Unpaid Allowances Threaten to Halt School Feeding in Krachi East, Leaving Thousands of Pupils at Risk
In Krachi East Municipality, the future of daily school meals for thousands of pupils hangs in the balance, as cooks and caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme threaten to halt their services over months of unpaid allowances. For many of these cooks, responsible for preparing meals for public basic schools, working without pay has become the norm. Despite the financial strain, they have continued to serve the children, often dipping into their personal savings or taking out loans just to keep the kitchens running. Madam Mariama Adisah, one of the affected cooks, shared her frustration: “We have been patient for too long. Some of us borrowed money just to continue cooking for the children because we know many of them depend on the meals. If the money is not paid soon, we will have no option but to stop.” Repeated appeals and discussions with programme caterers have brought only empty promises, with no funds disbursed to date. Now, the cooks and caterers have issued a final ultimatum, unless the government settles their outstanding allowances, they will withdraw their services, leaving pupils without their much-relied-upon meals. Caterers, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that they have received no financial support from the government since they joined the programme. The prolonged delays in payments have forced many to operate on borrowed funds, credit purchases, or dwindling personal resources. The situation has become critical, with food suppliers now demanding cash upfront due to unpaid debts, making it increasingly difficult to secure basic ingredients like rice, beans, oil, and fish. “We have been using our own money because we didn’t want the children to go hungry, but things have become extremely difficult. Traders are refusing to supply on credit because previous debts have not been settled,” one caterer explained. The rising cost of food and transport has only deepened their troubles, leaving many indebted to both traders and financial institutions. The cooks and caterers warn that, without immediate government intervention, they will have no choice but to suspend their services, an action that threatens to disrupt academic work and jeopardize the welfare of thousands of children who rely on the programme for daily nutrition. They are urgently appealing to the government, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the National School Feeding Secretariat to release the outstanding funds and save the school feeding programme from collapse in Krachi East. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Queiroz Names 28-Man Black Stars Squad for World Cup Preparations, With Key Returns and Cardiff Camp
As anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup mounts, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled a 28-man provisional squad set to anchor Ghana’s preparations in Cardiff. The group, which includes five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards, kicked off their intensive training camp at Wales’ National Football Development Centre, Dragon Park, on Monday, May 25, 2026. The camp marks the start of a crucial phase for Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, highlighted by a marquee friendly against the Welsh national team on June 2. This high-profile fixture is expected to test the Black Stars’ readiness ahead of their departure for the global tournament in North America. Queiroz’s selection has generated excitement, thanks to the return of key players and the inclusion of fresh talent. Among the squad is experienced left-back Baba Abdul Rahman, who reclaims his spot after a stellar season with PAOK FC in Greece, where he impressed with three goals and three assists in 35 matches. Another headline inclusion is winger Ernest Nuamah of Olympique Lyonnais, who rejoins the team after overcoming a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Youngster Paul Reverson, currently with Ajax in the Netherlands, is also making waves with his first-ever national call-up, a move seen as part of the technical team’s long-term vision. Other notable names on Queiroz’s roster include Abdul Mumin of Spain’s Rayo Vallecano, Alidu Seidu from French side Stade Rennais, and Augustine Boakye with AS Saint-Étienne. The Black Stars will remain in Cardiff for the duration of their training camp before heading to North America, where they have been drawn into Group L for the World Cup’s opening phase. Their group stage journey will see them play across three major cities: Panama in Toronto, Canada; England in Boston, United States; and Croatia in Philadelphia, United States. With the squad assembled and preparations underway, Ghanaian football fans are eagerly watching as the Black Stars gear up for another shot at global glory. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Halts New 0.75% Wallet-to-Bank Transfer Fee Pending Review
The Bank of Ghana has stepped in to halt the planned introduction of a 0.75 per cent charge on direct wallet-to-bank transfers by Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL), following a wave of public concern and debate. MMFL had announced that the new fee would be implemented starting June 1, 2026, sending ripples across the digital payments landscape. Many Ghanaians voiced worries about how the extra charge could discourage mobile money transactions, undermine financial inclusion, and increase the cost of accessing digital financial services. Responding to the mounting concerns, the central bank issued a statement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, directing MMFL to put the proposal on hold. The Bank of Ghana emphasized the need for broader stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the planned fee. According to the central bank, any changes to charges within the mobile money ecosystem must be approached with caution to safeguard consumers’ interests and ensure the continued growth and fairness of the mobile financial services sector. The Bank of Ghana reiterated its commitment to protecting users and supporting their financial well-being. While the central bank’s intervention has temporarily paused the fee, it remains unclear when the consultation process will be completed or whether the proposed charge will be revised, approved, or scrapped altogether. For now, customers and industry stakeholders await the outcome of further discussions and the future direction of mobile money fees in Ghana.
Ghana Police Intensify Crackdown on Drug Trafficking in Upper East; 74 Arrested in Major Operations
The Ghana Police Service has escalated its campaign against narcotics trafficking and violent crime in the Upper East Region, culminating in the arrest of 74 individuals during two recent operations in Paga and Navrongo. Acting on intelligence, the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team launched a targeted crackdown on known criminal hotspots and suspected drug distribution networks. These efforts aim to disrupt trans-border crime and curb the flow of narcotics in the region. The first major sweep took place on May 20, 2026, along the buffer zone at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border in Paga. Officers apprehended 40 suspects, 28 men and 12 women, comprising a mix of nationalities: 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinabés, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese. During the operation, police seized numerous parcels and sacks containing suspected narcotic substances as well as five motorbikes believed to be integral to the drug distribution network. Just two days later, on May 22, the Special Operations Team moved into action again, this time raiding criminal enclaves in Navrongo Municipality. The focus was on areas infamously known for illicit activities, such as the Condemned Road Corridor, “After Six” Spot, and “Lighter Inn” Spot. This second operation netted 34 more suspects, 32 men and two women. Authorities also confiscated 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected drugs, and various foreign cigarettes suspected of being smuggled into Ghana. All 74 suspects were promptly brought before High Court Two under the jurisdiction of His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie. Sixteen of them were remanded into police custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for June 4, 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are currently being profiled and screened for further legal proceedings. According to the Police, all those arrested remain in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. Security agencies have vowed to continue their efforts to identify and apprehend additional individuals connected to criminal activities in the affected communities. These latest operations underscore the Ghana Police Service’s nationwide commitment to dismantling the narcotics trade, fighting violent crime, and tackling cross-border criminal networks, particularly in vulnerable border communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com