Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has attributed the nation’s impressive conservation of foreign exchange and the surge in gold-backed inflows to the efficient operations of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Speaking on the agency’s growing influence, Dr. Forson highlighted that GoldBod—established to regulate and promote Ghana’s gold sector—has become a game-changer for the country’s economy, playing a crucial role in the Cedi’s strong performance this year. In April, Ghana’s currency was ranked the world’s best-performing, appreciating by 16.7% against the U.S. dollar and gaining both domestic and international recognition. The Finance Minister explained that GoldBod’s centralized procurement and export strategy has helped plug foreign exchange leakages and contributed significantly to stabilizing the Cedi. These efforts have also supported the Bank of Ghana’s drive to rebuild the country’s foreign reserves, which now stand at the equivalent of four and a half months of import cover—a dramatic turnaround from the lows of the 2022 economic crisis. As of September 2025, Ghana’s gold reserves had risen to 37.06 tonnes, thanks mainly to GoldBod’s domestic purchasing framework. Governor Johnson Asiamah told Reuters that GoldBod’s operations have strengthened investor confidence by boosting foreign reserves and enhancing the country’s fiscal credibility. Dr. Forson added that the resulting improvements in Ghana’s FX buffer have attracted renewed capital inflows and bolstered the nation’s economic resilience. Ghana’s GoldBod model is now gaining continental recognition. In October, finance ministers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Sudan, and Ghana, along with AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, praised the initiative during a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the 2025 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings. The meeting commended Ghana’s approach to natural resource governance, singling out GoldBod’s positive impact on gold trading and certification. Since its establishment in March, GoldBod has delivered around $8 billion in inflows by centralizing gold purchases and exports, ensuring that foreign currency earnings from the sector benefit Ghana directly. The GoldBod model continues to attract interest from other African nations eager to emulate Ghana’s success in gold resource management and institutional reform. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 13, 2025, officially commissioned the newly expanded Tema Port, describing the multibillion-dollar development as “one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa’s maritime sector” and a major milestone in cementing Ghana’s role as the gateway to West Africa. The ceremony celebrated the completion of phases one and two of the landmark public–private partnership between Meridian Port Services (MPS), APM Terminals, and other international partners. President Mahama highlighted the innovative financing model behind the project, which required no government funding and demonstrated Ghana’s capacity to attract private capital for national development. Addressing key stakeholders, President Mahama emphasized that the expanded facility signified more than just improved infrastructure. “This project is more than a Ghanaian achievement. It is an African statement,” he declared, underscoring the port’s strategic role in enhancing regional trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is based in Accra. With enhanced capacity, deeper berths, and advanced operational systems, the new Tema Port is now the preferred first-call terminal for major shipping lines entering the Gulf of Guinea. Mother vessels can offload containers in Tema, which are then redistributed to ports in Monrovia, Freetown, Dakar, Douala, and other West African destinations. The upgrade also reinforces Ghana’s position as the primary transit hub for landlocked neighbours Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.+   The expansion has generated thousands of jobs during both construction and ongoing operations, boosting a wide range of supporting industries including logistics, transportation, warehousing, engineering, hospitality, and maintenance. President Mahama noted the project’s ripple effects, stating it had spurred “enterprise and innovation” and contributed to Ghana’s industrial diversification and long-term growth. A significant milestone for local technology, President Mahama revealed that the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm powering the port’s operational systems was developed by young Ghanaian engineers. He also announced that additional equipment is expected to arrive by early 2027, promising to further elevate efficiency and help Tema Port achieve its goal of becoming “the fastest-turnaround port in Africa.” Looking ahead, President Mahama called for sustained investment in next-generation technologies and digital systems to ensure the port remains competitive in the evolving global trade landscape. Reflecting on the project’s legacy, he remarked, “A hundred years from now, I wonder how many of us will be alive,  but our children and grandchildren will be here operating these ports.” Reaffirming the government’s commitment to large-scale private-sector investment, President Mahama officially declared phases one and two of the expansion commissioned. He described the facility as a symbol of what visionary policy, private investment, and national ambition can achieve. The expanded Tema Port now stands as a regional maritime powerhouse and a blueprint for Africa’s future infrastructure transformation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a crisis loomed over Accra’s bustling Central Business District as tensions boiled over at the Kinbu terminal of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. The day started like any other, but it soon spiraled into chaos, threatening to grind the city’s vital public transport system to a halt. It began as a standoff between Aayalolo workers and a group of individuals alleged to be party supporters and associates of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). For two days, these groups had grappled for control over the terminal’s lucrative parking operations. On that fateful Tuesday, the situation escalated when the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, arrived at the terminal with his entourage, determined to assert the AMA’s authority. Eyewitnesses recalled a tense atmosphere that quickly gave way to violence. Members of the Mayor’s entourage, undeterred by the presence of police officers and GAPTE officials, allegedly assaulted several Aayalolo staff. One staffer’s only “offence,” witnesses told Classfmonline.com, was responding to the Mayor’s threat to tow parked buses by saying management would simply bring more buses. Another staff member was beaten, his shirt torn, and a driver was slapped for uttering the phrase “massa massa”, a remark considered disrespectful by the Mayor’s guard. The confrontation reached its peak when the Mayor reportedly ordered the arrest of an Aayalolo staff member, accusing him of obstructing operations. Amidst the chaos, witnesses claimed the Mayor made politically charged remarks, referencing the previous government and questioning the current management’s right to reclaim the terminal under the NDC administration. The assaults pushed Aayalolo drivers to the brink. Fearing for their safety, they threatened to park their buses and withdraw their services, a move that would have stranded thousands of commuters and paralyzed Accra’s transport system. Enter Awudu Dawuda Esq., the Acting Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE). Sensing the gravity of the situation, Dawuda intervened swiftly. He met with the aggrieved drivers, listened to their concerns, and assured them that management was committed to their safety and would seek justice for the assaulted staff. After some hesitation, the drivers, buoyed by management’s assurances, agreed to return to work, narrowly averting a citywide transport disruption. But the incident has left deep scars. Public outrage has grown, with calls for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the AMA officials and the alleged politicisation of public transport. Observers say the tumultuous events at Kinbu highlight the urgent need for clear policies governing the management and control of Aayalolo terminals. Only then can Accra’s commuters be assured of smooth, uninterrupted service—and workers of their safety and dignity

Once a symbol of progress for Accra’s urban commuters, the Kinbu terminal of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has now become the center of controversy and mounting tension in the heart of the city’s Central Business District. The Aayalolo BRT project, launched in 2016 under the stewardship of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) and overseen by the Ministry of Local Government, was envisioned as a solution to the city’s perennial transport woes. Its network spans major terminals from Adenta and Achimota to Ofankor, Amasaman, and Kinbu, offering hope for a more efficient and organized public transport system. For years, the Kinbu terminal, like its counterparts, operated under the direct management of GAPTE, providing structured bus services and a semblance of order in the otherwise chaotic city center. But following the December general elections, the scene at the Kinbu terminal began to change drastically. According to multiple sources, a group of individuals, allegedly linked to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), moved in and took over operations at the terminal. These individuals began collecting daily tolls from vehicles using the car park, asserting control over entry and exit, and converting sections of the terminal into a makeshift bulk-breaking zone, where cargo trucks offload goods for distribution. GAPTE, which until recently maintained full control of the terminal, found itself sidelined. The funds collected over the past ten months by the new group have reportedly not been accounted for, raising alarms over transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, GAPTE has continued to shoulder the costs of maintenance, cleaning, and utilities, an increasingly unsustainable burden given the loss of revenue streams. The situation has also triggered a cascade of new problems. The terminal’s changing environment has attracted a surge of casual laborers and, according to witnesses, alleged drug users. This influx has led to a deterioration in sanitation, with reports of open defecation and mounting waste, as well as a spike in petty crimes, including the theft of vital bus parts. The once orderly terminal is now marred by congestion, making daily operations and commuting both difficult and hazardous. Despite these growing challenges, efforts to regain control have been met with stiff resistance. On Monday morning, November 10, 2025, the tension reached a boiling point. Officials from National Security were called to the scene in an attempt to restore order, but the group occupying the terminal stood their ground, reportedly justifying their actions by declaring themselves “party boys” who “need to eat.” Their defiance underscored the deep political undertones driving the standoff. Amid the chaos, stakeholders, from commuters and public transport operators to city administrators, are sounding the alarm. There are rising calls for the government to intervene urgently, restore the terminal to GAPTE’s management, and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who depends on Aayalolo’s services. The crisis at Kinbu comes as a blow to the reputation of the Aayalolo BRT system, once celebrated as a transformative step toward sustainable mobility in Accra. The project’s promise of reliable, organized, and safe public transportation now hangs in the balance, threatened by issues far beyond technical or operational hurdles. In the midst of the turmoil, there are glimmers of hope. Reliable information reaching Classfmonline.com indicates that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is making determined efforts to establish an accredited office within the Kinbu terminal, working with GAPTE to restore a measure of oversight and legitimacy. If successful, this development could mark the beginning of a turnaround for the embattled station. For now, however, the Kinbu terminal remains a flashpoint—a stark reminder of how quickly public infrastructure gains can be eroded by political interference, mismanagement, and the absence of effective oversight. The future of Aayalolo, and the broader vision for modern urban transport in Accra, may well hinge on how swiftly and decisively authorities act to resolve the crisis. As the city waits for answers, commuters and staff navigate uncertainty each day, hoping that the promise of a better, safer, and more efficient transport system will not be lost amidst the chaos at Kinbu. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Builsa North Municipal office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS), in collaboration with the regional NHIS Office, staged a vibrant outreach campaign at the Sandema market to raise awareness about digital access to health insurance services. Dubbed the *“STORM Campaign,”* the initiative aimed to educate residents, traders, and market-goers on the benefits and usage of the *MyNHIS App* and the NHIS short code services. Municipal NHIS Manager Sunday Akpitipola emphasized that the campaign was designed to bridge the digital gap and empower residents to manage their health insurance conveniently. “With the MyNHIS App and the *929# short code, residents can renew their membership, check validity, and access services without visiting our offices,” he said. As the Storm Campaign continues, the manager encourages all residents to participate and take advantage of the digital tools available to them. The Storm Campaign is a vital step in ensuring that our community understands the benefits of the NHIS and how to leverage technology for better health outcomes. We are committed to making health insurance accessible to everyone in the Builsa North Municipality,” said the Municipal Director of NHIS. The campaign also addressed common misconceptions about digital services and emphasized data privacy, assuring users that personal health information is securely protected. This “Storm Campaign” is part of a nationwide push by the NHIS to digitize service delivery and bridge the urban-rural technology gap. The Builsa North office plans to replicate the model in smaller communities and schools across the municipality in the coming weeks. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A heated debate has erupted in Parliament following calls by Gomoa Central MP, Kwame Obeng-Asare (A-Plus), for the removal of Abena Osei Asare as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). A-Plus petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin, arguing that Ms. Osei Asare, having previously served as Deputy Minister of Finance, should not preside over inquiries into matters that occurred during her own tenure. He described the situation as “an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people” and asserted that, “We must not allow those who presided over financial irregularities to sit in judgment over them.” However, Mpraeso MP Davis Opoku has publicly challenged A-Plus’s assertions, calling them “deeply misguided, both in law and in principle.” In a detailed Facebook rebuttal, Opoku maintained that the integrity of the Public Accounts Committee remains intact under Osei Asare’s leadership. He clarified that her appointment followed the due parliamentary process, with the Committee of Selection and approval by the full House. Opoku cited Article 93(2) of the 1992 Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, explaining that Parliament has full oversight authority and that committee chairpersons are appointed transparently. He further noted that the PAC’s role is to examine Auditor-General’s reports and ensure accountability, with current officials representing state institutions, not necessarily being responsible for past irregularities. To ensure impartiality, Opoku pointed out that the Standing Orders allow the Ranking Member to preside when the Chairperson’s party is in government. “Accountability in Parliament is not personal; it is institutional. Our democracy depends on protecting that principle,” he concluded. The debate underscores the ongoing tension within Parliament over issues of accountability, oversight, and the mechanisms for ensuring transparent governance. See his formal petition below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has taken a decisive step towards ensuring accountability in the management of the 13th All-Africa Games by directing the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial and operational aspects surrounding the event. The order follows the submission of a report by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on the organization and management of the Games. According to the President, the audit should cover several key areas, including procurement and contracting processes, financial management and expenditure control, infrastructure and project delivery, asset management and post-Games utilization, as well as institutional oversight and coordination. Specifically, the review will scrutinize how contractors and suppliers were selected, compliance with the Public Procurement Act (Act 663), all funding sources and expenditures, the delivery and value-for-money of facilities developed, and the current status of assets acquired for the Games. The effectiveness of the various oversight agencies and committees involved will also be evaluated. President Mahama has instructed the Auditor-General to submit the audit report by the second week of December 2025. This directive, he emphasized, is part of his government’s ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that public resources are managed prudently for the benefit of all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A fresh wave of controversy has hit Ghana’s Parliament as Kwame Obeng-Asare, popularly known as A-Plus and the MP for Gomoa Central, formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to support the removal of Abena Osei Asare as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). In his petition, A-Plus argued that Ms. Osei Asare’s continued leadership threatens the integrity and dignity of Parliament, especially given her previous role as Deputy Minister of Finance. “It is important to note,  and Ghanaians must be fully aware, that all the matters currently before the Public Accounts Committee occurred under the leadership of Abena Osei Asare when she served as Deputy Minister of Finance. She cannot now turn around to demand answers from newly appointed officials on issues that happened under her own watch,” A-Plus stated on Facebook. He further described her position as “not just hypocrisy — it is an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people,” adding, “We must not allow those who presided over financial irregularities to sit in judgment over them.” A-Plus’s petition has sparked a swift reaction from fellow lawmakers. Davis Opoku, the MP for Mpraeso, publicly challenged A-Plus’s assertions, describing them as “deeply misguided, both in law and in principle.” Quoting A-Plus’s post on Facebook, Opoku insisted that the integrity of the Public Accounts Committee remains intact with Ms. Osei Asare as chair. He cited the Constitution and parliamentary Standing Orders, explaining that committee chairpersons are selected through a transparent process led by the Committee of Selection and approved by the full House. Opoku emphasized that the PAC’s mandate, as set out in Article 187(5) of the Constitution and Order 229 of the Standing Orders, is to examine Auditor-General’s reports and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. He pointed out that “government is a continuum,” and current officials appear before the committee as representatives of state institutions, not as perpetrators of past irregularities. He further clarified that the Standing Orders already provide mechanisms to ensure impartial oversight, such as having the Ranking Member preside when the chairperson’s party is in government. “Accountability in Parliament is not personal; it is institutional. Our democracy depends on protecting that principle,” Opoku concluded. The petition and ensuing debate have highlighted the tension within Parliament over issues of oversight, accountability, and the separation between personal and institutional responsibility. See the popular activist’s formal petition below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com