Petroleum Tanker Drivers Begin Three-Day Strike Over Poor Yard Conditions at Kumasi Depot
Members of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have launched a three-day sit-down strike, protesting what they describe as the worsening and hazardous state of the parking yard at the Kumasi Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Depot. The drivers accuse BOST officials of neglecting urgent calls to rehabilitate the yard, which has become increasingly unsafe, especially during rains. Union members say the situation not only endangers their safety but also hampers their ability to efficiently carry out their duties. Beyond the deplorable yard conditions, the drivers have also raised concerns about persistent fuel shortages during offloading at the depot. They attribute these shortages to faulty machinery and equipment used for offloading petroleum products, a problem they say has gone unaddressed despite repeated complaints. Union leaders report that multiple engagements with BOST management have yet to yield solutions. Now, with their grievances unresolved, the drivers have resorted to industrial action, sparking fears of fuel supply disruptions. Industry observers warn that if the strike is prolonged, it could trigger widespread fuel shortages across the country. Dominic Brenya, Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, affirmed that the strike will continue until their concerns are addressed. The union is demanding immediate intervention to rehabilitate the yard and repair faulty offloading equipment to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Water Ltd Refutes Claims of Withholding River Pollution Data
Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has firmly denied allegations that its staff were threatened or instructed to withhold data on river turbidity and pollution levels, responding to accusations that surfaced in a video circulating on social media involving a Joy News journalist. In a statement released on Monday, August 17, 2026, GWL described the allegations as inaccurate and misrepresentative of the company’s mandate and operations. The utility company clarified that it routinely conducts internal turbidity tests as part of its water treatment processes and shuts down treatment plants whenever turbidity levels surpass established safety thresholds. However, GWL emphasized that it does not hold official data on the quality of natural river bodies. “GWL does not hold official data on natural river bodies,” the statement read, noting that the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining turbidity data lies with the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Addressing additional claims made by the journalist, GWL stated that its records showed no evidence of the journalist visiting the Kwanyako treatment plant, contradicting assertions that access to information was denied. The company also rejected rumors that the Presidency had issued any directive instructing GWL to withhold river turbidity data. “It is therefore totally untrue that the Presidency has directed GWL to withhold river turbidity data,” the statement stressed. GWL encouraged the public to distinguish between the specific mandates of the water utility, the WRC, and the EPA when interpreting reports about river pollution and turbidity. The company urged viewers and readers to approach the claims presented in the viral video with caution. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Rethinking Development: How Millar Open University is Putting African Culture at the Heart of Higher Education
Since time immemorial, Africa’s cultural identity has been defined by its most vibrant symbols: the thunder of drums, the kaleidoscope of traditional fabrics, the aroma of local cuisine, and the spirited energy of dance and festival. Yet, beyond these visible expressions lies a deeper, often overlooked dimension: culture as a living science and a reservoir of collective knowledge that shapes how communities govern, manage resources, confront climate change, and define wellbeing itself. This is the intellectual frontier being explored at Millar Open University, a pioneering institution that is challenging mainstream approaches to higher education by placing African culture at the epicenter of knowledge production and development. For Professor David Millar, the university’s founder and guiding voice, the reduction of culture to mere spectacle obscures its true power: its ability to organize societies, solve problems, and inform every facet of daily life. “Culture isn’t just about art or entertainment,” Professor Millar insists. “It is a science, a system of knowledge that equips communities to respond to challenges.” At Millar Open University, the case is made that development cannot be separated from culture. Every project, whether in healthcare, governance, finance, or environmental protection, unfolds within a cultural context. This means that imported solutions, no matter how well-intentioned, risk failure if they ignore the knowledge systems and values of the people they seek to help. Professor Millar’s argument upends a longstanding hierarchy in global knowledge production. While Western science is often treated as the universal standard, indigenous knowledge is relegated to folklore or belief. But what if science itself can be interpreted through a cultural lens? At Millar Open University, the answer is a resounding yes: the institution advocates for a multicultural approach to science, where different societies, European, Asian, African, can each contribute their intellectual traditions to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world. “Take Western science and view it through a cultural perspective,” Millar explains. “This justifies the idea of multicultural science.” This approach aligns with global debates on decolonisation, reparations, and the legitimacy of African knowledge systems. The university views these not as side issues, but as central to the way knowledge is produced and validated. Professor Millar points to the important but often underrecognized work of African Studies centers at the University of Ghana and elsewhere, arguing that such conversations need to move from the academic margins to the mainstream. Millar Open University’s commitment to flexibility is as radical as its intellectual vision. Unlike many open universities that rely exclusively on distance learning and massive enrollment, Millar’s model blends physical and virtual engagement in a monthly rhythm. Students, most of whom are already employed professionals, engage in remote learning for most of the month, then converge on campus for intensive, face-to-face sessions. This structure caters to adults juggling work, family, and academic ambitions. Around 98 percent of PhD students and 70 percent of master’s students are employed before enrolling. Rather than serving as a launchpad for young people entering the workforce, the university acts as a transformative platform for professionals seeking to challenge and expand the knowledge they already possess. Perhaps most distinctively, the university promotes “unlearning and relearning.” Students are encouraged not just to acquire new skills, but to question received wisdom and reconsider their fields from indigenous perspectives. An accountant might explore local financial traditions; a doctor might study non-communicable diseases through alternative frameworks. The aim is not to reject conventional knowledge, but to interrogate its universality and foster intellectual pluralism. Located in Ghana’s eastern corridor, Millar Open University deliberately maintains a rural orientation, even as it attracts urban students. The goal is to offer education outside the usual urban-centric models and professional networks, making advanced study accessible without requiring relocation or loss of employment. Flexible fee arrangements and limited scholarships make the institution more accessible, though it relies primarily on tuition for sustainability. The university’s approach finds its most profound expression in its relationship with indigenous communities. Professor Millar challenges the notion that development should be measured solely by material wealth. In many communities, wellbeing is defined by social relationships, happiness, and communal belonging, not just by cars, homes, or bank balances. Recognizing these values makes traditional knowledge and institutions relevant to contemporary debates about development and climate change. Sacred landscapes and traditional institutions are treated as vital sources of environmental knowledge. Customary rules protecting forests, groves, and water bodies reflect centuries of climate adaptation, long before the concept entered global policy discourse. Instead of asking only what communities can learn from modern science, Millar Open University asks what science can learn from communities that have managed their ecosystems for generations. To illustrate these ideas, Professor Millar often references “The Gods Must Be Crazy,” using its story of a Coca-Cola bottle’s disruptive arrival in a remote community as a metaphor for development’s unintended consequences. The lesson: technology or aid is not inherently beneficial. Its impact depends on the cultural system it enters. While ICT is central to Millar Open University’s model, enabling research supervision and communication, the institution deliberately preserves monthly in-person sessions. For a university that sees culture as lived experience, face-to-face engagement remains essential. With 14 years of operation, national accreditation, and academic affiliations, including a partnership with the University for Development Studies, Millar Open University is not an academic outlier. Its research networks extend to Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Netherlands, and beyond, positioning its cultural approach within a global intellectual conversation. The university’s success is not measured in job creation, but in the transformation of professional practice. Its graduates, already positioned in academia, public administration, and other sectors, bring new ways of thinking to their fields. A health worker might integrate biomedical and indigenous knowledge; a policy-maker might draw on traditional concepts of governance and wellbeing; a researcher might see a shrine as a form of ecological management. Ultimately, Millar Open University’s radical proposition is that culture is not just about what people do, but how they know and live. It challenges the separation of African culture from science, policy, and
It is better to complete Agenda 111 than to spend money on a national cathedral—Attorney General
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has called for a stronger focus on finishing the government’s flagship Agenda 111 hospital projects rather than allocating resources to the construction of a national cathedral. Speaking during the launch of the FREE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE initiative in Bolgatanga East on Thursday, Dr. Ayine, who also serves as Member of Parliament for the constituency, underscored the urgent need to prioritize healthcare infrastructure. Addressing President and guests, Dr. Ayine revealed his persistent efforts to ensure that the uncompleted Agenda 111 hospital in Bolgatanga East receives the attention it deserves. “I have been on the neck of my colleague, the Health Minister, to ensure that it is completed. Today, I had to exercise my authority as Attorney General to obtain the list of districts included in the Agenda 111 completion program, and Bolgatanga East Zuarungu was right there,” he stated. Dr. Ayine contrasted the unfinished hospital with ongoing discussions about funding the national cathedral, referencing a recent report he received. “You don’t build a house of God in the manner in which they went about it. The money that was spent on the national cathedral, according to a report from PWC, could have been used to complete the district hospital,” he said. He concluded with a clear message: “It is better to complete Agenda 111 than to spend money on a national cathedral.” Dr. Ayine’s remarks come amid renewed debate over national priorities, as calls for the completion of critical healthcare projects grow louder across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Call for Timelier Information Sharing from MTN to Tackle Digital Crime
At the 2026 MTN Media Editors Forum in Tamale, the Northern Deputy Regional Crime Officer, ASP Richard Ackumey, addressed a growing concern for law enforcement: delays in accessing crucial information from telecommunications companies. Speaking candidly to the assembled media and MTN representatives, ASP Ackumey highlighted the evolving nature of crime in the digital age and the critical need for close collaboration between security agencies and telcos. “We rely so much on the telcos,” he explained. “Crime has evolved, and much of it now takes place within the digital space. To gather evidence and get to the root of these incidents, we need seamless cooperation with the telecommunications sector.” ASP Ackumey pointed out that legal frameworks such as the Data Protection Act and other regulations protecting citizens’ privacy can sometimes hinder timely information sharing, even when court orders are obtained. “While we understand these laws are vital for customer protection, they also constrain telcos in releasing information needed for ongoing investigations,” he said. “Our main challenge has been the timely release of information. Whenever we submit requests, especially court orders, we expect a swift response from the telcos.” Despite these challenges, ASP Ackumey acknowledged that the relationship between the police and MTN has generally been positive. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cooperation would lead to more efficient crime-fighting in the future. “We look forward to more fruitful discussions like this and to building a safer Ghana together,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Celebrates Growth, Community Impact, and Commitment to Digital Equality at 2026 Editors Forum
At the 2026 Editors Forum in Tamale, Emmanuel Afutu, MTN Senior Manager for Network Implementation, highlighted MTN Ghana’s impressive growth and its dedication to national development and digital inclusion. Sharing the company’s first half 2026 results, Afutu reported that service revenue surged by 32.3 percent to 15.0 billion Ghana cedis, EBITDA rose by 47.1 percent to 9.3 billion, and profit after tax increased by 46.8 percent to 5.1 billion. “These numbers are not just a celebration of our performance, they symbolize our ability to invest in our network, create jobs, support communities, and contribute to Ghana’s progress,” Afutu said. In the first half of the year, MTN Ghana paid 5.6 billion cedis in direct and indirect taxes, plus 384.7 million in fees and levies, underlining the company’s role in national development. Beyond financial success, Afutu emphasized MTN’s ongoing investment in people through the MTN Ghana Foundation, which supports education, health, and economic empowerment. He cited the MTN Skills Academy and the Heroes of Change initiative, which rewards extraordinary community leaders and changemakers across the country. This year, the overall Heroes of Change winner will receive 400,000 cedis, with category winners earning 200,000 cedis each, and all finalists receiving 100,000 cedis. Afutu further spotlighted MTN’s community outreach, mentioning volunteer-driven WASH initiatives in schools across 16 regions and health screenings in hospitals such as Sola and Niga Zanga. “These interventions may seem simple, but they reflect our commitment to being present and supportive in every community we serve,” he said. Recognizing ongoing challenges around access, affordability, and digital literacy, Afutu called for continued collaboration among government, regulators, educational institutions, business, and communities. “Technology should be an equalizer,” he said, stressing MTN’s belief in digital equality so that every child, whether in Napanduri, Tamale, or Accra, has the opportunity to thrive. He also underscored MTN’s commitment to sustainability, detailing the company’s four-pillar ESG agenda and the recent launch of Sustainability Month under the theme ‘Small Actions, Big Impact.’ Afutu remarked, “Our success and Ghana’s progress are connected in a sustainable way. Sustainability is part of how we do business.” As MTN marks thirty years in Ghana, Afutu expressed gratitude to the media, government, regulators, customers, and communities: “Thirty years ago, our ambition was simply to connect people. Today, we connect people to opportunities, education, healthcare, and financial services. As Ghana grows, we will grow with Ghana.” He concluded by thanking all stakeholders for their support over the past three decades and inviting them to join MTN on the next stage of its journey, promising that the company’s story will remain deeply intertwined with Ghana’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Expands Network Across Northern Ghana, Pushing for Digital Inclusion and Opportunity
At the 2026 Editors Forum held in Tamale, Emmanuel Afutu, MTN Senior Manager for Network Implementation, unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen digital connectivity across northern Ghana. In his address, Afutu outlined MTN’s ongoing commitment to expanding its network, revealing that the company is currently constructing 38 new sites in the Northern Region, 17 in the Savannah Region, 14 in the Upper East Region, and 11 in the North East Region. Nationwide, MTN’s target is to complete 500 new sites, one of the largest expansions in the company’s recent history. But Afutu was quick to point out that MTN’s vision extends beyond simply increasing coverage. “Our measure of success is not just the number of sites we build, but the opportunities these sites create,” he told the gathered editors. “Connectivity means a farmer can reach new markets, a student can access online education, a digital business can receive payments anywhere, and families can stay connected no matter how far apart they are.” Afutu emphasized that MTN sees itself as an integral part of Ghana’s social and economic future. “Connectivity without opportunity is not enough. That’s why digital inclusion is so important to us. People must not only have access to technology, but also the skills and opportunities to use it to improve their lives.” Highlighting the impact of mobile money, Afutu shared that in the first half of 2026, mobile money transaction value grew by 44.4%, while active users increased by 3.1%, and transaction volumes and mobile revenue both rose by 23.3%. “For millions of Ghanaians, mobile is no longer just a payment service, it has become a tool for business, for saving, and for participating in the digital economy,” he noted. “Market women can now travel without carrying cash, knowing their funds are secure even if their phone is lost.” Afutu also acknowledged the growing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy as more Ghanaians embrace digital services. He reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to protecting customer information and strengthening the trust that underpins the company’s relationship with its users. “A stronger business supports a stronger Ghana,” Afutu concluded. “But none of these investments would be possible without a sustainable business model. We remain dedicated to building not just a bigger network, but a brighter digital future for all Ghanaians.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GWJN Urges Journalists to Prioritize Accuracy, Balance, and Community Voices
In an era of rapid environmental change, the field of climate and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) journalism faces new demands for accuracy, balance, and impact. This call to higher standards was delivered by Mr. Justice Lee Adoboe, National Coordinator for the WASH Journalist Network Ghana (GWJN), as he addressed thirty journalists from across northern Ghana during a three-day training organized by BEWDA in partnership with WaterAid Ghana under the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH project. Mr. Adoboe highlighted source mapping as an essential journalistic tool. By deliberately seeking out a variety of perspectives, he explained, journalists can avoid bias and produce stories that communities can trust. “Broadening your network of sources is key to delivering trustworthy journalism,” he said. Still, he was quick to remind participants that good sourcing is only the beginning. Upholding strict editorial standards and practicing diligent fact-checking are just as vital, ensuring every report is both accurate and meaningful before it is published. The training underscored the crucial role the media plays in raising awareness about how climate change is reshaping WASH services. With prolonged drought, erratic rainfall, and severe flooding threatening agriculture and livelihoods across northern Ghana, journalists were urged to lead the conversation. By informing the public, advocating for stronger policies, and engaging communities directly, the media can help build resilience and promote adaptation in response to the changing climate. Mr. Adoboe also cautioned journalists against common reporting pitfalls. He pointed out that focusing solely on water while neglecting sanitation and hygiene issues can give a distorted picture, especially when floods damage pit latrines and septic tanks. He also warned against labeling climate-driven disasters as routine natural events, and stressed the importance of highlighting the specific needs of marginalized groups, rather than masking them with broad national statistics. By raising their standards and widening their perspective, Mr. Adoboe believes journalists can tell stories that not only inform, but also inspire action and drive real change in their communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Mahama Unveils Development Plans for Upper East at Citizens’ Engagement in Navrongo
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a series of measures aimed at accelerating development, strengthening public institutions and creating more economic opportunities for Ghanaians, with particular attention to the Upper East Region. The commitments were announced during President Mahama’s citizens’ engagement in Navrongo, which brought together key members of government to account for ongoing initiatives and outline plans to address pressing development challenges. Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, disclosed that government intends to establish a Constitution Review Implementation Committee to begin work on implementing the recommendations of the Constitution Review process that have been accepted by government. Dr Ayine also highlighted the government’s legal interventions and ongoing court proceedings, stressing the role of the Attorney General’s Office in supporting the administration’s governance and institutional reform agenda. On infrastructure, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, announced that President Mahama has directed the ministry to take all necessary steps to ensure the completion of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom Road by the end of 2027. He assured residents that contractors would remain on site until the project is completed, signalling government’s determination to address the long-standing road infrastructure challenges in the region. President Mahama also pointed to the restoration of calm in Bawku as an important opportunity to accelerate development and improve the livelihoods of residents. As part of efforts to strengthen agriculture and create jobs, the President announced plans to rehabilitate the Pwalugu Tomato Factory to support local tomato production and processing. Government, he added, is also working to expand onion production as part of measures to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported onions. President Mahama identified job creation and the expansion of economic opportunities for young people as a major priority, particularly following efforts to stabilise the national economy. He further reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the road network linking Bolgatanga and Wa, which is expected to enhance transportation, trade and economic activity across the northern parts of the country. In the education sector, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced plans to establish an expanded, state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) institution in Bolgatanga. He also disclosed plans for the construction of special-needs education schools in Ho and Sunyani, alongside preparations for the commencement of work on regional libraries in the Ahafo and Volta Regions. The announcements formed part of government’s broader engagement with citizens to communicate its development priorities, account for ongoing programmes and identify practical measures to improve livelihoods and strengthen public services across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region to Benefit from 267.52km Road Expansion Under Government’s Big Push Initiative
The government has earmarked 267.52 kilometres of roads for construction and rehabilitation in the Upper East Region under its Big Push infrastructure programme, marking a major investment aimed at improving connectivity and boosting socio-economic development. The announcement was made by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Desert Pastures in Bolgatanga on Friday, August 14, 2026, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Ghana Tour. According to the Minister, the programme comprises 18 road projects, a significant increase from the previous allocation of between 50 and 60 kilometres under earlier road initiatives. He noted that President Mahama had directed that the programme should not only focus on major highways but also prioritise feeder roads that connect farming communities, schools, health facilities and rural settlements. Mr. Agbodza disclosed that approvals for the projects would be issued next week, paving the way for procurement processes, while contractors are expected to move to site within a month. The projects include the upgrading and rehabilitation of several feeder roads such as Gurumongo–Mayoro, Saboro–Wusunga, Gbedema–Kandiga, Catholic–Kpandem–Health, Chuchuliga–Awulansa, Kandiga Junction–Sirigu, Zaare Market–Zeseri, Yakubu Corner–Kpatia, and Asonge–Perlungu. Other planned works include the upgrading of the Y-Junction–Domeabra–Tempane, Bongo Central–Namoa Border, and Zebilla Hospital–Tanga roads, as well as rehabilitation of the Basyonde–Kongo road. Additional projects cover the Zaare–Nyariga–Ayonore, Zuarungu–Tongo, Bawku–Narungu, Navrongo–Pungu–Natungnia roads and township roads in Pusiga. As part of the programme, government will also construct two steel bridges along the Paga–Sirigu route—a 30-metre bridge over the Kolalibali River and a 36-metre bridge over River Gugura. Further road improvements will target routes including Asorekobisi Guinea Fowl Junction–Nyariga Canal, Extee–Azimson Bypass, Azorebisi–Nyariga Junction, Magori–Gentriga, Mogoni–Tampizua, Sakpare–Chief Palace, and Nidi–Naranzua, alongside other feeder roads within the Bawku area. The Minister also provided updates on ongoing road developments in the region. He said construction on the Navrongo–Chuchuliga–Tumu corridor is progressing steadily, while the long-stalled Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road project has resumed, with completion targeted for 2027. He further announced plans to rehabilitate the deteriorated Bolgatanga–Tamale Highway and undertake major repairs on sections of the Eastern Corridor, particularly around Nakpanduri, Garu and Kulungugu. The projects form part of government’s broader agenda to improve road infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activities across the Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com