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
Bawumia Calls for Laws to Safeguard Jobs Amid Rising Artificial Intelligence Adoption
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sounded the alarm over the potential threat Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to job security, urging lawmakers to enact legislation that protects Ghanaian workers from displacement as automation advances. Addressing the Trades Union Congress (TUC) during a session devoted to labour issues, economic transformation, and the future of work, Dr. Bawumia described AI as a “frightening prospect” for the workforce. He acknowledged that while AI promises significant improvements in productivity and efficiency, its rapid integration into the workplace could jeopardize employment and income security for many. “Machines and software applications are increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally undertaken by humans,” he told the gathering, warning that businesses globally are embracing automation to cut costs and boost output, leaving several occupations vulnerable to technological disruption. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for Ghana to act proactively, developing a national strategy that harnesses AI’s potential while safeguarding workers. “Artificial Intelligence should be a tool to complement human labour and not a substitute for it,” he asserted. He called for collaboration among government, organized labour, employers, and technology experts to craft comprehensive laws and regulations that both protect workers and foster innovation. The proposed framework, he suggested, should include provisions for retraining, reskilling, and continuous education, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills to remain relevant in a digital economy. Encouraging labour unions to take an active role in shaping the national AI agenda, Dr. Bawumia also expressed concern that Africa’s youthful population could face surging unemployment if technological progress outpaces investment in human capital. He stressed the importance of policies to guarantee that the rewards of AI are distributed equitably, avoiding a widening of social and economic divides. With the right legislative safeguards and forward-thinking policies, Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence that Ghana can embrace the benefits of AI while protecting jobs and preserving the dignity of work. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMANI Africa Vice-President Alleges Grand Conspiracy Behind Airport Drug Trafficking in Ghana
Kofi Bentil ESQ, Vice-President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, has set social media abuzz after revealing what he describes as a wide-reaching conspiracy enabling Ghana’s airports to serve as transit hubs for illicit drugs, including cocaine. In a Facebook post, Bentil shared messages from an anonymous source who claimed to have direct knowledge of recent events surrounding the record-breaking cocaine bust at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. The source described an elaborate scheme involving multiple Ghanaian security agencies, allowing narcotics to be smuggled out of the country undetected. According to the account relayed by Bentil, the operation is meticulously coordinated. “There is a grand conspiracy in respect of the cocaine seizure at the airport. The suitcases are driven to the tarmac and loaded directly into the airplane,” the source explained. The conspiracy, it was alleged, includes insiders from Customs, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), National Security, Police, and Aviation Security, all of whom are aware of and complicit in these operations. “The TEAM at various points ensures the bags are loaded in special spaces on board.” The source even described a code phrase, “NNE WO NYAME NKO,” meaning “Go with your God”—used as a signal to facilitate the movement of the contraband. “If all goes through, everyone is sorted big time aside the usual,” the message added, implying lucrative payoffs for the collaborators. In a striking contradiction to official accounts, Bentil’s source alleged that the widely publicized explanation by NACOC, that the Beirut cocaine bust was the result of a controlled delivery operation in partnership with Lebanese authorities, was a fabrication. “NACOC is lying. The government is deeply involved,” the source claimed, further alleging that after the arrest in Beirut, Lebanese Customs contacted Ghana Customs directly, bypassing NACOC. The controversy follows the October 31 arrest of a Syrian national at Beirut’s international airport. The suspect, who arrived from Accra, was caught with 46.7kg of cocaine, the largest drug seizure ever recorded at the airport. NACOC responded with a statement on November 1, insisting the incident was part of a coordinated effort with Lebanese counterparts to disrupt transnational trafficking networks and apprehend suspects at both ends. However, the official narrative has come under scrutiny from security analysts and opposition figures, who question how such a large consignment could leave Ghana if authorities were truly monitoring the operation. NACOC, for its part, maintains that it is actively pursuing accomplices within the country as the investigation continues. Bentil’s explosive revelations have intensified calls for transparency and accountability, as Ghanaians grapple with the possibility of systemic collusion in the nation’s law enforcement ranks. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Bawumia Engages Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Leadership in Accra: A Story of Partnership and Party Renewal
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), welcomed a distinguished visitor. Dr. Mark Speich, the Secretary-General of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), one of Germany’s foremost political foundations, known for its international affiliation with the NPP, had traveled to Ghana’s capital for high-level talks. The meeting unfolded as more than a formality; it was a candid exchange focused on the evolving dynamics of Ghana’s political landscape and the ambitious reorganization efforts within the NPP. Dr. Bawumia, ever the statesman, seized the moment to share his vision for rebuilding the party. With sincerity, he recounted how, over the past two years, the NPP leadership had embarked on a deliberate mission to reinforce internal structures, making the party more responsive to the everyday concerns of Ghanaians. As the conversation deepened, Dr. Bawumia highlighted two flagship projects that had become close to his heart: the Patriotic Institute and the Policy Unit. He explained to Dr. Speich that these initiatives were not mere bureaucratic expansions, but rather foundational investments in the future of the NPP and the nation. The Patriotic Institute aimed to nurture the next generation of political leaders, while the Policy Unit was set up to ensure that party policies were rooted in evidence, financially sound, and practical. Both, he emphasized, would open doors for increased youth participation in public service and inject fresh intellectual energy into the party. Dr. Bawumia’s vision was clear: transform the NPP into a “more inclusive, intellectually vibrant and policy-oriented party with the capacity to drive Ghana’s sustainable development.” For Dr. Speich and the KAS, the partnership was a familiar one. Linked to Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the foundation had long worked alongside the NPP, supporting programmes in democratic governance, institutional strengthening, and policy development. This latest meeting was but one chapter in a wider set of consultations Dr. Bawumia is holding with international partners and local stakeholders, part of a determined drive to ready the NPP for the 2028 polls and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Assures Ghanaians—No More Power Outages as Energy Sector Stabilizes
Sometime ago, in the heart of Ghana, the nation was gripped by the persistent problem of power outages, known locally as ‘dumsor’. Homes and businesses alike were plunged into darkness at unexpected moments, and the entire country yearned for a lasting solution. President John Dramani Mahama, determined to bring relief to his people, took on the challenge. When his administration assumed office, it faced a staggering debt of about $1.7 billion owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), along with unpaid bills for gas supplied from the Jubilee Field and by ENI. The situation was so dire that some power producers threatened to cut off supply altogether if the debts remained unsettled. Understanding the urgency, President Mahama and his government rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Through determined efforts, they cleared the outstanding debts owed to the IPPs and introduced a reliable payment arrangement. This new system ensured that power suppliers would now be paid on time for the electricity they provided, restoring their confidence in the country’s commitment. During a recent engagement with Ghanaians in Moscow, Russia, President Mahama shared the good news. “With regards to energy, I can report that there’s no dumsor in Ghana. Everybody has adequate power. And that’s one of the areas that has been quite dramatic in terms of its management. I’m happy to announce that we have cleared the IPP debt. That is, we are current. Any energy they supply today, we’re paying them,” he declared with pride. He went on to explain how the newly introduced payment plan had transformed relationships between the government and power producers. Initial payments were made, and subsequent amounts would now be settled as they fell due, ensuring that no debt would pile up again. The power producers, once wary, were now satisfied and confident in the government’s payment structure. President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the country had more than enough power to meet demand. Thanks to the interventions and diligent management, Ghana’s energy sector had been restored to stability and was now shining brighter than ever before. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Ghanaian Nationals Plead Guilty in $100 Million International Fraud Scheme
Two Ghanaian nationals, Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as “Kofi Boat”, and Inusah Ahmed, known as “Pascal”, have pleaded guilty in a US federal court for their roles in orchestrating a vast international criminal organisation responsible for defrauding victims of over US$100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes across the United States. According to the US Department of Justice, Boateng entered his guilty plea on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while Ahmed pleaded guilty two days earlier, on October 27, before US District Judge Arun Subramanian. Both men admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to managing and supervising the Ghana-based network. Court documents reveal that Boateng and Ahmed served as chairmen of the criminal organisation, which preyed on vulnerable individuals, primarily older men and women, by creating fake online identities and establishing romantic relationships. After gaining the victims’ trust, the fraudsters convinced them to transfer money or help launder proceeds from other victims. The group also targeted businesses, manipulating them via business email compromise schemes into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the network. Investigators found that the proceeds of these fraudulent activities were laundered back to West Africa. Boateng was held responsible for approximately US$12.5 million in losses, while Ahmed was linked to around US$28.5 million. Both men agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture matching these sums as part of their guilty pleas. Boateng, 41, and Ahmed, 37, each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Their sentencing dates have yet to be announced. Another member of the organisation, Derrick Van Yeboah (“Van”), has already been sentenced to 85 months in prison, while a fourth alleged member, Patrick Kwame Asare (“Borgar”), is still at large. US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced the guilty pleas, stating that the convictions show international borders are no barrier to justice for financial crimes against Americans. He credited the support of several Ghanaian agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Police Service, and others—for their roles in the investigation and extradition of the two men, who were brought to the United States on August 7, 2025, following close collaboration between authorities in both countries. 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
President Mahama Embraces Criticism as a Tool for Better Leadership
During a vibrant engagement with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, President John Dramani Mahama shared a candid perspective on public criticism of his administration. Rather than taking offense, President Mahama explained that he values feedback, whether praise or disapproval, as essential for growth and effective governance. He told the gathering that he welcomes divergent opinions and is open to scrutiny from citizens. For Mahama, hearing people challenge the direction of his government is not an attack but an opportunity for reflection and improvement. “I don’t mind if people tell me I am leading the country in the wrong direction because I am trying to do my best. Criticism helps me to do better. So when people criticise me and say this is not right, I am not offended,” he said. President Mahama emphasized that his primary responsibility is to serve the country to the best of his ability. He assured Ghanaians that he pays close attention to suggestions and concerns, even if they come from those who disagree with his policies. He specifically referenced the lively discussions and commentary on social media, noting that he keeps track of videos and posts shared on platforms such as TikTok. “So all your TikToks and things, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them,” Mahama remarked, reinforcing his awareness of the ongoing conversations about his leadership. Through his remarks, President Mahama demonstrated a commitment to democratic values by encouraging open dialogue and reassuring Ghanaians that their voices truly matter. 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
President Mahama Seeks to Deepen Energy Ties with Russia at Russia-Africa Summit
As the Russia-Africa Summit approached, President John Dramani Mahama found himself reflecting on Ghana’s longstanding relationship with Russia. With a bilateral meeting scheduled with President Vladimir Putin, Mahama was eager to explore new frontiers in cooperation, especially in the energy sector. Ghana, already a powerhouse in West Africa, supplies electricity to neighboring countries like Togo, Burkina Faso, and Benin, and maintains power exchanges with Côte d’Ivoire. But President Mahama knew that relying solely on traditional energy sources would not be enough for the future. He envisioned a more diverse energy landscape for Ghana, one that included solar power and, ambitiously, nuclear energy. “The solidarity between Ghana and Russia is one that is historic,” Mahama remarked as he prepared for the summit. “We believe that the time has come for us to bring it back to that level, and that’s why I personally agreed to come myself for the Russia-Africa Summit.” For Mahama, the upcoming conversation with President Putin was more than a diplomatic formality. It was an opportunity to tap into Russia’s advanced technological expertise and to invite Russian investment into Ghana’s burgeoning energy sector. “We’re looking forward to the bilateral meeting with President Putin because I think that that meeting will open up new areas of cooperation. For instance, in the area of energy, Ghana is one of the leading producers of power. And so we’re looking at alternative energy sources like solar, we’re even looking at nuclear, adding nuclear to our energy mix,” he explained. Confident that Russia’s support could help propel Ghana’s energy ambitions, President Mahama was optimistic about the summit’s outcomes. “I know that Russia has advanced technology in some of these things and so we’re looking forward to that meeting and I’m sure that after the meeting it will draw our relationship even closer in terms of investments and in terms of economic relations.” As the summit drew near, hopes were high that the historic ties between Ghana and Russia would be rekindled, this time, with the power to light up a brighter, more sustainable future for both nations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com