Echoes of the Past, Hope for the Future: Alagumgube Association Joins Emancipation Day at Paga Slave Camp
The sun rose over the ancient baobab trees of the Kassena-Nankana West District, casting long shadows across the weathered stones of the Paga Slave Camp. It was a morning heavy with memory, and purpose. As the 2026 Emancipation Day celebrations began, the historic Oikworo Slave Camp stirred to life. Traditional chiefs in their finest kente cloth mingled with government officials, while the rhythmic beat of talking drums welcomed members of the African diaspora who had journeyed from across the ocean to stand on the very ground where their ancestors once suffered. Among the gathering stood a delegation that carried the hopes of the Upper East Region’s cultural preservation. The Alagumgube Association had arrived. Led by Acting Chairman Atibila Aloysius, the group moved through the crowd with quiet determination. Beside him stood Madam Prisca Naam Boma Yenzie, her presence a testament to the women who had kept their ancestors’ stories alive through generations. Apalazo-eya Joshua and other members fanned out among the attendees, their faces reflecting both the weight of history and the fire of commitment. The commemoration was not merely a ceremony, it was a journey. As participants walked the guided tours through the slave camp, they traced the footsteps of millions who had been torn from their homes. The stones seemed to whisper tales of resilience, of families shattered and spirits that refused to break. Cultural performances erupted across the grounds. Dancers in vibrant smocks told stories through movement, their feet pounding the earth in a rhythm that connected the present to the past. Traditional songs rose above the gathering, melodies that had survived centuries of sorrow to become anthems of triumph. The Alagumgube delegation listened intently as speakers took the podium. Messages of peace and unity wove through the air like threads of a grand tapestry. Reconciliation, development, and the power of remembering, these were the themes that bound the diverse gathering together. When it was their turn to speak, Acting Chairman Atibila Aloysius stepped forward with the weight of his Association’s mission on his shoulders. “We stand here not just to remember,” he declared, his voice carrying across the crowd, “but to act. The preservation of our heritage is the preservation of our identity. The Alagumgube Association is committed to protecting these monuments, educating our youth, and building a future that honors our past.” As the afternoon sun softened into gold, the delegation engaged with stakeholders from across the globe. Development partners took note of the Association’s vision. Cultural institutions exchanged contact information, eager to collaborate. The diaspora members, many with tears in their eyes, embraced their Ghanaian hosts, the bonds of shared heritage unbreakable. By day’s end, the echoes of the slave camp had been transformed. What was once a site of suffering had become a beacon of hope, a place where tourism meets education, where economic opportunity grows from historical preservation, and where the wounds of the past find healing in the promise of the future. The Alagumgube Association departed with renewed purpose. Their commitment to the Upper East Region’s cultural and historical heritage burned brighter than ever. They had come to commemorate. They left determined to collaborate, with government institutions, traditional authorities, and development partners—to ensure that the stories of their ancestors would never be forgotten, and that the landmarks that told those stories would stand strong for generations to come. In the fading light of that Emancipation Day, the Association’s delegation looked back at the Paga Slave Camp one last time. The shadows had grown long, but the hope shining from the old stones was brighter still. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Breaking News: Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Mining
On the morning of July 20, 2026, the Accra High Court became the stage for a landmark moment in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi and the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, stood before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, awaiting his fate. In a courtroom filled with anticipation, Justice Kocuvie-Tay delivered a decisive verdict: 20 years imprisonment for Chairman Wontumi’s involvement in illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The sentence, handed down shortly after 11:40 am, marked the end of one of the nation’s most closely watched trials. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Publishes Updated Interbank FX Rates, Offering Transparent Benchmark for Cedi Performance
In a move to promote transparency and guide economic activity, the Bank of Ghana has released its latest interbank foreign exchange rates, providing a clear view of how the Ghana cedi is performing against both global and regional currencies. These reference rates, calculated from large foreign exchange transactions of ten thousand dollars or more by licensed commercial banks, serve as a reliable benchmark for travelers, businesses, and international payments. Unlike the fluctuating rates often found at commercial bank counters or local forex bureaux, the central bank’s weighted median approach filters out market volatility, reflecting genuine wholesale trading activity nationwide. As this week’s trading window opens, the Ghana cedi shows stability against major world currencies. The official mid-rate for the US Dollar stands at GH¢11.5500, with a buying rate of GH¢11.5442 and a selling rate of GH¢11.5558. The British Pound Sterling is trading at a mid-rate of GH¢15.5284, while the Euro posts a mid-rate of GH¢13.2118. The Swiss Franc remains steady at GH¢14.3126, and the Canadian Dollar at GH¢8.2407. For cross-border merchants and regional trade, the Bank of Ghana has also updated key African indicators. The cedi is pegged at a mid-rate of GH¢119.00 against the Nigerian Naira, a crucial metric for West Africa’s busiest trading corridor. Meanwhile, the regional CFA Franc is set at a mid-rate of GH¢49.6495, providing vital guidance for businesses managing import costs and currency risks across the ECOWAS sub-region. These official rates, published at the start of each trading week, underscore the central bank’s commitment to providing accurate and actionable data for all market participants, supporting both domestic and international economic planning. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Market Traders in Bolgatanga Petition IGP to Retain Black Maria Security Team
On a bustling Saturday morning in Bolgatanga, the heart of the Upper East Region, a wave of determination swept through the local marketplace. Traders, united by a common cause, gathered to stage a peaceful demonstration, their voices rising above the typical clamor of market life. Their message was clear: they wanted the Inspector-General of Police to retain the Special Operations Team, affectionately known as “Black Maria,” in their region. The demonstration came in response to a recent controversy. Lawyer Anthony Anamoo, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), had called on the IGP to withdraw the Black Maria team, citing allegations of extra-judicial killings. However, his claims were met with widespread disapproval. Ordinary citizens, market women, and Bolgatanga’s prominent figures alike condemned the call, insisting that the presence of the Black Maria team had brought much-needed security to their community. With banners in hand and resolve in their hearts, the traders marched through the streets and eventually gathered at the Municipal Assembly. There, they presented a petition to Honorable Roland Ayoo, the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, who received it on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga. In accepting the petition, Hon. Ayoo addressed the demonstrators, assuring them that their concerns would be relayed to the appropriate authorities for due consideration. He emphasized the government’s commitment to taking their petition seriously and promised that any necessary actions would be taken. Before the crowd dispersed, Hon. Ayoo commended the traders and residents for the peaceful nature of their demonstration. He reminded everyone that the right to protest is enshrined in law, and urged all citizens to continue exercising that right responsibly. As the traders returned to their stalls, hope lingered in the air, a hope that their collective voice would secure the safety and security they cherished in Bolgatanga. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Reassures Nation: We’re Here to Stay Amid South Africa Unrest
As concerns ripple through Ghana over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, MTN Ghana has moved swiftly to reassure its customers and the nation that it has no plans to exit the country. Speaking at the 2026 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum in Takoradi, Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer, Michael Gbewonyo, offered a firm message: “MTN is here to stay. We are not going anywhere.” Addressing journalists from the Central and Western Regions, Gbewonyo dismissed suggestions that unrest in South Africa, where MTN’s parent company is based, could influence the company’s operations in Ghana. He emphasized that Ghana remains a strategic market for MTN, noting the company’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s socio-economic development throughout its 30-year presence. “We will continue to expand our network, support digital inclusion, create opportunities for Ghanaians, and partner with the government and other stakeholders to drive Ghana’s digital and economic transformation,” Gbewonyo assured. He highlighted MTN Ghana’s substantial contributions to national development, citing tax payments, employment opportunities, and a series of corporate social responsibility initiatives. The decision to list shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange and the ongoing activities of the MTN Ghana Foundation, he added, underline the company’s long-term commitment to Ghanaian society. Reflecting on three decades of growth, Gbewonyo expressed gratitude to customers, partners, employees, communities, the media, and other stakeholders. “Our success is not just about business growth, but about earning and keeping public trust through accountability, responsibility, transparency, and customer-centric services,” he said. He credited MTN’s achievements to the vital support, constructive criticism, and collaboration of all stakeholders, which have helped the company bridge the digital divide, support businesses, and connect more people than ever before. Notably, Gbewonyo revealed that MTN Ghana contributes about six per cent of the country’s total tax revenue. “Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, thousands of young people have received scholarships and support to pursue their dreams. In communities across the Western and Central Regions and beyond, our investments in health, education, and economic empowerment are changing lives every day.” He concluded by praising the media for telling the company’s story and pledged that MTN will continue to work with stakeholders to deepen its impact and build on three decades of progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Motorists Face Fuel Price Hike from July 16 as Global Tensions Push Up Costs
Motorists across Ghana should prepare to pay more at the pump starting Thursday, July 16, as the prices of petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are set to rise in the second pricing window of July. According to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), petrol prices are projected to climb by between 3.79% and 5.31%, with the average price at the pump likely reaching around GHS14.52 per litre. Diesel is also expected to increase, selling at about GHS16.00 per litre after a rise of approximately seven pesewas per litre. LPG will see a more modest adjustment, with prices anticipated to rise by between 1.10% and 1.30% per kilogram. COMAC attributed the looming price hikes to renewed geopolitical tensions that have unsettled global oil markets. Concerns over potential disruptions to crude oil supplies and shipping, especially through the critical Strait of Hormuz, have driven up international prices for crude and refined petroleum products. The situation has been further compounded by a slight weakening of the Ghana cedi, which depreciated by 0.55% against the US dollar during the pricing period, adding upward pressure on local fuel costs. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has responded by revising its price floors upwards for the period. The minimum price for petrol has increased from GHS12.79 to GHS13.28 per litre, while diesel’s minimum price has risen from GHS13.54 to GHS14.35 per litre. These developments mark an unexpected shift from earlier forecasts, which had suggested that fuel prices might fall during this window, based on previous trends in international oil prices and currency movements. Instead, motorists will have to brace for higher costs as global and local factors converge to push up prices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Inactiveness of BOST Bolgatanga Depot Sparks Concern Over Unemployment and Alleged Corruption
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) once established its Bolgatanga depot as a strategic export hub, designed to serve landlocked Sahelian countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Beyond its international role, the facility has long provided a secure and localized fuel supply for northern Ghana, reducing the burden of heavy tanker traffic on the nation’s major roads and supporting the local economy. But today, the gates of the Bolgatanga depot remain partially inactive, and the community is feeling the consequences. In an interview with ApexNewsGH, Mr. Sumaila Abubakari, a local fuel dealer who says he worked at the BOST Bolgatanga depot, voiced his concerns about the ongoing closure. According to Mr. Sumaila, some filling station and tanker owners routinely travel to Accra, where, he claims, they bribe top officials to allow them to make their fuel runs from Accra instead of using the Bolgatanga depot for distribution to surrounding districts like Bawku and Navrongo. Mr. Suumaila described the situation with a heavy heart. “The inactivity here is creating a lot of unemployment among the youth in our region. Many families depend on the depot for their livelihoods, drivers, loaders, cleaners, and small businesses all rely on its operations. With the depot closed, people are struggling to make ends meet.” He expressed frustration at watching his community’s economic prospects dwindle while trucks bypass the depot, traveling long distances to Accra unnecessarily. “It’s painful to see. This depot was meant to serve us, create jobs, and make fuel distribution easier, but now it feels like we’ve been forgotten,” he lamented. Meanwhile, efforts by ApexNewsGH to get answers from the BOST regional manager in Bolgatanga were unsuccessful. The manager referred their reporter to the head office in Accra. When ApexNewsGH finally reached officials at the Accra office, they learned that the Bolgatanga depot is currently undergoing an upgrade. For now, the community waits, hoping that the upgrades will bring the Bolgatanga depot back to life, restore local jobs, and reaffirm its importance as both a regional asset and strategic export hub. But until then, frustration and uncertainty linger, as residents wonder when the depot’s gates will once again open for business. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Supreme Court Halts Reinstatement of GN Savings and Loans Licence Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court has suspended the enforcement of a Court of Appeal ruling that directed the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited. This decision means that the Court of Appeal’s order will not take effect until the Supreme Court hears and determines the appeal filed by the central bank. The Bank of Ghana had appealed the earlier ruling, which ordered it to reinstate the licence of GN Savings and Loans after it was revoked as part of the country’s financial sector clean-up exercise. With the stay of execution granted, the current status remains unchanged, and the central bank is not required to restore the company’s licence while the appeal is pending. The Supreme Court will now consider whether the Bank of Ghana acted lawfully in revoking the licence and whether the Court of Appeal was justified in ordering its reinstatement. The final decision will determine whether the Court of Appeal’s judgment is upheld or overturned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Nears Completion of Debt Restructuring with Successful Exchange of SADEREA Notes
Ghana has taken a major step toward completing its external debt restructuring programme after successfully exchanging the outstanding Savings and Development Economic Recovery Agreement (SADEREA) Notes, the Ministry of Finance announced. According to the Ministry, the transaction was settled on Monday, July 13, 2026, with a value date of July 10, 2026, marking the resolution of the last outstanding component of Ghana’s sovereign bonded debt restructuring. In a statement, the Ministry described the successful exchange as a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts. The SADEREA Notes, 12.5% Senior Secured Amortising Bonds, were originally issued to finance capital expenditure in Ghana’s health sector. The original issuance totaled US$253.2 million, with about US$117.8 million in principal remaining as of January 2026. The Ministry emphasized that completing the exchange demonstrates the government’s commitment to restoring debt sustainability, boosting investor confidence, and maintaining macroeconomic stability. This achievement comes as part of Ghana’s broader debt restructuring efforts, aimed at reducing debt burdens and restoring fiscal sustainability after a period of severe economic challenges, including high debt levels and constrained access to international capital markets. The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to prudent debt and public financial management to safeguard Ghana’s long-term economic stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
US-Iran Tensions Keep Ghana’s Fuel Market on Edge
Renewed tensions between the United States and Iran are putting Ghana’s fuel market on high alert, as uncertainty in the Middle East threatens the stability of petroleum prices, according to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). COMAC CEO Dr. Riverson Oppong told the media that ongoing developments in the region are fueling volatility in global crude oil markets. However, he expressed optimism that prices would not surge past $100 per barrel. “We’re just hoping, and fingers crossed that this does not escalate the price above $100, which I believe we’re not going to see,” Oppong told Citi News. Dr. Oppong explained that COMAC had earlier projected crude oil prices would stay in the $70-$80 range if geopolitical conditions remained stable. “I was optimistic with the forecasts… We came to $74, $75, and it is still within the forecast that was made because the concern was that if everything was equal, that’s what we were going to see in the market,” he said. He acknowledged that geopolitical decisions by world leaders make accurate forecasting challenging, noting, “In forecasting, nobody can predict the mindset of any leader who is geopolitically strong like Trump. That’s the only disadvantage we have during our forecasting.” Dr. Oppong added that, under normal conditions, crude prices could have dropped further, possibly to between $65 and $67 per barrel. He also revealed that renewed instability has triggered panic buying of fuel in Ghana, but assured consumers that the country currently has enough stocks. “We’ve observed panic buying, but it is not anything to worry about. We still have stocks in the country,” he said. He criticized some businesses for increasing fuel prices prematurely in anticipation of higher import costs, calling the move unjustified since the products were imported earlier at lower prices. He explained that while panic buying is unlikely to directly impact consumers, it may be intended to safeguard the revenues of oil marketing companies. Global oil markets remain volatile as investors closely watch US-Iran developments, with fears that any escalation could disrupt supplies and drive up energy prices worldwide. Source: Apexnewsgh.com