President Mahama Honors Sikaman-Brofoyedu Heroes for Bravery in Helicopter Crash Recovery
President John Dramani Mahama has extended heartfelt gratitude to 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu, whose courageous efforts were instrumental in recovering the bodies of eight victims from the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. On Wednesday, August 27, National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah visited the community on behalf of the President to personally thank the rescuers and deliver a robust package of government support. The devastating crash, which occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofrom District, claimed the lives of eight notable officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were on official assignment. Addressing the residents, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah conveyed the President’s deep appreciation: “President Mahama has asked me to represent him and thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for all of you in honour of what you did.” In addition to the symbolic gesture, the government presented a substantial financial package, announcing a cash donation for the 13 individuals directly involved in the rescue operation. The Adansi Traditional Council also received GHS20,000 to support traditional rites. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah assured the community that any outstanding needs would be addressed, emphasizing government’s ongoing commitment. Looking beyond immediate support, President Mahama has pledged lasting benefits for the rescuers and the community. All 13 individuals who aided in the recovery will be offered jobs suited to their abilities, and the President has promised to address local infrastructure, including a commitment to fix the community’s road. “President Mahama has also assured to fix your road,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah affirmed, marking the government’s resolve to honour bravery with tangible action and ongoing support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NRA and NCA Join Forces to Tackle Telecom Radiation Risks
Ghana’s telecommunications sector is set for tighter oversight as the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) embark on a groundbreaking partnership to ensure public safety and strict emission standards. The collaboration, announced by Professor Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, Director of Nuclear Installations at the NRA, during a nationwide training workshop for selected journalists on August 27, 2025, signals a major step forward in telecom regulation. “As we speak, the NRA is working with the NCA to regulate the telcos, and it’s work ongoing,” Professor Ampomah-Amoako revealed, stressing that this alliance goes beyond emissions to address the broader operations of telecom companies. With the NRA now taking over the responsibilities of the former Radiation Protection Board, its regulatory scope has expanded to cover vital telecom infrastructure, most notably, mobile phone masts that have sparked public concerns over potential radiation exposure. The NCA, meanwhile, will continue to manage licensing and operational compliance, making sure telecom operators meet rigorous technical and safety standards. Professor Ampomah-Amoako highlighted that the focus isn’t solely on enforcement: “It is also about the functioning of the telcos, which the NCA provides the final authorization,” he explained. The partnership seeks to guarantee that telecom companies operate safely and within internationally approved emission limits. The joint regulatory initiative is designed to protect public health and restore confidence in telecom services, especially as infrastructure rapidly expands into residential areas. By ensuring radiation levels remain within global safety guidelines, the NRA and NCA aim to reassure Ghanaians that their connectivity is not only fast, but also safe. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Vows to Honour Two-Term Limit, Rules Out 2028 Bid
President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians and the international community that he will not contest the 2028 elections, pledging to respect Ghana’s constitutional two-term limit for presidents. During a three-day state visit to Singapore, Mahama addressed the issue in bilateral talks with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He noted that stepping aside after his second term would allow him the freedom to enforce strict fiscal discipline and avoid the common problem of election-year overspending. Mahama was candid in his criticism of governments that relax financial rules to secure electoral advantage. He pointed to his administration’s achievements, including falling inflation and interest rates, as well as a stronger cedi, as evidence of his commitment to sound economic management. His assurances come amid opposition claims suggesting he plans to seek a third term beyond his final mandate. To further dispel any doubts, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, also made a firm statement on the party’s commitment to the constitution. In an interview, Asiedu Nketiah emphasized that the NDC has no plans to present Mahama for a third term, reaffirming the party’s respect for constitutional limits and democratic governance. “We have never run our party in ways that conflict with the national constitution, and we don’t intend to do that,” Asiedu Nketiah declared. “We will stick by the tenets of the Constitution.” As Mahama’s administration continues to tout progress on the economic front, the president and his party are making it clear that constitutionalism and fiscal responsibility will guide his final term in office. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Energy Minister Predicts Fuel Stations Will Become EV Battery Swap Hubs Amid Rapid Innovation
At the recent Future of Energy Conference, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, offered a glimpse into the evolving future of transportation: conventional petrol and diesel stations transforming into battery swap hubs for electric vehicles (EVs). Jinapor highlighted the pace of innovation in EV technology, noting that batteries are becoming smaller and more efficient. This, he explained, could soon allow drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones within minutes—eliminating the need to wait for charging at stations. “The batteries for these EV vehicles are getting smaller. What I see is that in the future, these petrol, diesel, or fossil fuel stations will become EV battery stations and people will no longer have to park their cars to charge their vehicles for minutes or hours. We should be able to drive through these same filling stations and just replace your battery and keep driving on. Through innovation, I am very confident that we can make use of these products or some of these filling stations,” Jinapor remarked. Supporting this vision, Ben Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), urged private investors in existing filling stations to start preparing for this transition to electric mobility. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Boakye emphasized the importance of adapting infrastructure and business models to accommodate the growing influx of EVs. “A lot of EVs are coming into the system. It is up to the private people who have invested in filling stations to now begin to look at how to make that shift and be aggressive at it. Try to reengineer their business model to incorporate renewable and then also electric vehicle charging points so that they are not left stranded,” he advised. As Ghana and the world move toward a greener future, industry leaders believe that innovation and proactive adaptation will be crucial for fueling the next era of mobility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Warns Against Military Interference Ahead of High-Stakes Akwatia By-Election
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sounded a strong warning ahead of the much-anticipated Akwatia by-election, declaring that any military interference in the process will be treated as an act of thuggery. The party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, issued the warning during a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, August 27. Ahiagbah accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of scheming to deploy national security operatives to intimidate voters and disrupt the polls. He claimed the NPP had gathered credible intelligence that the NDC planned to “hide behind the guise of national security to terrorise some residents and voters in Akwatia.” He pointed out that the Ghana Police Service has already committed to deploying 5,000 officers for the by-election, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has clarified that police require no military support to maintain law and order. Despite these assurances, Ahiagbah alleged that Richard Jakpa, the recently appointed Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, had been seen moving through Akwatia with soldiers and reportedly issuing threats to residents. “Richard Jakpa has reportedly been perambulating Akwatia with soldiers, threatening some indigenes and residents to leave the town before the by-election in their own interest,” Ahiagbah claimed. He stressed that any soldier who becomes involved in the election process would be treated as a thug and face consequences. The NPP urged President John Dramani Mahama, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to rein in Mr. Jakpa and ensure that the military stays clear of the by-election. “We urge the President, under whose watch national security falls, to call Richard Jakpa to order and ensure that no soldier meddles in the Akwatia by-election,” Ahiagbah said. Tensions are running high in Akwatia as the by-election, set for Tuesday, September 2, approaches. Both the NPP and NDC have accused each other of intimidation tactics in the fiercely contested constituency. Meanwhile, NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande cautioned that any acts of violence during the polls would be met with equal resistance, vowing that the party would not allow intimidation to undermine the democratic process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Sets September 17 for 2025 School Placement Exercise, Introduces Review Window to Ensure Accuracy
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that the 2025 school placement exercise will officially kick off on September 17, 2025. The announcement was delivered by GES Director-General, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, during a media briefing on Wednesday, August 27, following the release of provisional results for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). According to Prof. Davis, students who secure placements are expected to report to their respective schools between October 18 and October 20, 2025, marking the beginning of a new academic journey for thousands of young Ghanaians. In a bid to minimize errors in the placement process, GES has introduced a special review window. From September 1 to September 8, 2025, candidates can log on to the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) portal to verify key details such as gender, school code, and programme code. This step is designed to allow candidates and parents to correct any mistakes before final placements are made. “To reduce the errors associated with school placement, candidates will have the opportunity to review the entries they have made; gender, school code, programme code, online,” Prof. Davis explained, noting that the process will be supported by an explainer video to guide parents through the verification steps. He further cautioned parents and candidates against making payments to secure placement in particular schools, emphasizing that the entire process will be fair, transparent, and based strictly on merit. As anticipation builds, the GES urges all candidates and parents to take advantage of the review window and prepare for the upcoming academic year with confidence. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Hospital Committee Contradicts Nurse’s Claim of Dislocation After Assault Incident at Ridge Hospital
Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at Ridge Hospital, became the center of public attention following a viral video that captured a heated altercation between a patient’s relatives and hospital staff at the emergency department. The incident, which ignited national concern over the safety of healthcare workers, led to an official investigation ordered by Minister Mintah Akandoh. According to the committee’s report, Rejoice reported her injury to the hospital a day after the incident, on August 18th. Medical examinations and records found no evidence of a fracture in her left wrist or dislocation in her right shoulder, contrary to her initial claims. Instead, she was treated for her injuries, provided pain relief, recommended bed rest, and offered psychological support. These findings stand in direct contrast to the nurse’s assertion that she suffered a dislocation during the assault. The clarification comes as professional bodies and the public continue to condemn the violence highlighted in the viral footage. Amidst the ongoing controversy, Rejoice Tsotso Bortei has initiated a civil suit against social media personality Ralph Saint Williams, known popularly as “Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian.” She is seeking GHS 7 million in damages on grounds of alleged physical assault and defamation related to the incident. The committee’s report aims to shed light on the facts of the case while calls continue for enhanced protection for healthcare workers across Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Singapore’s Grace Fu Urges Stronger Africa-Southeast Asia Ties for Sustainable Growth
At the 8th Africa-Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) in Singapore, Grace Fu, the city-state’s Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, called on Africa and Southeast Asia to deepen their collaboration by strengthening people-to-people connections, a move she believes is essential for sustainable growth across both regions. Addressing delegates, Ms. Fu pointed to the Singapore Cooperation Programme as a model for fostering enduring partnerships through knowledge-sharing and mutual understanding. She highlighted that, since the forum’s inception, more than 14,000 African officials from 54 countries have participated in training programmes in Singapore. Just last year, officials from 11 African nations joined a Capacity Building Programme on Trade Negotiations, trading strategies and insights with their Singaporean counterparts. “These exchanges have proven invaluable in building cultural understanding and forging lasting friendships,” Ms. Fu remarked, underscoring the importance of interpersonal ties alongside formal business relations. She also spotlighted Enterprise Singapore’s instrumental role in connecting businesses via missions, workshops, and conferences with chambers and associations throughout Africa. Among recent initiatives, Ms. Fu cited Singapore’s first carbon credits business mission to Ghana in July 2023—an effort led by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan to explore opportunities in carbon trading projects. Looking to the future, Ms. Fu announced that the Singapore Business Federation will lead an Overseas Market Workshop to Egypt this September, focusing on trade, transport, logistics, and urban infrastructure. Closing her remarks with the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Ms. Fu urged forum participants to take concrete steps toward deepening cooperation, building on the momentum of existing partnerships and exchanges. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Health Announces Sponsorship for Nursing Tutors as Ghana Celebrates Global Nursing Award Winner
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, unveiled a significant government initiative to strengthen nursing education in Ghana. Addressing an audience gathered to honor Naomi Ohene Oti, Ghana’s own Oncology Nurse Specialist, who clinched the prestigious 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, the Minister announced that at least 15 nursing tutors will be sponsored to upgrade their skills. Naomi Ohene Oti, who leads the Nursing Department at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, stood out among more than 105,000 global nominees to win the $250,000 prize. Her achievement not only brought international acclaim to Ghana’s healthcare sector but also inspired renewed commitment from the government to invest in nursing professionals. Minister Akandoh praised Naomi’s accomplishment, emphasizing the global spotlight it cast on Ghanaian healthcare. He then outlined a range of initiatives designed to support nurses across the nation: Reduced training fees for nurses Professional development sponsorships for nursing tutors Expansion of specialist nurse training programmes Management of healthcare worker migration through government agreements In a gesture of appreciation, the Minister also announced a GHC 50,000 support package for Naomi to offset expenses related to the award process. “Nurses play a critical role in our healthcare system, and the government remains committed to their professional development and well-being,” Mr. Akandoh affirmed. He further reassured healthcare recruits that steps are being taken to ensure prompt placement on the government payroll. The Minister concluded by underscoring the importance of empowering nurses and healthcare staff through enhanced training and structured support, seeing it as vital to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare for all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CPA Boss Kofi Kapito Calls for Boycott of DSTV and GOtv Over High Fees
The Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Kofi Owusu Hene, widely known as Kofi Kapito, has sounded a clarion call to DSTV and GOtv subscribers: Switch off your services in protest against soaring subscription fees. After weeks of engaging with frustrated subscribers, Mr. Kapito revealed that the CPA’s offices have been inundated with complaints about the rising cost of pay-TV, which many Ghanaians now find unaffordable. Despite the Minister for Communications’ attempts to mediate, the prices remain stubbornly high. “Consumers have the right to protest unfair business practices. If subscribers switch off their DSTV and GOtv services, these companies will be forced to listen and review their prices,” Mr. Kapito declared. He pointed to powerful examples of consumer boycotts in Nigeria and the United States, underscoring that when customers unite, their collective action can spark real change. “Ghanaians should use this tool to demand fair prices,” he urged. According to the CPA, the boycott aims to send a clear message to service providers that subscribers are dissatisfied with the current prices. It also seeks to compel companies to reassess their pricing strategies and promote fair business practices, ultimately safeguarding the interests of consumers. While describing the move as bold but necessary, the CPA stressed that the power to influence business decisions rests in the hands of subscribers. The agency is confident that coordinated action will create enough pressure to secure more affordable subscription costs for Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com