Star Oil Hikes Petrol and Diesel Prices by GH¢0.30 Per Litre, Effective July 26
Star Oil has announced an increase in pump prices for both petrol and diesel by GH¢0.30 per litre, with the new rates taking effect from Sunday, July 26, 2026. The oil marketing company attributed the upward adjustment to rising international petroleum product prices and fluctuations in the exchange rate. Under the revised pricing structure, Star Oil’s RON 95 petrol remains unchanged at GH¢16.75 per litre. However, motorists will now pay GH¢0.30 more per litre for both petrol and diesel compared to the previous pricing window. This latest hike makes Star Oil one of the first major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement a price adjustment during the current pricing window. As of Saturday, other leading OMCs such as GOIL had not announced any changes to their pump prices, keeping their rates unchanged for now. As a result, motorists who refuel at Star Oil stations will face higher costs starting July 26, while customers of other major OMCs will continue to pay existing prices until further notice. Fuel prices in Ghana are reviewed periodically and are influenced by international crude oil and refined petroleum product prices, the cedi’s exchange rate performance, and other market factors. The latest adjustment is expected to be closely watched by consumers and transport operators, as changes in fuel prices often lead to increases in transportation fares and the overall cost of living. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyer Accuses Judiciary of Rushing Political Cases to Satisfy Government
Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that judges handling politically sensitive cases are expediting proceedings in a way that suggests they are catering to the expectations of Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile monitored by this platform, the former Abuakwa South MP claimed there is an unusual urgency in the prosecution of political cases compared to other matters before the courts. “There seems to be an indecent haste to prosecute what I call political cases,” Atta Akyea remarked. He argued that, typically, judges allow cases to progress at a measured pace, often granting lengthy adjournments in both civil and criminal matters. However, he said politically related cases are increasingly being treated as exceptions, with courts prioritizing continuous hearings and accelerated proceedings. Atta Akyea contrasted this with civil disputes such as land cases, where litigants often endure prolonged delays before their matters are resolved. He questioned why the judiciary appears to devote greater attention and urgency to political criminal cases than to other matters on its docket, stating this has created a perception of “ambulance trials” for politically exposed persons. “There is a good grounding for the position that I think the judges are in an ambulance mood to jail people,” he asserted. Atta Akyea cautioned that the administration of justice should not be influenced by political expectations or electoral timelines, emphasizing that the courts must remain impartial and independent. He also criticized the handling of constitutional issues raised in proceedings involving his client, alleging that the trial judge failed to give adequate consideration to an application seeking to refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court before continuing with the trial. According to Atta Akyea, the court seemed determined to proceed without allowing the constitutional issues to be fully addressed, raising concerns about fairness and due process. “A court of competent jurisdiction wouldn’t want to care about the fact that, ‘How many people can we jail so they will say that we are politically consequential?’ No, that is not justice delivery,” he stressed. Atta Akyea maintained that the judiciary must ensure all cases, regardless of their political nature, are handled fairly and without any perception of external influence. The judiciary has not publicly responded to the allegations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Seeks Partnerships to Complete Agenda 111 Hospitals, Tackle ‘No Bed Syndrome’
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that the government is actively seeking partnerships with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), churches, and financially capable private individuals to accelerate the completion of the stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects and expand access to quality healthcare nationwide. Discussing plans for the health sector, Akandoh explained that the new initiative is designed to ensure value for money while fast-tracking the delivery of hospital projects that have faced delays. He emphasized the government’s continued commitment to delivering these facilities but acknowledged that strategic partnerships are essential to speeding up their completion and improving health infrastructure across the country. The minister also addressed the persistent “No Bed Syndrome,” describing it as a problem rooted not only in shortages of beds and medical equipment, but also inefficiencies in patient management at some health facilities. Akandoh noted that while many hospitals still struggle with insufficient beds and monitors, another contributing factor is the prolonged stay of patients in emergency wards after receiving initial treatment. “The beds and monitors are not enough. However, most of this is how some hospitals manage them,” Akandoh stated, adding that patients sometimes occupy emergency beds for more than 24 hours, thereby limiting access for new emergency cases. To address this, the Ministry of Health is rolling out a real-time bed management system in regional and teaching hospitals to improve patient flow and monitor bed occupancy. “We are now creating visibility in regional hospitals and teaching hospitals through a bed management centre to allow us to track patients who have overstayed in their emergency wards,” Akandoh said. He expressed confidence that the new system would help hospital administrators identify delays in patient transfers, free up emergency beds more quickly, and ultimately reduce the incidence of the “No Bed Syndrome.” Akandoh believes that the combined strategy of completing the Agenda 111 hospitals and strengthening hospital bed management will significantly improve healthcare delivery, ensuring that more Ghanaians have timely access to emergency medical care. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kebbi State High Court Judge Abducted by Suspected Terrorists, Police Launch Rescue Operation
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Justice Faruk Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, by suspected terrorists. Superintendent of Police Bashir Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, stating that Justice Bunza was kidnapped from his residence in Bunza town. Upon receiving the report, Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia swiftly deployed personnel from the Tactical and Intelligence units in a coordinated effort to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted judge. The police have assured the public that every effort is being made to secure Justice Bunza’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES to Address Rising Indiscipline in Senior High Schools; Odorgonno SHS Appeals for Science Lab Support
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of indiscipline among senior high school students and is set to take decisive action to curb the trend. Deputy Director-General of the GES, Professor Smile Dzisi, announced that the Service will convene a national stakeholder engagement in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, next week to investigate the root causes of student misconduct and devise effective strategies to address the issue. Speaking to the media during the 86th anniversary celebration of Odorgonno Senior High School, Prof. Dzisi emphasized that the GES is committed to ensuring accountability among students. She noted that while parents could be held responsible in certain situations, severe cases, such as serious destruction of property or other major offences, may require students to face legal consequences. “Any student that will be caught will be severely punished. Or any staff that will be caught condoning such actions will be severely punished. It’s important to agree on the way forward,” Prof. Dzisi stated. Meanwhile, authorities at Odorgonno Senior High School are appealing for urgent support to build a new science laboratory. Currently, the school is forced to use its dining hall as a science lab, a situation that has led to frequent breakage of laboratory equipment and hampered practical science lessons. The school also lacks a practical centre for visual arts students, further constraining hands-on learning. Headmaster Patrick Mensah has called on stakeholders, organisations, and individuals to help address these critical infrastructure challenges, stressing the need for improved facilities to enhance the quality of education at Odorgonno Senior High School. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Dismisses Viral Video, Says President Mahama’s Remarks Misrepresented for Partisan Gain
The government has called on the public to disregard a viral video making the rounds on social media, asserting that President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks have been deliberately misrepresented for partisan purposes. Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, issued a statement on Facebook on Monday, July 27, clarifying the context of the President’s comments after the video attracted widespread attention. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the video was manipulated by what he described as “misguided elements” intent on distorting the President’s words to serve narrow political interests. “Some misguided elements have sought to distort the President’s words in this video to achieve narrow partisan ends,” he stated. He explained that President Mahama was specifically referring to the release of GH¢150 million for post-flood mitigation works during a conversation with the National Security Coordinator, and not to any other issue as suggested by the video’s circulation. “The President clearly speaks of the ‘release’ of GHS 150 million, which was in direct reference to funds for post-flood mitigation works. That is what he was discussing with the National Security Coordinator and nothing more,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified. He urged the public to disregard the “mischievous lies” being spread and not to be misled by the viral claims. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Samson Lardi Anyenini Criticizes Government’s Stance on Offensive Speech, Calls Out Political Double Standards
Legal practitioner and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini has raised concerns over the government’s recent crackdown on offensive speech, questioning what he describes as a sudden surge of outrage from President John Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. Reacting to the arrests and prosecution of social media users over their political commentary, Anyenini argued that the current outcry from government officials is misplaced. “I don’t know why they are shocked. Shocked over this growing trend. Really? It begs the question. Why the sudden outrage?” he remarked. Anyenini, who also hosts a television program, pointed out that the NDC and current government leaders were among the primary beneficiaries of misinformation, insults, and vilification during the last two election campaigns. “Never once did they express revulsion or publicly rebuke their serial callers and social media activists who insulted, vilified, and maligned almost every prominent politician in the NPP, as well as disrespected traditional chiefs and elders across this country,” he said. He argued that political actors who encourage or tolerate offensive speech for electoral gain cannot turn around and condemn it after coming to power. “You cannot nurture a monster for political expediency during elections and then feign horror when it begins to bite everyone around you,” Anyenini stated. His comments come amid growing debate about freedom of expression, responsible speech, and political accountability in Ghana, following the government’s renewed efforts to curb offensive content on social media platforms. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
91,000 Victims of Modern Slavery Identified in Ghana Since 2021, Says Global Freedom Network
A civil society organisation, Global Freedom Network (GFN), has revealed that 91,000 victims of modern slavery have been identified in Ghana since 2021, contributing to a staggering global total of 50 million. The alarming figures were shared by GFN’s Programme Coordinator, Madam Elizabeth Poku, during an interview on the CruzFM Morning Show in Akumadan. According to Madam Poku, the statistics are based on the organisation’s internal research and highlight the persistent challenge of modern slavery despite decades-old international prohibitions. She noted that, even though the 1926 and 1934 Slavery Conventions outlawed slavery under international law, practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, child marriage, and debt bondage remain prevalent and are even on the rise. “Modern slavery is far from being eradicated. Our research shows that thousands in Ghana alone remain affected by various forms of exploitation,” Madam Poku stated. She explained that GFN, since its inception in 2014, has targeted the eradication of modern slavery through awareness creation, advocacy, and the forging of global partnerships. One of GFN’s core strategies involves organising signing ceremonies across the world, where religious leaders unite to make public declarations against slavery. Between 2014 and 2018, such declarations were made in cities including the Vatican, Delhi, Canberra, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Auckland, and Medellín. On 5 August 2021, Ghana hosted Africa’s first declaration ceremony, with 14 religious leaders from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria pledging their commitment to the fight against modern slavery. The recent disclosure comes in the wake of intensified anti-trafficking operations by Ghanaian security agencies. At a press briefing on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Ghana Police Service announced the rescue of 33 human trafficking victims and the arrest of 28 suspects. According to Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the operation was part of intelligence-led efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, human trafficking, and illicit arms trafficking in Accra, Tema, and the Ashanti Region. DCOP Donkor further revealed that earlier this year, security agencies had intercepted several trafficking cases, most notably involving victims trafficked from Nigeria into Ghana. These ongoing operations underscore the complex and evolving nature of modern slavery in the region. Madam Poku emphasized that understanding the root causes of modern slavery, such as poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws, remains essential to tackling the issue. She reiterated GFN’s commitment to addressing these challenges through ongoing public education, community engagement, and collaboration with government and international partners. GFN continues to call on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against modern slavery, urging for increased vigilance, reporting of suspected cases, and stronger support systems for survivors. As Ghana and the world grapple with the realities of modern slavery, the organisation stresses that only a coordinated and compassionate approach can bring lasting change. Source: Apexnewsgh.com