MTN Ghana Spreads Christmas Joy to New Mothers in Upper East Region
Business, Health

MTN Ghana Spreads Christmas Joy to New Mothers in Upper East Region

On Boxing Day, the Office of the Upper East branch of MTN Ghana, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, brought smiles to the faces of nursing mothers and their newborns at War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo Municipality and Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. In a heartwarming gesture, the company distributed assorted items, including towels, diapers, blankets, toiletries, clothing, soap, and other essential baby necessities to the mothers of 28 babies born on Christmas Day. This annual act of kindness is a cherished tradition for MTN Ghana. Every December 26th, staff don their bright MTN-branded T-shirts and visit hospitals across the country, sharing essential items with new mothers to help them care for their little ones. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting communities and making a positive impact where it matters most. Madam Anisa Abdulai, the Senior Midwifery Officer in charge at the Regional Hospital’s maternity ward, expressed her deep appreciation for the gesture. “It is always a delight to see organizations like MTN Ghana showing love and care to our mothers and babies,” she remarked, noting that among the 16 mothers at the ward, one had delivered twin boys. Madam Abdulai also took the opportunity to appeal for continued and increased support from corporate organizations. The atmosphere at the hospitals was filled with excitement as MTN staff handed out the gifts, sharing laughter and warm wishes with the mothers. For many, the gesture was not just about the items received, but a reminder that they and their children are cherished and remembered during this special season. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

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GIPC Reaffirms Commitment to Retail Sector Transformation Under 24-Hour Economy Initiative
Business, Opinion

GIPC Reaffirms Commitment to Retail Sector Transformation Under 24-Hour Economy Initiative

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the country’s retail trading sector through the ambitious 24-Hour Economy initiative. Addressing the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) National Quadrennial Conference, GIPC CEO Mr. Simon Madjie underscored the vital role traders play in Ghana’s national development. He highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s strong support for expanding the retail sector, describing it as a key strategy for economic diversification, job creation, and fostering inclusive growth. Mr. Madjie commended GUTA members for their resilience and their significant contributions to the economy. He reaffirmed GIPC’s readiness to work hand in hand with the association to unlock new investment opportunities that will benefit traders and the nation at large. The GUTA conference, held every four years, brought together representatives from all 16 regions of Ghana. The gathering concluded with the election of Clement Boateng as the new GUTA President, marking a new chapter in the association’s leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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Made-in-Ghana Elegance: GoldBod Jewellery Introduces Holiday Collection
Business, Entertainment

Made-in-Ghana Elegance: GoldBod Jewellery Introduces Holiday Collection

GoldBod Jewellery has ushered in the holiday spirit with the launch of its Christmas and New Year collections, dazzling customers with a stunning array of locally crafted gold pieces tailored for the festive season. The new catalogue boasts an elegant selection of chokers, necklaces, earrings, matching bangles, and rings, granting customers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the holidays with authentic, made-in-Ghana jewellery for themselves and their loved ones. A subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, GoldBod Jewellery has established itself as a key player in Ghana’s drive to add value to its gold resources. Originally incorporated in 2016, the jewellery arm recently underwent a strategic restructuring and rebranding, enhancing its capacity to deliver high-quality, locally manufactured ornaments. This rebranding initiative is part of a broader effort to boost the patronage of Ghanaian-made jewellery, reduce dependence on imports, and fortify the country’s local manufacturing base within the gold industry. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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Energy Minister Warns Agency Heads: Deliver Results or Face Removal
Business, Opinion

Energy Minister Warns Agency Heads: Deliver Results or Face Removal

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a stern warning to heads of agencies and senior managers within the energy sector, making it clear that underperformance will not be tolerated and could lead to removal from office. Speaking at the Ministry’s performance review retreat, Dr. Jinapor stressed that President John Dramani Mahama expects tangible results from public sector leaders. “Underperformance will not be tolerated. Heads of agencies and senior management who fail to meet agreed targets or deliver key projects will be removed,” the Minister declared. Dr. Jinapor described public office as a privilege that demands discipline, professionalism, and accountability. He urged agency leaders to approach the retreat with renewed seriousness and commitment to achieving measurable outcomes. “This is not a threat; it is a call to seriousness, discipline and results-oriented leadership,” he emphasized. Looking ahead to 2026, the Minister challenged agencies to shift from excessive planning to practical execution and to embrace strategies that are realistic, measurable, and aligned with national development priorities. “We must move from plans to execution, from excuses to solutions, and from fragmented efforts to unified action,” Dr. Jinapor stated. According to the Ministry, the performance review retreat aims to assess progress, identify gaps, and strengthen coordination within the energy sector to advance Ghana’s economic growth and green transition agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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National Service Authority Flags Over 8,000 Irregularities in Payroll Audit
Business, Opinion

National Service Authority Flags Over 8,000 Irregularities in Payroll Audit

The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered significant irregularities in its payroll system, resulting in 8,105 personnel being flagged during a recent internal investigation. Of these, 1,840 individuals have been temporarily suspended pending further inquiries by relevant investigative bodies. At a press briefing on Monday, December 15, NSA Director-General Ruth Dela Seddoh revealed that the discrepancies were detected in three tertiary institutions: the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communication Technology University, and the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. “We compared the number of officially graduated students with the lists submitted to us by the institutions,” Seddoh explained. “It became clear that some schools were complicit, forming part of a larger cartel perpetuating these irregularities.” Seddoh described the findings as shocking, emphasizing that 10 staff members from the various institutions have been arrested and are now under investigation by security agencies. The Authority’s comprehensive probe highlighted serious cases of fraudulent practices within the affected schools. Addressing concerns over the closure of the national service portal after two extensions, Seddoh clarified that the decision was made to facilitate reposting, ensure proper validation, and verify the physical presence of personnel at their assigned posts. “The timeline for shutting the portal was not arbitrary,” she noted. “It was structured to ensure accurate deployment records, eliminate ghost names, and enable timely payment of allowances to verified personnel.” The NSA said it will continue to work closely with security agencies to complete investigations and implement measures to prevent future occurrences, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability in the national service scheme. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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Fuel Prices Set to Decline in December’s Second Pricing Window, Says Oil Marketing Chamber
Business

Fuel Prices Set to Decline in December’s Second Pricing Window, Says Oil Marketing Chamber

Consumers can expect some relief at the pumps in the second pricing window of December, as fuel prices are projected to decline, according to the latest outlook from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). COMAC’s data suggests that petrol prices could drop by about 3.89 percent, while diesel is anticipated to fall by 4.59 percent. Prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are also expected to ease by approximately 2.16 percent. The projected reductions are largely attributed to a sharp fall in international refined petroleum product prices, which have more than offset the effects of the cedi’s slight depreciation during the period. Although crude oil prices saw a modest increase of 1.06 percent, major refined products recorded significant declines ahead of the festive season, primarily due to oversupply in the global market. Petrol prices dropped by 6.55 percent, diesel by 11.67 percent, and LPG by 0.22 percent. Meanwhile, the cedi weakened slightly from GHS 11.14 to GHS 11.43 against the US dollar during the second pricing window, marking a 2.68 percent depreciation. This movement was driven by seasonal demand and tight foreign exchange inflows. Despite earlier indications of a possible 5 percent rise in fuel prices at the start of December, stemming from currency pressure and rising international prices, oil marketing companies kept prices steady. Energy sector stakeholders attribute this to heightened competition in the downstream petroleum market, which continues to cushion consumers against price volatility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

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IMF Technical Mission Concludes Visit to Ghana in Support of Governance Reforms IMF
Business

IMF Technical Mission Concludes Visit to Ghana in Support of Governance Reforms

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) Technical Assistance mission has completed a four-day visit to Accra, aimed at supporting Ghana’s drive to implement critical governance reforms outlined in the IMF’s recent Governance Diagnostic Report. The mission, which took place from December 8 to 11, 2025, was led by Ms. Tina Burjaliani and included Mr. Gomiluk Otokwala and Ms. Nusula Nassuna. It was conducted at the request of Ghanaian authorities, following the publication of the Governance Diagnostic Report for Ghana on November 3, 2025. The report provides an in-depth evaluation of governance and corruption risks in the country, and highlights priority reforms to improve public financial management, revenue administration, property rights, public-sector integrity, and accountability across state institutions. During their visit, the IMF team worked closely with Ghanaian officials as they began implementing the report’s key recommendations. The team also discussed ways to coordinate technical and financial support with other development partners, in order to maintain momentum for reform. Meetings were held with senior government officials, civil society organisations, and international partners, centring on follow-up actions, implementation strategies, and maximizing external support for advancing the governance agenda. The IMF pledged ongoing collaboration with the Ghanaian authorities and development partners, including within the framework of the Extended Credit Facility programme, to ensure effective implementation of the Governance Diagnostic recommendations. In conclusion, the Fund expressed its gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and stakeholders for their cooperation, hospitality, and open dialogue throughout the mission. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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MTN Global Graduate Programme Develops Over 500 Leaders Since Inception
Business, Education

MTN Global Graduate Programme Develops Over 500 Leaders Since Inception

MTN Ghana has successfully graduated 80 young professionals from its 2025 Graduate Development Program, an initiative designed by the telecommunications company to promote the inclusion of women in the business. The graduation ceremony, held on November 20, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, brought together participants from across MTN’s African markets. Abdallah Ibrahim, the Acting Chief Human Resource Officer for MTN Ghana, emphasized MTN’s intentional strategy to increase the number of women in its workforce. “We have leveraged the Graduate Development Programme to drive female representation within the company. About 60% of the graduate delegates are women and a key initiative in our quest to reach 50% female representation by 2030,” he stated. Abdallah confirmed that this intentional approach is already transforming the organization, highlighting the notable increase in the overall representation of women in recent years. “Since we began this journey to increase female representation at MTN Ghana, we have added approximately 5% more females to the workforce since we started monitoring our progress in 2020. Today, we stand at about 43% representation of females within our organization,” he said. Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, Chief Executive Officer of the Telecoms Chamber, commended MTN for its dedication to developing African talent, especially the large number of women in the graduating class, in her keynote speech. “It’s exciting to see that over 60% of today’s graduates are women,” she commented, urging the graduates to stay true to themselves in a competitive digital age. Kagiso Malepe, Manager of the MTN Global Graduate Programme, explained that one of the main challenges and opportunities is bringing together individuals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds under a common identity. “Our biggest task is harmonizing diverse perspectives and helping participants immerse themselves in MTN’s organizational culture. With MTN operating across multiple markets, the message of one culture, one MTN is fundamental,” he said. The 80 graduates, representing 18 countries across Africa, received certificates and are expected to take roles within MTN that support MTN’s goal of developing future African leaders in technology, digital services, and business innovation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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Driving Schools Chairman Warns: Lack of Formal Training Fuelling Road Crashes in Ghana GPRTU
Business

Driving Schools Chairman Warns: Lack of Formal Training Fuelling Road Crashes in Ghana

Emmanuel Danso, Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Driving Schools (GNADS), has sounded a stark warning about the dangers posed by Ghana’s informal approach to driver education. Speaking to the media December 12, Danso revealed a startling statistic: only 10% of drivers in Ghana have learned to drive through accredited driving schools. Describing the figure as “staggering,” Danso pointed to it as a major factor behind the rising number of preventable road accidents across the country. “Driving is like a profession, and there are certain dynamics you should understand,” he explained, stressing that the technical skills and discipline required to drive safely can only be gained through structured, formal training. According to Danso, the vast majority of Ghanaian drivers acquire their skills informally—often learning from friends or family, without the benefit of proper instruction. This, he said, leaves them unprepared for the complexities and responsibilities of being on the road, leading to countless avoidable crashes and fatalities. “Ghana’s road crashes remain predictable, preventable, and avoidable,” he lamented. “But the country continues to record high fatalities because many drivers lack the knowledge and discipline that proper training provides.” He warned that without a nationwide commitment to improving driver education, the crisis on Ghana’s roads would only persist. Danso commended the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for establishing a roadmap toward responsible licensing, but emphasized that the onus is now on driving schools and drivers themselves to align with these standards. “DVLA is doing well, but it is left for us to align with them and do training holistically,” he said. He projected that with a national push for formal driver education, Ghana could see a dramatic drop in road crashes within just a few years. “If we do it in two to five years, we will reduce accidents from four digits to three digits,” he asserted. Calling the surge in road accidents a “canker,” Danso urged all stakeholders, including drivers, regulators, and the wider public, to unite in tackling the problem. “Let us all come together and fight this cancer. It is possible,” he assured, expressing hope that with the right commitment, Ghana’s roads can become safer for everyone. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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GIPC CEO Engages U.S. Embassy on GIPA Bill Review, Emphasises Stakeholder Collaboration
Business

GIPC CEO Engages U.S. Embassy on GIPA Bill Review, Emphasises Stakeholder Collaboration

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie, has held a strategic engagement with officials from the U.S. Embassy to discuss the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Bill, which is currently under review. During the meeting, Mr. Madjie expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s ongoing partnership and welcomed its input in refining the Bill ahead of its eventual submission to Parliament. He emphasised that stakeholder input is vital to building a more robust and resilient investment framework for Ghana. Mr. Madjie reiterated GIPC’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with development partners, stressing the Centre’s ongoing priority to foster an enabling environment that both attracts and protects investors. The proposed GIPA Bill aims to broaden GIPC’s mandate, introduce a new governance structure, and update minimum foreign capital requirements in line with international best practices. The legislation also seeks to enhance investor protection and promote sustainable economic growth. Once enacted, the Bill will further streamline the registration, monitoring, and record management of Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) under the GIPC, marking a significant step forward for Ghana’s investment landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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