Bawumia Criticises Bank of Ghana Over Gold Trading Losses, Urges Focus on Reserves
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken aim at the Bank of Ghana’s decision to trade part of the nation’s gold reserves, claiming the move led to losses of GH¢1.7 billion that could have been avoided. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Tokyo, Japan, Dr Bawumia argued that the Gold for Reserves programme should have prioritised the accumulation of gold rather than trading it on the market. “If they had followed the way that we had wanted to do the Gold for Reserves programme in terms of accumulating reserves, those losses would not have been made. But once you decide to start trading in gold, you will make those losses,” he said. Dr Bawumia urged the government to strengthen the Gold for Reserves programme by focusing on retaining gold as part of the country’s reserves, rather than engaging in risky trading activities. The NPP flagbearer also addressed criticisms that he avoided discussing economic issues during the run-up to the 2024 general elections. Dr Bawumia insisted that his emphasis on digitalisation was a strategic choice, reflecting the rising importance of technology in the global economy. “Many people don’t understand that the world economy is now digital… If you don’t go digital, you cannot prosper in this global economy. And if you don’t take your time and put your digital framework together, you’ll be left behind,” he stated. Dr Bawumia maintained that digital infrastructure is essential to economic development, and urged policymakers to embrace innovation to ensure Ghana remains competitive in an increasingly digital world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Mulls Light Rail Network to Replace Aayalolo Contra-Flow in Accra
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has revealed that the government is considering a bold new approach to addressing Accra’s persistent transportation woes: replacing the Aayalolo bus contra-flow system with a modern light rail network. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ayariga explained that President John Dramani Mahama has tasked him to begin discussions on the feasibility of introducing light rail services along four of the city’s busiest commuter corridors. These routes currently benefit from the Aayalolo contra-flow arrangement, which allows designated buses to travel against the normal direction of traffic to cut down on congestion and shorten commute times. “Contra-flow is good, but look at light rail as your more permanent solution going into the future,” Ayariga quoted the President as saying. In response, the minister has begun engaging the Railway Authority and other stakeholders to explore how the ambitious light rail plan could take shape. The Aayalolo contra-flow system, introduced to improve public transport efficiency during peak traffic hours, has undoubtedly brought relief to many Accra commuters. By allowing buses to use select lanes in the opposite direction of regular traffic, the system has helped reduce delays and make public transportation more reliable for thousands traveling between residential neighborhoods and the city’s main commercial and employment hubs. Yet, Ayariga acknowledged that the current set-up has its limitations. The success of contra-flow depends on road infrastructure, traffic management, and the availability of enough buses and trained personnel. A light rail network, he suggested, would offer a more sustainable, high-capacity alternative that could keep pace with Accra’s growth and the ever-increasing demand for efficient urban transport. As the government weighs its options, discussions are set to intensify in the coming months, with stakeholders and the public watching closely to see if Accra’s transit system will soon be riding the rails into the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Governor Promises Stable Cedi for Christmas
Ghanaians can look forward to a festive season free from exchange-rate worries, according to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama. Speaking at the African Virtual Assets Summit (AVAS) 2026 on Monday, November 2, Dr Asiama addressed the concerns of businesses and consumers who have been closely watching the Cedi’s performance against major foreign currencies. “What I can promise is a good Christmas as far as the exchange rate is concerned. We will have a good Christmas,” Dr Asiama assured, projecting confidence in the stability of the local currency in the weeks ahead. His remarks came as the Bank of Ghana’s latest interbank exchange rates, published on November 2 by Channel One Research Desk, showed the Cedi buying at GH¢11.6142 and selling at GH¢11.6258 to the US dollar at the close of business the previous Friday. The pound sterling stood at GH¢15.5549 for buying and GH¢15.5704 for selling, while the euro traded at GH¢12.9559 and GH¢12.9678 for buying and selling respectively, according to the central bank’s reference rates. Dr Asiama’s assurance is expected to ease tension among importers, exporters, and ordinary citizens, especially as the Christmas season approaches, a period often marked by heightened demand for foreign currency and price fluctuations. With the Cedi holding steady, Ghanaians may indeed be able to plan for the holidays with greater confidence this year. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN invests GH¢15.4m in Ho Teaching Hospital, Trains 1,000 girls in digital skills
MTN Ghana has invested GH¢15.4 million in an ultra-modern Accident and Emergency Centre at the Ho Teaching Hospital and trained 1,000 young girls and 100 teachers in digital skills as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and expand technology education in the Volta Region. David Gyimah Boadi, General Manager for Sales for Southern Ghana at MTN Ghana, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in the region where the telecommunications company outlined its contributions to healthcare, education, digital inclusion and socio-economic development. The Accident and Emergency Centre, constructed through the MTN Ghana Foundation, was commissioned and handed over to the hospital in March 2026. The facility represents a major investment in healthcare infrastructure aimed at strengthening emergency medical services and improving access to critical care in the region. Mr. Boadi said MTN remains committed to supporting Ghana’s development priorities through improved connectivity, digital and financial inclusion, support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and initiatives to equip young people with skills relevant to the evolving digital economy. “MTN remain committed to supporting Ghana’s development priorities through improved connectivity, digital and financial inclusion, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and initiatives to equip young people with skills relevant to the evolving digital economy,” he said. Mr. Boadi cited programmes such as “One Million Coders”, the “MTN Skills Academy” and “Girls-in-ICT” as key interventions designed to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in technology and innovation. According to him, the Girls-in-ICT programme was organised in the Volta Region last year in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, training 1,000 girls and 100 teachers in basic Information and Communications Technology (ICT), digital competencies and work-readiness skills. He said the initiative sought to bridge the digital skills gap, encourage more young people, particularly girls, to pursue technology-related fields and improve their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship in the digital economy. “The initiative sought to bridge the digital skills gap, encourage more young people, particularly girls, to pursue technology-related fields and improve their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship in the digital economy”, he noted. On education, Mr. Boadi disclosed that 230 students in the Volta Region have benefited from the MTN Ghana Foundation’s Bright Scholarship Scheme which provides financial and educational support to deserving students. He said the foundation awarded 500 “Bright Scholarships” nationally in 2026, providing beneficiaries with assistance covering tuition, accommodation, stipends and laptops to ease the financial burden of education and improve access to learning opportunities. Mr. Boadi also disclosed that the MTN Skills Academy has equipped more than 100,000 young people with digital literacy, financial skills and career competencies to enhance their employability and participation in the digital economy. He said the company is further creating opportunities for young innovators, start-ups, SMEs and developers through initiatives such as DigiFest 2026, the Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon and the MTN Game Developer Contest. These platforms provide opportunities for participants to develop practical skills, showcase innovative ideas and contribute to Ghana’s growing digital ecosystem. On her part, Sheila Sorinye, Media Relations Adviser of MTN-Ghana, pledged MTN Ghana’s commitment to providing quality and a smooth service to its customers . “MTN recognizes that,without our value customers we don’t have business for that matter we are investing a lot making sure that we give our customers experience to satisfy the needs of our customers. We make sure that we treat our customers fairly with empathy. “So the customer is the pillar of our business and MTN is doing everything possible to make sure we give that world class customer service to our clients.” The stakeholder engagement brought together media practitioners, regulators, customers and representatives of institutions including the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). Participants discussed network investments, customer experience, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, enterprise development and the future of Ghana’s digital transformation. They also used the engagement to share concerns, exchange ideas and provide feedback on MTN’s services and operations. The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration among telecommunications companies, regulators, the media and other institutions in improving service delivery and expanding access to digital opportunities. MTN Ghana noted that its investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and digital skills development form part of its broader commitment to using technology and strategic partnerships to support national, individuals and business development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Caucus Slams Public Sector Salary Deal as “Insult” to Ghanaian Workers
The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions had just emerged from a closed-door meeting, their faces set with resolve. News had broken of the government’s new Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement, which, after weeks of negotiations, had been finalized on October 28. The details were stark: public sector workers would receive an 8 percent increase in base pay and an additional 1 percent adjustment in conditions of service for 2027, a total of 9 percent. For 2028, the raise would be 10 percent. To the government, it was a modest step forward. But to the Minority Caucus, it was nothing short of an insult. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, Ranking Member of the Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, signed a statement on October 30, expressing the Minority’s shock and disappointment. She recounted stories from constituents, teachers struggling with rent, nurses watching transport fares eat into their wages, and civil servants forced to choose between electricity and food. The caucus argued that the salary adjustments failed to keep pace with the relentless rise in the cost of living: electricity and water tariffs had climbed, transport and rent soared, and basic household expenses continued to mount. “The proposed increases do not reflect the realities faced by Ghanaian workers,” Boadu declared. The sentiment echoed through the statement: the 9 percent increment for 2027, in the face of economic hardship, was inadequate and would further erode the purchasing power of public sector employees. In response, the Minority Caucus called for an urgent overhaul of the remuneration framework. They demanded the immediate reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC) to establish a living wage, one that truly accounts for the cumulative toll of rising utility tariffs, commodity prices, and the broader economic climate. The caucus insisted that future wage negotiations must move beyond nominal figures and reflect the genuine cost of living endured by Ghanaian workers. For now, the Minority’s message rang loud and clear: the current agreement was not enough, and the fight for fair wages was far from over. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Public sector workers are set to receive a 9% increase in total remuneration in 2027
Public sector workers are set to receive a 9% increase in total remuneration in 2027, effective January 1, following an agreement reached between the government and Organised Labour. The announcement came on Wednesday, after a crucial meeting of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee. Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of Organised Labour, revealed that the long-awaited pay adjustment will comprise an 8-percentage-point increase in base pay and a 1-percentage-point allocation for conditions of service. This significant development followed weeks of negotiations between government representatives and leaders of Organised Labour, who have been advocating for improved conditions for public sector employees. The new agreement aims to address rising living costs and boost worker morale across all public institutions. In addition to the 2027 adjustment, the two parties agreed on a further 10% across-the-board pay increase for 2028, also effective January 1. The 2028 increase will be calculated based on the applicable wage bill as of December 31, 2027. While the agreement marks an important milestone, it remains subject to the necessary legislative process before it can be fully implemented. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bui Power Authority Expands Solar Capacity, Reaches Beyond Operational Borders
Since 2020, the Bui Power Authority (BPA) has been on a mission to transform Ghana’s energy landscape, harnessing the sun’s power to diversify the nation’s electricity generation. Within just a few years, the Authority has developed about 200 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations within its traditional operational area, marking a major leap in Ghana’s renewable energy drive. The story of BPA’s solar transformation took a significant turn when Parliament amended the Authority’s enabling Act. This fresh mandate empowered BPA to move beyond its hydropower roots and embrace green and clean energy resources. Under this expanded mission, BPA rolled out a phased approach to solar development. In 2021, BPA commissioned its first 50MWp solar plant, alongside a pioneering 1MWp floating solar installation on the Black Volta River. The floating system was a bold experiment: could solar panels on water reliably generate and deliver power? The answer was a resounding yes. The success of this pilot led to a further 4MWp being added to the floating project in 2023, bringing the total floating capacity to 5MWp. Additional ground-mounted solar capacity brought BPA’s operational area total to an impressive 200MWp by 2025. But BPA’s ambitions didn’t stop there. For the first time, the Authority ventured beyond its usual territory to deliver the 50MWp Galgu solar plant in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. Costing around US$50 million and executed in partnership with Ghanaian company First Sky Limited under an EPC+F arrangement, the project marked a new chapter for BPA. First Sky not only financed the project but also handled planning, installation, and construction. The investment is set to be recouped through payments for the electricity generated over five to seven years. Senior External Relations Officer, Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia, highlighted the long-term benefits of the solar push during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show. He explained that, while solar installations require significant upfront investment, their operating costs are much lower than those of thermal plants, as they aren’t reliant on continuous fuel purchases. In the long run, solar and hydropower offer both economic and environmental advantages. The Galgu plant is expected to boost electricity supply in Yendi and communities along the Eastern Corridor, while also extending BPA’s renewable footprint further across Ghana. The newest capacity additions are set to be commissioned into the national grid soon, further strengthening Ghana’s energy resilience and supporting the country’s clean energy transition. BPA Solar Capacity at a Glance: Solar PV within operational area (since 2020): ≈ 200 MWp of which floating PV on the Black Volta: 5 MWp Galgu, Yendi Municipality (first project outside operational area): 50 MWp Combined BPA solar portfolio: ≈ 250 MWp Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Unveils New DStv Packages: Ghanaians to Pay as Low as GH¢50 Monthly
Ghanaians will soon enjoy more affordable access to satellite television, as the government announces new DStv subscription packages starting at just GH¢50 per month. The move aims to tackle the growing problem of TV piracy and make premium content more accessible to households nationwide. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the announcement at a press conference, revealing that the new packages will be available from November 5, 2026. Minister George explained that the reduced pricing is designed to offer subscribers greater value for money and more viewing options. The GH¢50 package, he noted, will cost less than GH¢2 a day, while another new package will be priced slightly above GH¢3 a day. For viewers seeking more variety, a GH¢250 package will grant access to over 120 channels, including premium sports and entertainment such as Formula One and golf. The minister specified that the roll-out of the new prices is subject to clearance from the Attorney-General. Addressing the issue of piracy, Sam George said the government will partner with the Cyber Security Authority, National Communications Authority, National Security, customs, and other agencies to clamp down on the sale and use of pirated decoders and illegal TV boxes. “If you’re going to make it a high risk enterprise for people to use pirated boxes, then you need to make it a low entry access for everybody,” he explained. He further disclosed that a committee on subscription pricing and piracy is actively working not only on pricing but also on enforcement. Ongoing discussions with Canal+, which now owns MultiChoice Group, have yielded a sustainable solution for Ghanaians, with specific packages to be announced soon. Sam George emphasized the government’s motivation: “The question had been very simple. How do we put content in the hands or in the homes of Ghanaian families at a price that is affordable? The Ghanaian consumer is our ultimate interest.” MultiChoice Ghana CEO, Alex Okyere, confirmed the merger of MultiChoice and Canal+ and stressed that the new prices are not promotional offers but permanent rates. “These are the new packs, new prices that are here to stay,” he said. The initiative comes after months of public complaints over high DStv subscription fees and the rise of pirated decoders, which have negatively impacted both consumers and the local broadcasting industry. With these new measures, the government hopes to provide affordable, legal access to quality television for all Ghanaians while protecting the industry from piracy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Yet to Receive Nkokor Nkitinkiti Programme — Regional Minister
The Upper East Region is yet to receive its share of the government’s flagship poultry initiative, Nkokor Nkitinkiti, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugre Atanga, has disclosed. The minister made this revelation at Talensi District in the Upper East Region during the government’s Account to the People’s Tour, following concerns raised by some farmers who said they had been waiting impatiently for the programme to commence in the region. Responding to the concerns, Mr. Atanga explained that the northern sector of the country, including the Upper East and Oti regions, had not yet been covered under the government’s distribution exercise. He acknowledged, however, that reports of some beneficiaries receiving poultry under the initiative in certain districts had contributed to the growing concerns among farmers. The minister cited an incident involving a caller from his home district of Bongo, who reportedly claimed that some poultry had been distributed under the Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme but that he had been left out. “I was in the office when somebody from my own district, Bongo, called me and said that Nkokor Nkitinkiti had been brought to the district, but he had not received his share. I told him I was not aware of that,” Mr. Atanga recounted. He said subsequent inquiries revealed that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which he described as an organisation involved in agricultural interventions, had undertaken a separate distribution exercise that appeared similar to the government’s initiative. According to him, the organisation had previously supported women’s groups with small ruminants and had subsequently introduced poultry-related interventions through groups it had already established. The minister explained that the exercise was carried out in some districts without the necessary coordination with the Regional Coordinating Council and the respective district assemblies, creating confusion among residents about whether the government’s Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme had officially commenced. Mr. Atanga said the situation prompted him to engage the organisation and caution it about the need for proper coordination, particularly because the interventions could easily be mistaken for the government’s flagship programme. He stressed that organisations implementing similar agricultural initiatives needed to inform the relevant regional and district authorities to avoid misunderstandings and prevent residents from wrongly concluding that government officials were withholding their benefits. The minister further disclosed that he had been informed that Bawku West and some other districts had received poultry through the separate intervention, contributing to perceptions that the government programme was already underway in the region. He acknowledged that such reports could understandably generate suspicion among farmers, some of whom might question whether their Members of Parliament or District Chief Executives were failing to perform their duties or whether the poultry meant for them had been diverted. However, he maintained that the Upper East Region had not yet received its official allocation under the government’s Nkokor Nkitinkiti initiative. “The truth is that the Upper East one is yet to come,” he stated, assuring farmers that the programme would eventually reach the region because it was a government policy. Mr. Atanga added that the necessary documentation had been received and preparations were underway, although the region had not yet taken delivery of the poultry. The disclosure is expected to provide some clarification for farmers who have been anticipating the commencement of the programme and seeking answers about when they would benefit from the initiative. The Nkokor Nkitinkiti programme is intended to reduce Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported poultry, strengthen domestic food security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for households, particularly small-scale farmers, women and young people. Its implementation is expected to support local poultry production, create economic opportunities and contribute to efforts to develop Ghana’s domestic poultry industry. For farmers in the Upper East Region, the key expectation now is the timely arrival of the programme and a transparent distribution process that ensures intended beneficiaries are adequately informed and given fair access to the initiative. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Africa’s Richest Man Says He’d Rather Go to Prison Than Give Up His Phone
At a glittering event in Lagos, Nigeria, Aliko Dangote, the continent’s wealthiest man, stood before a crowd of business leaders and journalists. The air was thick with anticipation as he unveiled his ambitious Vision 2030 plan. But it wasn’t just Dangote’s plans for industrial expansion that fascinated the audience; it was a surprising confession about his most prized possession: his mobile phone. During a spirited question-and-answer session, Dangote was presented with a dilemma. If forced to choose, would he rather spend a week apart from his beloved mobile phone or give up access to his luxurious private jet? Without hesitation, the billionaire made his stance clear. “I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” Dangote declared, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. The remark revealed just how essential his phone is to his daily life, a tool he simply cannot live without. The audience’s curiosity turned to what made the device so indispensable. Dangote revealed that his mobile phone holds more than 13,000 contacts, a testament to the vast network he has cultivated over decades. “I have had that mobile number since 2000. I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” he shared, explaining that he rarely blocks anyone and is always willing to answer calls, no matter who is on the other end. “I hardly…I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people have my number. I answer my calls.” But who is the man behind this ever-buzzing phone? Aliko Dangote is the chairman of the Dangote Group—one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with interests ranging from cement and fertilizer production to oil refining. His empire has made him one of the continent’s most influential industrialists, shaping the future of manufacturing and energy from Nigeria to beyond. Dangote’s ambitions have recently extended to Kenya, where construction of his $16 billion oil refinery in Lamu County was officially launched. The massive facility, designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, promises to reduce East Africa’s reliance on imported fuel and create thousands of new jobs. For Dangote, it seems, success is built on staying connected. His mobile phone, always within reach, is more than just a device; it’s a lifeline to the relationships and opportunities that continue to drive Africa’s richest man forward. Source: Apexnewsgh.com