Ghana Education Service Meets with Aggrieved Teachers
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited about 100 aggrieved teachers into a closed-door meeting in a bid to defuse growing tensions over months of unpaid salaries and delayed staff ID issuance. The teachers, part of the 2022 batch from various Colleges of Education, have been picketing at the GES headquarters in Accra since morning on Monday, June 23, demanding action on ten months of salary arrears and the failure to process their staff identification numbers. In a departure from standard protocol, the GES opted to meet not only with union leaders but also with a broader group of the affected teachers. Public Relations Officer of the GES, Daniel Fenyi, said the approach was to foster transparency and ensure all concerns were heard directly. As part of preparations for the engagement, Fenyi asked the media to temporarily step aside, assuring that a briefing would be provided after the meeting. The teachers, who number 784 and are drawn from all sixteen regions, say they have endured enough broken promises from the GES. “What wrong have I done? I have schooled for four years, served my country for a year, and passed my licensure exams. Is deciding to be a teacher my crime? Ten good months,” said Serwaa Korang, a nursing mother. Another teacher, Charity Amponsah, said: “We have put up with poor conditions of service, yet we have been denied payment for our services. Is it a crime to be a teacher?” Maxwell Adogo, posted to the North East Region, shared his struggles: “I reside in Ashaiman, but I was posted to Chereponi. I don’t have my staff ID yet, but I am the only new teacher who was posted to the school where I teach. It is not easy there. There is no potable water even to cook with. How will I survive without being paid?” The outcome of the meeting is expected to shape the next steps in resolving the protracted salary and ID issuance concerns. The GES’s decision to engage directly with the affected teachers demonstrates a willingness to listen and address their concerns. The meeting’s outcome will be crucial in determining whether the teachers’ demands will be met and whether the GES can find a solution to the crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Former MMDCEs Rally Behind Dr. Bawumia for 2028 Elections
A coalition of 220 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who served under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration from 2017 to 2024 has declared their full support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. Apexnewsgh reports At a press conference held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the group, known as the Forum of Former MMDCEs for Dr. Bawumia, announced their “strong, unshaken endorsement” of the former Vice President. A Practical Commitment The forum described its support as more than symbolic, stressing that it is a practical commitment of time, resources, and political effort to help secure Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy and eventual victory. According to the group, after extensive consultations with all aspirants and a thorough assessment of their competence and vision, they were convinced that Dr. Bawumia stood out as the most suitable leader for both the party and the country. The former MMDCEs highlighted their intimate understanding of the NPP’s structures, dynamics, and electoral needs, gained from serving as Constituency and Regional Executives for over 16 years. They pledged to deploy this experience to ensure Dr. Bawumia’s message resonates in every corner of Ghana. “We will mobilise at the grassroots in all 16 regions, leveraging our deep-rooted connections. We will engage in door-to-door campaigns, articulating Dr. Bawumia’s vision. We will counter misinformation with facts about his achievements and potential. We will resource the campaign through fundraising and logistical support,” they said. The forum praised Dr. Bawumia for his proven record in public service, particularly his leadership in Ghana’s digital transformation, including the rollout of the Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and the paperless ports system. They commended his inclusive leadership style, describing him as accessible, humble, and a unifier who engages with all factions of the party. The former MMDCEs believe that Dr. Bawumia’s national appeal and widespread recognition, established during the 2024 campaign, make him the party’s strongest bet for the presidency in 2028. They argue that beginning the campaign with a known candidate like Dr. Bawumia offers the NPP a significant head start, unlike the risk of fielding a new candidate with no established base. The former MMDCEs view Dr. Bawumia as a leader who balances continuity and innovation, capable of upholding Ghana’s development gains while introducing new ideas for national progress. They have pledged to mobilise their grassroots networks across all 16 regions of the country to support his campaign, and they are confident that their endorsement will play a significant role in Dr. Bawumia’s success. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Tema Oil Refinery’s Debt Stock Reaches $517 Million
The management of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has revealed that the company’s total debt stock has reached a staggering $517 million as of December 2024. According to TOR’s Acting Managing Director, Edmund Kombat, the debt is attributed to a combination of operational liabilities and government accounting adjustments. Speaking to journalists after an appearance before Parliament’s Energy Committee, Kombat explained that a significant portion of the debt stemmed from trade obligations and unpaid crude oil supplies over the years. He also disclosed that some grants initially extended by the Ministry of Finance had been reclassified as debt under the government’s ongoing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), contributing to the surge in TOR’s liabilities. Despite the financial burden, Kombat assured that TOR is working to restructure the debt and engage with stakeholders to clear the outstanding obligations. “We are doing that verification, and as I mentioned, once we do that verification and authentication of what we have been able to bring down, that will be communicated publicly,” he said. The revelation comes amid renewed efforts to restore TOR’s operations. Management has announced that the refinery is expected to resume full operations by October 2025, following a lengthy shutdown due to lack of crude. TOR has also initiated steps to revive its key production infrastructure, including the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC), with the aim of significantly reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products. With a clear plan in place to address its debt and restore operations, TOR is poised to play a more significant role in Ghana’s energy sector. The company’s revival is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, and its management is working tirelessly to ensure a successful turnaround. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
I’m not here to test the waters. I’m here for power–Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has thrown his hat into the ring in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race, calling on the party to unite behind a common purpose as it prepares for the 2028 general elections. Addressing party leaders at the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Acheampong delivered a bold message about his political intentions, declaring, “I’m not here to test the waters. I’m here for power.” Dr. Acheampong’s remarks drew loud applause from the packed auditorium, setting the tone for what he described as a focused and determined campaign to lead the NPP back into government. He recounted his journey within the party, from grassroots mobilization to serving as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, emphasizing that his years of dedication and experience had prepared him to lead the party into a new era. One chairman captured the sentiment of the gathering, saying, “This is not just about Bryan. It’s about building strength together as a party.” Dr. Acheampong’s message of unity and victory in 2028 resonated with the audience, signaling a clear and confident entry into the leadership conversation. The NPP has set January 31, 2026, to select its flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections. Dr. Acheampong is not alone in the flagbearer race, as other prominent figures, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kennedy Agyapong, have also declared their intentions to contest the NPP flagbearer slot. The stage is set for a competitive and potentially divisive contest, but Dr. Acheampong’s call for unity may strike a chord with party members seeking to present a united front ahead of the elections. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Stephen
Ghana Journalists Association to Receive ID Cards After 10-Year Wait
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is set to receive its membership ID cards this week, courtesy of Margins Group, a Ghanaian company specializing in secure identity solutions, card manufacturing, and digitalization services. Apexnewsgh reports The development comes after months of negotiations between the two parties, with KGL Group sponsoring the production of the membership ID cards. To facilitate the production of the ID cards, members are requested to send a soft copy (jpg) of their passport-size picture taken on a white background to gja.passportphoto@gmail.com. The picture must be of good quality, and ‘selfies’ are not acceptable. Members are also required to provide detailed information, including their name, organization, region, and contact. The printing, issuing, and delivering of the membership ID cards will be done according to the order of receipt of the passport-size pictures. The exercise will begin with the list of members in good standing as published in the national dailies recently, before attending to other members. The current administration of the GJA, led by Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, had promised to address the challenge of issuing membership ID cards three years ago. After a decade-long wait, the association is finally set to deliver ID cards to its members. “I am very excited to see this day come finally, and I believe members will be equally excited about this development,” Dwumfour said, expressing gratitude to Margins Group and KGL Group for helping to redeem the promise. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegulam Chidozie Stephen
Sierra Leone’s President Bio Takes Helm as ECOWAS Chairman
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government. He takes over the rotating one-year leadership from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held in Abuja, Nigeria. President Bio assumes the role at a critical time for the regional bloc, which is grappling with multiple challenges, including political instability in several member states. With four of its 15 member states currently under military rule, ECOWAS is navigating a period of regional turbulence. The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and their official withdrawal from ECOWAS has further strained unity and cooperation within the bloc. As Chairman, President Bio’s leadership will be tested by the need to foster dialogue, restore constitutional order in member states under military rule, and reaffirm ECOWAS’ relevance amid shifting regional alliances. With his experience as a former military head of state and a democratically elected president, Bio is well-positioned to navigate these challenges. As President Bio begins his tenure, he will face significant challenges, but also opportunities to make a lasting impact on the region. With his leadership, ECOWAS can work towards strengthening regional cooperation, promoting stability, and advancing the economic interests of its member states. Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama, who attended the summit, has since returned home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in ECOWAS’ history under President Bio’s leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
GFDisability Organisations to Commemorate National Day for Persons with Disabilities
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) is set to commemorate the 2025 National Day for Persons with Disabilities on Monday, June 23, under the theme “Advancing Inclusive Education for All.” Apexnewsgh reports The event aims to highlight the urgent need for accessible, equitable education for persons with disabilities across Ghana. As part of the celebration, GFD will launch its maiden edition of the GFD Honours Event, themed “Celebrating Impact and Promoting Inclusion.” The awards ceremony will recognize individuals, institutions, media partners, youth advocates, and businesses that have made significant contributions to disability rights and inclusive development. Despite national policies promoting equal access to education, systemic challenges continue to prevent many children and adults with disabilities from fully participating in the educational system. Statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that over 2.1 million Ghanaians live with disabilities, with nearly 20% having never attended school. This year’s observance is a call to action to bridge these disparities and promote policies that ensure inclusive, quality education for all. The ceremony will feature cultural performances, poetry, and artistic contributions by persons with disabilities, showcasing their talents and reinforcing the importance of inclusion in all areas of national life. Guest of Honour, H.E. Ángel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, and Keynote Speaker, Hon. Dr. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, will add significance to the event. GFD received over 70 nominations across 15 award categories, and a dedicated review committee conducted a rigorous selection process to identify this year’s honorees. The Federation emphasized that the 2025 celebration will serve as a powerful platform to amplify voices within the disability community and drive transformative change in the education sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen