Ghana’s Public Universities Ground to a Halt: Unions Declare Indefinite Strike
A nationwide indefinite strike has been declared by three key unions representing senior staff and administrators in Ghana’s public universities. Apexnewsgh reports The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG) announced the joint industrial action at a press conference in Accra. The unions cited the government’s failure to honour a binding agreement signed six months ago as the reason for their decision. According to Mr. George Ansong, National Chairman of SSA-UoG, the strike is a last-resort measure against what the unions describe as a “systemic culture of broken promises.” Despite numerous attempts at dialogue and goodwill engagements, the government has consistently ignored the agreement, leading to the unions’ decision to take drastic action. The unions argue that the strike is not an act of hostility but a principled stand to defend their rights and uphold the sanctity of agreements freely entered into by both parties. Mr. Ansong emphasized that the unions have exhausted all available avenues for resolution and will not return to work until the government fulfils its end of the agreement. The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to the academic calendar and general operations of public universities. However, the unions maintain that the responsibility lies squarely with the government for failing to honour its commitments. The unions are calling on civil society, the media, and the general public to support their cause and pressure the government to act in good faith. The unions remain resolute in their determination to see the agreement implemented. Until the government fulfils its obligations, the strike will remain in full effect. The fate of Ghana’s public universities hangs in the balance, and only time will tell how this standoff will be resolved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CDM Blasts GoldBod Budget: ‘Greed Over Green’ in Galamsey Crisis
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has strongly criticized the Mahama administration for its handling of the environmental crisis in Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports Despite the devastating impact of mining on the country’s land and rivers, the government has allocated a staggering US$279 million to the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) for gold purchases. However, not a single dollar has been committed to land or river reclamation efforts. The CDM describes this decision as a “deliberate policy choice” that prioritizes revenue over restoration, endangering Ghana’s environment. The group’s statement reveals the true intent of the administration, saying, “Promises without funding are lies. And the budget has revealed the truth.” The CDM accuses the government of moral bankruptcy, asserting that a state-funded gold agency cannot operate “in a moral vacuum” while the mining sector continues to destroy the environment unchecked. The CDM notes that it is a cruel irony that a body set up to benefit from mining cannot ignore the environmental carnage it feeds on. The failure to pair gold procurement with reclamation funding is unjust and unacceptable. The group argues that the administration has lost the moral right to speak on environmental protection. The CDM has made several demands, including: Public disclosure of illegal mining concessions, A nationwide moratorium on mining in water bodies, A parliamentary inquiry into the government’s handling of galamsey The group declares, “If President Mahama cannot take action to save our rivers, then he is no different from those destroying them.” The CDM’s statement is a stark reminder of the government’s responsibility to protect the environment and the need for urgent action to address the environmental crisis in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
SSNIT Declares Commitment to Asset Retention Amid Controversial Sale Proposal
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has firmly stated that it will not sell any of its current assets or facilities, opting instead to focus on revamping and optimizing these properties to generate better returns for contributors and stakeholders. Apexnewsgh reports This declaration comes in response to a controversial proposal by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and owner of Rock City Hotel, who suggested purchasing several SSNIT-owned hotels, including the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel. The proposal was met with widespread public backlash, prompting Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, to file a formal petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). Ablakwa’s petition called for investigations into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and corruption. During the opening of SSNIT’s new branch on Spintex Road in Accra on Tuesday, May 20, SSNIT’s Director General, Kwesi Afreh Biney, reiterated the Trust’s commitment to retaining its assets and emphasized the goal of transforming them into profitable ventures. “Watch out for what we will do with our facilities that were to be sold. I can assure you that we will not sell those facilities; we will turn them around and have an event to inform the public about our plans,” he stated confidently. Biney elaborated on SSNIT’s strategic review of its investment portfolio, which aims to identify underperforming assets and convert them into viable income-generating properties. “It is crucial that we help change those non-performing assets into performing assets. We have reviewed our investment portfolio, identified areas yielding the best returns, and are reallocating our resources to enhance profitability,” he added. This strategic direction signals a significant shift in SSNIT’s investment approach as the Trust works to bolster financial sustainability and restore public confidence in its operations. By focusing on optimizing existing assets rather than selling them off, SSNIT is demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of its contributors and the overall integrity of its services. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Human Rights Committee’s Visit to Nsawam Prison Sparks Renewed Calls for Presidential Clemency
The Parliamentary Human Rights Committee’s recent visit to the condemned block of Nsawam Medium Security Prison in the Eastern Region has reignited urgent discussions around presidential clemency and systemic issues within Ghana’s penal system. Apexnewsgh reports The visit illuminated startling conditions as Members of Parliament witnessed heartbreaking scenes of 173 inmates on death row kneeling and pleading for mercy. The emotional pleas from the inmates deeply affected the delegation, leading them to advocate for swift executive intervention. DDP Patrick Thomas Seidu, the Regional Commander of the prison, shed light on the myriad challenges facing the facility, particularly regarding the condemned block. He emphasized the desperate need to address the overcrowding crisis; originally constructed to accommodate 717 inmates, the prison now holds over 3,005 individuals, more than quadrupling its intended capacity. In a poignant moment, renowned human rights lawyer and MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, directly appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to exercise his prerogative of mercy. He urged the president to consider granting amnesty to selected death row inmates, arguing that recent legal reforms in Ghana’s criminal justice system allow for new murder convicts to be sentenced directly to life imprisonment, thus bypassing the death penalty altogether. Sosu highlighted the stark inequities facing those sentenced under the old regime, many of whom have languished on death row for 10 to 15 years or more—an issue he labeled a grave injustice. He explained that the previous system allowed death sentences to be commuted to life imprisonment after 10 years, followed by another decade before eligibility for a definitive term, often capped at 25 years. “Continuing with this practice creates unfair disparities between inmates sentenced before and after the legal reforms,” he stated. He appealed for the president to commute sentences not only from death to life but to definite terms, such as 25 years for those already enduring extensive stays on death row. The Human Rights Committee, supported by allied Members of Parliament, plans to submit a formal petition to the Attorney General and President Mahama, urging swift action on this crucial matter. Their goal is to ensure that justice is served in a humane manner, aligning with both constitutional values and international human rights standards. This advocacy for clemency is part of a broader effort by the committee to improve prison conditions and uphold the inherent dignity of all inmates. By emphasizing compassion, dignity, and accountability, they aspire to nurture a penal system that protects the rights of incarcerated individuals while relentlessly pursuing true justice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Organised Labour at GRA Denies Claims of Deputy Commissioner Appointment
In a firm response to recent rumors circulating in both traditional and social media, Organised Labour at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has vehemently denied the alleged appointment of Elsie Appau-Klu as a Deputy Commissioner of the Authority. Apexnewsgh reports In an internal communication sent to all staff on Wednesday, May 21, the union clarified that the title of “Deputy Commissioner” does not exist within the current organizational structure of the GRA. Describing the circulation of such reports as “reckless,” the union expressed concern over the potential harm that misinformation could inflict on the integrity of the institution. The statement from Organised Labour underscored that the issue has been escalated to the attention of the Commissioner-General, accompanied by a call for immediate action. “We have not seen any statement from Ms. Elsie Appau-Klu distancing herself from these misleading reports,” read the communication, further adding to the urgency for clarity. To address the situation, Organised Labour is demanding that GRA Management issue an internal memo to formally clarify the facts and reinforce the Authority’s established leadership structure. Alongside this, they called for enhanced accountability from individuals in advisory positions, emphasizing the necessity to adhere to the GRA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. “Such advisors must be reminded of their boundaries and refrain from overstepping their authority,” the statement asserted, highlighting the importance of maintaining professional standards within the organization. Moreover, the union pointed out the need to protect the Authority’s integrity amid the government’s ongoing institutional reforms, part of its “resetting agenda,” which includes a review of appointments in public institutions. In conclusion, Organised Labour made a collective commitment to resisting any efforts that could compromise the professional standards of the GRA for personal interests. The memo also reinforced the importance of solidarity among staff to uphold the values and operational integrity of the Authority. The Customs Staff Association was also included in this important communication, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and united in their stance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Attributes Cedi Rebound to Strong Economic Policies and Increased Foreign Investment
At the opening of the Ghana–EU Business Forum held in Accra on Tuesday, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the significant rebound of the Ghanaian Cedi, attributing its recovery to sound economic policies and heightened foreign exchange inflows. Apexnewsgh reports He firmly dismissed any notion that the currency’s resurgence is merely coincidental. The President reported a substantial growth in Ghana’s gross international reserves, which have risen from $8.9 billion in December 2024 to an impressive $10.6 billion as of April 2025. This increase, he explained, has played a pivotal role in stabilizing the Cedi and bolstering investor confidence in the nation’s economy. “The cedi’s performance is not by chance,” President Mahama stated emphatically. “It is the outcome of deliberate fiscal and monetary measures, combined with increased inflows that have strengthened our financial buffers and signalled our economic resilience.” He further emphasized that this rebound is not an isolated event but rather a part of a broader trend reflecting economic recovery, fueled by growing investor trust and a return to macroeconomic stability in the country. The Ghana–EU Business Forum, themed “Deepening Ghana-EU Cooperation on Trade and Investment in Non-Traditional Value Chains under the EU Global Gateway Strategy,” gathered an array of policymakers, business leaders, and development partners from both Ghana and the European Union. The forum’s primary objective is to enhance trade and investment ties, particularly in emerging sectors that extend beyond traditional exports. In his address, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation with the EU. He underscored the importance of sustainable investments and value addition across vital sectors of the economy, signaling a proactive approach to strengthening international partnerships and enhancing Ghana’s economic landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MP Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa Donates Laptops to Support Teachers in Rural North Tongu
Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has once again shown his commitment to teaching. Recently, he donated laptops to 36 teachers newly posted to various rural communities within the constituency. “This gesture is our way of showing appreciation to teachers who accept postings to rural communities in my beloved constituency,” Mr. Ablakwa proudly said. We want them to feel welcomed and valued.” His initiative is designed not just to provide technology but also to motivate educators who often face challenges in underserved areas. The laptop donation is part of a broader strategy to improve teaching and learning outcomes across North Tongu. Mr. Ablakwa has ambitious plans to roll out further support for educators, including continuous professional development programs, scholarship schemes, and annual awards to recognize excellence in teaching. “These policies are designed to help retain teachers, motivate them, and ultimately improve the quality of education delivered to our children,” he emphasized, highlighting his commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment. With these initiatives, Mr. Ablakwa aims to elevate the educational landscape in his constituency and ensure that every child has access to quality education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com