FixTheCountry Announces Vigil and March to Protest Environmental Destruction from Galamsey
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convenor of the FixTheCountry movement, has announced plans to hold a vigil at Revolution Square in Accra on Sunday, September 21, to protest the continuing environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Barker-Vormawor revealed the initiative in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, September 15, 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to protect Ghana’s environment. He described the fight against galamsey as both a moral and spiritual duty, writing, “The responsibility to protect and preserve the environment is by divine assignment, ours as a people.” He stressed that the campaign to end galamsey transcends electoral politics, stating, “Our responsibility to end galamsey does not end at elections. Nor does it begin after our party loses one. This is bigger than petty politics.” Following the vigil, Barker-Vormawor announced that a public march would take place on Monday, September 22, a national holiday, to further highlight what he called an “environmental crisis of urgent proportions.” He called on Ghanaians from all walks of life to join the events and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Abuakwa North NDC Communications Officer Arrested Over Death Threats During Akwatia By-Election
Abdul Wahab, the Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuakwa North, has been arrested in connection with issuing death threats during the recent Akwatia by-election. Police sources reveal that the threats were directed at Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and one other individual. Wahab’s actions have sparked concern and drawn the attention of law enforcement, who are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged threats. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the ongoing investigation.
MASLOC to Publish Names of Loan Defaulters After Final Warning
The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has issued a stern ultimatum to individuals, groups, and institutions with outstanding loan repayments, urging them to settle their debts by September 30, 2025. In a public notice released on September 15, MASLOC warned that it will publish the names of all defaulters in newspapers, on radio, and television if repayments are not made by the deadline. The Centre cautioned that failure to comply would result in strict enforcement actions, including legal recovery proceedings and restrictions on future access to financial support. “MASLOC funds are public resources meant to support the growth of small businesses across Ghana. Abuse or neglect of repayment obligations undermines this national effort and will be met with firm corrective measures,” the statement read. MASLOC management reiterated its commitment to accountability and the protection of state resources, urging all beneficiaries to act responsibly and fulfil their repayment obligations to sustain the programme’s impact. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Bono Regional Chairman Abronye Granted GH₵50,000 Bail After Arrest for Alleged Offensive Conduct
Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been granted bail in the sum of GH₵50,000. Abronye was arrested on Monday, September 8, 2025, by the Ghana Police Service over allegations of “offensive conduct conducive to the breach of public peace.” He had remained in custody since his arrest. At a hearing on Friday, the court ruled that continuing his remand would provide prosecutors with more time to advance their investigations into the case. Although details of the specific charges have not yet been made public, the case has attracted widespread national attention due to Abronye’s influential role within the NPP and his reputation for outspoken political commentary. In recent years, Abronye has frequently been at the centre of controversy, often making headlines for his bold statements and political activism. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Reaffirms Pan-African Commitment After Accepting West African Deportees from U.S.
The Government of Ghana has reiterated its steadfast commitment to Pan-African solidarity following the recent acceptance of a limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, explained that the decision was driven purely by humanitarian principles, constitutional obligations, and Ghana’s enduring Pan-African ideals—not financial gain. President John Dramani Mahama had earlier confirmed the arrival of the first group of 14 deportees in Accra, including nationals of Nigeria and The Gambia, who have since been assisted to return to their home countries. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana’s response was rooted in moral responsibility and regional solidarity. “As a nation that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, particularly those of African descent, Ghana’s decision is an act of Pan-African empathy, not a transactional arrangement,” he stated. He assured Ghanaians that stringent vetting measures are in place to ensure no convicted criminals are resettled in the country, underscoring the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens. Ablakwa also highlighted Ghana’s historic legacy as a haven for Africans in distress: “Since the days of our forebears, Ghana has hosted freedom fighters, welcomed Africans in the diaspora, and offered them refuge, citizenship, and passports. That Pan-African spirit will never change.” Ghana’s decision, according to the Minister, is in line with actions taken by other African nations such as Rwanda, Eswatini, Uganda, and South Sudan, which have also extended solidarity to compatriots facing deportation. He concluded that Ghana’s approach reaffirms its standing as the “mecca of Pan-Africanism” and strengthens its reputation as a responsible, compassionate regional leader. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Foreign Affairs Ministry Launches Major Reforms to Reset Ghana’s Diplomacy and Accountability
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled two sweeping policy initiatives aimed at reshaping Ghana’s diplomatic operations, eliminating waste, and strengthening accountability. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the reforms during the ministry’s performance report at the Government Accountability Series in Accra. STRIDE: Ending Rent Dependence Abroad The first initiative, STRIDE (Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development), targets Ghana’s costly reliance on renting office spaces for its diplomatic missions overseas. With the country currently spending an estimated US$15 million annually on rent, Minister Ablakwa described the practice as unsustainable, especially since Ghana owns donated lands in 23 countries. “Ghana cannot continue to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on rent while owning donated lands in 23 countries,” Ablakwa said. Under STRIDE, the government will embark on constructing permanent chancery and residential facilities for embassies and high commissions. An open architectural design competition for the new “Ghana House” has been launched, with the aim of ensuring future diplomatic buildings embody Ghanaian culture, meet green standards, and become iconic representations of national identity. ORAL: Recovering Looted State Assets The second flagship initiative is the reinforcement of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a key component of President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda. Ablakwa reported that the ministry, under ORAL, has already reclaimed lands at Airport Residential Area previously sold off, halted the illegal sale of diplomatic property in Lagos, Nigeria, cancelled a $3.5 million improperly awarded contract for the Abidjan Embassy, and created a comprehensive asset register to monitor all properties. Ablakwa emphasized that no contract under his leadership has been awarded through sole-sourcing, underscoring a commitment to competitive procurement processes. “Accountability and value for money are non-negotiable. Every cedi must serve the Ghanaian people,” he asserted. Resetting Ghana’s Diplomacy Together, STRIDE and ORAL represent what the Minister described as a “reset in Ghana’s diplomacy”—a bold shift toward fiscal prudence, anti-corruption measures, and projecting Ghana’s image with dignity on the global stage. “These policies will not only save Ghana millions but also restore confidence in the integrity of our foreign policy operations,” Ablakwa concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Reset Your Attitude — Upper East Minister Charges 160 Youths at Community Protection, Fire Assistants Inauguration
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugre, gave a fatherly charge to beneficiaries at an inauguration and handover ceremony this week, urging a change of attitude as the foundation for personal and community progress. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the event, Mr. Akamugre told the newly trained recruits that technical skills alone would not be enough. “Without resetting the attitude of the human being, you are doing nothing,” he said. “Let us all together educate the people to accept the normal behavior of life that can help the communities to grow.” He added a personal message from the presidency: “On behalf of the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we want to congratulate you for your hard work and for the endurance that you’ve gone through the training. And we want to be with you in prayer that you will be successful.” Alhaji Abdul Majeed Zakari, Bolgatanga YEA Municipal Director, outlined the intensive preparation the beneficiaries underwent. “We went through a rigorous training for about nearly three weeks at various duty posts, that’s the police training school in Pwalungu and that of the fire training school in another region,” he said. Zakari explained the purpose of the program: to hand over disciplined, trained youth to the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Fire Service so they can assist main officers, protect citizens and help keep peace in the Volta municipality. A total of 160 young people were inaugurated: 96 fire service assistants and 64 community protection assistants (CPAs). Zakari framed the initiative within the government’s jobs agenda, noting that negotiated allocations could give YEA beneficiaries an advantage when formal enlistments are held. “If the Ghana Police Service is going to make an enlistment of about 1,000 recruits annually, the YEA beneficiaries stand a chance of getting 20%, probably about 200,” he said, but cautioned that entry into the mainstream will depend on individual conduct and performance. Discipline was the keynote of the day. Upper East Regional Police Commander ACP John Dzineku warned beneficiaries against complacency and criminality, stressing that the three institutions they are entering are built on discipline. “The foundation of everything you do from today till you end is based on what? Discipline,” he asked the crowd, then answered for emphasis: “I said it’s based on what? Discipline.” He went further with a blunt warning on corruption and abuse of position: “Please don’t see this venture of yours as a gold mine, where you go and be extorting money from innocent people. If I get to know this, I will cause you to be arrested and prosecuted for extortion.” ACP Dzineku also gave practical guidance on punctuality and conduct: “If you are asked to come for duty and it is 10 o’clock, when are you supposed to come? It is 9:30 and nothing else.” He reminded recruits that wearing a uniform is a privilege, not a license to intimidate or extort. The ceremony concluded with the Municipal Director of YEA formally handing over the beneficiaries to both the Ghana Fire Service and the Ghana Police Command so work and placements could proceed. Organizers said the initiative aims not only to provide immediate jobs but to build responsible citizens and strengthen community safety across the municipality. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Calls for Discipline and Peace in Schools During Upper East Visit
The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has paid a working visit to schools in the Upper East Region to assess first-hand the challenges faced by teachers and the impact of the Bawku conflict on teaching and learning. Apexnewsgh reports His tour also took him to the Bolgatanga Technical Institute (Bolga Tech) where he inspected damages caused by recent student riots. Addressing stakeholders, Mr. Iddrisu expressed deep concern over the presence of security officers in educational institutions. “In the education space and in the learning environment, it is wrong, wrong, wrong to see men in uniform—whether military or police—on any campus. Education today is not just about literacy and numeracy, it’s about character molding and character building.” He warned that any compromise in shaping the values of tolerance, honesty, and integrity in young people would have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future. “If polarization takes root in educational institutions, classrooms will remain silent and learning will be practically impossible. We will be denying these youngsters a secure, better future.” At Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTEC), the Minister inspected uncompleted structures, including a teacher’s hostel, which he suggested could be converted into a girls’ dormitory once its structural integrity is confirmed. He emphasized the need for secured land and a protective wall for the school, assuring that such projects would receive priority attention. However, at Bolga Tech, Mr. Iddrisu was stern about the consequences of student indiscipline. “You go and fight and burn a library, then you turn around and say government should come and help you? I have asked that disciplinary actions be strictly enforced. Those culpable must be punished in accordance with the GES code of conduct.” He directed the school’s authorities to submit their final investigation report within seven days, stressing that justice must be swift and fair. “If children get it right at this age, they will get it right at age 60 or 80. If they miss the opportunity, the country misses the opportunity.” Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment under President Mahama’s agenda to inject massive investment into education in 2026. He announced a planned one billion cedi investment aimed at ending the double-track system, expanding infrastructure, rolling out a school connectivity program, and revolutionizing STEM education. Mr. Iddrisu also underscored the need to rebrand technical and vocational training in Ghana, not as an option for the less academically inclined, but as a strong pathway to skills and employment. On the issue of deploying armed security in schools, he was categorical: “No, I don’t support uniforms and glasses in schools. Why should you take a uniform? What do you want in this country, raising students to arms and uniforms? I’m sorry, that’s not acceptable. We’ll never allow that practice.” The Minister concluded by assuring that issues such as inadequate furniture would also be addressed, but insisted that discipline, peace, and values must remain at the heart of Ghana’s education system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com