Residents Warned as Spoiled Poultry Products Illegally Dumped in Ho Community
Residents of Tsawenu and Sokode Ando stumbled upon an unusual and troubling scene. Cartons filled with frozen chicken drumsticks, whole chickens, chicken feet, and other poultry parts were scattered along a path leading to the farmlands. The discovery soon sent shockwaves through Ho and its surrounding communities. Lawrence Senya, the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, was quick to issue a public caution: residents should avoid purchasing or consuming poultry products, especially those found in the area, until further notice. Initial reports revealed that some of the chicken was still frozen and had no telltale odor, tempting some locals to collect, prepare, and eat the meat. But the absence of spoilage signs didn’t convince officials of its safety. “We cannot rule out the possibility of contamination, toxins, or other harmful substances,” Mr. Senya cautioned, explaining that unknown individuals may have deliberately disposed of the products for a reason. As word spread, a joint team from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and environmental health officials launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping. In the meantime, community sensitization efforts began, urging anyone who had collected poultry from the site to voluntarily surrender it. Many residents had already cooked, smoked, or roasted the chicken before learning of the potential risks. To prevent further exposure, environmental health officials have been retrieving the surrendered products for safe disposal. Educational campaigns have intensified, warning residents to steer clear of suspicious poultry products until the authorities complete their investigation. Mr. Senya also reminded cold store operators, wholesalers, and retailers that food waste or expired products should only be disposed of through proper channels, with the supervision of health authorities. The incident has sparked serious conversations about food safety in the municipality. Authorities are appealing to the public to report any suspicious food dumping or unsafe handling to the FDA or local health offices, aiming to prevent a possible outbreak of foodborne illnesses. Wisdom Akorli, the Assemblyman for the area, condemned the act as evil. “This is an evil act for someone to dump spoiled frozen food in my area to destroy my people, but I pray we get the person,” he declared. He encouraged residents to surrender any questionable poultry to the authorities and assured them of his commitment to working with officials to bring the culprits to justice. “If you feel unwell after consuming any of these products, please report immediately to the nearest health facility,” he urged. As the investigation continues, the people of Ho are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize their health above all else. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Technical Glitch Disrupts Tax Payments: GRA Moves Swiftly to Restore Normalcy
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has encountered an unexpected challenge. Taxpayers, importers, and clearing agents who logged onto the Ghana.gov payment platform found themselves facing delays in processing their payments. The disruption, traced to technical issues affecting the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), and the Ghana Integrated Tax Management and Information System (GITMIS), was soon recognized as a widespread concern. The GRA quickly sprang into action. Working hand-in-hand with its technical partners, the Authority launched an all-hands-on-deck operation to diagnose and resolve the glitches. While the core issue was isolated to payment processing, the filing of tax returns remained unaffected. The platform itself stayed online, but many users noticed that their payments were taking longer than usual to be processed or weren’t immediately reflected on their accounts. Recognizing the potential impact on the nation’s taxpayers and business community, the GRA issued an urgent statement. They assured all stakeholders that technical teams were working around the clock and that resolving the problem was a top priority. The Authority emphasized that delayed transactions would eventually be processed and properly reflected in users’ portals once the system was fully restored. Importers, clearing agents, and taxpayers who depend on these systems for their daily activities were asked to remain patient. The GRA pledged to keep the public informed about progress and to minimize further disruptions as much as possible. In their concluding message, the Authority expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused, thanking everyone for their patience and understanding as the technical teams worked diligently to restore normal payment operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Mineworkers’ Union Demands Release of Locked-Up Savings for Over 19,000 Miners
The National Executive Council of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has launched a protest over the prolonged delay in releasing funds belonging to more than 19,000 miners whose savings remain trapped in financial institutions affected by the Bank of Ghana’s financial sector clean-up. The union revealed that the locked-up funds include provident funds, welfare contributions, leave savings, individual deposits, and severance packages, all entrusted to institutions licensed and regulated by the central bank. GMWU leaders argue that miners, who deposited their savings in good faith, should not be left to bear the repercussions of regulatory failures. The union has strongly criticized the Bank of Ghana’s management of the issue, stating that assurances from successive governors and references to commitments in IMF reports from 2023 and 2024 have yet to yield results. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has maintained that the central bank should recover and liquidate the assets of affected institutions to settle outstanding depositor claims. The Ministry of Finance, Forson added, currently lacks the funds to directly compensate depositors. Frustrated by the ongoing impasse, the GMWU insists that both the government and the Bank of Ghana must take urgent steps to ensure the affected miners receive their money without further delay. As part of their campaign, the union plans to submit a formal petition to the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, pressing for immediate action. The fate of thousands of miners, and their hard-earned savings, now hangs in the balance as the union ramps up pressure on authorities to resolve the crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mental Health Authority Moves to Close Kumasi Spiritual Healing Centre Over Treatment Concerns
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) has announced decisive action against a Kumasi-based spiritual healing centre where over 2,000 people with mental health conditions are reportedly being housed. According to MHA Chief Executive, Dr. Eugene Kobla Dordoye, the centre is operating with an expired licence and is under scrutiny for concerning practices, including the chaining of some residents. Dr. Dordoye revealed that while the centre’s leader claims to offer spiritual healing, the conditions raise serious questions about the well-being and rights of those in care. “We wanted to close it down. He has a licence, but it has expired,” Dr. Dordoye said, emphasizing the difficulty medical professionals face in providing effective interventions when individuals are restrained. Speaking at the 5th Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Christian University College, Dr. Dordoye cautioned the public against the dangers of prescribing or administering medication without proper medical oversight. He urged Ghanaians to seek professional mental health care and warned that unregulated practices can endanger the lives of vulnerable individuals. The MHA’s actions underscore a growing commitment to upholding ethical standards and safeguarding the rights of people living with mental health conditions in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Suspends Two Watchmen, Hands Case to Police After Alleged Sexual Assault at Bolgatanga Girls SHS
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has taken swift action in the wake of an alleged sexual assault involving a special needs student at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School. Two watchmen at the school have been interdicted and handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident. According to a statement released by the GES on Thursday, August 20, the student, who was on medication and had suffered a relapse that day, required medical attention. It was during this vulnerable period that the alleged assault took place, prompting immediate intervention from the school authorities and the GES. The GES has emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the facts of the case, and that the outcome will guide any further sanctions in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct and the laws of Ghana. In the interim, the Service has urged all staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, prioritizing the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student. “Management cautions that the Service will not tolerate any conduct that compromises the safety and wellbeing of students,” the statement stressed, assuring parents, guardians, and the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Energy Minister Highlights Major Debt Clearance and Savings from Sector Reforms
Ghana’s Energy and Green Transition Minister, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has revealed that sweeping reforms in the country’s energy sector have led to the clearance of about $1.47 billion in legacy debt, alongside substantial cost savings for the nation. The announcement came during a press briefing on Thursday, August 20, where Dr. Jinapor detailed recent achievements and ongoing efforts to stabilize the sector. According to the Minister, one of the most impactful measures has been the government’s shift from expensive liquid fuels to natural gas, a move that has saved Ghana approximately $500 million. Dr. Jinapor also highlighted improvements to the cash waterfall mechanism, which have resulted in significantly better payment flows to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). “Before we came to office, just about 6 billion was declared monthly into the Cash Waterfall. IPPs were receiving just about 42%. Because of the work we did together and the policy reforms that we implemented, today we declare close to about 15 billion every month into the Cash Waterfall mechanism and almost all the IPPs receive about 100% of the invoice bills,” he explained. Further renegotiations with IPPs have delivered an additional $250 million in savings, Dr. Jinapor noted. He added that when the current administration took office, the outstanding bill for the energy sector was about GH¢80 billion, but significant progress has since been made in reducing arrears and enhancing financial sustainability. “These reforms are part of our broader efforts to stabilize Ghana’s energy sector, improve financial sustainability, and reduce the cost of power generation,” Dr. Jinapor concluded, underscoring the government’s commitment to long-term sectoral health and economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Announces Construction of 30 New E-Blocks to Boost Secondary Education
During a stop in the Paga Constituency of the Upper East Region as part of his Resetting Agenda programme, President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a bold new plan to expand access to secondary education across Ghana. Addressing a gathering of community leaders and residents, President Mahama announced his government’s commitment to construct 30 brand new E-blocks, modern secondary school facilities, across the country. “We’re going to build another 30 new E-blocks from scratch,” President Mahama declared. “While we work to complete the previously abandoned projects, these 30 new schools will be entirely new additions.” He explained that many of the new E-blocks will be located in high population density areas, particularly in major cities, so that they serve as community-based schools. “This means children will be able to walk from home to secondary school,” he said, emphasizing the convenience and accessibility the new schools would offer urban families. President Mahama also noted that, while many E-blocks started during his previous term were situated in rural districts, the latest phase would focus on addressing the growing needs of urban communities. The initiative is expected to significantly boost enrollment and ease congestion at existing schools, offering more students the opportunity to pursue quality secondary education within their own neighborhoods. However, President Mahama commissioned the newly completed E-block in Paga Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Paga Pio Appeals to President Mahama for Key Infrastructure and Security Upgrades- Says They Are living in Fear
During President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda visit to the Paga Constituency, the Paga Pio seized the opportunity to present a series of heartfelt appeals aimed at addressing pressing needs in the area. At the top of the list was the completion of the Agenda 111 district hospital project, which the Paga Pio described as “dear to our hearts.” He passionately urged both the President and the Minister of Health to prioritize the hospital’s completion for the benefit of Paga and the surrounding communities. Turning his attention to transport and safety, the Paga Pio highlighted the challenges posed by the limited space at the Custom Park on the Paga border. The current facility struggles to accommodate the heavy trucks, many carrying petroleum products or explosives bound for Burkina Faso and Mali, that cross the border daily. To temporarily ease congestion, he revealed that some trucks had been diverted to nearby filling stations during the President’s visit. However, he called for a permanent solution: expanding the Custom Park, ideally doubling its size, to better handle the influx and keep the highway clear for local commuters. The Paga Pio also appealed for the construction of a critical bridge linking major towns in the district, noting that the absence of a bridge has, for over five years, made travel impossible during the rainy season. Further, he requested that the Burkina Faso township be connected to the Ghana Water Company Limited network to ensure a constant and reliable water supply, as is enjoyed by other towns. Recognizing rising security concerns in the border region, the Paga Pio called for an increased presence of security agencies, including police, army, and customs officers, and the establishment of more offices and facilities to support them. He emphasized the importance of these measures in light of the volatility in neighboring countries and the risks associated with cross-border activities. The Paga Pio’s appeals reflect the community’s urgent needs for infrastructure, water, and security, and he expressed hope that President Mahama’s ongoing Resetting Agenda would bring meaningful change to the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Upper East Region Schools to Receive Major Upgrades Under STAR-J Programme
Excitement is building across the Upper East Region as Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced a sweeping package of improvements for local secondary schools under the government’s STAR-J infrastructure programme. The initiative, worth 2.8 billion Ghana cedis, is set to transform the educational landscape of the region between now and December 2027. The announcement came in Paga during President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda tour, coinciding with the commissioning of a new E-Block facility, a symbol of the government’s ongoing investment in education. Among the schools selected for major upgrades are Bolgatanga Central Technical Institute, Gambibgo Community Day Senior High School, Binduri Community SHS, and Garu Community Day SHS. These schools will benefit from new facilities and upgraded science laboratories, giving students better learning environments and expanded academic opportunities. Minister Iddrisu also emphasized the importance of inclusive infrastructure, making a special appeal for the construction of boarding facilities at Paga Senior High School. He stressed that ensuring adequate accommodation for both boys and girls is crucial to making sure no student is left behind in the region’s educational progress. The STAR-J programme is poised to usher in a new era for secondary education in the Upper East, providing the resources and infrastructure needed to accommodate growing enrollments and meet the demands of modern academic standards. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Education Minister Unveils Major Infrastructure Boost During Presidential Visit
It was a day of optimism and anticipation in Paga as the Education Minister, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, delivered news set to transform the educational landscape of the Upper East Region during President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda tour. Standing before an eager crowd, Minister Iddrisu framed the President’s return as a “democratic dividend,” bringing long-awaited benefits to the people. He pointed to the commissioning of the previously abandoned e-block as a symbol of renewed commitment to educational access. “To deny these young people their required infrastructure is to deny them opportunity,” he said, noting the dramatic increase in secondary school enrollments, from 1,800 students to as many as 4,000 in some schools, since 2018. In a landmark announcement, the Minister revealed that, starting next academic year in September, Berger Senior High School would be upgraded to a fully-fledged institution, equipped to serve both local and national needs. This transformation, he explained, is part of President Mahama’s broader STAR-J program, a comprehensive, well-funded initiative aimed at expanding access to secondary education nationwide. Between now and December 2027, the STAR-J program will inject 2.8 billion Ghana cedis into secondary school infrastructure. Schools across the Upper East Region, including Bolgatanga Central Technical Institute, Gambibgo Community Day SHS, Binduri Community SHS, and Garu Community Day SHS, are set to benefit, either through new facilities or upgraded science laboratories. Iddrisu also appealed for the construction of boarding facilities for boys and girls at Paga Senior High School, ensuring no student is left behind. The Minister highlighted President Mahama’s track record of building strong institutions, referencing the establishment of the Scholarship Authority, which will now work alongside the GETFund to administer scholarships with greater transparency and accountability. Medical education was also in focus, with plans to expand university access and demystify the path to becoming a doctor. On the perennial issue of student feeding, Iddrisu assured the gathering that uncapped GETFund resources would ensure seamless food supply, eliminating disruptions to the academic calendar and ending the practice of using classrooms as storage spaces. Looking ahead, the Minister confirmed that President Mahama had directed his economic team to finalize the funding modalities for a new GETFund, with a bill to be presented before Parliament in January 2027. “President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership is about building viable institutions and responding to the real needs of Ghana’s youth,” Iddrisu concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen