Dangote Launches Africa’s Biggest IPO, Opening Oil Refinery to Public Investment
In a landmark move for African capital markets, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote on Monday launched Africa’s largest-ever initial public offering (IPO), opening a roughly 3% stake in his state-of-the-art oil refinery to public investors. The offering, dubbed a “people’s IPO” by Dangote, aims to raise as much as $2.1 billion to fund further expansion of the refinery, already the continent’s largest. Dangote, Africa’s richest man, said the IPO is designed to “democratise wealth creation,” giving ordinary Nigerians a chance to share in the refinery’s success. The minimum investment is set at just 10 shares, about $4, making entry accessible through fintech and digital investment platforms. The IPO is expected to raise at least 2.15 trillion naira ($1.6 billion), but could reach $2.1 billion if oversubscribed and the company issues more shares. The launch comes on the heels of a July private placement that raised $2.5 billion for a 6% stake, valuing the company at $40 billion. The IPO, however, moves the refinery’s valuation closer to $49 billion. While retail investors will pay a higher price per share than the institutional buyers in July, company officials say the earlier discount was due to lockup periods and other conditions. Interest in the IPO is high: Nigerian investment app Bamboo reported record traffic, with some users temporarily unable to log in as excitement surged. “I’ll buy 2,000 shares,” said Lagos business owner Chris Chijioke, citing Dangote’s track record despite concerns over pricing. Institutional investors in the refinery already include the Africa Finance Corporation, sovereign wealth funds, and development finance institutions. The United Arab Emirates’ ADNOC has also shown interest, according to Dangote, though details remain under wraps due to confidentiality agreements. Built at a cost of $20 billion and operational since 2024, the refinery has redefined Nigeria’s fuel market. It processes 700,000 barrels of crude daily, with ambitions to double that by 2029. Analysts say the plant has transformed Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products, cementing its role as an economic powerhouse. Dangote revealed plans to eventually list all his conglomerate’s companies, including cement, sugar, and salt divisions, and suggested a possible secondary listing for the refinery in the United States within three to four years. “This IPO is a huge event for Nigeria and a symbol of African self-reliance,” said Charles Robertson, head of macro strategy at FIM Partners. With excitement running high and Nigeria’s equities market booming, the Dangote refinery IPO is poised to reshape the continent’s investment landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Sets October Dates for Constituency Elections, Urges Calm and Order
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its constituency-level elections will be held on October 24 and 25, with party officials emphasizing the importance of peace and order throughout the process. Mahdi M. Gibrill, the party’s Director of Elections and IT, shared the news in a recent media engagement. According to Mr. Gibrill, the electoral guidelines have been carefully crafted to ensure that the upcoming polls are smooth, transparent, and free from conflict. “The arrangements and guidelines put in place are intended to ensure that the constituency elections are conducted smoothly, peacefully, and without unnecessary misunderstandings or conflict,” he stated. Mr. Gibrill also appealed to party members and supporters to exercise restraint in their language and behavior during the electoral period. “We are appealing to all party members to be mindful of their language and conduct and to avoid insults or actions that could create tension and undermine the peace of the elections,” he cautioned. Urging broad participation, he encouraged all members to respect the laid-down procedures and contribute to a peaceful, transparent, and orderly election. “We expect all members to conduct themselves responsibly and ensure that the elections are peaceful, transparent, and orderly,” Mr. Gibrill concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Calls Urgent Security Summit to Tackle Ghana’s Border Vulnerabilities
In response to rising concerns over the use of Ghana’s ports, airports, and land borders for trafficking illicit drugs, President John Dramani Mahama has summoned a high-level meeting of key security and regulatory agencies. The urgent summit is set for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government. According to an invitation from Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the meeting will bring together the nation’s top security, intelligence, port, and aviation authorities. The agenda is focused on identifying vulnerabilities in Ghana’s border security system, strengthening intelligence-sharing, enhancing cargo and passenger screening, improving inter-agency coordination, and deploying advanced technologies to disrupt narcotics trafficking. Amid growing concerns about Ghana being used as a conduit for narcotic drugs, the heads of several key institutions have been asked to attend in person, each accompanied by a relevant technical officer. Invitations have gone out to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Navy, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Police Service-Criminal Investigations Department/Interpol, Narcotics Control Commission, and Ghana Airports Company Limited. Terminal scanner operators, Meridian Port Services Limited and Ghana Link Network Services Limited, have also been summoned. Each institution is required to present a brief assessment of current security gaps and propose actionable recommendations for improving intelligence sharing, surveillance, screening, and joint enforcement operations. The invitation underscored the urgency of the gathering, citing the serious national-security implications of narcotics trafficking and calling for the personal attendance of the heads of all invited organizations. As Ghana seeks to safeguard its borders and reputation, the meeting is expected to produce decisive strategies for tightening security and curbing the flow of illicit substances through the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MP Sosu Urges Protection of Ghana’s Image Amid Major Cocaine Seizure
It was a week of concern and reflection for Ghana as news broke that French customs had intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, worth about $260 million, from a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana to the port of Dunkirk. The staggering seizure sent shockwaves through international media, and at home, it led to a firm call for action from the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu. In a recent media interview, Sosu emphasized that Ghana’s hard-earned international reputation must not be tarnished by the misdeeds of a few. “Our nation’s global standing is a precious asset,” he stressed, “and we cannot allow the actions of individuals seeking to enrich themselves illegally to undermine our collective integrity.” Sosu urged authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the shipment and to ensure that anyone found responsible is swiftly brought to justice. He pointed out that under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana had worked tirelessly to position itself as a respected leader in global diplomacy. He further commended the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his ongoing efforts to project Ghana as a beacon of integrity and democracy in Africa. The MP’s remarks highlighted a deep concern: that the actions of a few must never be allowed to overshadow the honesty and diligence of the many. “We must stand united in transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of the law,” Sosu concluded, “to protect the international reputation that Ghana has worked so hard to build.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Workers Are Receiving Salaries for No Work’ — Sumaila Abubakari Demands BOST Depot Reactivation
A well-known and active member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Sumaila Abubakari, has intensified calls on the government to urgently restore full operations at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) depot in Bolgatanga. According to him, the prolonged inactivity of the facility is denying the Upper East Region a major economic opportunity while government continues to spend taxpayers’ money on workers who, he claims, have little or no work to do. The Bolgatanga BOST Depot was established as a strategic petroleum storage and distribution facility, with the potential to serve northern Ghana and provide an important supply route to landlocked Sahelian countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The facility also has the potential to reduce the dependence on long-distance fuel transportation by tankers to northern Ghana, thereby easing pressure on major roads while supporting economic activities within the region. In July 2026, Apexnewsgh contacted the BOST headquarters in Accra for clarification on the status of the Bolgatanga depot. The company indicated that the facility had been undergoing an upgrade. However, Mr. Sumaila says the continued delay has become a source of concern, particularly among residents who believe the facility should have resumed operations by now. Speaking on the matter, he appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama and all 15 Members of Parliament in the Upper East Region to take urgent steps to ensure that the depot becomes operational. “The President and his team, and all the 15 MPs in the Upper East Region, this is the only company we have in Bolga and they stopped work almost two years now.” He said residents had repeatedly raised the issue but were yet to see the desired action. “We fight, fight, fight but nothing is happening. We are begging the President. He should quickly, as possible, let the depot start work.” Mr. Sumaila further expressed concern about workers and other personnel stationed at the facility, including security personnel, customs officers and fire officers. According to him, these workers report to the facility but have limited activities to engage in because the depot remains inactive. “All are coming, sitting, looking at the quota and the tanks. We are working almost two years. So we are appealing to the government. You should quickly stand up and then open the depot to start work.” He argued that reopening the depot would have significant economic benefits for the region, particularly by creating a more efficient fuel distribution system for communities in northern Ghana. Mr. Sumaila also raised concerns about what he described as vested interests surrounding the transportation of petroleum products. He suggested that some stakeholders within the tanker transportation business could be benefiting from the current arrangement because fuel has to be transported over long distances. “I know the connection between the tanker drivers, tanker owners. They are doing that thing. Because if here is working, they can’t get the long journey.” He maintained that an operational Bolgatanga depot could supply petroleum products to areas including Navrongo, Bolgatanga, Wa and Bawku, potentially reducing the need for some long-distance tanker movements. Mr. Sumaila therefore called on all 15 MPs in the Upper East Region to speak collectively on the issue and push for the speedy completion of the depot’s upgrade and its return to full operation. “All the MPs in this region, they should wake up and talk about the company.” He said the people of the Upper East Region voted massively for the governing NDC and therefore expected their representatives to champion issues that directly affect the region’s economic development. For Mr. Sumaila, the immediate reopening of the Bolgatanga BOST Depot is not merely about the facility itself but about employment, local economic activity and creating better opportunities for families and young people in the region. He concluded that the government and the region’s 15 MPs must act decisively to ensure that the facility resumes operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC’s Hon. Atiah David aka “The General” declares intent to contest Bolgatanga East Communication officer position
A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Hon. Atiah David , has declared his intention to contest for the communication officer position. Hon. Atiah David have served in several positions in the National Democratic Congress for over twelve (12) years ranging from Constituency Youth secretary, Constituency deputy secretary, Constituency treasurer, campaign team member, director of party orientation and research, member of Constituency elections committee, TEIN Member, Regional PRO for proforum( teachers front upper East region) and a member of Constituency and regional communications team etc. In student leadership, Hon. Atiah David has served as the SRC financial secretary in Gbewaa training college in 2012 and also as the SRC General Secretary at Valley View University in the year 2016. In a declaration issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Hon. David said the decision follows months of broad and intense consultations with stakeholders and party elders in the constituency and the region. “After months of broad and intense consultation to contest the Bolga East communication officer position, on this day 15th September 2026 I, Hon. Atiah David therefore declare my intention to go ahead with my long-time ambition to assist with the communication strategy and commanding the narrative through simplifying the policies of the party in the Region,” he stated. Hon.Atiah David said his leadership will be rooted in honesty, transparency and accountability. According to him, political communication requires someone with a clear strategy that will help deciminate the policies and programs of the party to the average voter and citizen. He stated that his experience, competency and leadership capacity makes him the right candidate to lead the party’s communication machinery. He pledged to bring on board all communicators within the branches and resource them for prudent and effective communication ahead of the 2028 general elections. The communication officer position is a key role in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for decimination of the party’s ideology, policies and programs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com