Gabby Otchere-Darko Warns Technology Is Outpacing Media Regulation and Eroding Professionalism
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), has sounded an alarm over the growing challenges posed by rapid technological advances in Ghana’s media landscape. During an appearance on the Upside Down Show with Frema Adunyame on February 1, Otchere-Darko, himself a seasoned media owner, explained that the explosion of digital platforms and bloggers has dramatically changed the way information is shared, often at the expense of professionalism and effective regulation. He reflected on how the evolution of the media sector has left regulatory frameworks trailing behind technology, making it increasingly difficult to manage content without trampling on free expression. “Technology is always ahead of regulation. I think we are getting there. There is some sort of self-regulation, not with those who put out the content, but the ones who receive it,” he remarked. Otchere-Darko insisted that any move towards tighter regulation must tread carefully to avoid suppressing freedom of speech, a value he stressed must be preserved, even as its abuse is curtailed. “If you get into the area of regulation, and you are not careful, then you stifle the freedom of speech. It doesn’t mean freedom of speech means you can get away with anything,” he cautioned. He also addressed the darker side of digital media, particularly the reputational harm caused by the viral spread of unverified stories on social media. “They put things about you on social media, and others will Google your name, and your image is tarnished. When you try to correct it, it does not have the same traction, and it’s not sensational,” Otchere-Darko noted, adding that sometimes even responding to such content can exacerbate the situation. Looking to the future, he urged media owners to embrace new technologies and adapt to shifting industry practices to remain competitive, or risk being left behind altogether. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Fuel Prices Set for First Hike of 2026 Amid Cedi Depreciation and Global Oil Surge
After a period of steady declines in January, fuel prices in Ghana are bracing for an upward shift, with industry analysts warning of possible hikes in petrol, diesel, and LPG during the upcoming pricing window. The anticipated increases are attributed to the recent depreciation of the cedi and rising international petroleum prices, possibly putting an end to the run of price reductions seen at the start of the year. According to projections from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), petrol prices could rise by around 2.10%, diesel by 5.10%, and LPG by 1.09%. These adjustments are being driven by higher global petroleum product prices and the weakened cedi, which slipped from GHS10.90 to GHS10.98 to the US dollar, a decline of about 0.77%. Internationally, petrol prices increased by 2.12%, diesel by 6.73%, and LPG by 3.66% within the current pricing window. Crude oil prices also surged sharply in early February, jumping from $62.50 to $67.40 per barrel. At the local pumps, petrol is projected to sell at roughly GHS11.48 per litre, with diesel expected to see the biggest jump to about GHS12.77 per litre. LPG could also climb to approximately GHS13.50 per kilogram. Despite these forecasts, COMAC points out that fierce competition among oil marketing companies and ongoing market dynamics could prompt some marketers to absorb part of the increases, potentially keeping pump prices steady for consumers.
President Mahama Unveils Plans for New Wa Airport After Passage of Infrastructure Levy
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major boost for the Upper West Region, revealing that construction of a brand new airport for Wa will soon begin. The announcement follows the recent passage of the Airport Infrastructure Levy Bill by Parliament, a move set to transform the aviation landscape across Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the SheaPark Resource Hub Project in Wa, President Mahama explained that the newly established levy, which applies to both domestic and international air tickets, including African and ECOWAS regional flights, will feed into a special fund dedicated to airport development nationwide. “Now that money is going to go into a fund. And that fund is going to be used to develop the airports around the country,” he said. The President assured residents that the Upper West Region would be among the first to benefit, emphasizing that the planned new airport would fully replace the current facility. “And I’m pleased to announce to you that Wa is going to be a beneficiary of this fund with the construction of a new airport, not the old airport,” he declared. President Mahama highlighted the limitations of the current site, noting that its location and design are no longer fit for modern aviation needs. “As you yourselves can see, the road was diverted around the runway. And so, the Airport Company has decided on a site that was allocated years ago,” he explained. He also revealed that a team from the Ghana Airports Company Limited had recently visited Wa to assess the new location ahead of construction. “Staff of the Ghana Airport Company were in Wa to inspect the site for the construction of the new airport,” the President shared. The ambitious project is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity, stimulate economic growth in the Upper West Region, and improve access to Wa as part of the government’s wider infrastructure drive. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Disunity is NPP’s “Slow Poison,” Afenyo-Markin Warns, Urges United Front for 2028 Victory
The Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a stark warning to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP): internal division is a “slow poison” that has repeatedly cost the party dearly at the polls. His admonition came during a convention of key NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency, following the party’s flagbearer contest. Afenyo-Markin told party faithful that disunity has been the common thread in every major electoral defeat the party has suffered, regardless of how popular its policies or leaders have been. He called on all members to rally behind the newly-elected flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and to put aside differences for the sake of victory in the 2028 general elections. He urged delegates to embrace a unified purpose, message, and vision, stressing that the party’s agenda must be carried to the grassroots with a single voice. Afenyo-Markin warned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, when so-called “skirt and blouse” voting, where members split their ballots between presidential and parliamentary candidates, contributed to the NPP’s defeat. “History has taught us harsh but clear lessons about disunity,” he remarked, recounting the party’s electoral setbacks in 1979, 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012, each time when unity faltered. He pointed to the party’s historic losses, such as the split of the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979, which allowed the PNP under Hilla Limann to take power, and similar scenarios that led to other NPP defeats. “But look at the other side of our history, when we stood together as one and rallied behind our leader, victory stood with us,” Afenyo-Markin said, referencing the party’s successes in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020. He described unity as the “lifeblood” of the NPP, and disunity as its “slow poison.” He concluded with a rallying cry, urging supporters nationwide to work tirelessly for Dr Bawumia and the party, warning that failure to support the flagbearer would be a failure of the party as a whole. “We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself. If Dr Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us work for the party and for our country,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Customer Service Takes a Hit with D+ Rating in 2026 Index
Ghana’s reputation for warmth and hospitality suffered a serious blow as the nation’s customer service performance plunged to a D+ in the 2026 Ghana Customer Service Index (GCSI), unveiled at the British Council in Accra on Thursday, January 29. The event, hosted by Class News’ Prince Benjamin, marked the 8th edition of the annual assessment, which is spearheaded by the Institute of Customer Service Professionals (ICSP) under the leadership of renowned service expert, Yvonne Ohui MacCarthy. The latest index underscores a dramatic decline from previous years: Ghana had earned a C- in 2021, a C+ in 2022, and then climbed to B grades in 2023 and 2024, before slipping to a D+ (59%) in 2025. This year’s results, therefore, reflect mounting challenges for a country celebrated for its friendly citizens. According to McCarthy, most of the 5,308 survey respondents in 2026 were non-Ghanaians—a sign, she said, of the vital need to protect Ghana’s image through quality service and customer care. She emphasized that as customers’ income rises, so do their expectations for professionalism and trust, which she described as the ultimate measure of service. The Ghana Customer Service Index, an innovative feedback mechanism, gathers input via in-person interviews and its online platform. It reviews customer satisfaction across 11 sectors, which in 2026 were ranked as follows: Insurance, Banking, Utilities, Retail, Petroleum, Hospitality, Healthcare, Transportation, Public Institutions, E-Commerce, and Telecommunications. Data analyst and GIMPA lecturer Emmanuel Djaba, who also serves as lead consultant at Apercu Consulting, detailed the rigorous methodology behind the index. The GCSI employs a cause-and-effect model, measuring factors such as trust, competence, professionalism, ease of doing business, and customer-focused innovation, all feeding into the central customer satisfaction score and, ultimately, customer loyalty. The night concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing sector leaders for outstanding service. Honourees included Activa International, Stanbic Bank, Ghana Water Ltd, Melcom, TOTALEnergies, Aqua Safari, Family Health Hospital, Bolt, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Hubtel, and MTN. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Announces GH¢41 Million Payment for CETAG Allowances Amid Strike
During the 14th Congregation and 96th anniversary celebration of St John Bosco’s College of Education in Navrongo, Upper East Region, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, delivered a message of assurance to the teaching community. He revealed that the government is on the verge of releasing GH¢41 million to settle book and research allowances owed to members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) for the 2023/2024 academic year. The announcement comes in the wake of CETAG’s indefinite strike, which began on November 24, 2025. The association has been demanding the enforcement of an arbitral award granted by the National Labour Commission (NLC) in May 2023. Minister Iddrisu explained that arrangements for the payment are at an advanced stage, with the Ministry of Finance finalizing the disbursement process. The funds, he said, are currently being processed through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and will soon be transferred to the beneficiaries. Expressing confidence that the payments would be made within days, the Minister urged CETAG leaders to suspend the ongoing strike and allow academic activities to resume in colleges of education across the country. He emphasized that the government expects normal teaching and learning to recommence by February 9, 2026. Mr. Iddrisu appealed to the striking tutors, highlighting the negative impact the industrial action has had on students and the need for a stable academic environment. He pointed out that the government has demonstrated its commitment by settling previous years’ arrears and encouraged continuous dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. Reaffirming the government’s dedication to education workers, the Minister stressed that cooperation and the timely fulfilment of obligations are key to maintaining stability and progress within the sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Chairman Pledges End to Protocol Recruitment in Security Services and State Institutions
On the bustling fourth day of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) “Thank You Tour” in the Western Region, National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah delivered a major policy announcement that drew cheers from supporters in Sekondi-Takoradi. Addressing party faithful after the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah declared the party’s intention to abolish protocol arrangements in the recruitment of personnel into the security services and other public institutions. Speaking as the tour made its way through Effia, Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, and Sekondi constituencies, the NDC Chairman emphasized the need for discipline and dedication at the grassroots. He urged delegates to prioritize commitment and results when selecting constituency executives, insisting that only those who genuinely worked for the party’s success should be retained in leadership positions. Turning to public sector recruitment, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah criticized the existing protocol system, describing it as opaque and discriminatory. He argued that such arrangements unfairly benefit a privileged few and undermine meritocracy. To rectify this, he announced that under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, all recruitment processes would become open and competitive, with no special allocations or political favors—including the withdrawal of recruitment quotas currently reserved for Members of Parliament. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah explained that this move was part of a broader vision to ensure fairness and equal opportunity in public sector employment. He reassured supporters that only merit and qualification would determine access to jobs in state institutions in the future. The NDC Chairman’s visit also featured an engagement with traditional leaders, including a heartfelt appeal from the Chief of Takoradi, Nana Obo Kojo Atta IV. The chief urged the swift completion of the long-delayed Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment, highlighting the hardship experienced by traders, particularly women displaced from Jubilee Park. The call underscored the ongoing challenges facing local communities and the importance of responsive leadership as the NDC moves forward in government. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Celebrates Brother’s Hard-Earned Success at UMaT Honorary Doctorate Ceremony
At the 18th Special Congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa on January 31, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama offered heartfelt remarks as his younger brother, Ibrahim Mahama, received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the mining industry. Addressing the assembled guests, President Mahama took the opportunity to clarify a common misconception: his brother’s rise to success was not a product of political privilege, but of determination and enterprise. He pointed out that Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Engineers & Planners, had often faced even greater scrutiny whenever he himself was in public office. Notably, the company’s most impressive growth came during periods when he was not president—evidence, Mahama said, of its independence and resilience. Reflecting on their childhood, President Mahama recalled Ibrahim’s early curiosity for machines, a fascination that deepened while their family lived in England. This passion led Ibrahim into engineering and eventually to establish Engineers & Planners, which began as a subcontractor, often for African Mining Services, before expanding into one of the largest mining subcontractors in West Africa. President Mahama also spoke about their family’s tradition of hard work, noting that while their late father balanced politics and entrepreneurship, he and Ibrahim chose different routes. “I took the political path, and my brother took the entrepreneurial path,” he quipped, adding that his brother could “do many things better” and highlighting the vital role of enterprise in Ghana’s progress. He praised Ibrahim’s philanthropy, commitment to indigenous ownership, and his leadership in opening doors for Ghanaian companies to secure direct mining contracts. President Mahama was quick to acknowledge the guidance of mentors such as Mr. Sam Jonah, crediting their support for Ibrahim’s achievements. Addressing UMaT’s graduating class, President Mahama called on them to treat their education as both a privilege and a responsibility, and to pursue innovation, discipline, and service in their future careers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to Dubai and Zambia
President John Mahama has boarded a special aircraft provided by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), setting his sights on the vibrant city of Dubai. The President’s journey comes at the invitation of the UAE government, which welcomed him to participate in this year’s World Government Summit, a prestigious gathering where world leaders, influential policymakers, and key business executives converge to explore the future of governance, innovation, and global development. After sharing ideas and forging international connections at the summit in Dubai, President Mahama’s diplomatic mission will continue. He is scheduled to travel to Zambia for a three-day state visit, answering the call of President Hakainde Hichilema. The visit promises to deepen ties and foster collaboration between the two nations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Banks Woo Borrowers as Bank of Ghana’s Policy Eases Lending Conditions
At the 128th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, announced a development that is already being felt by businesses and individuals alike: commercial banks are now actively reaching out to offer loans, often at substantially lower interest rates. “Banks are beginning to call clients if they need loans,” Dr. Asiama shared, recounting a recent conversation where a customer was offered a loan at just 15 percent interest. For many, it’s an unexpected but welcome change, one that signals the banking sector’s renewed confidence and improving liquidity conditions. This lending enthusiasm comes on the heels of the Bank of Ghana’s latest move to cut the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 250 basis points, from 18 percent to 15.5 percent. The decision, following the MPC’s 128th meeting in Accra, marks the central bank’s first policy action for 2026 and continues a trend set by a major rate reduction in November 2025. According to Dr. Asiama, the shift in lending dynamics is a direct result of stronger balance sheets and improved liquidity among banks. The monetary easing, prompted by easing inflation and better macroeconomic conditions, is designed to support economic growth while maintaining price stability. “GDP growth is expected to remain strong in 2026, with the output gap narrowing,” the Governor explained. He acknowledged that moderate demand-side pressures could emerge, but assured that monetary conditions remain tight enough to keep inflation in check. Dr. Asiama emphasized that sustaining Ghana’s economic progress will require disciplined fiscal management, effective policy coordination, and targeted measures to contain food inflation, while staying alert to global risks. With banks now competing for borrowers and credit becoming more accessible, there is growing optimism that the private sector will pick up pace, spurring renewed investment, higher consumption, and robust economic growth in the months ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com