Afenyo-Markin Accuses NDC Government of Enabling Illegal Mining Through Gold Board Policy
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has leveled sharp accusations against the NDC government, alleging that its new policy allowing the Gold Board (Goldbod) to purchase gold from small-scale miners is effectively financing illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 27, Afenyo-Markin minced no words in his critique. “This government has surrendered to the galamsey activities. This government has become its enabler,” he declared, arguing that the budget’s provisions contradict the administration’s stated commitment to eradicating illegal mining. Afenyo-Markin pointed to the budget announcement empowering the Gold Board to buy gold from small-scale miners as evidence of state endorsement for unregulated mining. “The NDC government, through the Gold Board, is rather financing it. This is giving it state endorsement,” he said. He further highlighted the dangers faced by those on the front lines of the fight against galamsey. Citing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS), Afenyo-Markin expressed concern for their safety, recalling the tragedy in which eight members lost their lives en route to launch an anti-galamsey programme. “Today, members of NAIMOS are getting hurt, dead, shot at in a fight their own government has abandoned,” he lamented. The Minority Leader also criticized the government for setting up a Gold Board that, in his view, lacks the mechanisms to trace the origin of gold or verify miners. He warned that such a system invites complicity and undermines enforcement efforts. “If this government cannot trace the gold, it must not buy the gold,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, concluding that the government has failed to show the seriousness or commitment necessary to defeat illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
SIC Insurance PLC Defies Economic Headwinds with Stellar 2024 Performance
The State Insurance Company (SIC) PLC has delivered an impressive financial performance for the 2024 fiscal year, overcoming a turbulent global and domestic economic climate marked by heightened inflation, sharp currency depreciation, and wavering investor confidence. The announcement was made at SIC’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM), presided over by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, MP. Presenting the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Ahiafor emphasized the company’s unwavering focus on strategic discipline and execution, even as economic uncertainty persisted worldwide. The global economy in 2024 continued to feel the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and tightened monetary policies. While inflation retreated slightly in advanced markets, many developing economies, including those in Africa, struggled with mounting debt, limited capital inflows, and volatile currencies. Ghana was no exception. The Ghanaian cedi depreciated by 28% against the US dollar, a sharp contrast to the 9.78% loss recorded in 2023. Inflation climbed to 23% in November 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service, signaling progress from the 2022 peak of 54.1%, yet underscoring the economy’s fragile recovery. The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) continued to weigh on investor confidence, affecting liquidity and disposable incomes. Despite these challenges, Ghana’s insurance industry showed robust growth in 2024. The general insurance sector saw notable increases in gross written premiums, especially in motor, fire, and engineering lines. Industry-wide, insurers paid out approximately GHS 1.8 billion in claims, underscoring their steadfast commitment to policyholder protection. SIC Insurance PLC’s financial results stood out in the sector: * Insurance Revenue: GHS 559.5 million (49.9% growth from 2023) * Profit Before Tax: GHS 83.2 million (2023: GHS 22.8 million) * Profit After Tax: GHS 53.4 million — a 316.9% year-on-year increase * Shareholders’ Funds: GHS 670.4 million (up 40.1%) * Earnings Per Share: GHS 0.2730 (2023: GHS 0.0655) * Return on Shareholders’ Funds: 7.9% (2023: 2.6%) The Chairman credited this performance to prudent underwriting, robust risk management, and disciplined cost control, while commending management and staff for their steadfast dedication. In recognition of these achievements, the Board of Directors has proposed a dividend of GHS 0.0511 per share, pending shareholder approval. A significant milestone for the year was SIC Insurance’s full implementation of IFRS 17, the new global accounting standard for insurance contracts. The company now stands among a select few in the industry to achieve this, enhancing transparency and comparability with international peers. In 2024, SIC also reinforced its Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, with a keen focus on emerging risks such as cyber threats, credit exposures, and macroeconomic instability, and measures designed to ensure resilience in a complex environment. Looking ahead, SIC Insurance PLC is cautiously optimistic. With insurance penetration in Ghana hovering around 1%, significant opportunities for industry expansion remain. The company aims to leverage digital transformation, inclusive insurance initiatives, and ongoing government reforms to drive its next phase of growth. “SIC Insurance PLC enters 2025 with a strong capital base, a clear growth strategy, and a high-performing workforce,” Mr. Ahiafor declared. “We are poised to deliver lasting value to shareholders, customers, and the wider Ghanaian community.” He closed by expressing heartfelt appreciation to clients, shareholders, regulators, partners, and staff—acknowledging their vital role in SIC’s enduring success. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nearly 2 million tickets sold for 2026 FIFA WC, as 3rd phase begins Dec 11
With excitement mounting ahead of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on Friday, 5 December, nearly two million tickets have now been sold for the groundbreaking tournament. During the two initial ticket sales phases, residents of the three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico, in that order – drove the most purchases, followed by fans in England, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Argentina and France. Fans in 212 countries and territories have already secured their tickets. “Congratulations to everyone who has already booked their seats and for those who haven’t, a new opportunity begins on Thursday, 11 December, just days after the Final Draw in Washington DC,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “With 42 teams already qualified, we are witnessing huge global interest as we prepare to soon find out most of the match-ups, as well as where and when they will take place,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 2026™ Chief Operating Officer. “With the much-awaited opening match in Mexico City kicking off in fewer than 200 days, we are ready and excited to welcome fans to North America next year for the biggest FIFA World Cup yet.” The next phase of ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – the Random Selection Draw – will begin on 11 December, with the entry period for fans open until 13 January for fans. This marks the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 tournament, as nearly two million tickets have been made available and purchased for the event so far across the Visa Presale Draw and the Early Ticket Draw, which closed earlier this month. The entry period for the Random Selection Draw will open at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET) on 11 December at FIFA.com/tickets. Timing of a fan’s entry into the Random Selection Draw during the entry period will not impact the fan’s chances of success. Fans with an existing FIFA ID should log in using those credentials and then enter the Random Selection Draw, even if they have entered previous ticket draws. For those who do not have an existing FIFA ID, an account must be created on FIFA.com/tickets to get started. Fans will be able to select which match(es), respective ticket category(ies) and number of tickets per match they would like to purchase, subject to household restrictions. All successful and partially successful ticket applicants will receive communications via email and subsequently will be automatically charged for their tickets in February. A partially successful application indicates that a fan will receive the number of tickets requested to a match, but not all matches requested. With the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place on 5 December, the subsequent match schedule reveal will define the foundational group stage of the tournament. As such, the Random Selection Draw marks the first phase when fans will be able to apply for single-match tickets based on exact match-ups and teams for group-stage matches. Fans of a specific national team may also be eligible to apply for Participating Member Association (PMA) supporter tickets at FIFA.com/tickets starting 11 December, should they meet their PMA’s eligibility criteria. Each PMA sets its own criteria for fans to be recognised as PMA supporters and establishes its own process for obtaining tickets. Fans who would like to secure access to specific match-ups immediately after the match schedule is revealed can purchase hospitality packages as well. Hospitality packages, which are inclusive of match tickets, are available now at FIFA.com/hospitality through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Closer to the tournament, fans may be able to buy any remaining ticket inventory on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability). As always, FIFA encourages fans to purchase tickets only through FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the FIFA World Cup™. Hospitality packages and tickets sourced from unofficial sales channels may not be valid. A match ticket does not guarantee admission to a host country, and fans should visit each host country’s government website today for entry requirements for Canada, Mexico and the United States. Given the processing times involved, FIFA recommends submitting the visa application as early as possible. FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders travelling to the United States are eligible for the recently announced FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). Fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets for FAQs and all published legal documents applicable to the purchase and use of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Ticket applications are subject to applicable terms, which will be available prior to the application period at FIFA.com/tickets. No purchase is necessary to enter the draw. If successful, the payment card will be automatically charged. Fans must be 18 years old or older to apply. Source: GFA/FIFA
Speaker Bagbin Rules Nyindam Can Remain in Parliament Pending Appeal Window
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has determined that Matthew Nyindam, the Member of Parliament for Kpandai, cannot be barred from participating in parliamentary proceedings at this stage, despite a Tamale High Court ruling that ordered a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary elections. The ruling comes after the Majority in Parliament called for Nyindam’s exclusion from debates, citing the court’s decision delivered on Monday, November 24, 2025. Addressing the issue before the House convened on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Speaker Bagbin explained that, under the law, it is premature to disqualify Nyindam, as the mandatory seven-day stay of execution of the High Court’s order has not yet expired. Bagbin referenced the Court of Appeal rules (1997 C.I 197, as amended by 2020 C.I 192), which provide a seven-day window during which the losing party may appeal and a stay of execution is automatically in effect. He also cited a Supreme Court precedent—Mensah vs. Ghana Commercial Bank 2025-2026—which held that any enforcement action taken before the expiration of this period is considered premature and void. The Speaker clarified that, as such, Nyindam has a statutory seven-day period following the High Court’s ruling, which expires on December 1, 2025. “During this period, the High Court’s ruling cannot form the basis for the Speaker to instruct the Clerk to notify the Electoral Commission that the Kpandai seat is vacant,” Bagbin stated. Bagbin further explained that should Honourable Nyindam decide to file an appeal or seek a further stay of execution under rule 27(1) of C.I. 19, enforcement of the judgment could be postponed until a final decision is reached by the appropriate court. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of the Interior Renews Curfew in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Amid Ongoing Security Efforts
The Ministry of the Interior has announced a renewal of the curfew in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba township and its surrounding communities in the Savannah Region, as part of continued measures to maintain law and order in the area. Effective Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the revised curfew hours will run from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. The decision, formalised through an Executive Instrument and based on the advice of the Regional Security Council, follows periodic tensions in the region. In a statement signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the government appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth to remain calm and resolve grievances through peaceful dialogue. “Government continues to urge Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, Youth, and People of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area,” the statement read. The Ministry reminded residents of strict security measures accompanying the curfew: A total ban on carrying firearms, ammunition, or offensive weapons, with violators subject to arrest and prosecution. A prohibition on two or more persons riding a motorbike together at any time. A ban on wearing any form of war regalia. Authorities reiterated their commitment to restoring lasting peace and called for full cooperation with security agencies enforcing the curfew and related restrictions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deputy Education Minister Refutes Claims of Inflated Sanitary Pad Costs for Schoolgirls
Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has pushed back against allegations made by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Asafuah, who claimed that sanitary pads purchased for junior and senior high school students cost the government GH₵45 per pack. In a comprehensive rebuttal, Dr. Apaak labelled the assertion as “false and misleading,” clarifying that both the ministry’s approved budget and distribution records contradict any suggestion of inflated pricing. He explained that Parliament allocated GH₵292 million for the procurement of 12,208,340 sanitary pad packs under the government’s menstrual hygiene support initiative. According to Dr. Apaak, the procurement was conducted in two batches, with all purchases falling within a price range of GH₵19 to GH₵24 per pack, significantly less than the figure cited by the MP. “There is no GH₵45 anywhere. The facts are clear. The pads distributed so far cost between GH₵19 and GH₵24 per pack. Transport and distribution costs must not be misconstrued as inflated procurement,” he stated. He added that the first batch, consisting of 6.6 million packs (each with 12 sanitary pads), has already been fully distributed, while the second batch of 5.6 million packs is currently being dispatched to schools nationwide. Dr. Apaak emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency throughout the process and accused detractors of misrepresenting figures to mislead the public and undermine a programme critical for adolescent girls, particularly in underserved communities. Calling for accuracy in public discourse, Dr. Apaak urged policymakers, the media, and the public to verify facts before making claims in budget debates. “Sanitary pads for girls should never become a tool for political point-scoring,” he concluded. The Ministry of Education has assured that the distribution of the remaining consignments is ongoing and reaffirmed its pledge to maintain transparency in the menstrual hygiene support programme. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup, Calls for Restoration of Democracy
The Government of Ghana has issued a firm denunciation of the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau, labelling it an unacceptable breach of constitutional order and a threat to democratic stability in West Africa. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Ghana expressed deep concern over the actions taken by members of the Guinea-Bissau military, who interrupted the country’s democratic process just days after peaceful presidential and legislative elections on 23 November 2025. The official announcement of results had been set for 27 November. Describing the military takeover as a “direct assault on democratic governance,” Ghana’s government insisted that the move undermines the will of the people and the legitimacy of the electoral process. Ghana called for the immediate and unconditional return to constitutional rule, urging all parties to respect democratic principles and to address any electoral grievances through lawful and transparent means. The statement also called for guarantees of safety for all citizens, foreign nationals, and particularly for officials with the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission deployed in Guinea-Bissau. Their security and safe passage, Ghana stressed, must be assured. Appealing for calm, the government urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions. Ghana reaffirmed its steadfast support for ECOWAS and the African Union as they coordinate a regional response in line with established protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional order. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Majority Caucus Demands Immediate Vacancy of Kpandai Seat After Court Annuls Election
The Majority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to promptly declare the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant after a Tamale High Court ruling annulled the constituency’s 2024 election results. The Majority is insisting that incumbent MP Matthew Nyindam must immediately relinquish his seat and refrain from participating in any parliamentary activities until a by-election is held. The caucus maintains that both MP Nyindam and the Clerk to Parliament have been formally served with the court’s order mandating a rerun of the poll. Citing the need to uphold judicial authority and maintain consistency with parliamentary precedent, the Majority argues that allowing Nyindam to continue in his role would set a dangerous example. On the parliamentary floor, Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor referenced previous cases—such as that of Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson, where MPs were required to step aside following court annulments of their elections. “This path has been travelled before. Nobody can tell us today that Honourable Nyindam must still have a voice here. It won’t happen,” Dafeamekpor declared. The call has sparked heated disagreement in Parliament, with the Minority Caucus firmly opposing the Majority’s position, setting up a contentious debate over the future of Kpandai’s representation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Alex Ampaabeng Refutes Claims of Responsibility for MIIF Gold-for-Reserves Audit Concerns
Former Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, has firmly rejected suggestions that he is responsible for a potential US$40.3 million loss cited in a recent audit of the Mineral Income Investment Fund’s (MIIF) Gold-for-Reserves Programme. A JoyNews report had implied that the alleged financial exposure was linked to a No Objection Letter (NOL) signed by Dr. Ampaabeng. In a comprehensive clarification issued on Wednesday, he described the reportage as misleading and damaging, insisting the facts had been misrepresented. Dr. Ampaabeng explained that MIIF formally requested the No Objection Letter on 19th October 2024. At the time, the substantive Minister of Finance was out of the country and instructed him via email on 20th October 2024 to issue the NOL on his behalf. Acting on this directive, Dr. Ampaabeng issued the letter, which he stated is properly documented in official records. He emphasised that the NOL neither authorised MIIF to contract any specific company nor recommended any aggregator. Its purpose, he clarified, was strictly procedural, enabling MIIF’s Board and Management to conduct feasibility assessments for a possible programme expansion. Dr. Ampaabeng underscored that, by law, the responsibility for selecting aggregators, performing due diligence, and managing risk rests entirely with MIIF’s leadership. “The Minister acted lawfully and in good faith, ensuring that government business was not stalled,” he said, stressing that attempts to assign blame to him misinterpret the Ministry’s limited role. He further pointed out that the companies listed in MIIF’s original request did not include Goldridge, the firm now at the centre of audit concerns, highlighting that the Ministry had no part in identifying or endorsing any aggregator. Calling the publication “misleading, incomplete, and tailored for sensational effect,” Dr. Ampaabeng urged the National Media Commission to scrutinise such reporting, warning that inaccuracies can damage reputations and mislead the public. Source: Apexnewsgh.com