Bank of Ghana Rolls Out Tougher Penalties for Dud Cheque Offenders
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has introduced a new, tiered penalty system aimed at curbing the issuance of dud cheques, a move designed to protect the integrity of the country’s financial system and encourage responsible banking. Under the revised rules, a dud cheque is defined as one that cannot be honoured due to insufficient funds in a customer’s account. If such a cheque is issued, the bank will reject and return it, and the account holder could face legal action in addition to financial penalties. For first-time offenders, the BoG mandates a penalty of 10% of the cheque’s face value. Offenders will also receive a formal warning outlining the ramifications of future violations. Banks are required to report these cases to both the Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) and the central bank. The penalties increase for repeat offenders. A second dud cheque issued within a year of the first attracts a 15% penalty and a renewed warning, with the incident again being reported to CRBs and the BoG. A third offence within the same period will result in a 20% penalty. After the third strike, consequences stiffen significantly: the customer will be banned from issuing cheques for at least three years and denied access to new credit facilities for one year. The BoG will notify all banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions of the sanction, ensuring the ban is enforced across the sector. The BoG warns that these offences can damage a customer’s creditworthiness, making it harder and more expensive to borrow in the future. Banks must notify customers of a cheque-issuing ban within five working days and recall all unused cheque books, refraining from issuing new ones until the sanction is lifted. Customers who fail to return unused cheque books within ten working days face even stiffer penalties, including a possible ban on operating any current account and inclusion in the BoG’s Directory of High-Risk Cheque Issuers. The central bank is urging all customers to be vigilant about their account balances and not to issue cheques based on anticipated funds unless they are certain the money will be available. Keeping accurate records of issued cheques and their expected presentation dates, and alerting one’s bank in the event of insufficient funds, are also strongly advised. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government to Introduce Biometric Verification for SIM Registration Before End of 2026
Ghana is set to take a significant leap in digital security, as the government prepares to roll out biometric verification for SIM card registration before the end of 2026. Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George made the announcement at the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, September 7. Minister George revealed that Parliament has passed the Legislative Instrument (LI) on SIM registration, clearing the way for this next phase. The new biometric system will require subscribers to provide unique identifiers, such as fingerprints, when registering their SIM cards. This move, he explained, is intended to strengthen the identification of subscribers and enhance the integrity of Ghana’s SIM registration database. “The work is far from finished, and I will not pretend otherwise. But the direction is unmistakable, the results are measurable, and the resolve of this Ministry is unshaken,” Mr George said, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving regulatory frameworks as technology evolves. Authorities believe the introduction of biometric verification will make it much harder for individuals to use fraudulent identities to register SIM cards. It will also improve the traceability of subscribers, helping Ghana’s telecommunications sector combat crime and strengthen national security. With the passage of the LI, the Ministry is expected to collaborate closely with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and telecom operators to roll out the biometric system before the year’s end. Subscribers will be allotted a window to complete the verification process, with possible sanctions for those who fail to comply. This bold step signals a new chapter in Ghana’s digital transformation journey, one focused on security, accountability, and the responsible management of digital identities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam MP Donates 15 Sewing Machines to Centre for National Culture
The Member of Parliament for the Nabdam Constituency, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, has donated 15 sewing machines to the Centre for National Culture in the Nabdam District to support vocational training for young people, particularly young women. The donation follows an inspection of the centre by the MP, during which he observed the challenges confronting the facility and the lack of equipment needed to effectively train the youth in various vocational skills. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Nawaane said the initiative was largely community-driven and had been championed by the Nabdam District Director of the Centre for National Culture, Madam Gladys Ayamga. According to him, Madam Ayamga had been working over the past six months to organise young women to acquire vocational skills but faced difficulties securing the necessary equipment. He said after visiting the centre and witnessing the situation firsthand, he decided to seek support to provide the needed sewing machines. “When I went back to Accra, I tried to look around and, thanks to God, today I am donating 15 sewing machines to the centre. This is a community-initiated activity.” Dr Nawaane stressed the importance of vocational and technical education, noting that not every young person must necessarily pursue university education. He said Ghana needed more people with practical and technical skills to meet the demands of the economy. “Not everybody is supposed to learn and go to university and go and do academic work. Currently, what we lack in Ghana is technical skills. What we lack in Ghana is vocational skills,” he said. In addition to the sewing machines, Dr Nawaane announced a financial support of GH¢5,000 to assist the centre in its training activities and enable the beneficiaries to explore additional vocational areas, including weaving. He also encouraged the centre to introduce other practical skills such as hairdressing and promised to support efforts to expand vocational training opportunities across the district. The MP expressed hope that within the next two to four years, the centre would have a larger number of students acquiring different vocational skills. He further urged the beneficiaries to take proper care of the sewing machines and use them strictly for their intended purpose. “These machines are set up for you to use them to learn. Take good care of them. Make sure that you learn and learn and learn. That is just what we expect from you,” he said. The Nabdam District Director of the Centre for National Culture, Madam Gladys Ayamga, expressed gratitude to Dr Nawaane for responding to the centre’s appeal for assistance. She said efforts to secure sewing machines for the trainees had previously proved unsuccessful despite repeated attempts to obtain support. “I am so grateful to him in the sense that he is able to come out to assist these youth. In fact, it’s not easy. I’ve been with them, struggling to get sewing machines to even equip them for the training,” she said. Madam Ayamga explained that the centre plans to expand its training programmes beyond dressmaking to include beading, hand-tassel weaving and other vocational skills. She, however, appealed for further support to enable the centre to extend its programmes to more communities in the district. According to her, distance remains a major challenge for young people from communities such as Sakote who wish to benefit from the training. She therefore called for support to establish or expand training opportunities in other parts of Nabdam so that young people would not have to travel long distances to access vocational education. Genesis of the Vocational Training Madam Ayamga explained that the vocational training initiative dates back to her time working with the Centre for National Culture in Bolgatanga, where she was involved in the hand-weaving and sewing departments. She said the experience enabled her to train several young people, some of whom later joined the Centre for National Culture as workers. She disclosed that in 2024, the centre trained 15 young women in dressmaking and five others in hand-tassel weaving. After completing their training, some beneficiaries received sewing machines and continued practising their trades within their respective communities. Others subsequently followed her to Nabdam, where they continued their training and graduated in 2025. Madam Ayamga said following the graduation, she appealed to the MP and the Nabdam District Assembly for support to recruit and train more young people. She also said the programme had opened its doors to persons with disabilities and other young people seeking opportunities for self-employment. She cited the example of a trainee who had previously learned dressmaking but returned to the centre to acquire additional skills in hand-tassel weaving. Madam Ayamga said the ultimate goal was to equip young people with practical skills that could enable them to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods. The centre is expected to continue expanding its vocational programmes as it mobilises additional support and equipment for trainees across the Nabdam District. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam MP Nawaane Inspects 24-Hour Economy Market Project, Urges Contractor to Deliver Quality Work
The Member of Parliament for the Nabdam Constituency, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, has inspected the ongoing construction of the Nabdam 24-hour economy market project, a flagship initiative under the John Dramani Mahama-led NDC administration. The visit was aimed at assessing the progress of work and encouraging the contractor, Mac-Deen Ghana Limited, to maintain high standards and ensure the timely completion of the project. Dr. Nawaane expressed satisfaction with the level of work undertaken so far by the contractor, but urged the company not to become complacent. He encouraged Mac-Deen Ghana Limited to focus not only on completing the project but also on delivering a quality, world-class facility that would serve the people of Nabdam for years to come. According to the MP, projects of this nature provide Ghanaian contractors with an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. He also appealed to wealthy Ghanaians and local businesses to invest their resources in Ghana rather than moving their capital abroad. “Nobody is coming to develop this country for us. We have to develop our country ourselves. We’ve got to put in the resources,” Dr. Nawaane said. He urged Ghanaians with financial resources and expertise to invest in local industries, create jobs and help generate wealth within the country. Dr. Nawaane further challenged the contractor to view the Nabdam project as an opportunity to build a strong reputation that could lead to future contracts. “Don’t get swollen headed. Make sure that it is not just a matter of doing the work, but doing it very well,” he advised. The MP explained that quality delivery on the project could serve as an advertisement for the contractor and position the company for similar projects in the future. He also expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the vision behind the 24-hour economy initiative and urged the contractor and its workers to put in the necessary effort to ensure that the project becomes a reality. Contractor Promises Timely Completion A representative of Mac-Deen Ghana Limited assured Dr. Nawaane and the people of Nabdam that the company was committed to delivering the best possible project. The representative disclosed that the project was expected to be completed within 24 months, although ongoing rainfall had affected the pace of construction. He assured the MP that the contractor had several projects at various stages of completion but remained committed to handing over the Nabdam 24-hour economy market to the people as promised. “We want to assure you that this project will be completed and handed over to you,” the representative said. The contractor also expressed the hope that, by God’s grace, Mac-Deen Ghana Limited would be among the first contractors to successfully complete and hand over a 24-hour economy market project to its beneficiaries. The Nabdam market project is expected to provide modern commercial infrastructure and support economic activities in the constituency as part of the government’s broader 24-hour economy agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Pump Price Movements Mark September’s First Pricing Window
As the first pricing window of September unfolds, Ghana’s fuel landscape is witnessing a flurry of price adjustments by major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), each charting its course in response to international and local market pressures. It all began quietly, with most OMCs, except Star Oil, holding their pump prices steady, despite projections that petrol and diesel prices would climb in the new pricing period. But Star Oil soon broke the silence, announcing its second price hike for September’s first window. The company raised the price of diesel from GH¢16.97 to GH¢17.26 per litre, and petrol from GH¢14.97 to GH¢15.43 per litre, while keeping RON 95 unchanged at GH¢17.97 per litre. Star Oil attributed these changes to rising international prices for refined petroleum products, even as the Ghana cedi showed signs of strength. In contrast, state-owned GOIL chose not to adjust its prices, maintaining those set in the previous window. Petrol at GOIL outlets remains at GH¢15.43 per litre, diesel at GH¢17.26, and Super XP 95 at GH¢17.97. The company explained its decision as an effort to offer consumers some relief at the pumps amid the ongoing price volatility. Shell, another major player, also held its ground, keeping petrol at GH¢15.99 and diesel at GH¢17.59 per litre. Its premium V-Power fuel is retailing at GH¢17.99 per litre. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies nudged its petrol price upward from GH¢15.99 to GH¢16.18 per litre, though its diesel price remained at GH¢17.59. Excellium 95, the company’s premium offering, continues to sell at GH¢17.99 per litre. These price movements reveal the complex, competitive dance among Ghana’s OMCs as they react to international refined product prices, shifts in the cedi’s strength, and each other’s strategies. With Brent crude hovering above $95 a barrel due to renewed tensions in the Middle East, the specter of further pump price hikes looms if global market pressures persist. Regulatory agencies are also active. For September’s first window, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has raised the price floors, the minimum legal prices at which OMCs and LPG Marketing Companies can sell fuel. Petrol’s floor is now GH¢14.53 per litre (up from GH¢13.92 in August’s second window), and diesel’s floor is GH¢15.60 per litre (up from GH¢15.19). Only LPG saw a slight decrease, slipping to GH¢10.85 per kilogram. These regulated floors set a baseline but exclude various industry premiums and margins, which each company determines independently within the guidelines. To cushion consumers, the government has extended a GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel into September’s window. This ongoing intervention aims to soften the blow from rising international prices as OMCs revise their pump prices. As the month unfolds, all eyes will be on the pumps, and the international markets, to see if further adjustments lie ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NABOCADO Equips Upper East Journalists with Conflict-Sensitive Reporting Skills to Promote Peace
The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese (NABOCADO) has stepped up efforts to strengthen peacebuilding in the Upper East and North East Regions by training journalists and members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on conflict-sensitive reporting. The training, held under NABOCADO’s Integrated Peace Building for Improved Food and Nutrition Supply (INPEACE) Project, forms part of a broader strategy to reduce violent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in communities affected by recurring tensions. Speaking at the event, the Director of Justice, Peace and Humanitarian Response (JPHR) at NABOCADO, Mr. Theophilus Abolga, explained that the INPEACE Project, which runs from June 2026 to May 2029, is designed to improve social cohesion while reducing violent conflicts across selected communities in the Upper East and North East Regions. According to him, the project is being implemented in four districts, including Bawku Municipality and Kasena Nankana West in the Upper East Region, as well as Nakpanduri and Yunyoo-Nasuan in the North East Region. Mr. Abolga noted that the media remains one of the most influential institutions in society, capable of either promoting peace or escalating tensions through the way conflicts are reported. He said the training was therefore intended to equip journalists with practical tools to ensure their reports contribute to reconciliation rather than deepen divisions. He observed that for many years, conflicts, particularly the protracted Bawku conflict, have shaped public perception of the region, overshadowing its positive developments. He stressed that NABOCADO wants journalists to help rewrite that narrative by highlighting stories that foster unity, peaceful coexistence and hope. “We want media reports to become instruments for building trust and social cohesion instead of unintentionally fuelling violence,” he said, adding that responsible journalism is critical to creating an environment where development can thrive. Mr. Abolga further revealed that significant progress has already been made through the peacebuilding project. He explained that many communities are now taking ownership of peace initiatives by establishing youth groups and community peace structures dedicated to preventing violence. He said NABOCADO has also established peace trackers in project communities to monitor early warning signs of conflict and report them promptly to the relevant authorities for timely intervention before situations escalate. The JPHR Director praised traditional leaders for their growing commitment to peacebuilding, explaining that although chieftaincy disputes have at times contributed to conflicts, chiefs have equally demonstrated their ability to become powerful agents of reconciliation when given the necessary support. He cited examples from Doba, Kandiga and parts of the Bawku area, where traditional authorities have worked closely with NABOCADO, the National Peace Council and other stakeholders to restore peace. Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Apubeo commended NABOCADO for consistently investing in the capacity building of journalists. He described the training as timely and necessary, noting that the media has a responsibility not only to inform the public but also to educate citizens, shape public opinion and contribute to peaceful coexistence. Mr. Apubeo called for sustained collaboration between media organisations and peacebuilding institutions to ensure journalists continue to receive the skills and knowledge needed to report conflict-related issues accurately, fairly and in ways that strengthen peace and social cohesion. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Peace Expert Urges Media to Amplify Peacebuilding Efforts Across Upper East
A peacebuilding expert and former Regional Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Mr. Ali Anankpang, has urged journalists to dig deeper into conflict-related issues and provide the public with a balanced understanding of both the causes of conflicts and ongoing efforts to promote peace. He said the media had a critical responsibility to amplify peacebuilding initiatives across the Upper East Region, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Bolgatanga, Doba-Kandiga and Bawku. Mr. Anankpang made the call on Tuesday during a media training engagement organised by the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO) under the Integrated Peace Building for Improved Food and Nutrition Supply (INPEACE) Project. According to him, several peacebuilding interventions were ongoing across the region, but many of them were not receiving the level of media attention needed to inform the wider population. He therefore encouraged journalists to interview individuals and organisations involved in peace promotion to understand their perspectives and communicate their efforts to the public. “There are efforts in building peace in the region across the various conflicts, Bolgatanga, Doba-Kandiga and Bawku and all these efforts are being made, but they need to be amplified. And who can do that better than the media?” Mr. Anankpang asked. He stressed that while violent incidents often dominated news coverage, peacebuilding activities were also taking place and deserved equal attention. “Without the media, there is no way people really know what is happening, except that all we hear is about violence. But while the violence is taking place, we also know that peace efforts are going on,” he noted. Mr. Anankpang said journalists could help bring these efforts to the attention of the public by engaging peace actors, understanding their interventions and reporting on how communities and other stakeholders were working to prevent conflicts. The peacebuilding expert also acknowledged improvements in conflict-sensitive reporting in the region, saying some journalists had moved beyond reporting incidents to examining the historical, social and economic contexts surrounding conflicts. He cited reports that had explored the historical origins of settlements, including engagements by ApexnewsGh with experts on history, as examples of journalism that could help audiences better understand the underlying issues. He also mentioned reports and interviews conducted around the Bongo area, as well as extensive coverage of the Bawku conflict and its effects on education and the local economy. According to him, such reporting was important because it helped the public understand that, despite the challenges in conflict-affected areas, efforts were being made to restore peace and normalcy. He cautioned journalists against amplifying only conflict and violence, warning that such reporting could create fear and discourage people from returning to affected communities. “When we amplify only the conflict, then it will continue to scare people away. But when you begin to talk about peace, like some of you have done, then people will begin to have confidence to return to their place, and that is how communities are developed,” he said. Mr. Anankpang, however, urged journalists not to become complacent with the progress made so far but to continue strengthening their coverage of peacebuilding initiatives. He encouraged the media to maintain professional and responsible reporting that would help the public appreciate the progress being made in peacebuilding across the region. “You need to do more. What you do is so important that you cannot rest on what you have done so far. Continue to add your voice to what is happening in terms of peace promotion,” he urged. He added that responsible and comprehensive reporting would help showcase the Upper East Region not only as an area experiencing conflicts but also as a region where significant efforts were being made to promote peace, stability and development. Meanwhile, Mr. Anthony Adongo Apubeo, Upper East Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has commended NABOCADO for its continued support towards strengthening journalists’ capacity in conflict-sensitive reporting. Speaking on behalf of the GJA, Mr. Apubeo expressed appreciation to NABOCADO for consistently organising training programmes aimed at equipping journalists with the skills needed to report responsibly on conflict-related issues. He described the initiative as a step in the right direction, stressing the important role the media plays in society, particularly in promoting peace, educating the public and shaping public discourse. He encouraged continued collaboration between media organisations and peacebuilding institutions to ensure that journalists are adequately equipped to report conflict-sensitive issues in a manner that promotes peace and social cohesion. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Importers and Exporters Association Applauds GoldBod and Bank of Ghana for Enhancing Forex Stability
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has lauded the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for their significant roles in stabilising the country’s foreign exchange market and promoting economic resilience. At a press conference, IEAG Executive Director Samson Asaki Awingobit highlighted the benefits that a steady foreign exchange environment brings to Ghana’s business community. He explained that the recent stability in the forex market had made it easier for importers and exporters to plan ahead, manage risks, and engage in international trade with greater certainty. Awingobit credited GoldBod’s trading policies for bolstering Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and improving legitimate businesses’ access to hard currency. He also praised the Bank of Ghana for its commitment to macroeconomic and financial stability, singling out the recent reduction in interest rates as a welcome relief for businesses that rely on credit to fund their operations. Quoting the Bank of Ghana’s Financial Stability Review, Awingobit noted that the average lending rate fell from 30.3 percent in December 2024 to 20.5 percent by the end of 2025, a development he described as a “major boost” for importers and exporters in need of working capital. He urged both GoldBod and the BoG to maintain and expand their efforts to sustain foreign exchange stability and lower borrowing costs, particularly as the festive season approaches, a time when demand for foreign currency, credit, and imported goods typically rises. The IEAG emphasised that ongoing monetary and regulatory support would be critical in helping businesses navigate seasonal trade pressures and foster long-term economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Gas Charts Expansion Path, Eyes Onshore Pipeline to Boost Power and Industry
The Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) is gearing up for a major expansion drive, aiming to reinvest its strong financial gains to boost operational efficiency and make gas more accessible for power generation and industry. Chief Executive Officer Judith Adjobah Blay announced that the company’s next focus will be on expansion and reinvestment, following its recent financial success. “That is the next phase, beyond profit, there is expansion and reinvestment into Ghana Gas,” she stated. Central to these plans is a proposed onshore pipeline project that would stretch from Takoradi to Tema, extending the supply of gas from the Atuabo processing facility beyond the Western Region. The pipeline would traverse the Central and Eastern regions, ultimately reaching the industrial hub of Tema. GNGC anticipates that the expanded infrastructure will support industrial growth along the pipeline’s route by making gas more available to businesses and factories in those areas. The company’s ambitious expansion plans were showcased during an industrial tour by the commissioners and management of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), GNGC’s economic regulator. Richard Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Communications at Ghana Gas, said the visit provided PURC with an invaluable opportunity to witness the company’s operations and expansion projects firsthand. “Their visit aims to give them insight into Ghana Gas’s operations, particularly the expansion projects at their sites. Rather than just presenting slides and discussing verbally, allowing them to see the facilities and the ongoing work firsthand will give them a better understanding of the company’s plans and activities,” Kirk-Mensah explained. With its sights set on expansion and reinvestment, Ghana Gas is positioning itself as a key driver of Ghana’s industrial and power sectors, promising increased availability and reliability of gas supply for years to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament to Probe $1.7 Billion Gold Board Loss, Summon GOLDBOD CEO
Parliament is set to open an inquiry into the reported US$1.7 billion loss recorded by the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). The move follows a formal motion filed by the Minority Caucus, seeking a parliamentary investigation and the summoning of GOLDBOD Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi to provide explanations regarding the controversial transactions. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin confirmed the development, stating that parliamentary scrutiny would help clarify whether the reported $1.7 billion (GHS22 billion) constitutes a genuine financial loss or a policy-related cost associated with the DGPP’s implementation. “With the motion they have filed, which was received in my office on the 21st of August, 2026, just three days ago, I have gone through the motion myself and I intend to admit the motion because we have to at least have an end to litigation as to whether it’s a loss or it’s a cost,” he said. Bagbin explained that the parliamentary process would allow lawmakers to thoroughly examine the issue and bring clarity to the public. He added that Ghanaians would have the opportunity to follow the proceedings and form their own informed opinions. “This House will have the opportunity to go through it. And please, Ghanaians are very intelligent people. They will listen, they will read in between the lines and they will make their decisions,” he said. The upcoming inquiry is expected to provide much-needed transparency and accountability on the financial management of the DGPP and the reported multi-billion dollar loss. Source: Apexnewsgh.com