Government Approves Book and Research Allowances for Senior Members of Public Universities and Colleges
The government has approved the payment of Book and Research Allowances for senior members of public universities and colleges of education for the 2024/2025 academic year. Apexnewsgh reports According to a document seen by Citi News, academic staff will receive $1,500 as Book Allowance and $1,600 as Research Allowance, while non-academic senior staff will receive $1,500 as Book Allowance. The cedi equivalent of the allowances will be calculated using the Bank of Ghana’s average exchange rate of GHS15.47 to $1.00, covering the period from September 2, 2024, to March 28, 2025. The Ministry of Finance has directed that all claims submitted must be audited and validated by Internal Audit Units of the respective institutions before forwarding to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for processing and payment. Institutions are required to submit two copies of audited claims for both academic and non-academic senior members, using a standardized claims template. The directive is expected to trigger immediate submissions from institutions amid ongoing tension within the tertiary education sector over salary arrears, cost-of-living pressures, and outstanding allowances. Three key unions in tertiary education — the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) — have jointly threatened a nationwide strike if the government fails to pay their book and research allowances by June 13, 2025. The unions warned that the delay in releasing the exchange rate required to compute their book and research allowances has created “significant uncertainty and frustration” among members. They stressed that the allowance is a statutory obligation under their Conditions of Service, not a discretionary gesture, and that failure to honor the June 13 deadline will be treated as an official strike notice, triggering industrial action across all affected campuses. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Re-Nominates Faustina Akeyom Abulu as MCE for Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly
President John Dramani Mahama has re-nominated Faustina Akeyom Abulu for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly, despite her earlier failure to secure confirmation from the assembly. The re-nomination was announced in a statement signed and issued by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The President’s decision is in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended. The nominees are expected to be vetted once again by their respective assemblies, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for confirmation. Faustina Abulu, who also serves as the Navrongo Central Constituency Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), was overwhelmingly rejected in her initial confirmation vote held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The rejection sparked tension within the local ranks of the NDC, with some party supporters attributing the outcome to internal sabotage by government appointees on the Assembly. Despite the setback, the President’s re-nomination of Abulu signals his continued confidence in her leadership and suitability for the role. It remains to be seen whether the assembly members will shift their stance during the second round of voting. The re-nomination of Abulu, along with Mary Haruna for the Nadowli-Kaleo District Assembly in the Upper West Region, underscores the President’s commitment to his chosen candidates. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Policy to Kick Off on July 1
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his administration’s much-anticipated 24-hour economy policy will officially commence on July 1, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The policy aims to enhance productivity and job creation in Ghana. Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Ghana Horticulture Expo in Accra, President Mahama announced that Tema and Takoradi Ports will soon operate on 24-hour shift schedules, a key feature of the flagship policy. The President emphasized that the 24-hour port operations will be instrumental in positioning Ghana’s horticulture sector as a driver of export-led growth. “Our ports will work around the clock. This is central to our vision for economic transformation,” President Mahama stated. “It will accelerate export processes, create thousands of new jobs, and strengthen our macroeconomic foundation.” The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of turning agriculture, particularly horticulture, into a cornerstone of the national economy. “Upgrading the operational efficiency of our ports is critical to making Ghana a competitive export hub. It sends a clear signal to investors that we are serious about business,” President Mahama added. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to boosting foreign exchange earnings through enhanced value addition and seamless logistics, especially in key sectors like agriculture, agro-processing, and manufacturing. The 24-hour economy policy, he said, is not just about longer working hours but about building a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic economic system that works for all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
TDC Ghana to Embark on Comprehensive Property Audit
The Managing Director of TDC Ghana Limited, Mr. Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive property audit aimed at reclaiming lands and assets currently under expired or unlawfully extended leases. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking on The Class Morning Show, Mr. Nunekpeku explained that the exercise is part of broader efforts to restore TDC’s control over key properties, some of which are being misused or occupied by individuals and organizations without proper authorization. “We are going to embark on a massive property audit very soon to recover some of these factories and real estate spaces. There are too many people sitting on TDC lands with expired leases, some even claiming to act on our behalf without any mandate,” Mr. Nunekpeku stated. The audit aims to identify and reclaim properties that are not being used for their intended purpose or are being occupied without proper authorization. Since assuming office just over 100 days ago, Mr. Nunekpeku has moved swiftly to revamp both TDC’s operations and image. The TDC head office recently underwent significant renovations, all funded by external stakeholders rather than TDC’s own resources. “We didn’t use TDC money for this. Our stakeholders—people we’ve supported over the years—stepped in and gave us air conditioners, landscaping, vehicles, dispatch bikes… all to help us give TDC a fresh and professional look,” he noted. Regarding recent staffing issues, Mr. Nunekpeku confirmed that several appointments and promotions made by the previous administration were reversed in line with a directive from the Chief of Staff. He clarified that the decision was based on financial considerations rather than personal motives. “We had to comply with that directive. However, with the rollout of the 24-hour economy policy and expanded responsibilities, we have reabsorbed some staff into critical departments,” he explained. Looking ahead, the TDC boss emphasized his commitment to increasing TDC’s housing stock, improving property management systems, and delivering enhanced services to residents of Tema and other regions. “We are focused on cleaning up our property records, expanding housing, and repositioning TDC as a leader in real estate development in Ghana,” Mr. Nunekpeku affirmed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Pledges to Boost Horticulture Sector
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning agriculture, particularly horticulture, as a central pillar in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda. Apexnewsgh reports Addressing stakeholders at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, President Mahama described the sector as “critical to national development” and outlined a robust set of policy interventions aimed at supporting farmers, boosting productivity, and reducing the country’s dependence on food imports. The President paid tribute to the tireless efforts of farmers across the country, highlighting the challenges they face in accessing modern facilities, fair markets, and storage infrastructure. “From Keta to Komenda, from Techiman to Tamale, our farmers—especially women and youth—are working hard with very little support,” he said. He called the situation a “moral imperative,” questioning how a nation could prosper while neglecting those who feed it. To address these systemic challenges, President Mahama announced the renewal of his government’s flagship agricultural programme, “Feed Ghana,” which will run from 2025 to 2028. The initiative aims to reduce rural unemployment, food insecurity, and import overdependence. Under this programme, several strategic projects will be rolled out, including the Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, Agri-Industrial Zones and Cold Chain Expansion, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics. The President emphasized that these interventions are not mere promises but policy realities designed to make Ghana’s horticulture sector investment-ready, inclusive, and globally competitive. He linked the agricultural transformation to his broader economic vision, referencing the 24-hour economy initiative as a “game-changing strategy” to maximize productivity across all sectors. “I am pleased to announce that on July 1st, the 24-hour economy policy will officially begin implementation,” he revealed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Attorney General Refuses to Release Memo on Bank of Ghana Governor Case
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has declined to release a memo cited as the basis for discontinuing the prosecution of Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama. Dr. Ayine cited provisions of the Right to Information Act in rejecting the request. The memo in question was allegedly authored by the Prosecution Division of the Attorney General’s Office, advising former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame to discontinue the case due to concerns about its prosecutorial strength. However, God, Fred Dame, has publicly disputed the existence of this memo. Suame MP John Darko filed a formal question on the floor of Parliament requesting that the memo be made available for scrutiny. However, Dr. Ayine declined, stating that the Right to Information Act prohibits the release of internal legal opinions and advice. The Attorney General’s response sparked a heated debate in the House, with members from both sides weighing in on the legal and political implications. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the existence of the memo is a matter of public knowledge, and therefore, it should be disclosed. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor sharply criticized the Minority Leader for suggesting that Parliament bypass provisions of the Right to Information law. The debate highlighted the complexities and challenges of balancing transparency and confidentiality in governance. The debate took a dramatic turn when Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, attempted to make a statement on the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, despite the Speaker’s earlier ruling disallowing it. First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ordered the marshal to remove Dr. Afriyie from the chamber, prompting scenes of chaos. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Education Minister Wishes BECE Candidates Good Luck
As the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) kicks off today, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has extended a heartfelt message of encouragement to the over 600,000 candidates preparing to take the exams. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Minister Iddrisu described the BECE as a major milestone in the academic journey of the candidates and wished them good luck. The Minister acknowledged the significance of the BECE in the lives of the candidates, noting that it marks an important step in their academic progression. “Today is a significant milestone in the academic journey of these youngsters,” he said. “On behalf of the president, and on my own behalf as well as the people of Ghana, I want to wish them good luck and best wishes.” Minister Iddrisu urged the candidates to approach the exams with calmness and determination, stressing the importance of avoiding any form of malpractice. “A heartfelt encouragement to all of them and a reminder that they should remain calm, focused, and determined, and avoid all forms of examination malpractice,” he advised. The Minister encouraged the students to trust in the preparation they have made over the years, treating the examination as a normal test of memory and knowledge. “They should just consider it as a normal test of memory. They have been studying over the years because of this day, and they only need to put their knowledge, skill, and the confidence they have acquired to the test,” he said. With over 603,328 candidates sitting for the exams, Minister Iddrisu wished them the best of luck, expressing confidence in their ability to succeed. “I wish them the best of luck,” he added. The Minister’s message is a boost to the candidates as they embark on this critical examination. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana Records 531 Suspected MPOX Cases, 79 Confirmed
The Ministry of Health has announced that Ghana has recorded 531 suspected cases of MPOX, with 79 confirmed cases following laboratory testing. Apexnesgh reports In a brief update to the media, the Ministry disclosed that 77 of the confirmed patients are currently undergoing home isolation, receiving care while minimizing the risk of further community transmission. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and response efforts across affected regions, working closely with the Ghana Health Service and local health facilities to monitor, trace contacts, and manage active cases. The Ministry is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure public safety. The Ministry has urged the public to remain calm and adhere to hygiene and safety protocols, including regular handwashing, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention when symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes appear. Officials say the situation is under control, and the government is committed to preventing a wider outbreak. The Ministry reassures the public that further updates will be provided as investigations and monitoring continue. With the health and well-being of citizens being a top priority, the government is working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent any potential spread. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Mahama Administration Cuts Back on Luxurious Spending: No DStv in Jubilee House
In a bid to promote modest governance and reduce public expenditure, the Mahama administration has implemented a ban on subscribing to DStv or any other satellite television service in the Jubilee House. According to Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, this move reflects President John Mahama’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible use of state resources. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the cumulative savings from this measure are substantial, despite some potentially viewing it as a minor issue. “You may consider it trivial, but when the cost was calculated, it amounted to significant public funds,” he stated. This initiative is one of many measures taken by the President to reduce unnecessary spending. All televisions in use at the Jubilee House are restricted to local channels only, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline. “You can turn on any TV here and you’ll see only local stations. That’s what we use,” Kwakye Ofosu noted. The Government Spokesperson praised President Mahama for leading by example, describing him as a leader committed to making personal and institutional sacrifices for the good of the country. “Governance involves making tough decisions. But leaders must also show modesty in their actions, and that is exactly what President Mahama is doing,” he said. The policy is expected to be replicated in other government institutions to ensure value for money and promote a culture of fiscal responsibility. This move demonstrates the administration’s dedication to prudent financial management and responsible governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen