GWJN Calls for Bold Action as Floods Ravage Accra Again
Once more, devastating floods have swept through Accra and its surrounding communities, leaving a trail of loss, destruction, and anguish. The Ghana WASH Journalists Network (GWJN) has voiced its profound sadness over the tragedy, as lives have been lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and thousands of residents traumatized by yet another round of flooding. In a statement, GWJN extended heartfelt condolences to grieving families and expressed solidarity with all whose livelihoods have been upended. “Every life lost to flooding in Ghana is one too many,” the network lamented, adding that the recurrence of such tragedies is now unacceptable and demands urgent, lasting solutions. Year after year, governments make promises, form committees, and launch emergency interventions, yet the same communities flood whenever the rains come. GWJN insists that Ghana deserves better and that the national flood management strategy requires a complete overhaul. The network identified the well-known causes of Accra’s flooding: illegal developments on wetlands and waterways, poor land-use planning and enforcement, choked drains from indiscriminate dumping, rapid urbanization without matching drainage infrastructure, and weak institutional coordination, among others. “Floods are natural, but disasters come from human failure,” GWJN stressed. GWJN argued that flood prevention must become a permanent national development priority, not just a seasonal emergency. The network called on the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and the Ministry of Works and Housing to move decisively to protect all remaining wetlands and drainage corridors from encroachment. “No road project should proceed without comprehensive drainage engineering, and the destruction of wetlands for housing and infrastructure must end immediately.” Recalling the formation of the Anti-Flood Taskforce in March 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, GWJN questioned what had become of its findings and recommendations. The network demanded transparency and accountability, pressing for measurable progress in preventing a repeat of these tragic scenes. GWJN called on the government to demonstrate bold political leadership, enforcing planning laws, reclaiming wetlands, strengthening engineering standards, and holding public officials accountable for negligence. “This is not the time for temporary solutions or annual emergency responses. Permanent engineering solutions and strong political will are needed.” Citizens, too, have a role to play. The network urged Ghanaians to end indiscriminate dumping and illegal building on waterways, warning that these actions worsen the crisis. GWJN pledged to intensify media advocacy on environmental sanitation, drainage protection, and flood prevention, and to expose those who undermine the nation’s safety. Flooding, GWJN insisted, should not define Ghana’s rainy seasons. The expertise and institutions exist, what remains is coordinated action, enforcement, and sustained political commitment. The network also called for immediate protection of safe water sources, proper testing and treatment of submerged pipes and boreholes, and, if possible, the provision of emergency safe water supplies to affected communities. “The time to act decisively is now,” GWJN concluded, urging all stakeholders to rise to the occasion and end the cycle of flooding once and for all. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Engage the Military to Build Pavilions: Prof. David Millar’s Solution to Eradicate Schools Under Trees
At the last session of the recent launch of the PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods) Framework, a bold 10-year plan set to transform Ghana’s regions through agriculture, enterprise, and responsible mining, an urgent and innovative proposal stirred the room. Professor David Millar, President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, who also doubles as the Chairman of the launch, presented an important suggestion to the President’s Representative, Mr. Augustus Obuadum Tanoh (Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development), and the Deputy Education Minister, Hon. Clement Apaak, with a message both practical and visionary. With a voice marked by concern, and hope, Prof. Millar painted a troubling picture: nearly 5,000 basic schools across Ghana are still operating under trees or in crumbling structures. This crisis, he explained, strikes hardest in rural and underserved communities, where children are forced to learn in punishing conditions with no protection from the elements, scant furniture, and constant disruptions. But Prof. Millar brought more than a lament, he brought a solution. “If we engage the military, specifically the engineering regiments who have already proven their capability building highways, to construct simple but durable pavilions, we could remove all schools from under trees in record time,” he declared. The military, he argued, can rapidly build thousands of such structures, far faster and more cost-effectively than traditional contractors. “Furniture and other amenities can come later. The priority must be getting children into proper shelters.” Prof. Millar reminded his audience of historical precedent: “Years ago, under Rawlings and the NDC, pavilions were built for junior secondary schools, simple one-block structures that are now used as classrooms. Originally designed as open carpentry workshops, these pavilions have stood the test of time.” His vision is methodical and inclusive: “We should start from the north, where the need is greatest, and gradually eliminate all schools under trees as we move southwards. The military’s field engineers regiment is both cheaper and faster. There are about eight field units, these could be deployed across Upper East, Upper West, and beyond. Since we already know where these schools are, soldiers could build pavilions one after another, moving steadily toward the coast.” Prof. Millar’s proposal is clear: only by harnessing the speed and efficiency of the military can Ghana end the era of schools under trees, a solution that would be a landmark achievement for government, the military, and, above all, for Ghana’s children. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Government Condemns Killing of Ghanaian in Cape Town, Demands Justice and Protection for Nationals
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound shock and sadness following the fatal shooting of Mr. Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The tragedy occurred on Monday, June 30, 2026, during demonstrations tied to ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa. In a strongly-worded press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Ghanaian authorities condemned the killing and the wider pattern of violence targeting African nationals. “The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence and the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. The taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the statement read. Acting on instructions from the Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has lodged a formal protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Additionally, the High Commission has filed an official complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming Mr. Isak’s identity and notifying his family. Ghana is now calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the killing, insisting that South African authorities identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible. The government also urged South Africa to bolster security measures for Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents who may be at risk from xenophobic violence. “We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities,” the Ministry stressed. The Ghanaian government’s statement underscores the urgent need for justice and safety for its citizens abroad, particularly in the face of rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghanaian Tailor Killed Amid Anti-Immigration Unrest in Cape Town
Tragedy struck the Ghanaian community in South Africa this week as a long-time resident and tailor was shot and killed in his Cape Town shop during a surge of anti-immigration violence. The Ghana High Commission, confirming the incident, revealed that the victim had made South Africa his home for two decades, building a life and business before his untimely death on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He leaves behind three children, the oldest just 10 years old. According to the High Commission, steps are already being taken to repatriate the tailor’s remains to Ghana, and diplomats are working closely with South African officials to support the ongoing investigation and offer assistance to the grieving family. The fatal shooting unfolded amidst protests organised by the civic group March and March, which had announced a “30 June deadline” for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Demonstrations erupted across all nine provinces and quickly devolved into violence, with xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals and their businesses. South African authorities, anticipating unrest, had ramped up security measures, committing R600 million to the operation, cancelling police leave, and putting the military on alert. President Cyril Ramaphosa had issued stern warnings against violence, but the campaign nevertheless sparked deadly incidents. The tailor’s death is the latest in a series of xenophobic attacks tied to the anti-immigration movement, which has already claimed at least two lives and triggered a wave of repatriations by several African countries seeking to protect their citizens. As of now, South African police have yet to release further details about the shooting or announce any arrests. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Gold Board Launches Dual Pricing Regime Aligned with Global Standards
On July 1, 2026, a new era began for Ghana’s gold trading industry. The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) rolled out a gold pricing system designed to match the precision and transparency of the world’s leading markets. Effective immediately, gold prices in Ghana will now be set twice daily, tracking the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) AM and PM pricing windows. For gold dealers and buyers, this means that each trading day will feature two official purchase prices, one set in the morning and another in the afternoon, mirroring the global benchmarks. The AM pricing window spans from 9:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., while the PM window stretches from 2:30 p.m. through to 9:20 a.m. the following day. To keep transactions in step with these changes, GOLDBOD has instituted precise booking windows: gold purchases during the AM session must be booked between 9:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m., while PM session bookings are accepted between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and again from 6:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. the next day. Brief scheduled trading suspensions, daily from 2:21 p.m. to 2:29 p.m. and from 9:21 a.m. to 9:29 a.m., allow for smooth transitions between these key windows. During these short intervals, trading pauses and no bookings are accepted, before operations quickly resume. GOLDBOD made it clear: all licensed gold buyers are now required to book purchases in real time and within the prescribed windows. Any attempt to trade outside these periods, or during a suspension, will result in the transaction being rejected and shifted to the next appropriate window. The Compliance Directorate of the Ghana Gold Board, in its official statement, urged every licensed buyer to swiftly adapt their practices to uphold the new standards. Stakeholders were encouraged to reach out to GOLDBOD through official channels for any further clarification as the industry embraces this landmark change in gold pricing and trading. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Prof. David Millar Challenges Planners to Rethink the Meaning of Markets at PEARL Launch
At the grand launch of Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) framework, a visionary 10-year framework plan for the Upper East Region, Professor David Millar, serving as Chairman, took center stage to address the congregation. The initiative, spearheaded by the Regional Coordinating Council, drew stakeholders from across the region, eager to hear from one of its most respected academics. As he spoke, Prof. Millar offered a thought-provoking perspective on the heart of economic development. “A market economy,” he began, “is just a space and a place.” He paused, glancing around the room before continuing, “I’ve heard comments like, ‘Oh, they are just building markets.’ But marketing, as many great economists will affirm, is a transaction arena. You don’t even need a physical structure for a market to exist, it’s all about transactions.” To illustrate, he pointed to the example of gold. “If there were no market for gold, we wouldn’t even be talking about it. No one would be struggling to sell it. That is the essence of a market.” Prof. Millar then turned to the concept of a 24-hour economy, a term buzzing in policy circles. “For us, at my university, the 24-hour economy is not just about a structural m arket. It’s about a transactional space, and we are positioning ourselves to contribute to this broader discourse.” He emphasized that the real value lies in the transactional spaces created for the benefit of the entire economy. “Physical structures can be labeled NDC or NPP,” he cautioned, referencing the leading political parties, “but the economy itself is more generic, more nationalist. I hope the planners capture this in their designs.” With a gentle challenge, Prof. Millar urged the planners not to fall into the trap of viewing markets as mere buildings equipped with electricity and cell towers. “The true price of the challenge,” he concluded, “is to look beyond the visible structures and focus on the vibrant transactions that drive our economy.” His words set a thoughtful tone for the event, reminding everyone present that the future of the Upper East Region depends not just on what is built, but on how people connect, trade, and innovate within those spaces. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Prof. David Millar Calls for a Complete Slave Route Narrative and Links Tourism to Reparations at PEARL Launch
At the launch of PEARL, a transformative 10-year framework plan for the Upper East Region, Professor David Millar, serving as Chairman, addressed the gathered congregation with a message that blended history, identity, and the promise of economic renewal. The event, organized by the Regional Coordinating Council, saw Prof. Millar share his forward-thinking views about the role of tourism in regional development, particularly through the lens of historical truth and reparative justice. “The tourism sector needs to be looked at,” Prof. Millar began, his voice resonating with conviction. “In my university, we are redefining the slave routes. If you go into the archives, you will find that these routes are usually traced from Salaga and run to the coast, the exit points. But that’s an incomplete or checkered history.” He described a new approach his university is pioneering: a ‘ground-through’ methodology. “We walk the actual distance of the slave route and redesign the slave maps to show clearly that the coast was just an exit point. If I were to put it simply, it was like a lorry park, the people came from somewhere to board those lorries.” Prof. Millar called on local chiefs and community members to champion this fuller story. “We will map the route and the languages spoken along it. This will provide proof, so when we reach the end, if the last set of slaves weren’t speaking Twi or Fante, it means they didn’t make those trips. If they spoke Guruni, Frafra, Dagare, or Sisala, then that is their route.” He noted that this important project was made possible by support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who wished for the story to be completed. “Right now, the map of the slave route only starts from Salaga, Kintampo, and down to the coast.” Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Prof. Millar stressed its place in the region’s development plan. “This positions us for the reparation efforts of the president. Many communities may be waiting for financial support for reparations, but we want to position ourselves and make clear, legally, that we are the source of the slavery, while the south is the sink. We need both the source and the sink for a genuine claim.” He urged that the region link its reparation claims to tourism. “When those in the diaspora visit, it is good to see the sink, but it is excellent to visit the source as well. That makes sense for tourism and its potential.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Hajia Charity Challenges Dr. Bawumia: Demand Accountability from Cecilia Dapaah Over World Bank Funds
As torrential rains battered Accra, leaving over a dozen dead and tens of thousands of families displaced, the city’s heartbreak quickly turned into a political battleground. Among the most outspoken voices was Hajia Charity Rahinatu Asoemah, Deputy Director General in charge of Stores at NADMO, who condemned what she called a legacy of neglect and corruption that led to the catastrophe. Standing amid devastated communities and overwhelmed rescue workers, Hajia Charity did not mince words. “This flooding is not just a natural disaster; it’s the direct result of failed leadership and abandoned promises,” she declared to gathered to Apexnewsgh. According to her, the previous administration received substantial World Bank funding specifically earmarked for desilting and constructing drainage along the Odur River—a project that could have averted the disaster. “Ask Cecilia Dapaah what she did with the World Bank money,” Hajia Charity challenged, referring to the former Minister for Sanitation. “If those funds had been used as intended, we wouldn’t be facing such destruction and loss today.” Her frustration extended to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and now presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party. As Dr. Bawumia arrived to console victims, Hajia Charity called him out for not using his office to demand accountability when the funds were disbursed. “Instead of crying foul now, Dr. Bawumia should have tackled corruption when he had the chance,” she admonished. “The innocent people of Accra are suffering because leaders failed to act.” The streets, now rivers of mud and debris, became the stage for a fierce debate over responsibility. Critics argued that the NPP government’s failure to act on the Odur River project was not a mere oversight but a deliberate betrayal. “They had a singular responsibility to protect our city, and they chose to do nothing,” Hajia Charity insisted, gesturing toward the overflowing waterway. Public anger swelled as residents and journalists pressed for answers about the World Bank funds. The absence of visible progress along the Odur River fueled suspicions of mismanagement or misappropriation of donor resources. The question echoed from one flooded neighborhood to the next: if the money was released and agreements signed, where did it all go? Amid the storm of accusations, Dr. Bawumia opted for a conciliatory tone. He urged Ghanaians to unite beyond political lines, calling for President John Dramani Mahama to assemble a multi-partisan panel of experts to craft a lasting solution to the capital’s flooding woes. “Floods do not care about party colors—they devastate all Ghanaians alike,” Dr. Bawumia said, sidestepping direct engagement with the allegations. But for Hajia Charity and many ordinary citizens, technical solutions must go hand in hand with accountability. “We cannot build a safer future on a foundation of distrust,” she warned. As families sought refuge in schools and churches, the city’s wounds remained raw, and the most pressing question lingered in every conversation: with all the funds and promises, why does Accra still drown in preventable disaster? Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Talensi MP Urges Upper East to Embrace Local Products, Education, and Strategic Investment at PEARL Launch
At the launch of the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework in Bolgatanga, the atmosphere was filled with hope for a brighter future. Among the many voices shaping the event was Hon. Daniel Mahama, Member of Parliament for Talensi District, who shared candid reflections and a vision for the region’s development. Hon. Mahama emphasized the importance of making the PEARL initiative a practical reality. “To ensure the success of this initiative, we must engage all relevant authorities and educate our people about the importance of health, agriculture, and economic opportunities in the Upper East. Understanding the process and benefits will help us achieve our goals,” he stated. He highlighted the region’s unique strengths, not just in agriculture, but also in mining and the potential to revive local factories. For Hon Mahama, empowering education is equally vital for the region’s transformation. “First, we must grasp the main purpose and benefits of health and become true advocates for our own progress,” he said. He called for an attitudinal change: “Let’s patronize products made in the Upper East, our smocks, shea butter, hats, and especially our locally grown rice, just as other countries proudly use their local produce.” Hon Mahama encouraged citizens to celebrate traditional foods and crafts, noting that greater support for local industries would boost both culture and the economy. As a Member of Parliament, he shared his commitment to promoting the Upper East at every opportunity, advocating for economic policies that favor the region and maximize its advantages, especially in resource-rich sectors like mining. He also touched on the importance of a common trade platform and fair tariffs within Africa to ensure that local businesses are protected and can thrive. “We need to protect indigenous enterprises and make sure opportunities are accessible to our people,” he said. Hon Mahama also highlighted the value of technical and vocational trades, encouraging youth to consider skilled trades as viable and rewarding career paths. In closing, Hon. Mahama urged all stakeholders to work together, support local products, and use every available opportunity to advance the Upper East Region. His message was clear: real transformation depends not just on policies and investments, but on pride in local culture, practical skills, and strategic action for sustainable growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gold Fortune Group Eyes Investment in Upper East Region Following PEARL Launch
The spirit of optimism was palpable in Bolgatanga as the PEARL Framework, Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods, was unveiled to chart a bold new course for the Upper East Region. Among the many local and international guests was Ding Fan Lin, Executive Director of the Gold Fortune Group Company, who expressed a keen interest in bringing her company’s expertise and investment to the region. In an interview with Apexnewsgh following the event, Ding Fan Lin shared her first impressions and the company’s intentions. “It is our first time here, so we want to study the market and understand the opportunities,” she said. “From what I have seen, I believe our business can thrive in the Upper East Region. There are many possibilities for cooperation, and I am confident we can contribute to economic growth here.” The launch of the PEARL Framework attracted both local and foreign companies, all eager to explore ways to support the region’s transformation. For Gold Fortune Group, the event marked the beginning of a potential journey toward investing in and collaborating with the Upper East’s growing business landscape. With leaders like Ding Fan Lin expressing confidence in the region’s future, the Upper East is quickly emerging as an attractive destination for investment and partnership, offering hope for a new era of prosperity and development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com Phone: 0256336062