Calls Intensify for Upgrade of Bolgatanga Municipal to Metropolitan Assembly and Creation of Bolgatanga West Constituency
Growing concerns over the rapid development of Bolgatanga have sparked calls for the elevation of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to a Metropolitan Assembly and the creation of a new Bolgatanga West Constituency to improve governance, representation, and development. Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region, has witnessed significant transformation over the years, with a rising population, expanding urban communities, increasing commercial activities, and its growing importance as the administrative and economic centre of the region. Proponents of the upgrade argue that granting the municipality metropolitan status would better reflect its current responsibilities and provide a stronger institutional framework for urban planning, infrastructure development, effective service delivery, and attracting investments. They believe that as the city continues to expand, a metropolitan structure would enhance the management of urban growth and create new opportunities for sustainable development. Meanwhile, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, leader of the Alagumgube Association, has renewed calls for the creation of a Bolgatanga West Constituency. According to him, the existing constituency has grown considerably and serves a large and diverse population, making it necessary to consider a new constituency to improve political representation. Mr. Agambila believes that dividing the current constituency would bring governance closer to residents, enhance access to government services, and ensure that communities receive greater attention in areas such as roads, education, healthcare, and other essential infrastructure. Supporters of the proposal argue that creating a Bolgatanga West Constituency would promote balanced development and give more communities a stronger voice in national decision-making processes. The calls come at a time when Ghana continues to pursue decentralisation and equitable development across the country. Stakeholders believe it is important for the country’s administrative and political structures to evolve alongside population growth and changing development needs. Government, Parliament, the Electoral Commission, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and development experts have been encouraged to engage residents of Bolgatanga in broad consultations on the proposals. As the heartbeat of the Upper East Region, Bolgatanga’s growing influence and expanding urban landscape have renewed discussions about the need to review its administrative status and political representation to meet the demands of a modern and developing city. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMF Approves Final Review of Ghana’s $3 Billion Bailout, Marks End of Credit Programme
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has given the green light to the final review of Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, setting the stage for a final disbursement of about $371 million to the country. The Ministry of Finance announced the development on Monday, describing it as the successful conclusion of a three-year partnership aimed at restoring Ghana’s economic stability after the 2022 economic crisis. Launched in May 2023, the ECF programme was designed to help Ghana address severe fiscal and external imbalances. With this final approval, total disbursements to Ghana under the programme now amount to approximately $3 billion, providing critical support to the nation’s balance of payments. In its statement, the Ministry of Finance highlighted the government’s achievements under the programme, pointing to significant progress in fiscal discipline, reduced inflation, stronger external reserves, and the implementation of key structural reforms. “The successful completion of the programme reflects the significant progress Ghana has made in ensuring economic stability,” the ministry said. Looking ahead, the government announced it would embark on a new phase of collaboration with the IMF through a 36-month, non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). This new arrangement is intended to further underpin Ghana’s reform agenda and reinforce confidence in the country’s economic policies. The government expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their resilience and support throughout the reform process. It also acknowledged the contributions of the IMF Executive Board, management and staff, development partners, civil society, and the private sector. Reaffirming its commitment to reform, the government pledged to protect the gains achieved under the ECF programme and to continue building “a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous economy for all Ghanaians.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IEAG Calls on Ghana Shippers’ Authority to Crack Down on Shipping Lines Over Excessive Container Charges
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has renewed its calls for urgent action by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to rein in shipping lines accused of ignoring a government-imposed cap on the Container Administrative Charge (CAC). In a strongly-worded statement released by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the IEAG alleged that some shipping lines are openly violating a legally binding directive that sets the CAC at a maximum of GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU). The Association described the continued imposition of charges well above this cap as a direct affront to Ghana’s legal and regulatory system, especially after a recent High Court ruling confirmed the GSA’s authority. “Regrettably, evidence available to the Association, including invoices from major shipping lines such as PIL and MSC, indicates that some operators continue to impose excessive and unjustifiable charges in blatant disregard of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s directive,” the statement read. The Association cited cases where Pacific International Lines (PIL) charged an importer GH¢4,000 for a Container Release Order on a single 40-foot container, and MSC Ghana Limited billed GH¢3,870.46 as an Administrative Import Fee for a single 40HC container. These fees, the Association noted, are more than five times the approved charge of GH¢720 per TEU, representing a clear violation of the GSA’s directive and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122). The IEAG did not mince words, calling the actions of the shipping lines “economic sabotage” that not only undermine the GSA’s authority but also challenge the credibility of the country’s judicial system. The Association argued that such practices are the result of years of weak enforcement and a “kid gloves” approach by previous regulators, which have allowed shipping lines to levy arbitrary fees and force importers, exporters, and consumers to bear the financial burden. According to the IEAG, Parliament’s passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, was meant to strengthen regulatory oversight and protect the interests of businesses and consumers. The Association is now demanding a series of urgent measures, including: Immediate enforcement against shipping lines charging above the approved cap. Legal action under Section 47 of Act 1122 to compel compliance. Imposition of all available regulatory sanctions. Refunds of all excess charges collected since the cap was introduced. Public disclosure of defaulting shipping lines for transparency. “The Authority cannot afford to remain silent while regulated entities openly defy its directives,” the statement warned, adding that inaction would embolden further disregard for regulatory decisions. This renewed pressure from the IEAG comes in the wake of a July 10, 2026, High Court ruling that dismissed efforts by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and others to halt the GSA’s regulatory directive, thereby affirming the regulator’s mandate to enforce its rules. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Businessman Ibrahim Mahama Refutes VALCO Acquisition Allegations
On a quiet Monday morning, the business community in Ghana was stirred by rumors suggesting that prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama had expressed interest in acquiring the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). The whispers spread quickly, casting a shadow on Mr. Mahama’s reputation. However, the entrepreneur was swift to set the record straight. Through a statement released by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, on July 27, Mr. Mahama categorically denied any involvement in the alleged acquisition of the state-owned aluminium smelter. “Mr Ibrahim Mahama has no such interest and has not made any such offer to acquire VALCO,” the statement emphasized, leaving no room for doubt. The statement went further to denounce the allegations as yet another attempt to tarnish Mr. Mahama’s image. “Unfortunately, the allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” it lamented. Despite the distractions, Mr. Mahama remains unwavering in his commitment to Ghana’s development. The statement affirmed that he is focused on investing in businesses that generate growth and opportunities both within Ghana and beyond. “He is committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” it reiterated. Determined to defend his name, Mr. Mahama has instructed his legal team to initiate legal action over the publication and circulation of the false claims. While the statement did not specify the individuals or organizations to be sued, it made clear that the matter would be pursued through the appropriate legal channels. As the story continues to unfold, Mr. Mahama’s resolve to protect his reputation and contribute to Ghana’s progress remains firm, undeterred by unfounded rumors. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Auditor-General Uncovers Massive Unapproved Spending at ECG in 2023
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is under intense scrutiny following revelations by the Auditor-General that the company’s management spent hundreds of millions of cedis without the approval of its Board of Directors during the 2023 financial year. The findings, detailed in the Auditor-General’s report on ECG’s 2023 accounts, were brought to the fore at a recent sitting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The committee’s Ranking Member, Samuel Atta Mills, expressed grave concern over the scale of the overspending, noting that several expenditure items exceeded their approved budgets by tens of millions of cedis. Among the most striking overruns, foreign training was budgeted at GH¢31 million, but actual spending reached GH¢91 million, an excess of GH¢60 million. Cleaning expenses ballooned from a budgeted GH¢2.8 million to GH¢10.4 million, while stakeholder expenses skyrocketed from GH¢3.1 million to GH¢49 million. Other significant overruns included consultancy (budgeted at GH¢40 million, actual spending GH¢58.6 million), publicity (budgeted at GH¢5.7 million, actual spending GH¢21.8 million), and industrial relations (budgeted at GH¢2 million, actual spending GH¢13 million). In total, the 11 flagged expenditure items had a combined approved budget of GH¢105.431 million. However, ECG management ended up spending GH¢273.6 million, an overrun of GH¢168.169 million. According to the Auditor-General’s report, these expenditures were made without the necessary approval from ECG’s Board of Directors, in contravention of established financial governance protocols. The issue was a focal point during the PAC’s examination of the company’s audited accounts, raising concerns about accountability and oversight at the state power distributor. The revelations have sparked calls for further investigation and a review of ECG’s internal controls to prevent a recurrence of such financial irregularities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Announces GH¢5,500 Support Package for Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa
In a heartfelt move to ensure the dignified return and successful reintegration of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, the government has unveiled a comprehensive support package for each returnee. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared details of the government’s commitment to its citizens. According to Minister Ablakwa, every Ghanaian evacuated will receive a total of GH¢5,500. This sum is made up of a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 travel and transport allowance. In addition, the returnees will be provided with relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and enrolled for free under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The minister explained that the evacuation, which is being carried out in two phases, will cover nearly 2,000 Ghanaians, 926 in the first phase and an estimated 1,000 in the second. He emphasised that the government would present a full account of the evacuation exercise upon its completion. Corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals, including businessman Ibrahim Mahama, have also contributed generously to the initiative. But the government’s efforts do not end with the return flights. Minister Ablakwa described a range of reintegration programmes being rolled out to support the returnees. These initiatives include job placements, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and the creation of a special national database to connect returnees with employment and start-up opportunities. Already, about 200 jobs have been secured through partnerships with the private sector. Notably, Engineers and Planners Limited has committed 100 positions, while Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo, and other companies have also opened their doors to the returnees. “Government believes strongly that no Ghanaian returning home under distressing circumstances should feel abandoned or excluded from national support systems,” the minister stated. To safeguard the well-being of returnees, social workers will conduct follow-up visits for six months, providing mental health support, and a dedicated helpline has been established. Additionally, a public awareness campaign will be launched to combat any stigmatisation faced by returnees. Minister Ablakwa further revealed that the government is compiling a register of claims to pursue legal and diplomatic action for compensation for those who lost businesses and property during the xenophobic attacks. On the diplomatic front, Ghana has petitioned the African Union (AU) to urgently address the recurring xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals. Although the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was postponed, Ghana has maintained its petition and secured ECOWAS Heads of State endorsement to raise the issue at the next AU meeting. The minister stressed that the petition is not meant to single out South Africa, but rather to encourage a united continental response to protect the rights and dignity of all African citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com