Public sector workers are set to receive a 9% increase in total remuneration in 2027
Public sector workers are set to receive a 9% increase in total remuneration in 2027, effective January 1, following an agreement reached between the government and Organised Labour. The announcement came on Wednesday, after a crucial meeting of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee. Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of Organised Labour, revealed that the long-awaited pay adjustment will comprise an 8-percentage-point increase in base pay and a 1-percentage-point allocation for conditions of service. This significant development followed weeks of negotiations between government representatives and leaders of Organised Labour, who have been advocating for improved conditions for public sector employees. The new agreement aims to address rising living costs and boost worker morale across all public institutions. In addition to the 2027 adjustment, the two parties agreed on a further 10% across-the-board pay increase for 2028, also effective January 1. The 2028 increase will be calculated based on the applicable wage bill as of December 31, 2027. While the agreement marks an important milestone, it remains subject to the necessary legislative process before it can be fully implemented. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bui Power Authority Expands Solar Capacity, Reaches Beyond Operational Borders
Since 2020, the Bui Power Authority (BPA) has been on a mission to transform Ghana’s energy landscape, harnessing the sun’s power to diversify the nation’s electricity generation. Within just a few years, the Authority has developed about 200 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations within its traditional operational area, marking a major leap in Ghana’s renewable energy drive. The story of BPA’s solar transformation took a significant turn when Parliament amended the Authority’s enabling Act. This fresh mandate empowered BPA to move beyond its hydropower roots and embrace green and clean energy resources. Under this expanded mission, BPA rolled out a phased approach to solar development. In 2021, BPA commissioned its first 50MWp solar plant, alongside a pioneering 1MWp floating solar installation on the Black Volta River. The floating system was a bold experiment: could solar panels on water reliably generate and deliver power? The answer was a resounding yes. The success of this pilot led to a further 4MWp being added to the floating project in 2023, bringing the total floating capacity to 5MWp. Additional ground-mounted solar capacity brought BPA’s operational area total to an impressive 200MWp by 2025. But BPA’s ambitions didn’t stop there. For the first time, the Authority ventured beyond its usual territory to deliver the 50MWp Galgu solar plant in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. Costing around US$50 million and executed in partnership with Ghanaian company First Sky Limited under an EPC+F arrangement, the project marked a new chapter for BPA. First Sky not only financed the project but also handled planning, installation, and construction. The investment is set to be recouped through payments for the electricity generated over five to seven years. Senior External Relations Officer, Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia, highlighted the long-term benefits of the solar push during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show. He explained that, while solar installations require significant upfront investment, their operating costs are much lower than those of thermal plants, as they aren’t reliant on continuous fuel purchases. In the long run, solar and hydropower offer both economic and environmental advantages. The Galgu plant is expected to boost electricity supply in Yendi and communities along the Eastern Corridor, while also extending BPA’s renewable footprint further across Ghana. The newest capacity additions are set to be commissioned into the national grid soon, further strengthening Ghana’s energy resilience and supporting the country’s clean energy transition. BPA Solar Capacity at a Glance: Solar PV within operational area (since 2020): ≈ 200 MWp of which floating PV on the Black Volta: 5 MWp Galgu, Yendi Municipality (first project outside operational area): 50 MWp Combined BPA solar portfolio: ≈ 250 MWp Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Seeks to Deepen Energy Ties with Russia at Russia-Africa Summit
As the Russia-Africa Summit approached, President John Dramani Mahama found himself reflecting on Ghana’s longstanding relationship with Russia. With a bilateral meeting scheduled with President Vladimir Putin, Mahama was eager to explore new frontiers in cooperation, especially in the energy sector. Ghana, already a powerhouse in West Africa, supplies electricity to neighboring countries like Togo, Burkina Faso, and Benin, and maintains power exchanges with Côte d’Ivoire. But President Mahama knew that relying solely on traditional energy sources would not be enough for the future. He envisioned a more diverse energy landscape for Ghana, one that included solar power and, ambitiously, nuclear energy. “The solidarity between Ghana and Russia is one that is historic,” Mahama remarked as he prepared for the summit. “We believe that the time has come for us to bring it back to that level, and that’s why I personally agreed to come myself for the Russia-Africa Summit.” For Mahama, the upcoming conversation with President Putin was more than a diplomatic formality. It was an opportunity to tap into Russia’s advanced technological expertise and to invite Russian investment into Ghana’s burgeoning energy sector. “We’re looking forward to the bilateral meeting with President Putin because I think that that meeting will open up new areas of cooperation. For instance, in the area of energy, Ghana is one of the leading producers of power. And so we’re looking at alternative energy sources like solar, we’re even looking at nuclear, adding nuclear to our energy mix,” he explained. Confident that Russia’s support could help propel Ghana’s energy ambitions, President Mahama was optimistic about the summit’s outcomes. “I know that Russia has advanced technology in some of these things and so we’re looking forward to that meeting and I’m sure that after the meeting it will draw our relationship even closer in terms of investments and in terms of economic relations.” As the summit drew near, hopes were high that the historic ties between Ghana and Russia would be rekindled, this time, with the power to light up a brighter, more sustainable future for both nations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
DRAC Honoured with Excellence in Development Research and Policy Advocacy Award at Ghana Philanthropy Awards 2026
The Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC) has been named the recipient of the Excellence in Development Research and Policy Advocacy Award at the 5th Edition of the Ghana Philanthropy Awards 2026. The award recognises DRAC’s significant contribution to development research, policy advocacy, and the promotion of social well-being in Ghana. Official notification of the award reached DRAC on 21 October 2026, in a letter addressed to its Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Jonathan Adabre Atia, from the organisers of the prestigious awards event. According to the organisers, DRAC was selected after a rigorous nomination and independent evaluation process involving research consultants and professionals in philanthropy, development, and social impact. The Centre was commended for its organisational impact, unwavering commitment to improving lives, and substantial contribution to national development. This year’s awards are themed “Honouring Purpose-Driven Giving for a Better Ghana”, celebrating organisations and individuals whose efforts address pressing development challenges and improve the well-being of communities nationwide. For DRAC, the recognition underscores the critical role of evidence-based research and policy advocacy in tackling challenges faced by vulnerable and underserved populations. The award also spotlights the essential contribution of civil society organisations in producing evidence to inform public policy, strengthen development programmes, and support initiatives that raise living standards across Ghana. DRAC’s selection reflects a growing appreciation for the relationship between quality research, informed policy decisions, and practical actions that meet community needs. The award will be officially presented at a gala ceremony on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The event will bring together leaders from government, the private sector, philanthropy, civil society, and the media to honour those advancing Ghana’s development. DRAC will receive a commemorative plaque, a certificate, and a medal of honour. Welcoming the honour, DRAC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-informed interventions and policy advocacy for sustainable development in Ghana. In a statement, Founder and Executive Director Mr. Jonathan Adabre also congratulated this year’s Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards winners, including overall winner Journalist Moses Apiah and health sector reporting winner Journalist Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, both partners of DRAC. Adabre credited the Centre’s collaborations with these journalists as contributing to DRAC’s own recognition at the Ghana Philanthropy Awards. He also extended gratitude to Journalist Mohammed Fugu for his generous guidance. About DRAC: The Development Research and Advocacy Centre, founded by Mr. Jonathan Adabre, is a development-focused organisation dedicated to research and policy advocacy with a focus on social well-being and positive development outcomes. About the Ghana Philanthropy Awards: The annual Ghana Philanthropy Awards honours individuals and organisations advancing philanthropy, social impact, and national development. This year marks the fifth edition, under the theme “Honouring Purpose-Driven Giving for a Better Ghana.” DRAC encourages media partners to share the news of this recognition and remains dedicated to impactful partnerships and programmes for the benefit of Ghanaian communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lands Commission Executive Secretary Details Reforms to Modernize Land Administration
At a media engagement hosted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, outlined a series of sweeping reforms and recent achievements aimed at transforming land administration in Ghana. Prof. Owusu-Ansah began by announcing the government’s development of a new National Land Policy to replace the existing 1999 policy. “It is our commitment that the new policy reflects current national priorities and responds effectively to emerging land governance challenges,” he said, explaining that an inception workshop had already brought together traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media. Further consultations will follow, with the review expected to be completed in 2027. Turning to the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), Prof. Owusu-Ansah revealed that regulations to operationalize the Act are at an advanced stage. The revised draft Legislative Instrument has been forwarded to Parliament, and approval is anticipated before the year’s end. A major highlight of the commission’s achievements is the digitisation of land services through the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS). By September 2026, ELIS enhancements in Greater Accra were extended to nine other regions, slashing the average turnaround time for official land searches from about a month to just seven working days. The Ashanti regional office will launch ELIS by the end of November, with nationwide coverage expected by 2027. Decentralization is also underway, with district offices established in selected MMDAs and 36 facilities renovated and furnished to bring services closer to the public. In surveying, the commission has established 51 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) in collaboration with LiSAG and private partners, significantly improving geospatial accuracy across the country. Several regional office projects are making headway: construction in Savannah, Upper East, and Western Regions is at 50% completion, while ongoing work in the Central Region has resumed. The final phase of the Greater Accra regional office complex is complete, and procurement for the Tema district office is underway. On the financial front, the commission has collected GH¢40.7 million in ground rent as of August 2026, already 90.4% of its annual target, and well above last year’s total. A digital ground rent payment platform is being piloted in Greater Accra. Prof. Owusu-Ansah cautioned all lessees to pay annual rent, renew expired leases, and update records to avoid legal action, noting that full legal procedures against defaulters will roll out in 2027. The commission is also facilitating land acquisition and compensation processes for major national projects, including road upgrades, interchanges, and resettlement initiatives. Prof. Owusu-Ansah concluded, “The Lands Commission remains committed to delivering on its mandate and contributing to government’s vision of a modern, efficient and responsive land administration system.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Raises Concerns Over Alleged Same-Sex Activity at Nsawam Prison
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has drawn attention to alleged same-sex sexual activities among inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. Speaking on Class 91.3 FM’s evening news analysis programme 505 with Charles Akrofi on Tuesday, October 27, Dr Boakye-Danquah relayed concerns shared by the former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman based on his own experience in prison. According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, Mr Boasiako described the use of the phrase “pay, pay, pay” among inmates as a code to signal sexual encounters between men or between women. He warned that if prison officers fail to act swiftly when such incidents occur, tensions could escalate into violence. “You are aware that in Nsawam prison people are not allowed to have sex… and he says that when you hear ‘pay, pay, pay’ it means that a man is sleeping with a man or a woman is sleeping with a woman, and so if the prison officers don’t get there early, you would realize that they will kill each other… so, he calls for a clear demarcation of inmates,” Dr Boakye-Danquah explained. These concerns form part of Chairman Wontumi’s broader call for improved classification of inmates in Ghana’s prisons. “Inmate classification is one of the things that Chairman calls for. It is important that we don’t mix up all the hardened criminals with people who don’t have an idea of certain high level of crimes,” he added. Dr Boakye-Danquah also highlighted the need for careful attention to inmates convicted of sexual offences, noting that efforts should be made to prevent the continuation of such acts behind bars. The discussion further touched on Ghana’s ongoing efforts to pass anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Dr Boakye-Danquah pointed out that those convicted under such laws would also join the general prison population, underscoring the need for clear inmate separation to protect security and prevent abuse. The allegations of same-sex sexual activity at Nsawam Prison have not been independently verified by Class News, and no response from the Ghana Prisons Service was included in Dr Boakye-Danquah’s account. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Unveils New DStv Packages: Ghanaians to Pay as Low as GH¢50 Monthly
Ghanaians will soon enjoy more affordable access to satellite television, as the government announces new DStv subscription packages starting at just GH¢50 per month. The move aims to tackle the growing problem of TV piracy and make premium content more accessible to households nationwide. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the announcement at a press conference, revealing that the new packages will be available from November 5, 2026. Minister George explained that the reduced pricing is designed to offer subscribers greater value for money and more viewing options. The GH¢50 package, he noted, will cost less than GH¢2 a day, while another new package will be priced slightly above GH¢3 a day. For viewers seeking more variety, a GH¢250 package will grant access to over 120 channels, including premium sports and entertainment such as Formula One and golf. The minister specified that the roll-out of the new prices is subject to clearance from the Attorney-General. Addressing the issue of piracy, Sam George said the government will partner with the Cyber Security Authority, National Communications Authority, National Security, customs, and other agencies to clamp down on the sale and use of pirated decoders and illegal TV boxes. “If you’re going to make it a high risk enterprise for people to use pirated boxes, then you need to make it a low entry access for everybody,” he explained. He further disclosed that a committee on subscription pricing and piracy is actively working not only on pricing but also on enforcement. Ongoing discussions with Canal+, which now owns MultiChoice Group, have yielded a sustainable solution for Ghanaians, with specific packages to be announced soon. Sam George emphasized the government’s motivation: “The question had been very simple. How do we put content in the hands or in the homes of Ghanaian families at a price that is affordable? The Ghanaian consumer is our ultimate interest.” MultiChoice Ghana CEO, Alex Okyere, confirmed the merger of MultiChoice and Canal+ and stressed that the new prices are not promotional offers but permanent rates. “These are the new packs, new prices that are here to stay,” he said. The initiative comes after months of public complaints over high DStv subscription fees and the rise of pirated decoders, which have negatively impacted both consumers and the local broadcasting industry. With these new measures, the government hopes to provide affordable, legal access to quality television for all Ghanaians while protecting the industry from piracy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com