Government Unveils Ambitious Social and Infrastructure Agenda for 2026
Parliament was abuzz on February 3 as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga outlined the government’s bold vision for 2026, declaring it a pivotal year for national progress. In his address, Mr. Ayariga painted a picture of transformation, with sweeping social and infrastructure initiatives that promise to translate recent economic gains into tangible improvements for ordinary Ghanaians. Central to the government’s plan is a renewed focus on education. Mr. Ayariga announced that work would resume on 30 Community Day Senior High Schools left unfinished in previous years. But that’s just the beginning. With support from the GETFund, the administration will also embark on the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 primary schools, and 200 kindergartens across the country. The plan extends beyond mere buildings. Recognizing the importance of a nurturing learning environment, the government will invest in teachers’ accommodation, improved sanitation facilities, textbooks, and classroom furniture. These efforts, Mr. Ayariga stressed, will ensure that the benefits of growth are felt in classrooms and communities nationwide. With these far-reaching initiatives, 2026 is poised to become a turning point in Ghana’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Major Illegal Mining Network on River Pra Dismantled in Covert Operation
In a daring intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) uncovered and dismantled a sprawling illegal mining network operating directly on the River Pra in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The raid, executed with the support of the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, targeted the river corridor between the Ofoase Awona and Nsese communities in the Akyemansa District. This operation forms part of Ghana’s ongoing national campaign to protect vital water bodies and enforce environmental regulations. Acting on verified intelligence and shrouded in secrecy, the joint task force set out with a clear mission: to disrupt illegal mining activities, verify reports of environmental violations, and destroy equipment polluting the river. The River Pra, a lifeline for many communities, has faced severe degradation from illegal mining, so much so that several water treatment plants were recently forced to shut down. To reach the site, the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through dense cocoa plantations, finally arriving at the riverbank where they discovered about 50 illegal miners actively working on the water. Sensing the imminent raid, the miners abandoned their operations and dove into the river, swimming across to Nsese to evade arrest. Undeterred, the task force pressed on, dismantling and destroying all illegal mining infrastructure left behind. The scale of the operation was significant; 75 dredging Changfang platforms and 50 gold washing platforms were destroyed, along with 150 Changfang machines that were found on the riverbed and subsequently burnt. Several pipelines and water hoses drawing water directly from the Pra were also destroyed. After the dust settled, NAIMOS officials engaged with local residents, educating them about the dire environmental, health, and livelihood risks posed by illegal mining. Community members expressed gratitude for the intervention and called for continued vigilance to restore the Pra River and safeguard their way of life. NAIMOS highlighted the troubling persistence of well-organised illegal mining networks in remote areas, which often operate with impunity despite local security and administrative structures. The Secretariat is now calling for stronger, better-coordinated efforts among security and administrative agencies to effectively dismantle these entrenched operations and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Energy and Green Transition Explores Stronger Ties with AFD for Ghana’s Energy Future
Dr. John Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, recently sat down with representatives from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for a pivotal discussion on the future of Ghana’s energy sector. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared vision as both parties reflected on their partnership’s achievements and mapped out new horizons together. The meeting centered around ongoing and forthcoming projects, with a strong focus on advancing reforms and making investments that foster sustainable growth and transform the energy landscape in Ghana. Dr. Jinapor emphasized the importance of building on the momentum of current initiatives, particularly those designed to improve efficiency, broaden access to electricity, and quicken the shift towards greener, more sustainable energy solutions. Throughout the conversation, AFD was applauded for its steadfast commitment as a development partner. Over the years, AFD’s support has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s energy infrastructure and informing critical policy decisions. Dr. Jinapor acknowledged the profound impact of this partnership, noting that AFD’s contributions have been vital in helping Ghana achieve key energy development objectives. He also highlighted the need for continued collaboration, especially as the government pursues new strategies to modernize the sector and ensure that every Ghanaian benefits from reliable, sustainable power. The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both Dr. Jinapor and the AFD team expressing optimism about deepening their partnership. United by a common goal, they reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient and sustainable energy sector that aligns with Ghana’s broader development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Attorney-General Unveils Legal Education Bill to Expand Access and Reform Training
Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has outlined the sweeping reforms proposed in the Legal Education Bill, 2025, which seeks to transform the nation’s legal training landscape. If passed, the legislation will empower accredited universities to take over professional legal education from the Ghana School of Law, a move Dr. Ayine says will break down barriers and widen opportunities for aspiring lawyers. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the bill, Dr. Ayine explained that the long-standing entrance examination for professional law training would be abolished and replaced with a new National Bar Examination. The change, he noted, is intended to create a more equitable and accessible pathway for qualified law graduates seeking entry into the profession. Dr. Ayine assured lawmakers that the reforms would uphold rigorous standards, emphasizing the introduction of a strict accreditation and monitoring regime for institutions wishing to train law graduates for the Bar. Only universities meeting clearly defined criteria would be permitted to offer professional legal training, ensuring that quality is not compromised. He stressed that the new system will not only eliminate bottlenecks but also prevent unregulated schools from producing inadequately prepared candidates. The accreditation process, he said, will guarantee that all graduates from approved universities receive education that meets or exceeds the standards required to pass the National Bar Examination and thrive as legal professionals. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Orders NIB Probe Into Alleged Sale of Overseas Scholarships
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to launch an immediate investigation into allegations of malpractice in the award of overseas scholarships, following claims made during a radio programme. In a directive dated February 3, 2026, and addressed to the NIB’s Director-General, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, stated that the President’s attention was drawn to comments aired on Sompa 106.5 FM. During the Twi-language broadcast, panellist and former CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, alleged that an individual had paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad. The President described the accusation as serious and of significant public interest, especially in light of his administration’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and equitable access to education. The directive instructs the NIB to investigate the claims without delay, establish the facts, identify any individuals involved, and assess the credibility of the allegations. The Bureau has also been tasked with submitting its findings to the President for review and any subsequent action deemed necessary. The official communication was signed by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu on behalf of President Mahama. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Scholarship Authority Boss Backs Mahama’s Probe into Alleged Sale of State Scholarships
The Director-General of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, Mr. Alex Asafo Agyei, has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to order a full-scale investigation into allegations that government scholarships were sold to politically connected individuals. The investigation was triggered by claims made by former government official Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, who alleged during a radio interview that scholarships meant for Ghanaian students were sold to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and others for studies in the United Kingdom. In response, President Mahama has tasked the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 3, Mr. Agyei described President Mahama’s move as necessary and timely, stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of Ghana’s scholarship system. He firmly rejected allegations linking the Scholarship Authority to such deals, explaining that under his watch, no scholarship had been granted for studies in the UK. “For instance, if you take the Ghana Scholarship Authority, under my leadership as Director-General, not a single scholarship award has been made for anyone to study in the United Kingdom, as he alludes. This position has been well communicated to institutions in the UK,” he emphasized. Mr. Agyei also criticized the previous administration, alleging that the scholarship scheme was marred by irregularities, including the issuance of “fake awards” by the former Registrar as recently as March 2025. He highlighted that the current administration has enacted reforms to restore fairness, transparency, and merit to the scholarship process, with a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and political favoritism. “The era where the rich, connected and influential cornered scholarships outside merit is over,” Mr. Agyei declared, pledging the government’s ongoing commitment to accountability. He assured the public that any wrongdoing uncovered by the NIB’s investigation would be met with decisive action, adding, “For every act of plunder perpetrated against the nation, full accountability will be demanded, and the time for reckoning is fast approaching.” The NIB probe is expected to verify the claims and recommend appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of state-sponsored scholarships.
Government Moves to Rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport
The government has unveiled plans to rename Ghana’s main aviation gateway, Kotoka International Airport (KIA), to Accra International Airport. The announcement was made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during a leadership media briefing held ahead of the Ninth Parliament’s resumption on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Ayariga revealed that the proposed name change would be formalized through legislation to be introduced in Parliament by the Minister for Transport. “We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport for the name to be changed,” he stated. This move follows years of advocacy by civil society organizations and members of the public who argue that the current name, which honors General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a leader in the 1966 coup that toppled Ghana’s first government, does not align with the country’s democratic ideals. Ayariga noted that the renaming is part of a broader legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session. The Minister for Transport is also expected to introduce several bills, including the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill, which will address issues such as the legalization and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as okada, as well as the Ghana Shippers Council Regulation Bill. Parliament is set to debate the airport’s proposed name change and other transport-related legislation in the coming session, marking a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to align national symbols with contemporary values. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kwahu Bepong Community Grieves as JHS Student Ma’adwoa Michelle Found Dead in Suspected Suicide
Tragedy has struck the Kwahu Bepong community in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region, where a Junior High School form two pupil, Ma’adwoa Michelle, was discovered dead in what police believe to be a case of suicide. According to family accounts, Ma’adwoa had spent the previous evening at home with her grandmother, reportedly showing no signs of distress or unusual behavior. The grandmother recalled that Ma’adwoa returned from school, completed her homework, and went to her room to change and prepare for the evening as usual. The ordinary day took a grim turn when a relative called, asking Ma’adwoa to help pack some food items. When she could not be found, family members began a search and tragically discovered her unresponsive in her room. Police were quickly called to the scene and transported the body for further examination. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding her death. The incident has left the entire community, including her family, classmates, teachers, and residents, in deep shock and mourning. In the aftermath, authorities are urging the public to seek help and speak openly with family members, teachers, or health professionals when facing emotional or psychological difficulties, emphasizing the importance of support and communication in times of distress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gabby Otchere-Darko Warns Technology Is Outpacing Media Regulation and Eroding Professionalism
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), has sounded an alarm over the growing challenges posed by rapid technological advances in Ghana’s media landscape. During an appearance on the Upside Down Show with Frema Adunyame on February 1, Otchere-Darko, himself a seasoned media owner, explained that the explosion of digital platforms and bloggers has dramatically changed the way information is shared, often at the expense of professionalism and effective regulation. He reflected on how the evolution of the media sector has left regulatory frameworks trailing behind technology, making it increasingly difficult to manage content without trampling on free expression. “Technology is always ahead of regulation. I think we are getting there. There is some sort of self-regulation, not with those who put out the content, but the ones who receive it,” he remarked. Otchere-Darko insisted that any move towards tighter regulation must tread carefully to avoid suppressing freedom of speech, a value he stressed must be preserved, even as its abuse is curtailed. “If you get into the area of regulation, and you are not careful, then you stifle the freedom of speech. It doesn’t mean freedom of speech means you can get away with anything,” he cautioned. He also addressed the darker side of digital media, particularly the reputational harm caused by the viral spread of unverified stories on social media. “They put things about you on social media, and others will Google your name, and your image is tarnished. When you try to correct it, it does not have the same traction, and it’s not sensational,” Otchere-Darko noted, adding that sometimes even responding to such content can exacerbate the situation. Looking to the future, he urged media owners to embrace new technologies and adapt to shifting industry practices to remain competitive, or risk being left behind altogether. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Fuel Prices Set for First Hike of 2026 Amid Cedi Depreciation and Global Oil Surge
After a period of steady declines in January, fuel prices in Ghana are bracing for an upward shift, with industry analysts warning of possible hikes in petrol, diesel, and LPG during the upcoming pricing window. The anticipated increases are attributed to the recent depreciation of the cedi and rising international petroleum prices, possibly putting an end to the run of price reductions seen at the start of the year. According to projections from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), petrol prices could rise by around 2.10%, diesel by 5.10%, and LPG by 1.09%. These adjustments are being driven by higher global petroleum product prices and the weakened cedi, which slipped from GHS10.90 to GHS10.98 to the US dollar, a decline of about 0.77%. Internationally, petrol prices increased by 2.12%, diesel by 6.73%, and LPG by 3.66% within the current pricing window. Crude oil prices also surged sharply in early February, jumping from $62.50 to $67.40 per barrel. At the local pumps, petrol is projected to sell at roughly GHS11.48 per litre, with diesel expected to see the biggest jump to about GHS12.77 per litre. LPG could also climb to approximately GHS13.50 per kilogram. Despite these forecasts, COMAC points out that fierce competition among oil marketing companies and ongoing market dynamics could prompt some marketers to absorb part of the increases, potentially keeping pump prices steady for consumers.