Government Announces Plans to Construct New Airport in Bolgatanga
The government has taken a significant step towards modernizing Ghana’s transport sector with the announcement of plans to construct a new airport in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nipke disclosed this during a strategic review workshop held in the Volta Region on Saturday, August 23. According to Minister Nipke, the airport project forms part of the President’s reset agenda, which prioritizes improved infrastructure, services, and regulations across the transport sector. The Bolgatanga airport is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the northern part of the country, reduce travel time, and open up new economic opportunities for the region. “We have commenced the process for the construction of a new airport in Bolga in the Upper East Region,” Mr. Nipke announced. This move will complement ongoing investments in other parts of the aviation and transport industry. The government is also extending the runway at the Prempeh Agyemang I International Airport in Kumasi to accommodate medium-sized aircraft. Furthermore, Terminal 2 of the Kotoka International Airport is being repurposed to serve both domestic and international passengers, aiming to improve efficiency. Work has also resumed on sections of the Western Railway Line from Manso to Huni Valley, which had stalled since December 2024. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Energy Minister Calls for Overhaul of NPA Act to Support Ghana’s Green Transition
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition has called for a comprehensive review of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Act 691 of 2005, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen regulations and align the petroleum downstream sector with Ghana’s ambitious energy transition agenda. Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the NPA Bill, 2024, the Minister described the review as critical for positioning the industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive and sustainable environment. The meeting brought together a cross-section of industry stakeholders, chief executives of state agencies, association leaders, and key players from across the petroleum downstream sector. Outlining the main objectives of the review, the Minister highlighted three core priorities: First, strengthening regulation to ensure the sector’s regulatory framework is both effective and fair; second, aligning the downstream industry with Ghana’s energy transition goals by integrating cleaner and alternative fuels and encouraging private investment in low-carbon energy solutions; and third, fostering a more enabling environment for private sector participation in sustainable energy development. The Minister stressed that the review process must be collaborative and inclusive, urging all stakeholders to actively contribute their input and expertise. “The review is not the sole responsibility of the government. The input and expertise of stakeholders are crucial to developing a legal framework that is effective, fair, and responsive,” the Minister said. Expressing optimism, the Minister concluded that the collective dedication and knowledge of all parties involved would ensure a successful review. The goal, he added, is to create a downstream petroleum sector that not only addresses Ghana’s current energy needs but also lays the groundwork for a greener, more sustainable future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lands Ministry Rejects Calls for State of Emergency as Silver Bullet Against Galamsey
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pushed back against growing calls to declare a state of emergency as the ultimate fix for illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. Addressing the matter, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, urged the public and stakeholders to avoid treating such a declaration as a magic solution. Schandorf pointed out that many of the robust measures typically associated with emergency powers are already in play. “Declaring a state of emergency means the military will come into full scope, and we have done military deployment already,” he explained, adding that these interventions are beginning to pay off. He emphasized that, unlike in previous years when drastic measures were required, the government’s sustained efforts have significantly curbed galamsey activities. According to Schandorf, the country has now moved out of the “red zone,” and attention should shift to building on the progress made so far. Rather than seeking extraordinary actions, Schandorf called on all stakeholders to focus on education and consistent enforcement to secure lasting results. He assured the public that the government remains dedicated to stamping out illegal mining and consolidating the gains made in the ongoing fight against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC to Rigorously Vet Tamale Central By-Election Aspirants to Ensure Quality and Unity
As anticipation builds for the Tamale Central by-election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to subject all aspirants to a strict vetting process, aiming to trim down the crowded field and guarantee only the most qualified candidates make it onto the ballot. The by-election, triggered by the tragic death of sitting Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammed in a military helicopter crash on August 6, has drawn at least twelve hopefuls. Among them are seasoned politicians, academics, and professionals, all eager to step into the shoes of the respected MP whose loss has left both the party and the nation in mourning. Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Rashid Tanko Computer, explained that the large number of contenders is a testament to the faith party members have in the NDC. “We are not surprised by the number, we are not overwhelmed. It is the confidence they have in us,” he remarked. However, he was quick to point out that purchasing nomination forms is merely the first step—the true test will come during the vetting, which will be guided strictly by the party’s constitution. “We will vet them to see who qualifies. We will use the constitution to bring the numbers down,” Mr. Tanko emphasized. He assured that the process will be fair and credible, combining both party checks and self-assessment by the aspirants to identify the strongest candidate for the constituency. The party’s focus, he said, is to manage the selection process in a way that prevents unnecessary tension and preserves party unity. Initially, fourteen individuals expressed interest by picking nomination forms, but two—Lawyer Abdul Rauf Halid, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, and Engineer Alhaji Ibrahim Seidu—have since withdrawn, citing personal reasons and the high number of aspirants. The upcoming primary is not just a contest for a parliamentary seat; it comes at a time of deep loss, following an accident that claimed eight lives in total, including Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s. The by-election is being held in accordance with Article 112(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution. Meanwhile, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has decided not to field a candidate for the by-election. In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision followed careful deliberation at a National Steering Committee meeting on August 11, 2025. For the NDC, the immediate priority is to run a smooth and unifying primary, ultimately presenting a candidate capable of honoring Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s legacy and maintaining the party’s stronghold in the Northern Region Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nine Institutions Owe State GH¢47 Million in Taxes, Says GRA
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revealed that nine institutions owe the state a staggering GH¢47 million in unpaid taxes as of the close of 2023. The disclosure was made when the Commissioner General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, August 25, 2025. Topping the list of debtors is the Graphic Communications Group, with an outstanding tax bill of GH¢3.4 million. GIHOC Distilleries follows closely, owing GH¢2.1 million, while the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has a debt of GH¢136,000. GRA management explained to the Committee that many of the indebted institutions—particularly state-owned enterprises—blame their inability to pay on persistent cash flow problems. Compounding the situation, the Authority also reported that unpaid Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities across various institutions have reached GH¢116 million. This was confirmed by Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue. Mr. Sarpong assured the Committee that the GRA is ramping up efforts to recover the outstanding amounts and is committed to ensuring tax compliance across all sectors of the economy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Arrives in Singapore to Deepen Ghana-Singapore Ties, Boost Trade and Innovation
President John Dramani Mahama has touched down in Singapore for a three-day state visit, marking a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the Southeast Asian nation. The visit is packed with high-level engagements aimed at expanding trade and investment, and forging new partnerships in education, science and innovation, urban solutions, agribusiness, and the digital economy. During his stay, President Mahama will hold crucial bilateral talks with Singapore’s President, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. These discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors. A highlight of the visit will see President Mahama delivering the keynote address at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF), where he will spotlight opportunities for mutual growth. He is also set to headline a Ghana-focused Investment and Business Forum, convening influential leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore new avenues for economic partnership between Ghana and Singapore. Upon his arrival, President Mahama emphasized the shared vision between the two nations. “Ghana and Singapore share a forward-looking outlook anchored in innovation, skills, and enterprise. This visit will translate our shared values into practical cooperation, bringing Singaporean investment and know-how into Ghana’s priority sectors while opening new pathways for Ghanaian businesses across Southeast Asia,” he said. Accompanying the president are key members of his cabinet and senior officials, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari; Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu; Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Simon Madjie; and Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority Francis Kwarteng Arthur. The visit is poised to unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises and deepen the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Singapore. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Controller and Accountant General’s Department Refutes Claims of Overstating Ghana’s Public Debt
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has firmly denied allegations that it overstated Ghana’s public debt by GH¢138.91 billion in the 2023 Whole of Government Accounts, urging the public to disregard such claims. The controversy began after the Auditor-General’s report flagged discrepancies between figures reported by the CAGD and those from the Ministry of Finance. According to the report, while the CAGD placed the country’s total public debt at GH¢861.4 billion, records from the Ministry of Finance reflected a lower figure of GH¢737.17 billion. Addressing the issue before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Monday, August 25, 2025, Controller and Accountant General Kwasi Agyei explained that the matter had already been resolved through a thorough reconciliation exercise between the two institutions. His clarification was supported by the Assistant Auditor-General in charge of Whole of Government Account Audit, Paul Affram, who confirmed that the figures were reconciled and validated following the release of the Auditor-General’s report. This reconciliation, he noted, affirms the accuracy of the CAGD’s final figures. With the matter now settled, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department has called on the public to disregard any suggestions that it overstated the national debt, assuring citizens of its commitment to transparency and accuracy in public financial reporting. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CAGD Partners with Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Payroll Irregularities
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department has intensified efforts to clean up the public payroll, launching a joint operation with the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute individuals implicated in payroll irregularities. This decisive action comes in response to concerns raised by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament over widespread financial irregularities highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report. The report revealed disturbing trends—ranging from payments of unearned salaries to responsibility allowances awarded to undeserving staff and the overpayment of salaries. Addressing Parliament’s committee in Accra on Monday, August 25, Controller and Accountant General Kwasi Agyei acknowledged that, while some of the lost funds have been recovered, recovery alone is not enough. “My issue is we shouldn’t just end at recovery because we realised that we were happy when they said recovered then we tick. We should go beyond recovery,” he stated. Agyei explained that with today’s digital systems, there is a clear audit trail for every transaction. “The audit report will definitely indicate the recipients and their staff ID. We are working in collaboration with other security agencies, OSP, because if somebody did it definitely we are using an Oracle system,” he noted. He assured the committee that identifying those responsible is straightforward thanks to the system’s audit trail. “We can go straight into the system and know, identify who actually possessed the allowance on that particular day possessed the allowance. It is something very easy that we can do. Once we get that, we will just exercise patience and then definitely with the investigation, those culpable will be brought to book.” With this renewed collaboration, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department aims not only to recover misappropriated funds but also to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, sending a strong signal that financial malfeasance will not be tolerated in the public sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
WAEC Calls for Surveillance Cameras in Exam Halls to Curb Malpractice
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is calling for bold new measures to protect the integrity of Ghana’s education system. Mr. John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, has appealed to the government to consider installing surveillance cameras in examination centres across the country, a move he believes is crucial in the ongoing fight against exam malpractice. In a recent media interview, Mr. Kapi acknowledged that WAEC has been working tirelessly to educate students and stakeholders about the dangers and consequences of cheating during exams. However, he noted that awareness campaigns alone are not enough. “Sensitisation alone is not enough. The installation of cameras in exam halls will serve as both a deterrent and a monitoring tool to curb malpractice,” he explained. Mr. Kapi warned that examination malpractice not only threatens the credibility of Ghana’s education system but also undermines the value of certificates issued by WAEC. He cautioned that failure to act decisively could have long-lasting consequences for the nation’s human resource development. He concluded by urging the government and all education stakeholders to provide WAEC with the necessary logistics and resources to enhance examination monitoring nationwide, ensuring that Ghana’s academic credentials remain respected and trusted both locally and internationally. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Reaffirms Ghana’s Drive to Become Africa’s Digital Trade Hub
Ghana is setting its sights high, aiming to become Africa’s premier digital trade hub, a goal underscored by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the opening of the National ICT Week Celebration in Accra. Speaking through government representatives, she reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to harnessing innovation, robust policy, and strategic partnerships to shape the continent’s digital future. Gathering under the theme, “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub: Innovation, Policy, and Partnerships for the Future,” this year’s ICT Week brought together a vibrant mix of policymakers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators. The event highlighted Ghana’s unique strengths: a stable democracy, trusted institutions, and a dynamic, growing economy, foundations that position the country at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. Key to this vision are several flagship programmes driving Ghana’s digital agenda. Among them is the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, designed to boost productivity by enabling businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock. Another pillar, the One Million Coders Project, is equipping young Ghanaians with coding and software engineering skills to seize opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond. The expansion of the national fibre-optic backbone is bridging the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet access to schools, hospitals, businesses, and homes nationwide. The Ghana.Gov platform, a single portal for accessing government services like passport applications and tax filing, is cutting bureaucracy and enhancing transparency. Ghana also stands out as the only African nation with fully interoperable instant payment systems, a breakthrough that has fueled the growth of mobile money, e-commerce, and financial inclusion nationwide. But as Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made clear, this digital vision cannot be realized by the government alone. She called for active collaboration among entrepreneurs, start-ups, telecoms, fintech firms, banks, investors, development partners, and the Ghanaian diaspora. Universities and vocational institutions, she said, must continue fostering innovation and equipping students with the skills needed to drive digital growth. She also emphasized Ghana’s commitment to digital governance and trust, referencing the enforcement of the Data Protection Act and the country’s support for the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol—both vital for cybersecurity, data privacy, and harmonized trade regulations across Africa. “Ghana is ready. We have a stable democracy, a dynamic economy, bold initiatives, and modern infrastructure in motion. Yet, the real measure of success will be determined by what we accomplish together,” she declared. Concluding her remarks, the Vice President urged entrepreneurs to keep innovating, investors to seize opportunities in Ghana’s digital space, and development partners to back ventures that transform lives. Her final call was clear: Only by working collectively can Ghana become the undisputed digital trade hub of Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com