Fuel Shortages Hit Service Stations as Technical Glitch Disrupts Petroleum Supply Chain
Several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana are grappling with fuel shortages at their service stations, citing operational challenges at the ports. Both state-owned GOIL PLC and private operator Star Oil Ghana have linked the disruptions to a technical outage of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), a critical digital platform used to process tax payments and facilitate the lifting of petroleum products from depots. In separate statements, the companies reported that the ICUMS outage, which began on Thursday, has thrown the national petroleum supply chain into disarray. GOIL PLC announced that the technical difficulties have prevented the company from lifting products for distribution, causing some of its stations across the country to experience temporary shortages. Edward Abambire Bawa, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL, expressed regret over the inconvenience and assured customers that management is working with relevant authorities to restore normal fuel supply as soon as possible. Star Oil Ghana echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that the shortages are not a result of hoarding in anticipation of a price hike. The company explained that the problem was exacerbated by a public holiday on Friday, which delayed planned petroleum lifting operations for Saturday. “Unfortunately, the GRA ICUMS system was down throughout the day, preventing all OMCs from processing the necessary documentation to load products,” Star Oil stated. As of Monday, March 9, 2026, the technical challenges persist, affecting the entire downstream petroleum industry. Star Oil noted that its service stations, which typically sell high volumes relative to tank capacity, have been particularly affected by the disruption. The company assured customers that it is monitoring the situation closely and will resume restocking as soon as the system is restored. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pastor Remanded Over Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Online Exploitation of Minor
Authorities have arrested and remanded a pastor identified as Ebenezer Conduah, also known as Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Conduah, following serious allegations of sexually abusing a minor and uploading explicit recordings of the abuse to pornographic websites. According to investigative sources, Conduah was apprehended during a police operation that targeted his alleged criminal activities. During a search of his premises, law enforcement officers reportedly discovered several items believed to be linked to the case. Among the items seized were five mobile phones, two hard drives, two memory cards, a computer system unit, sex toys, and pieces of female underwear. Police officials have stated that these electronic devices and other items are expected to undergo detailed forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation. The suspect has since been remanded by the court, with authorities emphasizing that inquiries are still underway. Officials have indicated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Pledges Full Support for Victim of Armed Forces Recruitment Stampede
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the best possible care for Sandra Baafi Boateng, the young woman who suffered life-threatening injuries during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025. Addressing Parliament, Mr. Akandoh updated Members on Ms. Baafi Boateng’s current condition and stressed that the Ministry stands ready to arrange advanced treatment abroad if her medical team deems it necessary. “Every viable medical intervention, both within Ghana and overseas, is being considered to guarantee the highest standard of care,” he assured. Since the incident, Ms. Baafi Boateng has been under intensive specialist care, with the state covering all medical costs to relieve her family of financial burden. After initial treatment, she was transferred on February 26, 2026, to the 37 Military Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists continues to manage her recovery. Alongside ongoing medical attention, she is also receiving rehabilitation and psychosocial support to aid her recuperation. Mr. Akandoh highlighted that Ms. Baafi Boateng has remained bedridden since the stampede but emphasized that the Ministry remains closely engaged with both the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital to ensure her care is expedited. He concluded his remarks with a pledge to Parliament: “The Ministry of Health has remained actively engaged to ensure that Ms. Sandra Baafi Boateng receives the requisite specialist care and that every necessary step is being taken to expedite her treatment and recovery.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Solid Rock Baptist Church Celebrates Diversity With Inaugural Culture Day
The Solid Rock Baptist Church in the Upper East Regional capital recently held its first-ever Culture Day, an initiative introduced by the church’s leadership to celebrate the diverse backgrounds that make up its congregation. The event, which coincided with Ghana Month in March, was spearheaded by the Head Pastor, Rev. Thomas Abukari. Rev. Abukari explained that in today’s global world, communities are often composed of people from many different cultural backgrounds. “We have found ourselves in the regional capital of Upper East with several cultures coming together, and the church is made up of several cultures,” he said. “We don’t want people to lose sight of their roots.” To honor this diversity, the church leadership decided to dedicate a day to cultural celebration. Members were encouraged to dress in their traditional attire, sing native songs, and read scripture in various local languages. According to Rev. Abukari, the Bible teaches that believers are one in Christ, even though they come from diverse backgrounds. “No culture is superior to another. All of us stem from the Garden of Eden, and diversity is God’s design for us to acknowledge who He is,” he noted. The response from the congregation was overwhelmingly positive. Rev. Abukari recounted, “When I asked the church if next year we should not go to celebrate this day, they told me that it will be a demonstration.” He emphasized that the lessons of unity in diversity should extend beyond the church’s walls to the wider community. “If I say I’m this tribe and you are this tribe, what makes the difference? The same blood, the same system, and we live in the same area. We have gone past the stage where you can say only your tribe should remain. We must have the heart to embrace diversity.” Rev. Abukari also drew comparisons with multicultural societies around the world, citing Great Britain as an example of a nation where different tribes coexist and work towards common goals. “Everybody has come to realize that I’m different, you are different, but there’s a common goal we should achieve,” he said. The theme for the Culture Day was “One Body, Many Parts,” inspired by 1 Corinthians 12, where the Apostle Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate unity in diversity. Rev. Abukari also referenced Ephesians 4:1–7 to reinforce the message of oneness, reminding the congregation of their shared faith and purpose. The church hopes that this celebration will become an annual tradition, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage, unity, and mutual respect among its members and the wider community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government to Maintain Fiscal Discipline as Domestic Borrowing Restrictions Expire – Minister Assures
The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured Ghanaians that the government will uphold strict fiscal discipline even as restrictions on new domestic bond issuance have come to an end. His assurance followed a recent announcement by the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, confirming the expiration of the three-year limitations on government borrowing from the domestic bond market, a restriction that had been imposed as part of Ghana’s economic programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking on Newsfil on Saturday, March 7, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that while borrowing is a normal and necessary part of economic management for most countries, Ghana’s past fiscal difficulties were the result of excessive borrowing and weak economic oversight under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He clarified that the IMF-imposed moratorium on new domestic bonds has now lapsed, legally allowing the government to access the local market when needed. “As part of the IMF programme, a ban was placed on the ability to borrow domestically for three years. That period elapsed some time last week, and therefore the government can return to the domestic market,” he stated. However, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that this does not signal a reckless return to borrowing. “It does not mean that there will be a mad rush to the domestic market to borrow left, right and centre to imperil the economy,” he assured, emphasising that any new borrowing would be guided by the government’s commitment to prudent financial management. He further highlighted the importance of directing borrowed funds into productive investments rather than recurrent expenditure, pointing out that investing in capital projects can spur economic growth and generate resources for sustainable development. To reinforce fiscal discipline, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu outlined several reforms, including the introduction of commitment controls to scrutinise funding requests from government agencies, and the planned establishment of a Value for Money Office. This new office, he explained, will work alongside the Public Procurement Authority to ensure government procurement delivers real value for the state. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also noted that the government has already reduced the number of ministers and curtailed several operational costs, such as satellite TV services at the presidency and fuel allocations for senior officials, yielding significant savings. He acknowledged that Ghana’s recurring fiscal challenges stem largely from overspending relative to national revenue, and dismissed claims that the country’s economic woes were due solely to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he attributed much of the fiscal strain to election-year spending in 2020, which forced Ghana into IMF negotiations and domestic debt restructuring. With ongoing cost-cutting measures and a focus on responsible borrowing, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the government’s return to the domestic bond market would not threaten the country’s economic recovery. “Borrowing itself is not a problem,” he concluded. “It is the extent to which you borrow and how prudently you manage the resources.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Deputy General Secretary Urges Calm and Unity Amidst Party Concerns
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to party members and sympathisers to maintain calm and unity in the face of growing concerns and frustrations within the party’s base. In a heartfelt message circulated this week, Mr. Gbande acknowledged the genuine frustrations expressed by some supporters in recent commentary and discussions. He assured the NDC community that party leadership takes these concerns seriously and is committed to finding solutions. “Even if it is the concern of a single member, we are accountable for addressing it, let alone the sentiments of a group of committed brothers and sisters who have worked together to bring us this far,” he emphasized. Mr. Gbande also observed that some of the narratives fueling discontent may be amplified by individuals sympathetic to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who, he claimed, are seeking to exploit the frustrations of NDC supporters. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed that the leadership is carefully considering all concerns as part of ongoing internal processes to make necessary adjustments, correct mistakes, and implement strategic realignments. He encouraged party members not to lose faith in the NDC’s principles, describing the current difficulties as temporary setbacks that should not lead anyone to abandon the party’s core values. Admitting that certain actions by government appointees may have fallen short of expectations, Mr. Gbande called for patience, urging supporters to allow the leadership time to address the issues. “When it feels as though our hopes have been dashed due to perceived betrayals, it is natural to feel aggrieved. However, it is important to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and allow time for matters to unfold,” he stated. Mr. Gbande further advised members to remain measured in their reactions and to resist any actions that might inadvertently strengthen the hand of political opponents. Expressing confidence in the future of the party, he concluded, “Giving up on our beliefs would amount to surrendering our future. Staying focused and strong through these challenges will ultimately assure us of victory.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
John Mahama Orders Immediate Halt to International Travel by SOE Boards Using Public Funds
John Dramani Mahama has instructed that boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and public institutions must immediately stop all international travel for training, retreats, conferences, and study tours funded by the state. The directive, delivered through a circular from the Office of the President to all Ministers of State, comes amid rising concerns over the frequency and expense of overseas trips by board members and public officials. These travels, often involving large delegations and lengthy stays, have led to considerable spending on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and logistics, placing unnecessary strain on Ghana’s finances. Government sources explained that the new policy is part of a wider strategy to enforce fiscal discipline, improve public financial management, and ensure the responsible use of national resources. From now on, boards of SOEs and public institutions are strictly forbidden from undertaking international trips for training or similar activities at the expense of the state. Exceptions to this rule will only be made in rare circumstances where the engagement cannot realistically be held locally or through virtual means. In such cases, supervising ministers must submit a formal request to the President, justifying the need for the travel. The request must detail the purpose, expected outcomes, strategic importance to the institution’s mission, the number of participants, the total estimated cost, and reasons why the objectives cannot be achieved locally or online. The government is urging Ministries and their agencies to prioritize local training sessions, in-country retreats, and partnerships with universities and reputable institutions within Ghana. Boards are also encouraged to explore virtual training, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements locally, instead of sending full delegations abroad. Additionally, the directive calls on boards to focus on their core governance responsibilities and carefully evaluate the value, necessity, and cost-effectiveness of any capacity-building initiatives. According to government officials, the main goal of the policy is to cut non-essential public spending and redirect scarce resources toward priority projects, infrastructure, and social interventions that will benefit Ghanaians more directly. All ministers have been instructed to ensure that boards, CEOs, and management teams of SOEs and public institutions under their supervision are made aware of this directive and comply without delay. Source: Apexnewsgh.com