Asonge-Zanlerigu Road Delay Due to Commitment Letter, Contractor to Start Soon – Nabdam MP
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has announced that a contractor selected to construct the long-awaited Asonge–Zanlerigu–Damolgo–Tindongo–Pelungu road is yet to receive a commitment letter, which is required before mobilising to the site. The MP disclosed during the commissioning of a maternity block at the Gundug/Wore-Daah health centre in the Nabdam District. He reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to get the project off the ground, stressing that the road has been included under the Department of Feeder Roads and remains a government priority. Dr. Nawaane used the occasion to refute claims that roads in the Upper East Region have been left out of the government’s development agenda, particularly the widely discussed “Big Push” initiative. He explained that many people have misunderstood the scope of the programme, which is largely focused on major highway projects across the country. Most roads in the Upper East Region, he noted, fall under the feeder roads category. “As for roads, this government is committed to working on them. The Big Push is mainly about highways, and many people have heard about that. But resources are also being organised for us to work on feeder roads,” the MP stated. He added that Members of Parliament from the region are actively engaging government agencies and relevant ministries to ensure feeder roads receive the necessary attention and funding. Dr. Nawaane revealed that he had successfully pushed for the inclusion of the strategic road linking Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and extending to Sakoti on the list of feeder roads earmarked for intervention. Interested contractors have already been identified, and discussions have been held with the Department of Feeder Roads to pave the way for work to begin. Providing an update on the progress, the MP said: “I was with a contractor about five or six days ago, and we visited the national feeder roads office to find out how far the process had gone. We were informed that the commitment letter is not yet ready.” He explained that government procedures require contractors to obtain a commitment letter before commencing any project. To speed up the process, he indicated that further engagements would be held with the Minister for Roads and Highways. The MP disclosed that he had personally contacted the Roads Minister in Parliament and had been invited to a meeting alongside the contractor to explore ways of securing the release of the letter. Dr. Nawaane urged residents not to conclude that the road project has been abandoned, insisting that continuous behind-the-scenes engagements are taking place to ensure the project becomes a reality. In a pointed remark, he added: “We are not like the NPP government that will bring equipment on the site just to deceive people.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Reimagining Agriculture for Ghana’s Jobless Youth
Across Ghana, the question of youth unemployment is no longer just a policy concern—it is a national urgency. With an estimated 1.9 million young people classified as Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), the challenge is not only about job scarcity, but also about missed opportunities, underdeveloped skills, and an economy yet to fully harness its most dynamic population group. Yet, within this challenge lies one of Ghana’s greatest untapped solutions: agriculture. Despite being one of the country’s strongest economic pillars—contributing significantly to GDP, manufacturing, and services—agriculture continues to struggle with a perception problem among young people. It is often seen as labour-intensive, outdated, or a “last resort” rather than a modern, profitable, and innovative career path. The result is a widening gap between a sector full of opportunity and a generation searching for livelihoods. Despite agriculture’s central role in Ghana’s economy, many young people remain disengaged from the sector due to several structural and perception-based barriers. A major challenge is the lack of practical, hands-on training in modern agriculture, with many exposed only to traditional farming methods that do not reflect agribusiness as a structured, profit-driven enterprise. There is also limited entrepreneurial knowledge, making it difficult for youth to transition from production into value addition, branding, marketing, and scaling agricultural ventures. Poor access to markets and financing further discourages participation, while weak mentorship systems leave many without guidance to navigate the complexities of agribusiness. Perhaps most significantly, agriculture continues to suffer from a negative perception among young people, often seen as physically demanding and economically unattractive. These challenges have contributed to rising unemployment, rural-urban migration, and the underutilisation of Ghana’s agricultural potential. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, agriculture is quietly re-emerging as one of the most viable solutions. The Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP), an initiative of GrowAfrica For Me (GAFM), is designed to reposition agriculture as a modern, profitable, and innovation-driven career path for young people aged 18 to 35. Based in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, GAFM is a social innovation and enterprise support organisation focused on equipping entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs with the tools to thrive. Through YAEP, it is targeting one of Ghana’s most critical development gaps—youth unemployment in a sector that remains underutilised despite its economic importance. The programme is a one-month intensive, hands-on training that combines modern agricultural practices with entrepreneurship and business development skills. It is designed to transform participants from job seekers into job creators within the agribusiness value chain. YAEP seeks to reverse this trend by building a structured pathway that takes participants from training to enterprise creation. The first phase focuses on intensive training in key agribusiness areas, including foundation to agribusiness, the agribusiness model canvas, marketing management, production and operations, financial management, human resource management, and risk management. This phase introduces participants to agriculture as a structured business system rather than an informal subsistence activity. The second phase provides coaching and mentorship, pairing participants with industry experts who offer guidance, technical support, and real-world insights. The third phase focuses on enterprise matching, where participants are exposed to functioning agribusinesses to understand practical operations, challenges, and opportunities along the value chain. The final phase provides start-up support, including advisory services and in-kind assistance to help participants launch their own agribusiness ventures. The overall objective of YAEP is to empower young people with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills that enhance employability and foster self-employment. Specifically, it seeks to build capacity in modern agricultural practices, equip youth with agribusiness and entrepreneurial skills, promote agriculture as a viable and profitable career path, support the development of sustainable agribusiness models, and reduce youth unemployment through enterprise creation. The anticipated impact of the Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP) is already visible among its participants. For Evelyn Zakaria from Bolga-Soe, the programme represents a doorway into agribusiness independence. Inspired by other young women already thriving in agriculture, she hopes to build a business in agro-processing, particularly in groundnut paste production. For her, YAEP is not just training—it is a pathway to ownership and economic empowerment. Similarly, John Abagna from the Bolgatanga East District sees agriculture as a field of endless opportunity. He believes the practical skills acquired through YAEP will enable him not only to support himself but also to create jobs for others. His ambition reflects a broader shift: young people increasingly viewing agriculture as a platform for employment creation, not dependency. For the Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me, Albert Shiebila Mali, the significance of YAEP goes beyond training. He notes that agriculture remains one of Ghana’s strongest economic sectors, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting both manufacturing and services, yet its full potential is still constrained by low youth participation. Citing national statistics, he highlights that about 1.9 million young people in Ghana are currently NEET. YAEP, he explains, is a direct response to this challenge, designed to turn agriculture into a practical solution for youth unemployment. He emphasises that modern agribusiness success is no longer driven only by production but by business models, innovation, and value chain thinking. As such, participants are introduced to tools like the business model canvas to help them design sustainable enterprises. Beyond training, the programme integrates mentorship, enterprise exposure, and start-up support to ensure long-term impact. YAEP is supported by key agribusiness partners, including Buju Farms, Yesumde Ghana Limited, ICOUR, and Just Fertilizer. These partners provide technical expertise, industry exposure, and practical learning opportunities for participants. GrowAfrica For Me has also engaged media platforms such as GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga and Mike FM in Navrongo to promote awareness and encourage youth participation in agriculture. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Prosper Adankai/Contributor
Peasant Farmers Association Demands Six-Month Ban on Rice Imports to Protect Local Producers
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is urging the government to impose an immediate six-month suspension on rice imports, hoping to give beleaguered local farmers a chance to sell off unsold stocks and stabilise farm-gate prices. The Association argues that such a measure would restore confidence in the domestic rice market and provide crucial relief to producers facing mounting financial challenges. In a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, PFAG revealed that nearly 90% of local rice farmers have been left with unsold stock, despite repeated government interventions. The Association blamed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for failing to procure surplus rice as directed by President John Dramani Mahama, a lapse they say has put the sustainability of local rice production at risk. PFAG’s statement paints a stark picture: “PFAG calls on the government to immediately order a moratorium on rice imports for a minimum of six (6) months to allow for the clearance of existing Ghanaian-produced rice stocks.” The Association further demanded a transparent review of NAFCO’s mandate, procurement processes, financing, and institutional capacity. They also called for a legal and regulatory framework requiring all government entities, including ministries, state-owned enterprises, hospitals, schools, prisons, and the military, to procure only locally produced rice and other staples. PFAG is also pushing for the full and immediate implementation of the rice import quota policy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic rice industry and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imports. The Association emphasised that a coordinated package of interventions is needed to build a resilient and sustainable rice value chain. “Invest in post-harvest infrastructure, including storage facilities, milling capacity, and market linkage platforms, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the competitiveness of locally produced rice against imported alternatives,” PFAG insisted. Without urgent intervention, the Association warns that many rice farmers could face severe financial hardship, undermining national efforts to boost food production and achieve greater food security. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sam George Stands Firm: No Reopening of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After Passage
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, and sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has firmly rejected calls for Parliament to revisit the legislation following its passage on May 29, 2026. Mr. George’s stance comes after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill, which has sparked ongoing debate within the House. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values, George stressed the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedure. “Everything that we do in this House, Parliament, is a house of rules. Respectfully to Mr Speaker, it’s not a house of appeals. It’s a house of rules. And so if there’s no rule in the rule book that gives us room to do what he wants to do, I’m saying that there is still room in there; the Presidency can come back to us,” George explained. He emphasized that once Parliament has passed a bill, its legislative role is complete and the only remaining duty is to transmit the bill to the President. “When Parliament passes a bill, Parliament becomes functus officio. I think that the only role that Parliament has today is to transmit the bill to the President,” he stated. According to George, the Constitution clearly outlines the President’s options: to assent to the bill, seek advice from the Council of State, or return it to Parliament with specific recommendations for reconsideration. “If he has an issue, he can write back to us and say, ‘I have an issue with this provision, that provision. Parliament should reconsider it with his recommendations.’ He cannot just raise objections; he must make recommendations through his Attorney-General,” he added. George further underscored that Parliament’s Standing Orders do not permit the reversal or rescission of a bill once it has been passed. “The act of rescission of a passed bill is alien to our Standing Orders,” he said. He concluded that any further concerns about the legislation must be addressed through the constitutional processes available to the President, not by reopening debate in Parliament. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, now awaits transmission to President John Mahama for further action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Embarks on State Visit to Belarus to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus, seeking to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, education, commerce, and industry. The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is poised to open new avenues for economic and technical collaboration between the two nations. According to a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, President Mahama’s itinerary features high-level meetings with Belarusian officials and tours of strategic institutions. A major highlight will be bilateral talks with President Lukashenko, followed by expanded discussions involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries. These engagements will focus on strengthening partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce, areas identified as vital to both nations’ development goals. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will pay tribute by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument, honoring Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought during World War II. Furthering Ghana’s industrialization and food security agenda, the President will travel to the western city of Brest to tour a major milk, cheese, and baby food processing facility, to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore partnerships in agro-processing, a sector crucial to adding value to Ghana’s agriculture. President Mahama’s programme also includes a visit to the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, commemorating the Soviet defense against Nazi forces in 1941, and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights both countries’ commitment to environmental conservation. The state visit is expected to culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements designed to promote mutual growth and strengthen institutional cooperation between Ghana and Belarus. President Mahama will return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, concluding a trip focused on forging new partnerships and advancing Ghana’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Arrest 80 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Sweep Across Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Police Command, backed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has apprehended 80 suspects in a sweeping, intelligence-led anti-crime operation across several hotspots in the Upper East Region. The operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted areas known for criminal activity, including Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. According to a police statement, the coordinated raids were aimed at dismantling networks involved in narcotics and other crimes. In Zuarungu, 12 individuals, eight males and four females (with three Nigerians and one Ghanaian among the women), were arrested. Bongo saw the largest number of arrests, with 34 suspects (32 males and two females) taken into custody. In Pelungu, Kongo, and Nangodi within the Nabdam District, 14 suspects were rounded up, while Bolgatanga accounted for 20 additional arrests. Preliminary investigations suggest that those apprehended were engaged in narcotics peddling, consumption, and a range of other criminal activities. The crackdown also resulted in significant seizures: in Tongo, police retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Bongo operations yielded three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes. The Nabdam District operation uncovered parcels and sacks of dried leaves believed to be narcotics, assorted drinks suspected of containing illicit substances, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes, and components of a casino jackpot machine. In Bolgatanga, further seizures included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, three motorbikes, two with registration numbers and one unregistered, and a casino jackpot machine. All 80 suspects remain in police custody and will be prosecuted in court. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying such operations to rid communities of crime and safeguard public safety across the region. Read the statement below: The Upper East Regional Police Command supported by the IGP’s Special Operations Team conducted an intelligence led swoop operation at Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and Nabdam District from 25th May to 3rd June, 2026. The team arrested twelve suspects comprising eight males and four females at Zuarungu. The female suspects comprised three Nigerians and a Ghanaian. In Bongo, a total of thirty-four (34) suspects comprising thirty-two (32) males and two (2) females were arrested. Subsequently, the operation at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi led to the arrest at fourteen (14) suspects comprising twelve males and two females in the Nabdam District. Twenty (20) suspects were also arrested in Bolgatanga. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling and consumption as well as other criminal related activities. The team also retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarette, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Tongo. In Bongo, three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes were retrieved and in Nabdam, parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Narcotic substances, assorted drinks suspected to contain narcotic content, one unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes and pieces of casino jackpot machine were retrieved. Suspects arrested in Bolgatanga were in possession of dried leaves substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarette, a Yamaha black Sirius motorbike with registration no. M-19-UE 2688, black Luojia motorbike with registration no. M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine. All suspects are in Police custody and will be put before court to face the full rigours of the law. Signed Chief Inspr. Abdul-Rahman Sumaila Public Relations Officer Upper East Region
Coalition Secretary Urges African Lawmakers to Reject LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy
Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has called on African legislators to firmly resist advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that claims linking such rights to international human rights law are misleading and unsubstantiated. Addressing participants at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. Foh-Amoaning urged lawmakers not to be swayed by the argument that LGBTQ+ rights are protected under international legal frameworks. “Don’t be fooled by the human rights argument. It is a lie from hell,” he warned, asserting that advocacy groups are pursuing a deliberate agenda built on what he described as deceptive narratives. “This is an agenda-seeking set of people who are clear on what they want and their hallmark is deception and that’s what I want to expose,” he told the conference. Mr. Foh-Amoaning further contended that references to sexual rights, constitutional rights, and human rights in support of LGBTQ+ issues lack grounding in international law. “So when you hear them talking about human rights, sexual rights, constitutional rights, it’s all false,” he declared. He reassured conference participants that standing against LGBTQ+ rights would not put them in violation of international legal obligations, suggesting such fears are unfounded. “I want this conference not be fooled by anybody and say okay we’re afraid because we’re going to be fighting or conflicting with some international law framework,” he said. According to Mr. Foh-Amoaning, LGBTQ+ rights have never been formally included in international legal instruments, but have rather been introduced through interpretation and external pressure. “My point is LGBTQ rights have never been part of the international legal framework. They were implied and they were forced into our laws,” he argued. The conference brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on family values, national sovereignty, and social policy in a rapidly changing world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Tightens Grip on Liquidity with GHS 11.28 Billion Bill Auction
The Bank of Ghana has extracted GHS 11.28 billion from the financial system through its latest 14-day bill auction, highlighting the central bank’s ongoing efforts to control liquidity and anchor macroeconomic stability. Tender 864, conducted on June 3, 2026, saw the central bank successfully selling GHS 11.28 billion in short-term bills to banks and market participants. The auction drew bids at annual rates between 10.40% and 11.00%, with every qualifying offer being fully allotted. The weighted average discount rate settled at 10.88%, while the corresponding interest rate stood at 10.93%. Unlike government-issued Treasury bills, which fund public spending, Bank of Ghana bills are specifically designed as monetary policy tools to absorb surplus liquidity and guide short-term money market trends. The size of this latest mop-up underscores the central bank’s determination to keep inflation in check and preserve recent macroeconomic gains, especially as inflation has ticked up for two straight months, reaching 3.7% in May from 3.4% in April. For market watchers, the 10.93% average interest rate offers insight into current liquidity conditions and signals the central bank’s cautious monetary stance. This operation follows the Monetary Policy Committee’s recent decision to hold the policy rate steady at 14%. The Bank of Ghana’s active use of its bills underscores its commitment to maintaining orderly money markets and aligning liquidity with broader policy objectives. For banks, these short-term bills provide a valuable investment option, while for the central bank, they remain a vital lever for managing money supply and supporting economic recovery. As government spending, forex inflows, and shifting market expectations continue to shape liquidity across the banking sector, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the central bank maintains this robust pace of liquidity absorption in upcoming auctions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Warns: Foreign Digital Content Threatening African Values Among Children
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has voiced growing concern over the rising influence of foreign digital content on African children, cautioning that it is eroding traditional values such as respect for parents and elders. Addressing the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. George cited data showing that one in three African parents believes their children have lost the traditional value of respecting their parents. He highlighted that 78% of content consumed by African children on digital platforms originates from foreign sources. “So your kids, your grandkids are spending time and 78 per cent of the content that they listen to is from a foreign platform,” Mr. George noted, emphasizing the prevalence of non-African influences in children’s online consumption. According to the minister, digital platforms have become dominant in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young people, often supplanting the traditional institutions and community structures that once guided socialization. “One in three African parents reports that their children have gone wayward. They’ve lost the African value of respect for parents, and that’s coming from online platforms,” he warned. Mr. George urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the digital content their children engage with, arguing that much of it promotes values and behaviors at odds with established family structures and cultural norms. “You just need to take your time and listen to what our kids are watching, your grandchildren are watching online, and you’ll be shocked at what they are being told is the new norm for dealing with parents,” he said. The minister lamented that respect for elders, communal living, and family-centered decision-making, central pillars of African identity, are increasingly under threat. “For millennia, the African identity has been a respect for the elderly and our communal living. Today, the new generation of Africans has no respect for the elderly and family councils, and elders and community ceremonies are now a thing of folklore and a distant past,” Mr. George observed. He concluded by pointing out that digital platforms have become the primary source of socialization for many young people across the continent, a shift that has sparked ongoing debate among policymakers, educators, and cultural leaders about the broader impact of technology and social media on African family life and values. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Excluded From $500 Million Feeder Roads Project– Alagumgube laments
A prominent advocacy group in the Upper East Region, Alagumgube, has expressed deep concern over the exclusion of the region from a major $500 million feeder roads development project approved for various parts of the country. According to the group, the government has secured a loan facility of $500 million to undertake feeder road projects across Ghana. However, while 13 regions have reportedly been selected to benefit from the initiative, the Upper East and North East regions have been left out. Greater Accra was also excluded because it is largely covered by urban road infrastructure. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, a leader of Alagumgube, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to reconsider the decision and include the Upper East Region in the project. Mr. Agambila argued that the exclusion of the region is unfair, particularly given the strong political support the region has consistently shown over the years. He stressed that the development needs of the Upper East Region should not be overlooked, especially when significant infrastructure investments are being distributed across the country. He further called on all 15 Members of Parliament from the region to unite and actively advocate for the interests of their constituents. “We sent our MPs to Parliament to fight for the development of the Upper East Region. While MPs in other regions are securing projects and development initiatives for their people, our MPs appear to be engaged in internal disagreements. It is time for them to stand together and fight for the development of the region,” he stated. The group also expressed disappointment that the Upper East Region was not included in the government’s flagship infrastructure agenda, popularly referred to as the “Big Push.” Alagumgube questioned why a region that has consistently demonstrated strong political support would be overlooked when major development projects are being allocated. “If we are not considered for the feeder roads project, then when will a region that has consistently delivered overwhelming electoral support be considered for such critical infrastructure investments?” the group asked. The group is urging government authorities to review the allocation of the feeder roads project and ensure that the Upper East Region benefits from the initiative to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and support rural communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com