Calls Grow to Amend National Peace Council Act to Guarantee Youth Representation
A groundswell of advocacy is emerging from Ghana’s Upper East Region, where youth leaders are urging lawmakers to amend the National Peace Council Act to secure formal youth representation at the national level. The demand comes amid rising consensus that sustainable peacebuilding must reflect Ghana’s youthful demographic and empower young people as central actors in national security policy. The call gained momentum during a two-day consultation in Bolgatanga, where youth, community stakeholders, security agencies, and civil society organisations gathered to contribute to Ghana’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security. The event, organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) with support from international and national partners, offered young people a platform to share their experiences, propose policy reforms, and advocate for a more inclusive peace governance structure. While youth are present on local peace committees, participants noted that the absence of a statutory guarantee for their representation at the national level leaves their influence subject to goodwill rather than law. They argued that codifying youth participation in the National Peace Council would elevate their role from symbolic presence to institutional accountability, ensuring their voices help shape crucial peace and security decisions. Discussions drew on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognises youth as vital agents in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. With one in four young people worldwide living in or affected by conflict, participants emphasized the urgency of embedding youth voices in peace structures at every level. Francis Takyi-Koranteng, Upper East Regional Director of the NYA, highlighted that young Ghanaians have long been marginalised or unfairly stereotyped as sources of instability. He stressed that, with Ghana’s large youthful population, inclusion is not optional but essential, and the quality of engagement at the consultation demonstrated young people’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to national peace frameworks. UNDP officials commended the consultative process for fostering genuine dialogue and co-creation, moving youth engagement from tokenistic to transformative. They noted that legal backing for youth representation would reinforce the legitimacy and resilience of Ghana’s peace architecture. The Upper East engagement is part of a nationwide effort to craft a National Action Plan that taps into youth creativity and leadership for peaceful, inclusive development. Stakeholders agreed that amending the National Peace Council Act to guarantee youth representation would build trust, accountability, and long-term stability. As Ghana advances its Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, the message from Bolgatanga is clear: young people are not just beneficiaries of peace, they are vital partners whose place at the national table must be protected by law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Signals Strong Investment Climate at Ghana–Korea Business Forum
Ghana’s status as a top destination for international investment was on full display at the recent Ghana–Korea Business Forum in Accra, where Mr. Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), declared the country “open for business” and ready to deepen economic and trade ties with South Korea. Addressing a diverse audience, Mr. Madjie emphasized Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook and rising investor confidence, underpinned by stabilized inflation at 5.4 percent and successful debt restructuring efforts. These achievements, he noted, have set the stage for sustained economic growth. Looking ahead to 2026, Mr. Madjie outlined three ambitious priority areas: the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), large-scale infrastructure projects under the Big Push initiative, and an agriculture-led transformation powered by renewable energy investments. The 24-hour economy aims to industrialise and cultivate two million hectares of farmland, while the Big Push will focus on improving connectivity between key cities, food-producing regions, and constructing a 360-kilometre expressway linking Accra to the country’s second capital. Opportunities in clean energy were also spotlighted, with ongoing multi-billion-dollar projects led by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The forum brought together a seven-member Korean delegation, led by Mr. Gaspar Choi, CEO of MK Pollex Company Limited. The group represented sectors such as healthcare, cosmetics, food packaging, industrial machinery, and solar energy. Mr. Hong Koohwang, Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with Ghana. With KOTRA’s fourteen-year presence in Ghana, Mr. Koohwang highlighted the agency’s role in facilitating trade missions, business matchmaking, and investment opportunities across a range of sectors. He introduced the visiting South Korean companies, noting their expertise aligns with Ghana’s development goals. “We are ready to connect Ghanaian businesses with Korean partners and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said. Mr. Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze, Member of Parliament for Central Tongu and chair of the Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, assured participants of Parliament’s commitment to creating a robust business environment. He called for greater private sector involvement in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing, underscoring Ghana’s strong positioning for long-term investment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Unveils Ambitious Social and Infrastructure Agenda for 2026
Parliament was abuzz on February 3 as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga outlined the government’s bold vision for 2026, declaring it a pivotal year for national progress. In his address, Mr. Ayariga painted a picture of transformation, with sweeping social and infrastructure initiatives that promise to translate recent economic gains into tangible improvements for ordinary Ghanaians. Central to the government’s plan is a renewed focus on education. Mr. Ayariga announced that work would resume on 30 Community Day Senior High Schools left unfinished in previous years. But that’s just the beginning. With support from the GETFund, the administration will also embark on the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 primary schools, and 200 kindergartens across the country. The plan extends beyond mere buildings. Recognizing the importance of a nurturing learning environment, the government will invest in teachers’ accommodation, improved sanitation facilities, textbooks, and classroom furniture. These efforts, Mr. Ayariga stressed, will ensure that the benefits of growth are felt in classrooms and communities nationwide. With these far-reaching initiatives, 2026 is poised to become a turning point in Ghana’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Major Illegal Mining Network on River Pra Dismantled in Covert Operation
In a daring intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) uncovered and dismantled a sprawling illegal mining network operating directly on the River Pra in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The raid, executed with the support of the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, targeted the river corridor between the Ofoase Awona and Nsese communities in the Akyemansa District. This operation forms part of Ghana’s ongoing national campaign to protect vital water bodies and enforce environmental regulations. Acting on verified intelligence and shrouded in secrecy, the joint task force set out with a clear mission: to disrupt illegal mining activities, verify reports of environmental violations, and destroy equipment polluting the river. The River Pra, a lifeline for many communities, has faced severe degradation from illegal mining, so much so that several water treatment plants were recently forced to shut down. To reach the site, the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through dense cocoa plantations, finally arriving at the riverbank where they discovered about 50 illegal miners actively working on the water. Sensing the imminent raid, the miners abandoned their operations and dove into the river, swimming across to Nsese to evade arrest. Undeterred, the task force pressed on, dismantling and destroying all illegal mining infrastructure left behind. The scale of the operation was significant; 75 dredging Changfang platforms and 50 gold washing platforms were destroyed, along with 150 Changfang machines that were found on the riverbed and subsequently burnt. Several pipelines and water hoses drawing water directly from the Pra were also destroyed. After the dust settled, NAIMOS officials engaged with local residents, educating them about the dire environmental, health, and livelihood risks posed by illegal mining. Community members expressed gratitude for the intervention and called for continued vigilance to restore the Pra River and safeguard their way of life. NAIMOS highlighted the troubling persistence of well-organised illegal mining networks in remote areas, which often operate with impunity despite local security and administrative structures. The Secretariat is now calling for stronger, better-coordinated efforts among security and administrative agencies to effectively dismantle these entrenched operations and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Energy and Green Transition Explores Stronger Ties with AFD for Ghana’s Energy Future
Dr. John Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, recently sat down with representatives from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for a pivotal discussion on the future of Ghana’s energy sector. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared vision as both parties reflected on their partnership’s achievements and mapped out new horizons together. The meeting centered around ongoing and forthcoming projects, with a strong focus on advancing reforms and making investments that foster sustainable growth and transform the energy landscape in Ghana. Dr. Jinapor emphasized the importance of building on the momentum of current initiatives, particularly those designed to improve efficiency, broaden access to electricity, and quicken the shift towards greener, more sustainable energy solutions. Throughout the conversation, AFD was applauded for its steadfast commitment as a development partner. Over the years, AFD’s support has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s energy infrastructure and informing critical policy decisions. Dr. Jinapor acknowledged the profound impact of this partnership, noting that AFD’s contributions have been vital in helping Ghana achieve key energy development objectives. He also highlighted the need for continued collaboration, especially as the government pursues new strategies to modernize the sector and ensure that every Ghanaian benefits from reliable, sustainable power. The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both Dr. Jinapor and the AFD team expressing optimism about deepening their partnership. United by a common goal, they reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient and sustainable energy sector that aligns with Ghana’s broader development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Attorney-General Unveils Legal Education Bill to Expand Access and Reform Training
Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has outlined the sweeping reforms proposed in the Legal Education Bill, 2025, which seeks to transform the nation’s legal training landscape. If passed, the legislation will empower accredited universities to take over professional legal education from the Ghana School of Law, a move Dr. Ayine says will break down barriers and widen opportunities for aspiring lawyers. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the bill, Dr. Ayine explained that the long-standing entrance examination for professional law training would be abolished and replaced with a new National Bar Examination. The change, he noted, is intended to create a more equitable and accessible pathway for qualified law graduates seeking entry into the profession. Dr. Ayine assured lawmakers that the reforms would uphold rigorous standards, emphasizing the introduction of a strict accreditation and monitoring regime for institutions wishing to train law graduates for the Bar. Only universities meeting clearly defined criteria would be permitted to offer professional legal training, ensuring that quality is not compromised. He stressed that the new system will not only eliminate bottlenecks but also prevent unregulated schools from producing inadequately prepared candidates. The accreditation process, he said, will guarantee that all graduates from approved universities receive education that meets or exceeds the standards required to pass the National Bar Examination and thrive as legal professionals. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Orders NIB Probe Into Alleged Sale of Overseas Scholarships
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to launch an immediate investigation into allegations of malpractice in the award of overseas scholarships, following claims made during a radio programme. In a directive dated February 3, 2026, and addressed to the NIB’s Director-General, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, stated that the President’s attention was drawn to comments aired on Sompa 106.5 FM. During the Twi-language broadcast, panellist and former CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, alleged that an individual had paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad. The President described the accusation as serious and of significant public interest, especially in light of his administration’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and equitable access to education. The directive instructs the NIB to investigate the claims without delay, establish the facts, identify any individuals involved, and assess the credibility of the allegations. The Bureau has also been tasked with submitting its findings to the President for review and any subsequent action deemed necessary. The official communication was signed by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu on behalf of President Mahama. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Scholarship Authority Boss Backs Mahama’s Probe into Alleged Sale of State Scholarships
The Director-General of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, Mr. Alex Asafo Agyei, has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to order a full-scale investigation into allegations that government scholarships were sold to politically connected individuals. The investigation was triggered by claims made by former government official Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, who alleged during a radio interview that scholarships meant for Ghanaian students were sold to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and others for studies in the United Kingdom. In response, President Mahama has tasked the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 3, Mr. Agyei described President Mahama’s move as necessary and timely, stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of Ghana’s scholarship system. He firmly rejected allegations linking the Scholarship Authority to such deals, explaining that under his watch, no scholarship had been granted for studies in the UK. “For instance, if you take the Ghana Scholarship Authority, under my leadership as Director-General, not a single scholarship award has been made for anyone to study in the United Kingdom, as he alludes. This position has been well communicated to institutions in the UK,” he emphasized. Mr. Agyei also criticized the previous administration, alleging that the scholarship scheme was marred by irregularities, including the issuance of “fake awards” by the former Registrar as recently as March 2025. He highlighted that the current administration has enacted reforms to restore fairness, transparency, and merit to the scholarship process, with a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and political favoritism. “The era where the rich, connected and influential cornered scholarships outside merit is over,” Mr. Agyei declared, pledging the government’s ongoing commitment to accountability. He assured the public that any wrongdoing uncovered by the NIB’s investigation would be met with decisive action, adding, “For every act of plunder perpetrated against the nation, full accountability will be demanded, and the time for reckoning is fast approaching.” The NIB probe is expected to verify the claims and recommend appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of state-sponsored scholarships.