Ghana Immigration Service Foils Cocoa Smuggling Attempt
The Ghana Immigration Service at the Bunkpurugu Sector Command in the Northeast Region has successfully intercepted 25 bags of cocoa beans being smuggled into neighboring Togo through an unapproved route. Apexnewsgh reports The operation was carried out on Sunday, April 6, around 22:00 hours, following a tip-off. Officer-in-Charge Rev. Edwin Adjetey Doku (ACI) and his Operations Commander quickly mobilized eight officers to the Kauk border community to lay an ambush. The swift action led to the arrest of two unregistered motor king operators transporting the smuggled cocoa beans. Additionally, 25 individuals on board the vehicles were apprehended, and the goods were seized. The intercepted cocoa beans are currently in the custody of the Ghana Immigration Service at Bunkpurugu and will be handed over to the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority for further action. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Ghana Immigration Service to combat smuggling and protect the country’s economy. In a similar incident, officers at the Akanu Sector Command intercepted a truck loaded with 1,115 gallons of smuggled cocoa beans, also allegedly destined for Togo. The driver, Ibrahim Fatawu, was arrested, and the goods were seized. These incidents demonstrate the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent smuggling. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Disciplinary Hearing Postponed: Adwoa Safo Speaks Out
Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is questioning the New Patriotic Party’s handling of disciplinary proceedings against her. Apexnewsgh reports She arrived at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Monday, April 7, only to find that the disciplinary committee meeting had been called off without her knowledge. Adwoa Safo expressed her disappointment to journalists, wondering why she wasn’t personally informed of the cancellation. “There was no committee sitting. I had an engagement with one of the party’s national officers. There was no hearing, so I’m asking myself why I was served on a Sunday to appear when there’s no committee sitting,” she stated. As a lawyer, Adwoa Safo believes the party should handle such matters more seriously. “When a client is referred to a disciplinary committee, the presumption is that the person has done something untoward and you are going to be disciplined,” she explained. “So why ridicule me in public and come here and tell me that the committee is not even sitting… I thought there was a better way to do this.” However, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Haruna Mohammed, disputes Adwoa Safo’s claim, stating that she was notified of the postponement through her legal representatives. This conflicting account raises questions about communication within the party. The incident highlights concerns about the party’s internal processes and how disciplinary matters are handled. With Adwoa Safo’s disappointment evident, the NPP may need to review its procedures to avoid similar situations in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Justice Torkornoo Submits Response to Petitions Seeking Her Removal
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has officially submitted her response to the petitions seeking her removal from office, meeting the April 7, 2025 deadline set by President John Dramani Mahama. Apexnewsgh reports The Chief Justice delivered her written reply to both the President and the Council of State within the 10-day window granted for her response. With her response submitted, the Council of State will review the petitions to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate further proceedings. The specific details of the allegations made against the Chief Justice and the contents of her response remain undisclosed. This development marks a significant step in the unfolding process, which could become a landmark constitutional matter. Attention now turns to the Council of State’s next move, as they carefully consider the Chief Justice’s response and the petitions seeking her removal. Background President John Mahama had instructed Chief Justice Torkornoo to submit a preliminary response within 10 days regarding the petitions seeking her removal from office. The instruction was outlined in a letter signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, on March 30, 2025. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Goldbod Initiative: A Game Changer for the Economy—Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stands optimistic about a pioneering program known as the Goldbod initiative. Apexnewsgh reports During a recent meeting with Myriam Montrat, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Forson declared Goldbod a potential game changer, aimed at stabilizing the cedi, enhancing foreign exchange inflows, and fostering sustainable job creation. At its core, the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) represents a flagship initiative that seeks to transform the management and tracking of gold exports in the country. Designed as a specialized agency, Goldbod will formalize gold trading, especially supporting small-scale mining operations. This initiative focuses on traceability, which not only enhances the credibility of Ghanaian gold on international markets but also aligns with broader economic goals of currency stability and long-term growth. The benefits of Goldbod are multifaceted. By improving control over gold exports, the initiative intends to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, thereby offering a strategic buffer for the cedi. Moreover, rather than focusing solely on short-term revenue generation, Goldbod prioritizes the creation of jobs, aiming to alleviate some of the economic pressure faced by the cedi in recent times. Additionally, in a nod to the past successes of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), Goldbod is set to build upon that legacy with an emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and impactful results. However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Dr. Forson openly acknowledged previous mismanagement issues within Cocobod but emphasized that these should not overshadow the broader vision for Goldbod. He expressed confidence that the initiative will be fully operational soon and highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing corrective actions under the guidance of the IMF to rectify structural issues inherited from past administrations. Moreover, the international dimension of Goldbod is enhanced by partnerships like the one with Canada. High Commissioner Montrat congratulated Dr. Forson on his recent appointment and reiterated Canada’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Ghana across various sectors, including agriculture and technical vocational education and training (TVET). Such partnerships could provide vital international support and investment, further solidifying Goldbod’s integral role in Ghana’s economic development. As the Goldbod initiative gathers momentum, it promises to be a transformative force in advancing Ghana’s economic agenda and improving the lives of its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Cement Shortage Hits Ghana, Dealers Cry Out for Relief
A growing shortage of major cement brands has hit Ghana, with dealers attributing the disruption to a critical scarcity of clinker, a key raw material in cement production. Apexnewsgh reports Brands like SOL Cement, Empire Cement, and Dzata Cement have become increasingly difficult to find, following a GH¢9 price hike on all cement products driven by rising port charges. Retailers are struggling to restock, leading to immediate consequences, including turning away customers and losing revenue. Augustine Aduful, a cement retailer with over a decade of experience, expressed frustration, saying, “As for the shortage, it happens every time. You pay, but then you’re told to wait for delivery. As I speak, they are short of clinker.” Dealers are calling for government intervention to address the clinker shortage, which they say is caused by overseas supply issues. Isaac Frimpong, another dealer, reported being out of stock of the 32.5R grade of Ghacem cement for several weeks, forcing customers to switch to alternatives like Diamond Cement. Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, is pushing for a broader stakeholder dialogue to explore local alternatives to clinker. He suggests collaborating with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Building and Road Research Institute (CSIR-BRRI) to develop viable alternatives. The shortage has sparked renewed debate over Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported clinker and the long-term sustainability of its cement supply chain. With the manufacturing sector struggling to cope, stakeholders are urging the government to explore ways to add value to local raw materials and reduce reliance on imported clinker. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana Takes Action Amid Unpaid Claims
The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has directed its members to charge National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cardholders for services related to unpaid claims. Apexnewsgh reports This decision comes after prolonged delays in reimbursement, with some private facilities owed up to eight months. Deputy General Secretary of PHFAoG, Aaron Nyamekye, explained that the outstanding arrears have significantly impacted private health providers, affecting their ability to operate effectively. Despite the government’s assurance of payment, the association wants concrete evidence of funds being transferred to service providers. If the situation doesn’t improve, PHFAoG plans to intensify its action and inform the public about the financial struggles faced by healthcare providers. Nyamekye emphasized that the current situation forces everyone to take money from clients due to insufficient funds for healthcare operations. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system, where private facilities struggle with delayed payments and financial strain. The situation may have broader implications for healthcare accessibility and quality in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s International Reputation at Stake Amid Alleged Airport Scandal
Professor Kwesi Aning, Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, has expressed deep concern over the politicization of alleged drug trafficking and money laundering at Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Apexnewsgh reports The allegations, brought to light by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, claim two specific flights were involved in smuggling narcotics and laundering money through KIA. The Allegations a. Flights Involved: Cavok Air’s Antonov An-128B and AirMed flight N823AM b. Claims: Smuggling narcotics and laundering money through KIA Describing the situation as “disappointing and very disturbing,” Prof. Aning warned that the way the matter is being handled could damage Ghana’s international reputation. He emphasized the need for a measured, non-partisan approach to avoid undermining Ghana’s global standing. Ghana has been known to be a southern hub for cocaine trafficking, with about 15% of all cocaine used in Europe passing through the country. This history highlights the need for careful handling of the situation to prevent creating a negative impression within the international community. Prof. Aning stressed the importance of addressing national security matters with care and responsibility. He noted that while parliamentarians have the right to raise questions, they must consider the potential impact on Ghana’s international reputation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Foreigners Involved in Galamsey to Face Deportation– Ablakwa
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, known as galamsey. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking to Ghanaians in Lagos, Nigeria, Ablakwa emphasized President Mahama’s stance on protecting the country’s natural resources. President Mahama has made it clear that he will not tolerate any form of mining in Ghana’s river bodies or forest reserves. To enforce this, a military operation will soon target illegal miners, with plans to prosecute those caught. Ablakwa revealed that several deportations have already taken place, although they haven’t been widely publicized. The Minister stressed the need to crack down on repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military operations have cleared them. He expressed optimism that once government actions are fully enforced, Ghana’s water turbidity will improve. Ablakwa appealed to Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining, assuring them that every necessary measure will be taken to bring the menace under control. This move is part of the government’s efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and promote sustainable development. As Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Ablakwa has a reputation for advocating ethical, transparent, and transformational leadership. He has held various roles, including Chairman of President Mahama’s anti-corruption drive, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). Source: Apexnewsgh.com