Government Directs Roadmap for Nurses’ and Midwives’ Demands
The government has taken a significant step towards resolving the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives by directing the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to develop a roadmap for implementing the demands of the striking healthcare professionals. Over 128,000 nurses and midwives across Ghana have been on strike since May 28, 2025, due to the government’s delay in implementing their new conditions of service. In a media address at the Jubilee House, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh expressed the government’s commitment to implementing the conditions of service for nurses and midwives. “Government remains committed to the needed engagements that will lead to the approval and implementation of the new Conditions of Service for nurses and midwives,” he stated. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Finance and FWSC will lead the development of a roadmap to ensure a smooth implementation of the process. This move aims to address the concerns of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and find a mutually beneficial solution. However, the Minister highlighted that the demands by nurses and midwives have not been captured in the 2025 budget and will put the government’s budget in disarray if implemented in its current state. He emphasized that the government is cautious of the serious economic consequences of any unbudgeted expenditure and wants to avoid the economic slippages that caused hardships in the recent past. Akandoh assured that the government is ready to further engage with nurses to implement the Conditions of Service in a manner that does not dislocate the national budget. He has personally engaged with the leadership of the nursing and midwifery Associations to resolve the impasse, demonstrating the government’s commitment to finding a solution. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Energy Committee Chair Defends Passage of Energy Sector Levy Bill
The Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has defended the passage of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, against claims by the Minority that they were not consulted during the legislative process. Speaking to the media, Bedzrah clarified that Minority members were present and participated in the committee’s deliberations. Bedzrah stated that the Minority’s claims of exclusion are “inaccurate and unfounded.” According to him, the Minority members were part of the discussions surrounding the bill and did not stage a walkout or indicate that they were being sidelined. The bill’s passage has sparked renewed debate over transparency and consensus-building in Parliament, with the Minority voicing strong opposition and questioning the process leading to the legislation’s approval. Despite the controversy, government officials are assuring the public that the amended levy will not impose a significant financial burden on citizens. The government has pledged to work closely with stakeholders and maintain accountability as implementation of the amended levy begins. According to the Energy Committee, the levy is a strategic measure aimed at ensuring a stable electricity supply, making sound long-term economic decisions, and securing the country’s energy future. The government has assured that the funds generated from the levy will be transparently managed and directed toward stabilising Ghana’s energy sector. With the amended levy now in place, the focus shifts to its implementation and the impact it will have on the country’s energy sector and citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Charges New Police Council to Restore Integrity and Professionalism
President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a newly constituted 10-member Police Council, calling for reforms to restore integrity and professionalism within the Ghana Police Service. Apexnewsgh reports The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Presidency, marked a significant step towards transforming law enforcement in Ghana. In his address, President Mahama emphasized the need to confront politicisation within the service, end arbitrary promotions, and uphold professional standards across all ranks. He urged the new Council to take bold steps in supporting reforms that will enhance accountability, promote community policing, and ensure officers receive the necessary training, resources, and psychological support. “We must renew our commitment to a Police Service that is professional, impartial, and dedicated to the rule of law,” President Mahama stated. “This requires the active collaboration of all arms of government, civil society, and oversight bodies—guided by principle and driven by hope.” Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who chairs the newly sworn-in Police Council, outlined the Council’s core priorities, including restoring public confidence in the Police Service, advancing professionalism, and steering the transformation of Ghana’s law enforcement institutions. “We are committed to leading with transparency, inclusivity, and an unwavering respect for the rule of law,” she affirmed. The new Police Council is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of policing in Ghana, driving reforms that prioritize public safety, community engagement, and institutional accountability. With a renewed focus on integrity and professionalism, the Council is tasked with rebuilding trust and ensuring that the Police Service reflects the values and aspirations of the Ghanaian people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Telecom Data Bundle Prices to Change: Minister Announces Upcoming Adjustments
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Ghana’s leading telecommunications providers will be making adjustments to their data bundle offerings, effective July 1, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the Ministry’s Complex in Accra. The Minister revealed that the changes follow comprehensive consultations with the chief executives of AirtelTigo, Telecel Ghana Limited, and Scancom Ghana Limited (MTN Ghana). The move aims to deliver greater value to consumers while addressing operational concerns within the telecom industry. According to the Minister, MTN Ghana, designated as a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator, will implement a 15% price increase for all existing data bundles. The Minister stated that the adjustments reflect a careful balance between consumer protection and the financial viability of telecom operations. The Minister emphasized that the goal is to create a level playing field while encouraging innovation and affordability. He assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor market responses and maintain open dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that the changes ultimately benefit the Ghanaian public. Further details on bundle changes for AirtelTigo and Telecel are expected to be outlined in the coming days. The Ministry’s efforts aim to promote a fair and sustainable telecom sector that meets the needs of Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
UER: 19,523 Candidates Set to Sit for 2025 BECE
The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is just around the corner, and a total of 19,523 candidates in the Upper East Region are preparing to sit for the exams. The exams, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 11, and end on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, will take place at 90 designated examination centers across the region. According to data from the Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service, this year’s cohort comprises 8,842 boys and 10,681 girls from both public and private basic schools. While the high number of female candidates is a positive trend, the statistics also reveal a concerning issue. Twenty-one of the registered girls are heavily pregnant, and an additional 17 are already lactating mothers. The presence of pregnant and lactating mothers among the candidates has raised concerns about the challenges facing adolescent girls in accessing uninterrupted education. While officials have not disclosed specific support mechanisms for these girls, it is expected that school heads and invigilators will ensure a conducive and non-discriminatory environment for all candidates during the exams. The BECE is a critical milestone for final-year Junior High School students in Ghana, determining their placement into Senior High Schools and other second-cycle institutions. Regional education authorities have urged candidates to approach the exams with confidence and discipline. Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to provide necessary emotional and logistical support for their wards throughout the examination period. With proper preparation and support, candidates can navigate the exams successfully and secure a bright future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
UER: 21 BECE candidates heavily pregnant, and 17 are lactating mothers
A worrying statistic has come to light in the Upper East Region. Among the 10,681 female candidates set to write the exams, 21 are heavily pregnant and 17 are lactating mothers. Apexnewsgh reports This means that approximately 1 out of every 255 girls sitting for the BECE in the region is either pregnant or already a mother. While education stakeholders have praised the high female participation in this year’s BECE, the statistics on early pregnancies and teenage motherhood have sparked concern. The presence of these 38 girls highlights a growing trend that challenges efforts to keep girls in school and ensure they complete basic education uninterrupted. As the exams commence, education authorities have assured that all candidates, regardless of their condition, will receive the necessary support to write the exams under dignified and accommodating conditions. The exams will be administered across 90 examination centers in the region from June 11 to June 18, 2025. The numbers, however, remain a sobering reminder that while access to education is improving, the safety, health, and futures of many young girls in the Upper East Region still hang in the balance. With a total of 19,523 candidates registered for the BECE, including 8,842 boys and 10,681 girls, the region is taking a crucial step towards shaping the future of its young population. The situation underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls in the region. By working together, stakeholders can help ensure that these young girls receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen