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Ghana’s recent gains in gold revenue, foreign exchange generation, and economic stability are the result of deliberate reforms, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on value addition, according to Richard Nunekpeku, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Speaking during a panel discussion on “Mining, Minerals and Strategic Resources” at the Africa Trade Summit 2026, held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, Mr. Nunekpeku said effective partnerships must be built on a clear understanding of national needs and capacity, rather than convenience or similarity. “At some point, partnerships can significantly support top-performing countries,” he noted. “But partnerships only work when they are designed to complement existing capacities. Too often, we enter partnerships without fully understanding our needs, and we end up with partners who offer the same capabilities we already have.” He stressed that Ghana’s approach to gold sector reform reflects lessons drawn from global best practices, particularly in natural resource management and revenue mobilization. Citing a visit to Qatar’s centralized gold market model in November, Mr. Nunekpeku said Ghana has adopted a similar structure to ensure that gold is sold through a regulated and transparent system that maximizes value for the state. “That centralized approach allows the sector to grow while ensuring proper revenue generation and national oversight,” he explained. Mr. Nunekpeku revealed that in 2025, Ghana exported over 100 tonnes of small-scale gold, generating more than US$10 billion in revenue, an achievement he described as unprecedented. According to him, the impact of this performance is being felt across the economy, including improved foreign reserves, a stronger debt position, and relative stability in the cost of living. “These results are unprecedented. Improved reserves, a stronger debt position, and relative stability in the cost of living are all linked to this performance,” he said. He emphasized that GoldBod’s mandate goes beyond figures and export volumes. “GoldBod is not a numbers-focused institution,” Mr. Nunekpeku said. “We look at how the numbers connect to value addition, sustainability, and national development.” As part of that strategy, he announced that GoldBod has signed a historic agreement with a local refinery to refine small-scale gold domestically before export—a move expected to retain millions of dollars in refining charges, create jobs, and reduce long-standing losses associated with offshore refining. “Local refining means retaining value here at home, creating employment, and strengthening our industrial base,” he stated. Beyond refining, Mr. Nunekpeku said GoldBod is investing in downstream activities, including jewelry manufacturing through GoldBod Jewellery, to further expand local value chains. He also highlighted the importance of small-scale miners in achieving sustainability and traceability in the sector, noting that GoldBod works closely with miners’ associations to formalize operations and promote responsible mining practices. “Responsible mining is not just about outcomes, but about how mining is done. That principle guides everything we do at GoldBod,” he said. Mr. Nunekpeku concluded by reiterating GoldBod’s role as a key economic institution, mandated to support foreign exchange generation and gold reserve accumulation, with a long-term national focus. “Our goal is simple,” he said. “To ensure that Ghana derives maximum and lasting value from its gold resources for the benefit of its people.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has arrested five suspects in connection with a violent robbery that occurred at Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Esq., has announced. According to COP Donkor, the suspects—Mutar Kofi; Mahamadu Sagio, also known as Salifu; Shaibu Issah Jallo, alias Jibo; Abdul Suleman; and Bukari Sulley, alias Tailor—were arrested on separate dates following sustained intelligence gathering and forensic investigations. The robbery occurred on 2 December 2025 when the suspects, acting with other accomplices and armed with weapons, blocked the Goaso–Tepa road and simultaneously attacked the Nkaseim Police Station, Adwumapa Cocoa Buying Company, Kobby Gold Buying Company, and the Asutifi Rural Bank area at Nkaseim. During the attack, the assailants made away with two AK47 service rifles and stole cash, including GHS14,000 from the cocoa buying company and GHS12,000 from the gold buying company. An employee of the Adwumapa Cocoa Buying Company was shot and injured during the incident. COP Donkor disclosed that Mutar Kofi, 35, a commercial tricycle rider, was arrested on 16 January 2026 at a location known as “Ata ne Ata” near Nkaseim and admitted his involvement. Further investigations led to the arrest of Mahamadu Sagio, 45, an illegal miner and resident of Nkaseim. Subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of Shaibu Issah Jallo, 28, a trader at Chereponi; Abdul Suleman, 40, a herdsman at Tanga near Karaga in the Northern Region; and Bukari Sulley, 25, a trader at Alaba in Kumasi, who was arrested on 25 January 2026. Police have intensified efforts to arrest the alleged gang leader, identified as Hoyeefi, believed to be in possession of the stolen weapons and other firearms used during the robbery. Two additional suspects, Dauda and Mohammed Ali, are also on the run. COP Donkor urged the public to take personal security seriously, remain vigilant against cyber and online crimes, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown persons. She also advised motorists and vehicle sellers to exercise caution, particularly at night and in isolated areas, and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, COP Donkor commended officers for their dedication and professionalism and thanked members of the public and media houses for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Police Service has arrested seven suspects in connection with a highway robbery involving a Member of the Council of State, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Esq., has disclosed. Addressing a press briefing at the CID Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, 29 January 2026, COP Donkor said the arrests form part of intensified, intelligence-led operations aimed at combating robbery and other violent crimes nationwide. According to her, the suspects—Rashida Yusif; Aaron Abana Baswiefanga; Wilson Avasong; Muntaru Iddrisu, also known as Virgin; Aminu Zebrilla, alias Birdman; Inusah Sumaila, known as Agenda; and Haruna Safiano—were arrested following investigations into a robbery that occurred on 21 July 2025 along the Tamale–Buipe Highway. COP Donkor explained that the victims were travelling on the highway when they were attacked by six armed men who robbed them of personal belongings, including mobile phones, cash, wristwatches, reading glasses, a laptop, and other items. She said that on 11 January 2026, based on intelligence gathered by the CID, a team from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit was deployed to Salaga in the Savannah Region, leading to the arrest of Rashida Yusif. An iPhone 7 Plus belonging to one of the victims was retrieved from her. Further investigations led police to a mobile phone shop at Dagomba Line in Salaga, where the shop attendant, Aaron Abana Baswiefanga, was arrested. He disclosed that the phone had been brought to the shop by his uncle, Wilson Avasong, the shop owner and an environmental officer residing in Tamale. Wilson Avasong was subsequently arrested in Tamale. COP Donkor noted that during interrogation, Wilson Avasong indicated he had purchased the phone from a phone repairer, Muntaru Iddrisu, also known as Virgin, for GHS1,000. Police later arrested Muntaru Iddrisu at the Tamale Aboabo Market, where he led officers to Aminu Zebrilla, alias Birdman, a 35-year-old okada rider, who was arrested at Dungu, a suburb of Tamale. Aminu Zebrilla admitted selling the phone to Muntaru Iddrisu for GHS650. A search conducted in the suspect’s room, COP Donkor said, resulted in the retrieval of several items, including locally manufactured firearms, assorted ammunition, mobile phones, wristwatches, pen drives, a motorbike, SIM cards, and other items believed to have been taken from victims during the robbery. Further investigations revealed that Aminu Zebrilla is an ex-convict who was previously convicted for robbery in 2012. Two additional accomplices, Inusah Sumaila, 42, and Haruna Safiano, 32, were later arrested from their hideouts behind the Tamale China Mall. COP Donkor stated that investigations are ongoing to arrest other suspects believed to be on the run and to retrieve a weapon suspected to be in their possession. She reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue supporting police operations with credible and timely information. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has assured residents of Anfoega and its environs of decisive measures to restore reliable water supply following persistent water shortages in the area. This follows a courtesy call by Mr Adam Mutawakilu, the Managing Director, and top management of GWL, on the Paramount Chief of Anfoega Akukome, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV at Anfoega Akukome in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region. The visit formed part of broader efforts by Ghana Water Ltd. to engage directly with communities as it works to address long-standing operational challenges across the country. It was also to pay respect to the traditional authority and to personally assess the water situation that has left several communities in Kpando in distress. Mr Mutawakilu was accompanied by Ing. Michael Botse Baidoo, Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations, Mr Michael Klutse, Chief Manager in Charge of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ing. Amidu Musah, Chief Manager of Operations, Mr Stanley Martey, Chief Manager for Public Relations and Communication, Ing. Emmanuel Johnson, Chief Manager Volta Region, and other senior officials, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, who is also President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director for what he described as the “seriousness attached to the water situation in the area.” He said previous attempts to engage management of the water company had yielded little result, leaving residents to continue relying on water from unsanitary sources, with attendant health risks. According to the Paramount Chief, the persistent lack of potable water had exposed residents to water-borne diseases and undermined livelihoods in the community. He commended the Managing Director for personally visiting Anfoega Akukome to assess the situation and to listen to the concerns of the people. “For you to come yourself to assess the situation and listen to our complaints is commendable. Let us engage and see how we can all resolve this problem once and for all,” Togbe Tepre Hodo IV said. He made the remarks in the presence of sub-chiefs and queen mothers, who also underscored the urgency of addressing the perennial water challenges confronting the community. Mr Mutawakilu explained that the Kpando Water Treatment Plant, which serves Anfoega and surrounding communities, has an installed capacity of approximately 6,400 cubic metres per day. However, average daily production currently stands at about 3,000 cubic metres, representing roughly 47 per cent of the plant’s installed capacity operating for about 11 to 12 hours daily. According to the MD, the gap between installed capacity and actual production meant that, with the right interventions, the system could adequately serve additional communities and significantly improve water delivery in the area. The Managing Director assured the traditional authorities that GWL would procure quality pipes of the right size to resolve the distribution challenges, not only to address current needs but also to cater for future demand. He stressed that the company was committed to implementing durable solutions rather than temporary fixes. Mr Mutawakilu noted that the company’s technicians were continuously assessing the system to identify and address all operational challenges affecting water production and distribution in the region. He said, as part of the Government’s Water for All agenda being championed by President John Dramani Mahama, the Company would ensure equitable access to safe and reliable water for all communities across the country. “I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure that water flows again. His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama will be glad to hear that the communities here have water,” the Managing Director said. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all necessary steps would be taken to restore water supply to Anfoega and other affected communities, working closely with technical staff and management to bring lasting relief to residents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As Ghana advances its infrastructure expansion efforts under its national development agenda, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), has begun a high-level engagement in Sekondi Takoradi to strengthen infrastructure stewardship and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation at the local level. The four-day engagement, taking place from 27 to 30 January 2026, focuses on improving how public infrastructure is planned, financed, managed and maintained across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). It forms part of broader efforts to reinforce linkages between national planning frameworks and sub-national implementation, while strengthening coherence between Ghana’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and emerging Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs). A central feature of the collaboration is the introduction of UN DESA’s Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) approach. The model seeks to institutionalise systematic planning and maintenance of public assets, ensuring that infrastructure investments deliver long-term value, efficiency and improved service delivery. Chairman of NDPC, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, emphasised that expanding infrastructure must be matched with strong institutional discipline and a national maintenance culture. He noted that while government continues to invest in infrastructure under initiatives such as the Big Push, sustainability depends on integrity, efficiency and responsible stewardship of public resources. Dr Thompson further underscored that public institutions must lead by example, demonstrating credibility and accountability in their own systems and practices. He linked the initiative to the Good Society Campaign under Ghana’s 40-Year National Development Plan, highlighting principles such as respect for law and order, resource stewardship, integrity and lifelong learning as foundational to sustaining infrastructure and improving human settlements. Welcoming participants, the Mayor of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Fredrick F. Faidoo, reaffirmed the importance of translating the SDGs into practical investments and measurable outcomes at the local level. He stressed the need for stronger coordination between national and local reporting processes, improved data systems, and enhanced capacity of MMDAs to manage and maintain public assets effectively. Representing the Local Government Service, Chief Development Planning Officer Mr Collins Ohene Gyan noted that decentralisation places local authorities at the centre of SDG delivery. He emphasised that infrastructure provision alone is insufficient without effective asset management systems that protect public investment and ensure sustained service delivery, particularly in advancing resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities and responsible consumption and production. On behalf of the United Nations system, Mr Martino Miraglia of UN-Habitat highlighted the critical role of cities and local governments in driving SDG progress through effective multi-level governance. He commended Ghana’s progress in integrating the SDGs into planning and monitoring systems and reaffirmed the importance of partnership in translating global commitments into tangible local impact. He also acknowledged the support of the Governments of Italy and Norway in advancing SDG localisation efforts. The engagement underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure governance, protecting public investments, and accelerating sustainable development outcomes through coordinated action at both national and local levels. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent and collective action to finance Africa’s industrialisation, stressing that economic freedom on the continent cannot be achieved without deep economic transformation. Speaking at the Africa Trade Summit 2026 on Accra, President Mahama said Africa had reached a historic turning point, noting that the continent must break away from an economic model that limits it to exporting raw materials while importing finished goods. “That model is a new form of colonialism designed to trap Africa in perpetual poverty,” he stated. President Mahama emphasized that Africa’s industrialisation must be driven by its comparative advantages, particularly in manufacturing and agro-processing, which he said create jobs, raise incomes, build skills, and support inclusive growth. Despite its vast resources, Africa’s share of global manufacturing remains below two percent, a situation he described as unacceptable. According to him, many African economies remain stuck in low-productivity primary production, forcing millions of young people to migrate in search of opportunities. “The question before us is simple: how do we finance Africa’s industrialisation at the scale and speed required?” he asked. President Mahama identified limited access to long-term and affordable financing—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises—as a major obstacle, citing shallow financial markets, high interest rates, rising debt burdens, and extractive investment models. He proposed a multi-pronged approach, beginning with improved domestic resource mobilisation through better revenue collection, stronger public financial management, and decisive action against illicit financial flows. He also urged African countries to unlock institutional capital, noting that pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds across the continent manage hundreds of billions of dollars that could be channelled into industrial development through instruments such as industrial bonds, infrastructure funds, diaspora financing, and blended finance mechanisms. President Mahama further called for stronger roles for African financial institutions, including the African Development Bank, to mobilise private capital and support regional industrial networks. According to him, governments must actively attract private sector investment through public-private partnerships, risk-sharing mechanisms, and credit guarantees, while ensuring stable policies, transparent regulations, reliable infrastructure, and respect for the rule of law. He added that development partners and multilateral institutions also have a role to play by providing concessional financing, guarantees, and insurance instruments to de-risk industrial projects, while Africa continues to push for reforms to the global financial system. Touching on value addition and beneficiation, President Mahama lamented Africa’s long-standing practice of exporting raw cocoa, oil, cotton, timber, and minerals only to import finished products at much higher prices. Using cocoa as an example, he noted that although Africa produces the majority of the world’s cocoa, it captures only a small fraction of the value of the global chocolate market. In Ghana, he said deliberate steps are being taken to transition from a commodity-export economy to a value-added one, with a focus on agro-processing, manufacturing, and industrial clusters linked to the country’s natural resources. President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s efforts to assert greater sovereignty over its natural resources, citing the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board as a major milestone. He revealed that before the Gold Board’s creation, only a fraction of foreign exchange from small-scale gold exports was repatriated. However, since its establishment in April 2025, exports from the small-scale mining sector have increased significantly, with substantially higher foreign exchange returns to the central bank. He added that local content laws now require foreign investors in the extractive sector to partner with Ghanaian companies. President Mahama concluded by stressing that Africa’s industrialisation cannot succeed within fragmented national markets, calling for stronger regional value chains and investment in transport corridors to support seamless movement of raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished products across the continent. On his part; Mr. Sam Jonah hinted that Africa stands at a historic crossroads and must urgently industrialize, deepen intra-African trade, and assert its economic self-interest or risk being sidelined in a rapidly fragmenting global order. Sir Sam Jonah said the global economy is entering a period of “rupture,” where trade, supply chains and economic power are increasingly being weaponised by major powers. Drawing on recent remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sir Sam Jonah said the era of a predictable, rules-based global order was giving way to a “brutal reality” in which countries not actively shaping outcomes risk being exploited. “If we are not at the table, we are on the menu,” he cautioned, stressing that Africa can no longer rely on exporting raw materials while others reap the benefits of value addition. He noted that rising protectionism in the United States, China’s expanding economic influence, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related shocks were placing severe strain on African economies, disrupting exports, inflating costs, and deepening debt vulnerabilities. These pressures, he said, were already eroding investment and diminishing opportunities for Africa’s youth. According to Sir Sam Jonah, Africa’s long-standing growth model—anchored on commodity exports without industrial depth—has proven unsustainable. “Industrialisation is not a luxury; it is our shield and our sword,” he said, arguing that without local value addition, Africa would remain trapped in low-value global supply chains and exposed to external shocks. He pointed to the paradox of Africa exporting critical minerals, cocoa, oil and agricultural products while importing finished goods made from its own resources at far higher costs. This, he said, reflects a global system that rewards processing and manufacturing while penalising raw production. Sir Sam Jonah urged African leaders to adopt what he described as a “boldly selfish” approach—one that prioritises African interests by insisting on mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial value chains located on the continent. “Selfish does not mean exclusionary,” he explained. “It means creating jobs that dignify, wealth that circulates within our economies, and futures that inspire our people.” Central to this transformation, he said, is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he described as Africa’s “lifeline” in a fractured world. However, he warned that the agreement risks remaining symbolic unless fully implemented. He called for urgent harmonisation of standards, streamlined customs systems, improved infrastructure and strict enforcement of trade rules to unlock Africa’s vast internal market of over 1.4 billion people. Sir Sam Jonah also highlighted priority sectors for industrialisation, including mining beneficiation, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure development and renewable energy, noting that Africa must move from being a supplier of raw materials to a producer of finished goods and innovation. “Position in the value chain determines power. Volume alone is vulnerability,” he said. He challenged African governments, financiers and private-sector leaders attending the summit to translate dialogue into action, commit to bankable projects, and ensure inclusive industrial growth that incorporates SMEs, women and young people. As the summit opened under the theme “Financing Africa’s Industrialisation: Developing Industrial Value Chains, Beneficiation and Market Integration,” Sir Sam Jonah called for principled pragmatism—upholding sovereignty and sustainability while decisively pursuing Africa’s economic interests. “The table is being reset,” he said. “Africa must claim its seat—not as a supplier of scraps, but as a shaper of the global economy.” Taking her turn; Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare noted that Africa must take deliberate, well-financed steps to industrialise or risk remaining trapped as a supplier of raw materials in an increasingly protectionist global economy, has said. She said the continent is at a defining moment, where strategic choices on financing industrialisation will determine whether Africa emerges as a global industrial powerhouse or continues to lag in value addition. Addressing the opening session of the summit in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, other African Heads of State, ministers, business leaders and development partners, Ofosu-Adjare noted that global industrial policy has undergone a major shift since 2020. Citing data from the International Monetary Fund’s Industrial Policy Observatory, she said more than 34,000 industrial policy interventions were implemented globally between 2009 and 2023, largely driven by subsidies, as countries increasingly pursue supply-chain resilience, national security and strategic autonomy. “The message is clear: industrial policy is back, and it is being financed aggressively,” she said. According to the Minister, the key question for Africa is no longer whether to pursue industrial policy, but how to finance it effectively in the face of limited fiscal space and an increasingly fragmented global trading system. She outlined lessons Africa can adapt from advanced economies, including the use of blended finance, strategic sector targeting, value-chain-driven support, and localisation policies. She pointed to examples such as the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act, the European Union’s Green Deal, and China’s long-term state-backed industrial financing. Against this global backdrop, Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana has adopted sector-specific industrial policies supported by innovative financing models, moving away from broad, generic incentives. She identified textiles and garments, automotive components, and pharmaceuticals as priority sectors where Ghana has strong comparative advantages and the potential to develop full value chains. In the textiles and garments sector, she said Ghana is leveraging employment opportunities, regional market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AGOA, and the EU Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as high-quality cotton produced in the sub-region. She highlighted the role of firms such as DTRT Apparel, UNIJAY, and other local manufacturers in building scalable garment manufacturing capacity, describing the sector as a strong foundation for job creation and regional leadership. On automotive components, the Minister noted that Ghana’s Automotive Development Policy has already attracted more than $100 million in foreign direct investment, but stressed that assembling imported kits alone is insufficient. “True industrialisation requires producing components, building upstream linkages, and developing skills and technological capabilities,” she said, adding that the global shift to electric vehicles presents new entry points for African countries. In the pharmaceutical sector, Ofosu-Adjare said Africa’s heavy reliance on imports—over 70% of pharmaceutical needs—represents both a vulnerability and a major opportunity. She noted that the African pharmaceutical market is projected to grow from $14 billion to $40 billion by 2030, creating scope for Ghana to serve regional demand through local production. She said Ghana’s medicinal plant resources and existing pharmaceutical firms provide a strong base, but investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production and advanced manufacturing remains critical. The Minister underscored the importance of development finance institutions such as Afreximbank, the African Development Bank, and the Trade and Development Bank in financing industrial projects through de-risking and blended finance. She also called on governments to support industrialisation with stable macroeconomic policies, predictable regulation, efficient trade facilitation and targeted incentives. Addressing concerns about the affordability of subsidies, Ofosu-Adjare acknowledged Africa’s fiscal constraints but said this makes blended finance and regional coordination under AfCFTA even more essential to avoid duplication and subsidy races. “Africa has every right—and responsibility—to finance its own industrialisation,” she said, adding that success will depend on clear strategies, transparency, and the ability to mobilise private capital. She concluded by stressing that Ghana’s industrial support programmes are about more than individual sectors. “They are about proving that Africa can finance industrial transformation through intentional policy, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution,” she said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of robust and comprehensive security arrangements for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, warning that the Police Service will deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt the process. Speaking on Thursday at the signing of the NPP Presidential Peace Pact at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the IGP said the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible election across the country. “The police are more ‘macho’ than your ‘macho men,’” Mr Yohuno declared, cautioning individuals or groups who may be contemplating intimidation or violence. "If anyone disregards the caution given and attempts to cause trouble, we will arrest them. The Police Service will act professionally and without fear or favour.” According to him, the Police Service began preparations immediately after receiving formal notification from the party and has since identified all locations where the primaries will be conducted. “We have identified all the areas where the elections will take place and established 256 police centres plus one,” the IGP said. “We have completed our operational plans and met all regional commanders responsible for these areas. They are fully ready to deploy.” He explained that a three-tier security arrangement—comprising inner, middle and outer deployments—has been put in place to protect delegates, party officials, electoral materials and voting centres. The outer layer, he noted, will focus on preventive safety measures to forestall any disturbances. Mr Yohuno disclosed that special attention has been given to areas considered sensitive, including parts of Bawku, where the Police Service has requested military support to complement its operations. He added that the security situation in all other areas remains calm. “Our officers have undergone extensive training and preparation,” he said, noting that several regional commanders had indicated their readiness to conduct the elections even immediately. Commending the NPP for engaging the Police Service early and prioritising peace, the IGP said the strong police presence at the event reflected the Service’s commitment to the peace pact and the democratic process. “All we want is peace so that, at the end of the day, the process will be successful and everyone will enjoy the fruits of this democratic exercise,” he said. The assurance comes as the NPP prepares to elect its presidential candidate, with party leaders and security agencies jointly emphasising discipline, unity and peaceful conduct before, during and after the January 31 primaries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants that disunity after the party’s January 31 primaries could come at a heavy political cost, warning that internal fractures could weaken the party’s effectiveness in Parliament and jeopardise its chances in the 2028 general elections. Speaking on Thursday in Accra at the signing of a Peace Pact by five NPP presidential hopefuls, the Effutu MP described life in opposition as “painful and lonely,” stressing that only a united party can mount a formidable challenge both in Parliament and at the national level. “Peace does not happen by accident. It is the product of deliberate effort,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said, urging the aspirants to conduct issue-based, respectful campaigns and to commit themselves to rallying behind whoever emerges victorious. He emphasised that the real success of the primaries should not be measured by individual triumph, but by the extent to which the process strengthens party cohesion and empowers the Minority Caucus in Parliament. “A house divided at the grassroots and within the leadership cannot function as a formidable opposition,” he warned, adding that unity must be consciously built before, during and after the primaries. The Peace Pact, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is intended to reassure party members, delegates and the wider public of the NPP’s commitment to internal democracy, orderly competition and cohesion. It reflects the aspirants’ collective resolve to place party interest above personal ambition. The five aspirants who signed the pact were former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP and businessman Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Minister for Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. Each received a signed copy of the MoU as a symbol of their pledge to uphold peace throughout the process. The ceremony was organised by the party’s Presidential Elections Committee, chaired by former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and ex-MP for Bekwai, Joseph Osei Owusu. It marks a significant step in the NPP’s preparations for a peaceful and credible primary as the party repositions itself for the 2028 general elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) has taken a major step toward transforming Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector following high-level strategic discussions with the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), China’s leading national fisheries research institution. The engagement, led by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), forms part of the Government of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which seeks to strengthen food security, create jobs, expand exports and enhance industrial competitiveness through strategic international partnerships. The meeting, held at the headquarters of CAFS in Beijing, brought together senior officials from the Ministry, the 24H+ Secretariat and key Ghanaian economic institutions, alongside the leadership and technical directors of CAFS. Fisheries and Aquaculture as a National Development Priority Addressing the meeting, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed that fisheries and aquaculture remain critical pillars of Ghana’s development agenda, contributing significantly to food and nutrition security, employment, export earnings and the sustainable development of the Blue Economy. She outlined Government’s vision to build a resilient, well-governed and science-driven fisheries and aquaculture sector, supported by strong institutions, modern technology and data-led decision-making. “The Ministry is deliberately pursuing research-led partnerships that will strengthen Ghana’s capacity across aquaculture expansion, fisheries resource management, disease control, value addition and human capital development,” the Minister stated. Deepening the 66-Year Ghana–China Partnership The engagement builds on the 66-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Ghana and China, with fisheries and aquaculture identified as a priority area for long-term cooperation. CAFS, which operates under China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, showcased its extensive technical and institutional capacity, including: 14 specialised fisheries and aquaculture research institutes Nearly 5,000 scientists and technical experts Advanced research vessels, laboratories and field stations Active cooperation programmes in more than 40 countries, including across Africa Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed 1. Aquaculture and Mariculture Development The Ministry expressed strong interest in collaboration to expand Ghana’s aquaculture production and close the national fish supply gap through: Marine fish farming (mariculture) systems Species diversification beyond tilapia Inland and coastal cage farming Scaled production for domestic and export markets 2. Capture Fisheries and Resource Management Discussions covered: Joint fish stock assessments and marine surveys Research vessel collaboration Strengthening fisheries data systems Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing Addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems 3. Fish Disease Control and Biosecurity MoFA highlighted existing national gaps in biosecurity and disease surveillance. CAFS expressed readiness to support Ghana through: Development of national biosecurity frameworks Strengthening diagnostic and laboratory systems Capacity building for fisheries officers and researchers 4. Capacity Building and Human Capital Development Both sides explored structured cooperation including: Scholarships and postgraduate training programmes Technical exchanges and expert deployments Partnerships with Ghanaian universities and research institutions Strengthening national fisheries research infrastructure 5. Fisheries Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Priority areas identified included: Fish processing and cold-chain infrastructure Feed production systems Aquaculture demonstration parks Support for Phase II development of the Fisheries College Next Steps The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will lead the next phase of engagement, which will include: Drafting a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CAFS Identifying priority joint research programmes Planning CAFS technical missions to Ghana Establishing structured training and scholarship pipelines Exploring infrastructure collaboration and investment models A joint working group involving MoFA, CAFS and the 24H+ Secretariat is expected to be established by February 2026, with pilot projects targeted for rollout by mid-2026. Strategic Impact The engagement positions fisheries and aquaculture as a strategic anchor of Ghana–China cooperation, aligned with: National food security goals Export expansion under the AfCFTA framework Research-driven policy and governance Sustainable Blue Economy growth Long-term skills and institutional development The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that international partnerships translate into tangible benefits for fishers, fish farmers, processors and coastal communities across Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has called on households to maintain active National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage and ensure that children remain in school consistently, as Ghana records notable improvements in living conditions. According to Ghana’s 2024 Q1–2025 Q3 Multidimensional Poverty Report, multidimensional poverty — a non-monetary measure that captures deprivations in health, education and living conditions — declined from 24.9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 21.9 per cent by the third quarter of 2025. Dr Iddrisu explained that while the overall trend points to progress, gaps in health insurance coverage and education remain among the most persistent drivers of poverty, particularly in rural communities and some regions of the country. The report indicates that more than 360,000 people exited multidimensional poverty between the second and third quarters of 2025 alone, while nearly 950,000 people moved out of poverty between the third quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025. Despite these gains, an estimated 7.2 million Ghanaians were still classified as multidimensionally poor in the third quarter of 2025. The Government Statistician noted that inactive or lapsed NHIS memberships continue to expose households to health-related shocks, while irregular school attendance and learning delays increase the risk of long-term deprivation among children. “These figures are not just statistics. They are signals for action,” Dr Iddrisu said, adding that households play a critical role in sustaining poverty reduction by renewing health insurance regularly, keeping children in school without interruption and ensuring that learning gaps are addressed early. The report further recommends that families improve household nutrition, especially for children, participate in skills development and livelihood programmes, and take steps to improve living conditions, particularly sanitation and overcrowding. Dr Iddrisu emphasised that protecting gains made in poverty reduction will require coordinated efforts by government, the private sector, civil society and households, with education and healthcare access remaining central to building resilient communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

One personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been shot during an anti-galamsey operation in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, along the Subinkurom–Kyeremasu stretch, when a NAIMOS task force team was conducting a routine operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities. According to NAIMOS, the task force came under attack after armed assailants hiding in nearby bushes opened fire upon sighting the team. This resulted in an exchange of gunfire between the operatives and the attackers. During the confrontation, one NAIMOS officer sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh. The injured officer was immediately rushed to the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively, officials said. In the course of the exchange, one of the armed assailants was shot and later pronounced dead on arrival at the same hospital. The deceased has been identified as Abuu Ibrahim. In a statement signed by its Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, NAIMOS condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal mining, despite what it described as persistent attacks and disruptions to its operations. The Secretariat further called on the public and all stakeholders to continue supporting its efforts to address illegal mining, which it says poses serious threats to the environment, local communities, and national development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a landmark gold refining agreement with Gold Coast Refinery, a move government says will significantly advance Ghana’s efforts to add value to its mineral resources and strengthen local participation in the mining value chain. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held on Tuesday at GoldBod’s conference room in Accra, bringing together officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, GoldBod, and representatives of Gold Coast Refinery. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, described the agreement as “a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to add value to its mineral resources,” noting that it aligns with the government’s broader industrialisation and value-addition agenda. According to him, the partnership is expected to enable large-scale local gold refining to begin in 2026, reducing Ghana’s dependence on foreign refineries and ensuring that more value from the country’s gold production is retained within the local economy. He explained that local refining will not only improve Ghana’s earnings from gold exports but also create jobs, enhance skills development, and facilitate technology transfer within the mining and allied sectors. Alhaji Sulemana commended the leadership of GoldBod and Gold Coast Refinery for their commitment to the partnership, stressing that government will play its part to ensure the success and sustainability of the project. He further assured current and prospective investors of government’s support, emphasizing that Ghana remains a safe, stable, and attractive destination for investment in the natural resources sector. The agreement is expected to position Ghana more competitively in the global gold market while contributing to economic growth and long-term development through value-added mineral processing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith