Female School Students Are Not Our Wives, Male Teachers Leave Them Alone
A concerned teacher, Mr. Ɔpanyin Wireko, has issued a strong message to male teachers, reminding them that female students are not their wives and should be treated with respect and professionalism. The message is clear: male teachers should leave female students alone and not exploit them. Mr. Wireko emphasizes that many girls in schools may have crushes on their teachers, but this admiration is not permission for teachers to take advantage of them. He stresses that these girls are still children, vulnerable, and figuring out their emotions. When teachers cross the line, they harm the students, killing their confidence, future, and right to grow up whole and safe. The message highlights the devastating consequences of exploitation, noting that many girls are walking around today broken, hiding pain, and blaming themselves because of teachers who exploited them. Mr. Wireko urges male teachers to be disciplined and maintain weak boundaries. The message concludes with a call to action, urging male teachers to protect female students, guard their role, and ensure the classroom is a place of growth, not trauma. The plea is simple yet powerful: leave the girl child alone, let her grow, let her breathe, and let her be safe. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Slams Government Over Passport Relaunch and Embassy Closure
The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of causing financial loss to the state by spending $1.2 million on what they described as an unnecessary relaunch of Ghana’s chip-embedded biometric passport. According to the Minority, the project had already been fully secured and launched by the previous Akufo-Addo administration in December 2024, making the current government’s expenditure wasteful and unjustifiable. Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, stated that the outgoing government had secured supply credit, completed all testing, and formally launched the chip-embedded passport on December 2, 2024. He argued that the $1.2 million spent on the relaunch could have been channeled into improving service delivery and addressing logistical challenges at passport offices across the country. The Minority also revisited the issue of the sudden three-day closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC, in May 2025, which they say resulted in a loss of over $38,000 in expedited service fees. The closure led to the cancellation of 437 appointments and caused at least 112 travelers to miss their connecting flights. The caucus has demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs present a full audit report to Parliament on both incidents and compensate those affected by the embassy shutdown. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh emphasized that the government’s actions were unjustifiable and resulted in significant financial losses for the state. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Three Teenagers Sentenced to 10 Years for Armed Robbery
The Atasemanso Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region has sentenced three 18-year-olds to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in a daylight armed robbery incident at Buobai, located in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. The convicts, Mamudu Issah, Samuel Takyi, and Alhassan Abubakari—were apprehended by the Ashanti Regional Police Command at a hideout in Aboabo during an intelligence-led operation conducted with support from community volunteers. According to police, the trio, along with three other accomplices still at large—attacked residents of Buobai between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. They reportedly stole mobile phones, cash, and bags while wielding machetes and riding two unregistered motorbikes. The suspects were arraigned before the court on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and seven counts of robbery. Additionally, Mamudu Issah pleaded guilty to a separate charge of causing harm. Mamudu Issah was sentenced to 10 years in prison for each robbery-related count and three years for causing harm—all to run concurrently. Samuel Takyi and Alhassan Abubakari each received a 10-year concurrent sentence for their roles in the robbery. Efforts to Apprehend Remaining Suspects The Ashanti Regional Police Command said the convicts have been processed and transferred to the Kumasi Central Prisons to begin serving their sentences. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
New Security Directive for Parliament House
The Parliament of Ghana has announced a new directive requiring all visitors and stakeholders to access the Parliament House exclusively through the Ceremonial Gate, located opposite the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The directive, issued on the authority of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, takes immediate effect and aims to improve security, streamline visitor management, and ensure orderly operations within the parliamentary precincts. According to the statement released by David Sebastian Damoah, Director of the Media Relations Department, all visitors will be directed to the Visitor’s Centre upon arrival. There, they will undergo processing, verification, and confirmation of the purpose of their visit. This new protocol is designed to enhance the security and efficiency of the parliamentary operations. The Parliament is urging the public and all relevant stakeholders to treat the new access protocol with “the urgency and importance it deserves,” as part of broader efforts to maintain security and efficiency in the operations of the legislative body. The directive is part of ongoing reforms to enhance access control and ensure the safety of both lawmakers and guests within the parliamentary compound. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Standards Authority Cracks Down on Substandard Cement
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), operating under the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has intensified nationwide efforts to curb the production and sale of substandard cement products. The move is part of a broader regulatory push to safeguard consumers and the construction industry. Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized that cement quality and safety are critical to protecting property owners, industry professionals, and the general public. In April 2025, the GSA conducted unannounced inspections targeting all cement manufacturing firms across the country. A total of 82 cement samples were collected for thorough testing using advanced methods such as physical and chemical analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction to assess quality and conformity to Ghana’s standards. The GSA also carried out a surveillance operation between May 6 and May 15, 2025, to verify the composition of cement products and examine the raw materials used in their production. To enhance monitoring and enforcement, over 300 additional trading standards inspectors were commissioned on May 3, 2025. These officers have been deployed to conduct cement surveillance and price verification exercises in several towns and municipalities nationwide. “The presence of these inspectors in the field ensures real-time regulatory oversight, helping us respond swiftly to violations and maintain consumer confidence,” the Minister said. The crackdown has already yielded results, with several cement manufacturing companies shut down for producing cement with substandard or unapproved materials. Companies such as Xin A Safe Cement Ghana Ltd, Kumasi Cement Ghana Ltd, and Uniceme Cement Ghana Ltd have been affected. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy on substandard goods, stressing that the GSA will continue to clamp down on non-compliant manufacturers to prevent dangerous products from reaching the market. “These actions are not just punitive, they are preventive,” she stated. “They protect lives, ensure industry integrity, and support fair competition and pricing.” The ongoing measures by the GSA aim to foster a healthier cement industry, promote construction safety, and ensure that only products meeting regulatory standards are allowed into the Ghanaian market. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Boosts Domestic Natural Gas Supply
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced a significant enhancement to Ghana’s domestic natural gas supply. A new agreement with energy giant ENI will see an additional 30 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas production, effective Sunday, July 13, 2025. This brings ENI’s total gas supply to the country to 270 MMscfd. The Ministry described the development as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening Ghana’s energy infrastructure and improving supply reliability. The move is expected to bolster energy security, support industrial operations, and advance the government’s energy transition agenda. To facilitate the increase in domestic gas supply, ENI will temporarily suspend its gas exports. This measure is essential for optimising the supply chain and ensuring the successful implementation of the supply increase. The Ministry acknowledged the potential for short-term impacts on power generation due to the reallocation of gas resources but assured the public that adequate mitigation measures have been put in place to minimise any disruptions to the electricity supply. The Ministry is confident that the boost in gas production will have a positive impact on the country’s energy sector. The government is committed to ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply to support industrial operations and advance the country’s energy transition agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliamentary Leadership Pays Tribute to Late MP
The leadership of Parliament, led by the Leader of the House, Mahama Ayariga, paid a visit to the family of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The solemn visit was a gesture of condolences and support during their time of grief. Mr. Ayariga, accompanied by other members of the Parliamentary leadership, conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the Speaker and the entire House. He described the late MP as a dedicated public servant whose contributions to national development and to the people of Akwatia would not be forgotten. The family expressed appreciation for the visit and the support shown by Parliament since the passing of their beloved relative. The visit was a testament to the solidarity and respect that Parliament has for its members, both past and present. Details regarding the funeral arrangements for Ernest Kumi are expected to be announced in the coming days. The nation will likely come together to pay their respects to the late MP, who served his constituents with dedication and commitment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMEC 2025 Conference Kicks Off in Accra
The 2025 edition of the International Maritime Defence Conference (IMEC) officially opened on Tuesday at Burma Camp in Accra, Ghana. The conference was attended by senior military officers, diplomatic representatives, and security experts, underscoring its growing relevance in the sub-region. The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, delivered the keynote address on behalf of President John Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. Mr. Debrah emphasized the strategic importance of maritime security to Ghana’s national and regional stability. He commended the Ghana Armed Forces and stakeholders in the maritime sector for their collaborative efforts in safeguarding the country’s territorial waters and maritime interests. The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Emelia Arthur, also addressed the opening session. She highlighted the critical nexus between maritime defence and the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries resources. Ms. Arthur called for increased investment in maritime surveillance and regional cooperation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders in the maritime sector to discuss pressing issues and challenges facing the industry. The presence of senior military officers, diplomatic representatives, and security experts underscores the conference’s growing relevance in the sub-region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Wonders Shall Never End: NPP Backs Calls for EC Chair’s Removal?
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has thrown its weight behind calls for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, and her two deputies. The NPP cites gross incompetence in managing the country’s electoral processes as the reason for its support. The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, criticized the EC’s decision to call a re-run of elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency. He described the move as unwarranted and a clear indication of the Commission’s failure. “This is a clear case of incompetence,” he said. The NPP’s support comes after the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, accused the EC leadership of being unfit for office and demanded their immediate removal. The NDC’s call for removal is based on similar concerns about the EC’s competence. Mr. Kodua argued that the EC’s actions continue to undermine public trust in the electoral system. “The NPP will support any legitimate demand for the removal of the EC Chair and her deputies,” he said. The party believes that the EC’s incompetence has serious implications for the country’s democratic processes. Source: Apexnewsgh.com