Ghana Nears Debt Restructuring Completion with Belgium Agreement
Ghana has taken a major step forward in its efforts to resolve the nation’s debt crisis, following the signing of an agreement with Belgium to restructure €163 million owed to the country’s export credit agency. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced the milestone, describing it as a crucial move towards rebuilding trust in Ghana’s economy and ensuring a more secure financial future. “This agreement brings Ghana closer to completing its debt restructuring, restoring confidence and securing a more stable economic future for our people,” Dr. Ato Forson stated after the signing ceremony. Explaining the significance of the deal, the Finance Minister said it would relieve pressure on the national budget by lowering the government’s debt servicing costs. This, he noted, would free up resources to be invested in essential public services and infrastructure projects, directly benefiting citizens. “For every Ghanaian, it means more of our national resources can go towards improving lives rather than paying unsustainable debt,” Dr. Ato Forson emphasized. He highlighted how the agreement would make it possible for the government to allocate more funds to healthcare, education, roads, and other social infrastructure, rather than diverting vital resources to creditors. Beyond its immediate financial impact, the agreement represents a broader shift in Ghana’s fiscal management. Dr. Ato Forson stressed the need to prevent a repeat of past debt problems, revealing that the government is working to enshrine new fiscal rules in law. “Even if this government is not there, the next government will have to make sure that these fiscal rules are respected,” he said. The Finance Minister expressed gratitude to the Belgian government for its cooperation and for contributing to Ghana’s progress in tackling its debt challenges. The agreement with Belgium is the latest in a series of deals aimed at restructuring Ghana’s external debt and restoring fiscal stability after a period of economic turbulence. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Elections Committee Chair: Chairman Wontumi Free to Pick Nomination Form, Final Eligibility Rests with Vetting Committee
The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Elections Committee, Fredrick Opare-Ansah, has clarified that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, familiarly known as Chairman Wontumi and currently incarcerated, remains free to pick up a nomination form for the party’s 2026 national elections. Speaking to the media on August 21, 2026, Mr. Opare-Ansah addressed reports that Chairman Wontumi had obtained a form to contest a national executive position. He emphasized that the Secretariat has no mandate to prevent any person from acquiring nomination forms, regardless of their current circumstances. “Nothing stops anybody from buying a form,” he said. “But I can tell you that the eligibility of aspirants is not determined by the Secretariat. It’s determined by the Vetting Committee.” Mr. Opare-Ansah explained that anyone interested in contesting can access the forms online or in person and submit them for consideration. However, he was quick to point out that picking up a form does not guarantee a spot on the ballot. “It is only when you appear before the Vetting Committee that, if there is any reason why you cannot be cleared to contest, then that will come up,” he stated. He added that he was still awaiting the Secretariat’s final report to confirm if Chairman Wontumi had indeed picked up a form, noting, “I’ve gotten the statistics of how many people picked up forms today, and the breakdown: the Chairman category, the Vice-Chair category. I’m yet to receive the end-of-the-day report, which will tell me exactly which persons picked up forms.” The NPP has also extended the deadline for filing completed nomination forms by two days, shifting the closing date from Thursday, August 27, to Saturday, August 29, 2026. The extension aims to give prospective aspirants more time to complete the process, reflecting the strong interest in the upcoming elections. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Roads Minister Warns Against Inflated Compensation Claims, Eyes EOCO Probe for Surveyors
At the heart of Ashanti Region, where asphalt machines rumbled along the two-kilometre Feyiase-Sewua Regional Hospital access road, Minister for Roads and Highways Governs Kwame Agbodza delivered a stern warning that reverberated beyond the construction site. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing project by Kofi Job Construction Limited, Mr. Agbodza revealed that the government is considering referring two quantity surveyors to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The reason: alleged attempts to manipulate compensation claims involving properties affected by road projects. According to the Minister, these surveyors have been accused of persuading property owners to reject the official valuations conducted by government authorities. In return, they promise to secure compensation payments many times higher than the original assessments, a practice Mr. Agbodza described as a drain on public funds and a source of avoidable delays for crucial road works. “We are looking at the possibility of reporting two of those people to EOCO for investigation,” he stated, emphasizing that surveyors who deliberately encourage owners to turn down government valuations in the hope of inflated compensation could face scrutiny and legal consequences. Mr. Agbodza urged those whose properties are affected by road developments to rely on assessments made by state institutions like the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads. He cautioned against employing private surveyors who, after government teams have completed their work, approach property owners and encourage them to seek higher payments, sometimes even leading to court injunctions that stall projects and inflate costs. The Minister questioned how private surveyors could arrive at estimates significantly greater than those of trained professionals working in government agencies, all of whom follow established procedures. He reassured affected persons that the government remains committed to fair and lawful compensation for properties acquired for public projects. Mr. Agbodza also commended property owners who have cooperated with authorities during compensation processes for major projects such as the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. He stressed that concerns over inflated claims are not unique to the Ashanti Region, noting that similar issues have arisen in Accra and elsewhere. As roadworks progress across the country, the Minister’s message was clear: collaboration, transparency, and adherence to the law are essential to delivering the infrastructure Ghana needs, free from manipulation and unnecessary delays. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Interior Minister Orders Crackdown on Vigilantism and Unauthorized Security Groups
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has addressed the nation’s top police commanders. With a firm voice and unwavering resolve, he outlined a growing threat to Ghana’s peace, the rise of self-styled security groups formed by political parties, traditional leaders, individuals, and organizations. “These groups,” the Minister warned, “pose a real danger to our stability. The law is clear: only state-sanctioned security agencies are permitted to provide protection.” He referenced the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), reminding everyone that the formation of private security outfits without government approval is strictly prohibited. Standing before the assembled officers at the regional commanders’ conference, Mr. Muntaka issued a directive: the Ghana Police Service must intensify its efforts to root out vigilantism. Police commanders, he said, should act decisively to identify, investigate, and prosecute those involved in setting up illegal security groups. But his concerns didn’t end there. The Minister also turned his attention to a worrying new trend—the unauthorized recording and circulation of videos showing security recruits in training. He cautioned that such practices, especially when training footage appears on social media, risk undermining the integrity and confidentiality of the country’s security institutions. “Protecting the secrecy of our training is vital,” he stressed. “We cannot allow the professionalism and effectiveness of our security services to be compromised by careless publication of sensitive material.” With that, Mr. Muntaka called on all security service commanders to implement strict measures, ensuring that images and videos of recruits remain confidential unless officially approved. His message was clear: Ghana’s safety, professionalism, and peace must be preserved at all costs, and the law must be enforced without fear or favor. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Residents Warned as Spoiled Poultry Products Illegally Dumped in Ho Community
Residents of Tsawenu and Sokode Ando stumbled upon an unusual and troubling scene. Cartons filled with frozen chicken drumsticks, whole chickens, chicken feet, and other poultry parts were scattered along a path leading to the farmlands. The discovery soon sent shockwaves through Ho and its surrounding communities. Lawrence Senya, the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, was quick to issue a public caution: residents should avoid purchasing or consuming poultry products, especially those found in the area, until further notice. Initial reports revealed that some of the chicken was still frozen and had no telltale odor, tempting some locals to collect, prepare, and eat the meat. But the absence of spoilage signs didn’t convince officials of its safety. “We cannot rule out the possibility of contamination, toxins, or other harmful substances,” Mr. Senya cautioned, explaining that unknown individuals may have deliberately disposed of the products for a reason. As word spread, a joint team from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and environmental health officials launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping. In the meantime, community sensitization efforts began, urging anyone who had collected poultry from the site to voluntarily surrender it. Many residents had already cooked, smoked, or roasted the chicken before learning of the potential risks. To prevent further exposure, environmental health officials have been retrieving the surrendered products for safe disposal. Educational campaigns have intensified, warning residents to steer clear of suspicious poultry products until the authorities complete their investigation. Mr. Senya also reminded cold store operators, wholesalers, and retailers that food waste or expired products should only be disposed of through proper channels, with the supervision of health authorities. The incident has sparked serious conversations about food safety in the municipality. Authorities are appealing to the public to report any suspicious food dumping or unsafe handling to the FDA or local health offices, aiming to prevent a possible outbreak of foodborne illnesses. Wisdom Akorli, the Assemblyman for the area, condemned the act as evil. “This is an evil act for someone to dump spoiled frozen food in my area to destroy my people, but I pray we get the person,” he declared. He encouraged residents to surrender any questionable poultry to the authorities and assured them of his commitment to working with officials to bring the culprits to justice. “If you feel unwell after consuming any of these products, please report immediately to the nearest health facility,” he urged. As the investigation continues, the people of Ho are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize their health above all else. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Technical Glitch Disrupts Tax Payments: GRA Moves Swiftly to Restore Normalcy
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has encountered an unexpected challenge. Taxpayers, importers, and clearing agents who logged onto the Ghana.gov payment platform found themselves facing delays in processing their payments. The disruption, traced to technical issues affecting the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), and the Ghana Integrated Tax Management and Information System (GITMIS), was soon recognized as a widespread concern. The GRA quickly sprang into action. Working hand-in-hand with its technical partners, the Authority launched an all-hands-on-deck operation to diagnose and resolve the glitches. While the core issue was isolated to payment processing, the filing of tax returns remained unaffected. The platform itself stayed online, but many users noticed that their payments were taking longer than usual to be processed or weren’t immediately reflected on their accounts. Recognizing the potential impact on the nation’s taxpayers and business community, the GRA issued an urgent statement. They assured all stakeholders that technical teams were working around the clock and that resolving the problem was a top priority. The Authority emphasized that delayed transactions would eventually be processed and properly reflected in users’ portals once the system was fully restored. Importers, clearing agents, and taxpayers who depend on these systems for their daily activities were asked to remain patient. The GRA pledged to keep the public informed about progress and to minimize further disruptions as much as possible. In their concluding message, the Authority expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused, thanking everyone for their patience and understanding as the technical teams worked diligently to restore normal payment operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com