank of Ghana. Ms. Bogobiri stressed that the transactions should not be mistaken for forex trading. “GoldBod does not buy forex. It only sells the forex it generates from its own gold exports,” she stated. She described the arrangement as the surrender of export proceeds rather than the operation of a forex bureau. ‘Show us the loss’ The NHIA executive also challenged assertions that GoldBod is operating at a loss. She accused critics of presenting the institution’s operational expenditure as losses without properly considering the revenue generated and the wider economic benefits of its activities. She cited GoldBod’s second-quarter 2025 figures, which, according to her, recorded GH¢381 million in revenue against expenditure of GH¢24.7 million. Ms. Bogobiri further referred to a technical assessment conducted by economists from the University of Ghana and led by Professor Festus Turkson. She said the assessment found that GoldBod had formalised 39.4 tonnes of gold that had previously been smuggled out of the formal economy, with the gold valued at about US$3.8 billion in additional foreign exchange. According to her, the assessment established a benefit-cost ratio of 18:1 when compared with the reported US$214 million Bank of Ghana trading provision. She argued that these figures demonstrate that GoldBod’s operations should be viewed in terms of their broader economic returns rather than simply through expenditure figures. “That is a national gain, not a loss,” she declared. GoldBod helping strengthen Ghana’s reserves Ms. Bogobiri further maintained that GoldBod’s importance goes beyond its immediate financial statements. She said the institution is helping Ghana generate foreign exchange, accumulate gold reserves and support efforts aimed at stabilising the cedi. She accused critics of concentrating on selected expenditure figures while overlooking the foreign exchange earnings and gold accumulation generated through GoldBod’s operations. For her, the institution’s performance must therefore be assessed against its broader contribution to Ghana’s economic and reserve position. Warning to NPP over 2028 campaign narrative Ms. Bogobiri concluded her statement with a direct warning to the NPP against what she described as an attempt to repeatedly circulate inaccurate claims about GoldBod in order to turn them into a political campaign narrative ahead of the 2028 elections. She cautioned that repeating allegations would not automatically make them credible. “If some in the NPP think repeating these falsehoods until they become a campaign slogan for 2028 will work, they should think again,” she warned. She ended with a firm declaration: “THIS PROPAGANDA IS DEAD ON ARRIVAL.” The statement was signed by Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Investment at the National Health Insurance Authority, and dated September 4, 2026. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Anatu Bogobiri Defends Chief Justice, Says Call to Back Mahama’s Agenda Is About Ghana, Not Politics
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has come to the defence of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, insisting that his recent appeal for Ghanaians to support President John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda should not be viewed through a partisan political lens. Speaking in response to criticism on social media, Ms. Bogobiri argued that the Chief Justice’s remarks were a patriotic appeal aimed at promoting national development rather than endorsing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). She pointed to the Chief Justice’s statement that, “President Mahama’s agenda is one that will benefit Ghana. We should do everything to ensure that he succeeds,” stressing that the comments focused on the country’s progress and not on partisan politics. According to her, President Mahama serves as the Head of State for all Ghanaians, and the success or failure of his administration ultimately affects the entire nation, regardless of political affiliation. “John Dramani Mahama is not just the NDC President; he is the President of the Republic of Ghana. His failure is Ghana’s failure, and his success is Ghana’s success,” she stated. Ms. Bogobiri explained that if the government’s efforts to reset the economy, tackle corruption, create jobs and improve the living standards of citizens are successful, every Ghanaian, including supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), would benefit. She questioned why anyone committed to Ghana’s development would hope for the failure of a sitting President, adding that the Chief Justice never urged citizens to vote for the NDC or support President Mahama’s re-election in 2028. “He did not say ‘NDC must win 2028.’ He did not say ‘vote for NDC.’ He spoke about Ghana,” she emphasized. Addressing concerns about judicial neutrality, the NHIA Deputy CEO maintained that the Constitution allows judges, including the Chief Justice, to express views on matters of national interest, provided such comments do not interfere with their constitutional responsibilities. She argued that judicial independence should not be mistaken for silence on issues affecting national development, noting that the judicial oath primarily requires impartiality in the administration of justice. “The Chief Justice was speaking at a nation-building forum, not from the bench,” she said, describing his remarks as a responsible call for citizens to contribute to the country’s progress rather than political campaigning. Ms. Bogobiri also accused critics of applying double standards, claiming that some of those condemning the Chief Justice had remained silent when similar statements were made in support of development initiatives under previous governments. She called for consistency in public discourse involving the judiciary and political leadership, stressing that national development should never become a partisan issue. Reaffirming her support for President Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” Ms. Bogobiri said every Ghanaian should be prepared to back policies that advance the country’s interests irrespective of political differences. She concluded by urging citizens to place Ghana first and assess public statements within their proper context instead of interpreting appeals for national development as political endorsements. Source: Apexnewsgh.com