Government Unveils Plan to Reform Ghana’s National Security Architecture
Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mohammed, has announced a comprehensive plan to review and reform Ghana’s national security architecture. Apexnewsgh reports The reforms aim to enhance professionalism and improve the efficiency of the country’s security agencies. During a visit to the Police Headquarters on Tuesday, February 18, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security. He emphasized that the planned reforms would equip all security agencies with the necessary resources to effectively carry out their duties. Muntaka Mohammed’s visit included discussions with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, on enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The Minister highlighted the government’s focus on modernizing security institutions to safeguard the well-being of all Ghanaians. The government’s plan to reform the national security architecture is a significant step towards addressing emerging security challenges in Ghana. This move is expected to improve the country’s response to security threats and ensure a safer environment for its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Shuts Down Gumah FM Over National Security Concerns
In a swift move to address urgent national security concerns, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam ‘Dzata’ George, has directed the immediate shutdown of Gumah (104.9) FM station in Bawku, Upper East Region. Apexnewsgh reports The decision follows an emergency meeting held by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on February 11, 2025, where intelligence reports revealed that Gumah FM Station had been used to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the region. According to the ministry’s statement, the shutdown is in accordance with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empowers the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend or revoke frequency authorisations in the interest of national security, public order, or the public interest. As part of the directive, Gumah FM Station must cease all operations with immediate effect, and ongoing monitoring will be implemented to prevent the establishment of alternative platforms that may be used to propagate violence or further destabilize the region. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has urged all media entities to operate responsibly and adhere to their frequency authorisation conditions. The government remains committed to safeguarding national security, public safety, and the rule of law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Declares Assets, Urges Appointees to Follow Suit
In a bold move to promote transparency and accountability, President John Dramani Mahama has officially declared his assets, setting a significant precedent for his administration. Apexnewsgh reports This declaration, submitted to the Audit Service, is in line with the requirements of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana under Act 550. The document, received by Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu, provides detailed information about the President’s properties and assets. This step underscores President Mahama’s commitment to ensuring accountability in his leadership, a key theme in his 2024 campaign. But President Mahama didn’t stop there. He has also instructed all his appointees to declare their assets by March 31, 2025, warning that failure to comply may result in severe sanctions, including removal from office. This directive applies to various public office holders, including ministers, judges, and heads of government institutions, as specified in Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998, Act 550. By taking this step, President Mahama is sending a strong message about his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As he stated, “I honestly believe that if properly created and enforced, the asset declaration can become a sustainable tool for tackling corruption”. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP’s Nana B Sues Government Over Unlawful Dismissals in Public Sector
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has filed a lawsuit against the Government of Ghana, challenging the recent wave of dismissals in the public sector. Apexnewsgh reports Nana B, as he’s popularly known, took to social media to announce the lawsuit, citing the government’s actions as unlawful. At the heart of the dispute is a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama’s Chief of Staff on February 10, 2025, ordering the revocation of appointments made within the Public Services of Ghana. Nana B argues that the Chief of Staff exceeded constitutional authority by issuing this directive, leading to widespread dismissals in government institutions. The lawsuit claims that the government’s actions constitute an unlawful termination of employment, which under Ghanaian law, can be deemed unlawful if it contravenes statutory provisions or the terms of an employee’s contract. Nana B’s move is seen as a significant challenge to the government’s actions, and the outcome of the lawsuit is eagerly anticipated. The case has sparked concerns over the legitimacy of the government’s decision and the impact on employees who have been affected by the dismissals. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Explosive Findings: Mech Resources’ Questionable Gold Mining Lease Acquisition
Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has uncovered shocking details surrounding Mech Resources’ acquisition of a multi-million-dollar gold mining lease. Apexnewsgh reports The company, owned by the children of former Chief of Staff Frema Opare, allegedly obtained the lease under dubious circumstances, with the Minerals Commission fast-tracking the process despite glaring discrepancies. According to Simons, Mech Resources had no prior experience in mining or related industries, yet was not required to provide evidence of skilled mining personnel or demonstrate financial capability to fund the $25.8 million initial investment. Instead, the company submitted basic financial projections and a general outline of its plans, which was deemed sufficient for a lease covering 9,000 acres of gold-rich land valued at approximately $1.38 billion. Red Flags Raised Simons pointed out several red flags, including Mech Resources’ failure to hire a professional accountant to prepare its financial projections. The application allegedly contained weak discount factoring, poor sensitivity analysis, and a failure to account for the impact of royalties. Furthermore, the company did not disclose which specific water bodies would be affected by its mining activities, despite requests from examining officers. Conflict of Interest Concerns Simons also raised concerns about Maata Osei Opare, a key figure in Mech Resources, who serves as the Head of Legal at Fidelity Bank and sits on the board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Simons believes that Fidelity Bank’s previous lawsuit against him was aimed at blocking further scrutiny into deals between the bank and ECG. Fast-Tracked Approval and Wider Implications The lease recommendation was reportedly ready within six weeks, despite the numerous discrepancies. Simons suspects that this case is not isolated, as four additional gold mining leases linked to the same family have also been fast-tracked. In total, they have applied for 23 mining and prospecting licenses, with five already granted. Simons accused the Minerals Commission of enabling politically connected individuals to sidestep mining regulations, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. Read Bright Simons’ post on X below:
Upper East Youth Association Congratulates Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Outlines Developmental Expectations
The Upper East Youth Association (UEYA) has congratulated Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga on his appointment as the Upper East Regional Minister. Apexnewsgh reports The association, a developmental think tank formed in 2011, outlined its expectations for the development of the region. Kindly read the full statement: Upper East Youth Association Congratulates Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga as the Upper East Regional Minister and our request for some critical developmental projects and initiatives he should consider The Upper East Youth Association (UEYA) is a developmental think tank of our dear Region made up of the youth of the Region without partisanship. The Association was formed in 2011 and has embarked on several activities to the benefit of the Upper East Region with membership across all districts and Municipalities in the region. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to the Honorable Donatus Akamugri Atanga on his assumption of office as the Upper East Regional Minister. As he embark on this critical role, we want to outline our expectations for the development of our beloved region. Peace and Security We the Upper East Youth Association are urging the Regional Minister to prioritize the resolution of the Bawku conflict, because peace is a prerequisite for development and we believe that without peace, development is impossible, so we are therefore calling on the Honorable Regional Minister to take decisive action to put an end to the conflict. We also urge the Minister to address other conflicts within the region, because we believes that these disputes can hinder development and progress, by resolving these conflicts, can help foster a peaceful environment that is conducive for growth and development. In the area of infrastructure Development; Construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam. The dam has a potential to bring numerous benefits to the region. Once completed, the dam is expected to: – Control periodic floods, protecting lives and properties – Generate hydroelectric power, increasing access to electricity – Irrigate tens of thousands of hectares of land, boosting agricultural production – Support aquaculture, providing new economic opportunities for communities We believe that, the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam is a critical project that will drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the overall development of the Upper East Region and beyond. We want our regional Minister to take swift action to ensure the project’s timely completion. – Construction of an Airport: We urge the regional minister to prioritize the construction of an airport in the Upper East region which will facilitating easier travel and boosting economic growth and tourism in the region. – Upper East Passport Office: we want the regional minister to ensure the completion of the Upper East passport office to provide convenient services to residents and for them to avoid traveling to Tamale day in and out for just a passport. – Traffic Lights: Install functional traffic lights in Bolgatanga Township and other areas to enhance road safety. Education – E-Blocks Community Senior High Schools: we request that our regional Minister ensure the completion of all E-Block projects in the region to provide needed accessible quality education in our region. – Accommodation and Classroom Blocks in all schools: we want our father the regional Minister and his government to construct additional infrastructure in schools with limited facilities like classrooms, dormitories, halls among others. Road Construction: Ladies and gentlemen of the media, we call on the Upper East regional Minister to focus on completing and constructing the following critical roads and bridges in our beloved region. – The almighty Bolgatanga – Bawku – Pulmakom road – Expansion and dualization of some positions of the Bolgatanga Tamale high way – Construction of the Asonge-Pelungu-Sekoti road – The Navrongo-Kologo-Naga road – The Navrongo – Chuchuliga – Sandema – Fumbisi road – The Navrongo – Chuchuliga – Chiana – Tumu road – Construction of a bridge over the Vea Dam spillway – Construction of the broken Sirigu – Zorko Bridge – Construction of the Bongo – Namoo road – Construction of the Bongo – Soe – Feo road – Least but not the least continuation of the construction of the Bolga – Sherigu – Naaga road. Healthcare Ladies and gentlemen of the media we are calling on our father the Upper East regional Minister the Honorable Donatus Akamugri to ensure that the following health facilities are undertaken; – The Upper East Regional Hospital: we want our Minster to complete and equip the regional hospital to provide quality healthcare services the good people of our beloved region and beyond – Agenda 111 Hospitals projects: Ensure the completion of all agenda 111 hospitals in the region started by the previous government. – Health Professionals: Facilitate the recruitment of more health professionals, especially doctors, to address the region’s healthcare needs. – Poly Clinics: There is a critical need for the construction of a poly clinic in the Bawku enclave and the Bolgatanga municipality this will ease overcrowding at the regional hospital – Expansion of hospitals in the region: we want the regional minster to help expand the War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo, Tongo, district hospital as well as the Bongo district hospitals The Agriculture sector Ladies and gentlemen of the press, Agriculture they say is the back bone of every economy so we want to call on the regional Minster to ensure this few initiatives are taken to ensure we have food security in our region and beyond. – One Village One Dam: we expect our regional Minister to ensure reconstruction of the one village one dam projects that was not properly done by the past government this will help boost agricultural productivity. – Dams expansion: the Minister should collaborate with our farmers and all stakeholders and expand the existing dams in the region for irrigational purposes. – Last but not the least ladies and gentlemen is the long-awaited Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam, we call on our regional Minister to priorities it construction. Revitalizing Industries: Ladies and gentlemen, this will ensure a better pathway to job creation in
National Petroleum Authority Introduces New Price Floor for Petroleum Products
In a bid to ensure stability in Ghana’s downstream sector, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has introduced a new price floor for petroleum products, effective from February 16 to 28, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This move requires Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) to adhere strictly to the set minimum prices. The NPA has set the price floor for petrol and diesel at GHȼ12.56 and GHȼ 13.45 per litre, respectively, while LPG has been fixed at GHS 14.26 per kilogram. This directive is aimed at preventing price undercutting among industry players, which could destabilize the market. It’s worth noting that the newly introduced price floors do not factor in the premiums charged by International Oil Trading Companies (IOTCs), operating margins of Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs), or the marketing and dealer margins of OMCs and LPGMCs. These cost components will continue to be determined independently by the companies, as stipulated under the country’s price deregulation policy. The NPA’s enforcement of the price floor is expected to promote fair competition among industry players and safeguard consumer interests. Companies that fail to comply with the set price floor risk facing potential sanctions from the regulator. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Urges Caution in “Ghost Names” Scandal as Investigations Continue
The Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has cautioned against jumping to conclusions in the ongoing “ghost names” scandal. Apexnewsgh reports His remarks come after President John Dramani Mahama directed an inquiry into 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll. The scandal, first exposed by The Fourth Estate in November 2024, revealed discrepancies between the officially announced number of eligible personnel and those actually deployed between 2018 and 2024. For instance, in the 2017-2018 period, 2,932 fewer personnel were deployed than announced, and several names were repeated multiple times in the NSA’s records. Gyamfi described the findings as “shocking” and “despicable” but warned that the credibility of the case could be undermined if the reported figures turned out to be inaccurate. He urged The Fourth Estate to exercise patience and allow security agencies to verify the claims before making final conclusions. The NSA has been at the center of the scandal, with some officials accused of overseeing the fraudulent payments. However, the NSA has denied the allegations, stating that they have instituted strong electronic measures to prevent fraud and have saved over 300 million cedis since 2021. As the investigation continues, Gyamfi emphasized the importance of securing convictions if crimes have been committed. “We want to secure convictions if the crimes have been committed by individuals. However, if we put numbers out that would turn out not to be true, the case would lose its credibility,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GCBC and Christian Council of Ghana Express Concern Over Exclusion from National Education Forum
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have expressed deep concern over their exclusion from the National Education Forum scheduled for February 18-19, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports In a press statement released on February 17, the two major religious bodies described their omission as a setback to inclusive dialogue on the future of education in Ghana. The GCBC and CCG have historically played a crucial role in Ghana’s education sector, overseeing many schools and advocating for policies that align with national values, traditions, and aspirations. They argue that their exclusion undermines efforts to create an equitable and holistic education system. As key stakeholders in the educational sector, the GCBC and CCG believe their contributions are essential to discussions on the future of education in Ghana. “Our exclusion from this vital forum undermines the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any educational policy or reform,” they stated. The two organisations have called on the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to reconsider their exclusion and extend an invitation to ensure a truly inclusive forum. They believe their presence is crucial to creating policies that align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Ghana. The GCBC and CCG have a long-standing commitment to the development and welfare of the educational system in Ghana. They have consistently worked to ensure that their educational institutions serve the needs of every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background or beliefs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Directs Finance Ministry to Settle Outstanding DDEP Coupons and Build Financial Buffer
President John Mahama has taken a significant step towards restoring economic stability by directing the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) coupons and build a financial buffer through the Sinking Fund. Apexnewsgh reports In line with this directive, the Ministry of Finance has disbursed a Payment-In-Cash (PIC) coupon of GH₵6.081 billion to all DDEP bondholders. Additionally, a Payment-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GH₵3.46 billion has been credited to bondholders’ securities accounts, in accordance with the terms outlined in the DDEP Memorandum. To further strengthen the country’s debt management strategy, the government has deposited GH₵9.7 billion into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account (Sinking Fund). This move aims to serve as a buffer for the next five DDEP coupon payments due in July and August 2025. President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling all obligations under the DDEP while working to restore confidence in the economy. He indicated that the upcoming 2025 Budget Statement will outline additional measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, prioritizing spending, and enhancing transparency in public financial management. The government is focused on stabilizing the cedi, controlling inflation, and creating jobs, despite the economic challenges inherited from the previous administration. By implementing prudent fiscal policies, the Mahama-led administration aims to restore macroeconomic stability and ensure value for every pesewa spent. Source: Apexnewsgh.com