Bank of Ghana Governor Calls for Long-Term Resilience in Financial Sector After Restoring Stability
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, has declared that Ghana’s financial sector has successfully moved past the stage of restoring stability and now faces the challenge of building long-term resilience rooted in strong governance and sustainable business practices. Addressing heads of banks at a bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Dr. Asiama emphasized that while the sector has regained its footing, the focus must now shift to ensuring durability. “Stability has been restored. The task now is durability. Durability requires stronger business models, broader ownership, deeper intermediation, disciplined innovation, and sound governance,” he asserted. Dr. Asiama reassured industry stakeholders that the Bank of Ghana would remain a “firm, fair, and forward-looking partner,” providing support where needed but maintaining clear regulatory standards. The Governor also referenced the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) recent decision, explaining that at its 128th meeting in January, the Committee reviewed improving global and local economic conditions before acting. With inflation declining faster than anticipated and expectations well anchored, the MPC determined that monetary conditions remained tight and, as a result, reduced the policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.50 percent. This move reflected growing confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery and easing inflationary pressures. Beyond monetary policy, Dr. Asiama revealed that the central bank had completed a thematic review of banks’ business models, focusing on funding sources, governance quality, and operational sustainability. He highlighted the need for continued structural reforms, particularly in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to address rising digital threats. In a bid to deepen ownership and enhance market discipline, the Governor encouraged banks to consider raising capital through listings on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a new era for Ghana’s financial sector, one where lasting resilience, innovation, and sound governance are at the forefront of industry priorities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Defence Minister Nitiwul Accuses Mahama Administration of Abandoning Galamsey Fight
Former Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has sharply criticized the administration of John Dramani Mahama, accusing it of abandoning the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Nitiwul expressed alarm over the worsening depletion of forest reserves and the increasing pollution of major water bodies under the current government. Nitiwul noted that illegal mining has long been a source of grave environmental problems in Ghana, destroying forests and contaminating rivers that serve as vital sources of drinking water. Despite recent efforts by the government to clamp down on galamsey, he argued that the situation has only deteriorated. “No, no, that is worse off. Completely worse off. Everybody knows it’s worse off,” Nitiwul asserted. “We’ve depleted a lot of our team. Last year, what happened on the field was bad. It’s worse off.” He further alleged that the government has essentially abandoned its efforts to curb illegal mining. “I think the government has given up. That’s why nobody’s talking about it any longer. They’ve just given up. That’s basically what it is,” he said. Nitiwul’s comments highlight growing concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling galamsey and the environmental toll the practice continues to exact on Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
FDA Shuts Down 16 Food Establishments in Greater Accra for Lacking Hygiene Permits
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken decisive action to safeguard public health, shutting down 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid hygiene permits. The closures, which took effect on Wednesday, February 18, targeted businesses that failed to meet regulatory requirements despite prior warnings. Among the affected facilities are The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, along with several others. The FDA’s enforcement followed a two-week public notice, which cautioned that from February 1, 2026, any food service business without a valid Food Hygiene Permit would face closure. The announcement was made on the FDA’s official Facebook page, where the Authority reiterated its commitment to public safety and strict adherence to hygiene standards. The directive covers a wide array of food-related businesses, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices. By enforcing these regulations, the FDA aims to ensure that all establishments serving food to the public maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
South Korean court sentences ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol to life for insurrection
A South Korean court has found former President Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of orchestrating an insurrection, sentencing him to life in prison for his failed attempt to impose military rule in December 2024. The 65-year-old’s order, which lasted just six hours, brought the government to a standstill and significantly weakened his political party, contributing to its loss in the subsequent elections. “The attempt to subvert the constitutional order cannot go unpunished,” the presiding judge said during the verdict announcement. The incident has left a lasting mark on South Korean politics and society. Crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the court in protest, reflecting the deep divisions his actions have caused across the nation. Yoon is already serving prison time for another conviction related to the same failed martial law order and still faces two additional trials. Source: BBC
Ga Mantse Escapes Unhurt in Oti Region Road Accident
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is reported to be in stable condition and unharmed after being involved in a road accident in the Oti Region in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred at around 2:00 am as the King was making his way back to Accra from Tamale, where he had paid a private visit to the Yaa Naa, the overlord of the Northern Region. The visit was part of ongoing efforts to foster unity and strengthen ties among Ghana’s traditional authorities. According to sources close to the palace, while the Ga Mantse emerged from the crash without injury and remains in good spirits, his driver was not as fortunate. The driver sustained critical injuries and was promptly rushed to hospital for medical attention. The palace has assured the public that the King is safe, and traditional engagements with other chiefs will continue as planned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAIMOS Foils Bribery Attempt After Seizing Illegal Mining Equipment in Bekwai
The fight against illegal mining in the Ashanti Region took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) foiled a bribery attempt by three suspected galamsey operators in the Bekwai Municipality. The NAIMOS task force, continuing its crackdown on galamsey, returned to the Edwinase and Kokotro sites, locations previously targeted for illegal mining. At Kokotro, the team uncovered an active galamsey operation perilously close to the town, raising concerns for public safety, property, and the environment. During the operation, the task force dismantled makeshift structures and destroyed industrial pumping machines and other illegal mining equipment. They also seized a Liugong excavator, two Liugong monitors, and an unregistered motorcycle as evidence. As the team made their way back to base, three men, Emmanuel Koblah, Samuel Addai, and Kofi Frimpong, approached them in a Black Tundra F150 with registration GR 4743–16. Claiming to own the Kokotro site, the men attempted to bribe the task force with GHC 119,825.00 in a bid to reclaim their seized equipment. The task force immediately rejected the offer, arresting the trio on the spot and handing them over to the Bekwai Police Station for further investigation and prosecution. The attempted bribe, the excavator monitors, and the vehicle have all been secured at NAIMOS headquarters as evidence. NAIMOS issued a stern warning to all illegal miners and their associates: any attempt to bribe officers will result in swift arrest and prosecution. The Secretariat also called on local authorities and security agencies to intensify surveillance of previously raided sites to prevent a resurgence of illegal mining activities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Governor Warns Banks Against Overreliance on Interest Income Amid Easing Rates
Banks in Ghana are being urged to rethink their profit strategies as the country’s interest rate environment continues to normalize. Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, delivered this cautionary message to banking executives at a recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where he revealed that nearly 68 percent of industry profitability currently stems from net interest income, the spread earned on loans and government securities versus what is paid on deposits. Dr. Asiama acknowledged that while interest income remains a core aspect of banking, excessive dependence on it exposes banks to the risks of fluctuating interest rates and sovereign market dynamics. “There is nothing inherently problematic about net interest income,” he noted, “however, a high dependence on it increases sensitivity to interest rate cycles and sovereign exposure dynamics.” A recent review by the central bank highlighted limited financial intermediation, with loans comprising less than a fifth of total industry assets, while asset concentration in government and central bank securities remains high. This means banks’ profitability is closely tied to monetary policy decisions. The warning comes as Ghana’s macroeconomic landscape shows signs of stability. The Bank of Ghana recently cut its benchmark policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.5 percent, citing rapid disinflation and anchored inflation expectations. Headline inflation dropped dramatically from 23.8 percent in December 2024 to just 3.8 percent in January 2026, the lowest since the adoption of inflation targeting. Real GDP expanded by 6.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, led mainly by growth in services and agriculture. This easing cycle has already led to falling money market yields. Treasury bill rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, with the 91-day bill now at 8.61 percent, the 182-day at 10.68 percent, and the 364-day at 11.06 percent, well below the year’s start. While this spells relief for government borrowing, it also signals shrinking margins for banks that rely heavily on these investments. Dr. Asiama urged banks to diversify their revenue streams beyond interest income, suggesting a stronger focus on transactional banking, trade finance, payments services, treasury operations, and other fee-based businesses that are less sensitive to changing rates. On asset quality, the Governor acknowledged that non-performing loans have improved but remain above the desired benchmark. With credit growth expected to accelerate as rates fall, he emphasized the need for strong underwriting and sectoral risk assessment to avoid a build-up of bad loans. To further strengthen the sector, the central bank will enhance its supervisory framework to include business model analysis, enabling early risk detection and timely regulatory action. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a strategic shift for Ghana’s banks, urging them to move toward a more diversified and resilient business model, one that can weather shifting monetary conditions and foster deeper financial intermediation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Accra Tomato Traders Warn of Imminent Shortage and Price Hikes Amid Supply Chain Threats
Tomato traders and importers in Accra are sounding the alarm over a looming tomato shortage and potential price hikes, urging the government to urgently invest in local irrigation infrastructure. Without such action, they warn, Ghana’s heavy dependence on imports from Burkina Faso, a trade route now fraught with peril, will continue to threaten food security and the livelihoods of thousands. The warning follows recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians and left others injured, disrupting the critical cross-border tomato supply chain. The incident has heightened fears among traders, many of whom now question the safety of continuing their operations. Esther Owusu Ansah, a tomato importer with more than three decades of experience, told Citi Business News that traders may soon stop traveling to Burkina Faso if adequate security is not guaranteed. “Our drivers have families, and they cannot risk their lives just to transport tomatoes,” she emphasized, noting that while security escorts are provided up to Paga, the journey beyond remains unpredictable. “We are even beginning to reconsider importing tomatoes altogether,” she added, expressing a growing sentiment among importers. Fellow trader Adwoa Pinnaman echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for the government to invest in irrigation systems and dams to support local tomato farming. “Many of the tomatoes we get are usually rotten,” she lamented, pointing out that significant sums are spent supporting Burkina Faso’s economy instead of strengthening Ghana’s own agricultural sector. Otumfuo Charity, Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch and an executive member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, raised another issue: the threat of smuggling. She warned that some traders from Togo exploit the current disruption by selling tomatoes meant for Togolese markets directly in Ghana. “We will not accept this, and we will issue a warning against such practices,” she asserted. Meanwhile, drivers and transporters distributing tomatoes across Ghana say their business has almost ground to a halt. Kwame Siaw, a driver at the CMB Underbridge branch, worried that many may be forced into unsustainable alternative jobs if the shortage persists. Veteran driver Peter Boahen added, “With fewer tomatoes on the market, prices will become more expensive. Since the main trucks that transport tomatoes from Burkina Faso are no longer coming, we will be left sitting here idle. How then will we take care of our families?” The traders’ collective message is clear: without prompt investment in local production, Ghana faces continued supply disruptions, rising prices, and growing economic hardship. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry Unveils Plans for Digital Church Registry Amid Thousands of Unregistered Churches
A sweeping effort to bring order and transparency to Ghana’s burgeoning religious sector is on the horizon, as the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs announces plans for a nationwide digital registry of churches. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim addressed Parliament, revealing that while over 2,200 churches are formally registered in Greater Accra as of 2025, thousands more operate nationwide without official recognition. Minister Ibrahim outlined the government’s intention to introduce a digital platform to streamline the registration process and provide accurate, real-time data on churches across the country. “We will establish a formal collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Justice to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee,” he stated. He further explained that metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies would keep local registers of churches under their jurisdictions, while the new digital platform would empower churches to update their operational status regularly. This initiative, he said, aims to ensure accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data, critical for governance, planning, and regulatory oversight. Recent regional surveys show that in Greater Accra, 98.1% of churches are single-owner entities, with the remainder affiliated to larger denominations. Though the Registrar General’s Department does not publish a consolidated national figure, available data suggest that the total number of churches in Ghana is in the several thousands. The proposed digital registry will be linked to the Registrar General’s database, enabling verification of operational churches and enhancing transparency in the sector. Minister Ibrahim concluded, “This is a timely step toward modernising our administrative systems and strengthening accountability in the religious sector, which has experienced rapid growth in recent decades.” The Ghana Statistical Service, meanwhile, continues to track religious affiliations rather than registrations, with 71.2% of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Justice Clears EC Chair, Deputies, and Special Prosecutor of Removal Petitions
The chapter on a series of high-profile removal petitions has come to a close, following a determination by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie that no prima facie case exists to warrant further investigations against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, her deputies, or the Special Prosecutor. According to a statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama had referred seven petitions for the removal of Electoral Commission Chair Jean Mensa and her deputies, along with three separate petitions targeting Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, to the Chief Justice. The referrals, made on November 25, 2025, were in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 15 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), which requires the Chief Justice to determine if the petitions disclose a case worth investigating. By a letter dated January 26, 2026, the Chief Justice informed President Mahama that none of the petitions established sufficient grounds for removal proceedings against the officeholders. The announcement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, effectively brings an end to current attempts to unseat the Electoral Commissioner, her deputies, and the Special Prosecutor. With this decision, the affected officials remain in office, as the legal threshold for further action has not been met. Source: Apexnewsgh.com