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
Minority Demands Foreign Affairs Minister’s Resignation Over Evacuation Support Allegations
Parliament was abuzz on Tuesday, October 27, as the Minority Caucus called for the immediate resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The demand follows allegations that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received less than the GH¢5,500 support package promised by the government. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed the press and urged the government to commission an independent audit by an internationally reputable accounting firm. The audit, he said, was necessary to establish the facts surrounding reports that at least three evacuees received only GH¢2,000, far below the announced amount. “Given the gravity of these revelations and in order to ensure an impartial investigation into the matter, we call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to resign immediately. His handling of this exercise has brought his high office into disrepute,” Jinapor declared. Quoting Section 2.1(j) of President John Dramani Mahama’s 2025 Code of Conduct and Ethics for Political Appointees, Jinapor insisted the minister must accept responsibility for any significant failure or breach of public trust. He further called on President Mahama to remove Ablakwa from office if he refuses to step down, citing Article 81(a) of the 1992 Constitution. “The President must demonstrate that the standards he has set for his appointees have consequences when public confidence in their stewardship has been seriously undermined,” Jinapor added. The Minority also threatened to initiate a parliamentary vote of censure against Ablakwa under Article 82 of the Constitution and Order 138 of Parliament’s Standing Orders if he remains in office. Such a motion would require the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament to pass, compelling the president to revoke the minister’s appointment unless he resigns voluntarily. Responding to the allegations, Minister Ablakwa has strongly denied any payment shortfalls. Speaking to the Ghanaian community in Ottawa, Canada, he maintained that all evacuees, adults and minors—received the full GH¢5,000 reintegration support package and an additional GH¢500 for transportation. He also stated that since the evacuation began more than four months ago, his ministry had not received any formal complaints or reports of missing payments. As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on Parliament and the presidency to see how the matter will be resolved, and whether the threatened vote of censure will materialise if Minister Ablakwa remains in office. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Talensi MP Calls for Opportunities for Artisanal Miners, Says Responsible Mining Will Boost Youth Employment
The Member of Parliament for the Talensi Constituency, Mahama Daniel Dung, has reiterated the need to provide artisanal miners in the Talensi District with the opportunity to work legally and earn a living from the area’s mineral resources. The MP made the remarks during a brief engagement with the media, stressing that creating opportunities for artisanal miners would help address youth unemployment and improve the livelihoods of residents. “We believe that our artisanal miners within the Talensi District should be given the opportunity to work and ensure that the youth within Talensi get jobs and earn income,” Mr Dung stated. He explained that the government’s commitment to responsible mining, as outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, offers hope for communities such as Talensi, where mining remains an important source of livelihood for many residents. According to the MP, Talensi is expected to be among the areas considered for demarcation under the responsible mining initiative, which seeks to promote lawful and sustainable mining practices. Mr Dung further disclosed that efforts were underway to advance the initiative, noting that the District Chief Executive (DCE) had accompanied him to Accra on several occasions to engage relevant stakeholders on the matter. He expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would soon yield positive results, creating opportunities for registered miners to operate as artisanal miners under the proposed arrangements. The MP said the initiative would not only contribute to Ghana’s economic growth but also enable local communities to benefit from the natural resources found in their areas. He maintained that providing a regulated opportunity for artisanal miners to work would help create jobs, generate income and ensure that residents of Talensi benefit more directly from the district’s mineral wealth. The proposed initiative, if implemented, could mark an important step towards balancing local economic opportunities with responsible mining practices and sustainable resource management in the Talensi District. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Yet to Receive Nkokor Nkitinkiti Programme — Regional Minister
The Upper East Region is yet to receive its share of the government’s flagship poultry initiative, Nkokor Nkitinkiti, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugre Atanga, has disclosed. The minister made this revelation at Talensi District in the Upper East Region during the government’s Account to the People’s Tour, following concerns raised by some farmers who said they had been waiting impatiently for the programme to commence in the region. Responding to the concerns, Mr. Atanga explained that the northern sector of the country, including the Upper East and Oti regions, had not yet been covered under the government’s distribution exercise. He acknowledged, however, that reports of some beneficiaries receiving poultry under the initiative in certain districts had contributed to the growing concerns among farmers. The minister cited an incident involving a caller from his home district of Bongo, who reportedly claimed that some poultry had been distributed under the Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme but that he had been left out. “I was in the office when somebody from my own district, Bongo, called me and said that Nkokor Nkitinkiti had been brought to the district, but he had not received his share. I told him I was not aware of that,” Mr. Atanga recounted. He said subsequent inquiries revealed that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which he described as an organisation involved in agricultural interventions, had undertaken a separate distribution exercise that appeared similar to the government’s initiative. According to him, the organisation had previously supported women’s groups with small ruminants and had subsequently introduced poultry-related interventions through groups it had already established. The minister explained that the exercise was carried out in some districts without the necessary coordination with the Regional Coordinating Council and the respective district assemblies, creating confusion among residents about whether the government’s Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme had officially commenced. Mr. Atanga said the situation prompted him to engage the organisation and caution it about the need for proper coordination, particularly because the interventions could easily be mistaken for the government’s flagship programme. He stressed that organisations implementing similar agricultural initiatives needed to inform the relevant regional and district authorities to avoid misunderstandings and prevent residents from wrongly concluding that government officials were withholding their benefits. The minister further disclosed that he had been informed that Bawku West and some other districts had received poultry through the separate intervention, contributing to perceptions that the government programme was already underway in the region. He acknowledged that such reports could understandably generate suspicion among farmers, some of whom might question whether their Members of Parliament or District Chief Executives were failing to perform their duties or whether the poultry meant for them had been diverted. However, he maintained that the Upper East Region had not yet received its official allocation under the government’s Nkokor Nkitinkiti initiative. “The truth is that the Upper East one is yet to come,” he stated, assuring farmers that the programme would eventually reach the region because it was a government policy. Mr. Atanga added that the necessary documentation had been received and preparations were underway, although the region had not yet taken delivery of the poultry. The disclosure is expected to provide some clarification for farmers who have been anticipating the commencement of the programme and seeking answers about when they would benefit from the initiative. The Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme is intended to reduce Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported poultry, strengthen domestic food security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for households, particularly small-scale farmers, women and young people. Its implementation is expected to support local poultry production, create economic opportunities and contribute to efforts to develop Ghana’s domestic poultry industry. For farmers in the Upper East Region, the key expectation now is the timely arrival of the programme and a transparent distribution process that ensures intended beneficiaries are adequately informed and given fair access to the initiative. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Cape Coast South MP Ricketts-Hagan Urges Focus on Sustainable Jobs Under 24-Hour Economy Policy
George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South and a key member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, has called on the government to shift its focus to creating sustainable jobs as the next step in implementing the 24-hour economy policy. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the recent IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Ricketts-Hagan, who also serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority and is a former Deputy Finance Minister, emphasised that economic stabilisation alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by robust job creation, especially for Ghana’s growing youth population. Launched in July 2025, the 24-hour economy policy aims to boost productivity, promote industrialisation, foster export-led growth, and create jobs by encouraging businesses to operate beyond traditional working hours. Ricketts-Hagan described the initiative as a long-term project requiring careful planning and noted that the newly established 24-hour Economy Secretariat has already put critical building blocks in place for its rollout. “We probably did not comprehend the enormity of the initiative, but it’s not something that’s supposed to be short-term. It’s long-term, so it has to be planned properly. What the 24-hour Economy Secretariat has done is that they’ve put the building blocks in,” he explained. His remarks come at a time when economic observers are raising questions about the proposed three-shift system—a core part of the policy, urging the government to take a phased approach and ensure annual budgetary support. Ricketts-Hagan agreed that the next phase must build on the current groundwork to achieve the policy’s goals of employment growth and economic expansion. He identified reliable electricity, incentives for businesses, and access to ready markets as essential factors for the initiative’s success. While tax reductions could encourage companies to extend their hours, he cautioned that such measures would be ineffective without a dependable energy supply to power round-the-clock operations. Ricketts-Hagan also pointed to broader strategies to combat youth unemployment, expressing optimism about the forthcoming $10 billion New Economy policy expected in 2027. He said the policy framework would leverage existing reforms and direct government investment into sectors with the greatest potential for targeted growth and job creation. “I do not want to pre-empt the Finance Minister, but the New Economy will build on existing reforms and focus on growing the economy in a manner that creates sustainable employment,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi Defends Call to Formalise Unlicensed Small-Scale Mining
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has stepped forward to clarify his stance on the formalisation of unlicensed small-scale mining, a topic that recently sparked widespread debate. Addressing critics who accused him of encouraging illegal mining, Gyamfi insisted that operators working outside protected zones such as forest reserves, water bodies, and other environmentally sensitive areas could be responsibly integrated into the formal mining sector. In a detailed response to the controversy, Gyamfi argued that supporting the formalisation of eligible miners was a more practical and effective solution than pursuing them with security forces. He stressed, however, that not all forms of unlicensed mining could be condoned. Operations that pollute water bodies, take place in forest reserves, or are conducted dangerously close to roadsides, school lands, or even within homes, he said, must remain prohibited. Gyamfi explained that artisanal and small-scale miners who work outside these restricted areas could qualify for formalisation under the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), provided their activities are environmentally sound. According to him, the programme aims to transform unlicensed operators into licensed, responsible miners by offering legal documentation, permits, certifications, and the necessary training to operate safely and sustainably. He also dismissed a video circulating online as a misleading, edited version of his earlier remarks, claiming it omitted key information about the government’s support for responsible mining. Gyamfi reiterated that formalisation, training, and financing are central to fostering environmentally responsible small-scale mining, strengthening traceability, and improving industry standards. Looking ahead, the GoldBod CEO announced plans to roll out an Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027. The initiative, he said, would be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology, and Rand Refinery. Its goal: to increase gold production, boost mineral revenues, create jobs, and reduce both operational costs and environmental risks. With these measures, Gyamfi hopes to shift the narrative around small-scale mining in Ghana, promoting a future where responsible practices take center stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tamale High Court Convicts Top NDA Officials and Contractor for Corruption
Tamale High Court made headlines when it delivered a verdict that sent ripples through Ghana’s public sector. The courtroom was tense as four men stood before the judge: Sumaila Abdul-Rahman, former Chief Executive of the Northern Development Authority (NDA); Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen, former Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations; Patrick Seidu, former Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Administration; and Andrew Kuundaari, Chief Executive of A&QS Consortium Limited, a private contractor. The group faced eleven charges, all tied to corruption and procurement malpractices under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), a flagship initiative of the Government of Ghana. After a thorough trial, the court found them guilty on seven counts, including conspiracy to directly or indirectly influence the procurement process, using their positions to gain unfair advantages in awarding contracts, and corruption by public officers. The scandal came to light after legal practitioner Martin Kpebu filed a formal complaint, prompting an investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The OSP’s swift intervention prevented any unlawful payments from being made under the contracts, ensuring that no financial loss was incurred by the state. During sentencing, the judge took into account the advanced ages of the convicts and the fact that the OSP’s actions had safeguarded public funds. Rather than imposing custodial sentences, the court ordered each convict to pay a fine of 1,000 penalty units for every count on which they were found guilty. The verdict stands as a warning to public officials and private contractors alike: accountability remains paramount in Ghana’s fight against corruption. Source: Apexnewsgh.com