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Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has commended Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Ashanti Regional Police Command and the IGP Special Operations Team (SOT) for their efforts in strengthening security and combating crime in the Ashanti Region. The commendation was made during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace by the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Arthur Osei Akoto, who introduced the Director of the IGP Special Operations Team, Superintendent Augustine Dawson-Ahmoah, and his team. Otumfuo praised the team's intelligence-led operations, saying they have disrupted criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking, robbery, human trafficking, prostitution-related offences and other crimes, leading to improved security and renewed public confidence. He urged the officers to remain disciplined, professional and committed to protecting lives and property, while encouraging the public and traditional authorities to continue supporting the Police with credible information. According to the Ghana Police Service, the Special Operations Team has arrested 412 suspects since commencing operations in the Ashanti Region. The suspects include alleged narcotics suppliers, drug peddlers, human traffickers and other persons linked to organised crime. More than 100 suspects are currently standing trial, while others remain under investigation or are being pursued by the Police. The suspects comprise 294 Ghanaians, 136 Nigerians, 11 Malians and four Togolese. Police also recovered large quantities of suspected cannabis, tramadol tablets, cocaine, ecstasy, unregistered pharmaceutical products, cannabis-infused beverages and confectioneries, as well as other suspected narcotic substances. Superintendent Augustine Dawson-Ahmoah thanked the Asantehene for his support and reaffirmed the team's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to combat organised crime and maintain law and order. The Ghana Police Service assured the public that similar operations will continue across the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country to enhance national security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

RMG Company Ltd has dissociated itself from political claims contained in a recent publication by The Fourth Estate regarding its former operations at the Apinto mining concession, insisting that the report does not reflect the company's position. In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, the mining firm stressed that it neither authorized nor endorsed the publication, describing the allegations, assertions and conclusions contained in the report as the sole responsibility of its publisher. The company specifically rejected attempts to link it to claims that the Government of Ghana, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), or public officials played any role in facilitating the takeover of its mining operations. "RMG Company Ltd is not associated with such claims and does not wish to be drawn into political discourse or partisan controversy," the statement said. Instead, the company highlighted its commitment to maintaining a professional relationship with the Government of Ghana and relevant state institutions, noting that cooperation and adherence to the country's legal and regulatory framework remain essential for the sustainable growth of the mining sector. RMG also commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, together with the leadership and technical staff of the Minerals Commission, for their continued engagement and guidance during the company's restructuring process. According to the company, the support received has been instrumental in efforts to restore its mining operations. The firm disclosed that it is working towards the full revival of activities at the concession, a move expected to generate sustainable employment for more than 5,000 young Ghanaians while ensuring strict compliance with environmental standards and Ghana's mining regulations. RMG further appealed to the media, stakeholders and the general public not to attribute any political commentary arising from The Fourth Estate publication to the company. Reaffirming its long-term investment in Ghana, RMG said it remains committed to fostering strong relationships with government agencies, regulators, traditional authorities, host communities and business partners as it contributes to the country's economic development. Story by: Think News Desk

The Government has announced a three-month transition period to allow public and private institutions to fully implement the biometric verification requirements under the National Identity Register Regulations, 2025 (LI 2523). Although the regulation took effect on June 9, 2026, institutions have been given from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to establish the systems, infrastructure, and staff capacity required for full compliance. The Government stressed that the transition period is intended solely to facilitate an orderly implementation of the law and does not suspend or exempt institutions from their obligations under LI 2523. Organizations are expected to begin compliance measures immediately and ensure they are fully compliant by the end of the transition period. Addressing the Journalists, the Government reaffirmed that Ghanaians have the right to refuse requests for their Ghana Cards to be photocopied, scanned, or stored when accessing services. Instead, institutions are required to verify identity through biometric authentication, as stipulated under the regulations. “If any organization asks to copy your Ghana Card instead of verifying it biometrically, you are entitled to decline,” the Government stated, emphasizing that the regulation is designed to protect citizens’ personal data rather than create inconvenience. The Government described LI 2523 as a key step toward strengthening the integrity of Ghana’s national identification system while enhancing the protection of personal data for citizens and residents. Authorities assured the public that implementation of the regulation will be carried out “firmly but fairly,” with continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smooth compliance nationwide. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has challenged health administrators across the country to shift their focus from managing offices to managing hospitals, insisting that effective support services are critical to the success of Ghana's health system and the implementation of the Free Primary Health Care Policy. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Ghana Health Service Health Administration and Support Services (HASS) Conference, Prof. Akoriyea delivered a candid assessment of the state of health administration, urging administrators to take greater responsibility for the maintenance of infrastructure, equipment, transport, and staff welfare. According to him, many health administrators have become "office administrators" instead of hospital administrators. "You get into some health facilities and see administrators sitting comfortably in well-furnished offices with fridges, microwaves, biscuits and tea, while the people delivering healthcare don't even have decent offices or the resources they need to work," he said. Prof. Akoriyea stressed that hospital administration extends beyond paperwork and procurement to ensuring that the entire healthcare environment functions efficiently. He criticised poor maintenance of hospital compounds, abandoned vehicles, deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate supervision, describing them as unacceptable. "When you enter a hospital, the first thing you should notice is a clean and well-maintained environment. Grass should be cut, facilities should be orderly, and parking spaces properly managed. These are basic administrative responsibilities," he stated. The Director-General also condemned the presence of food vendors moving freely through hospital wards, warning that such practices undermine infection prevention and control measures. "We cannot preach infection prevention while allowing people to sell food from ward to ward," he noted. Prof. Akoriyea expressed concern over the poor maintenance culture within the health sector, particularly regarding vehicles, medical equipment and oxygen plants. He warned that the government's huge investments in health infrastructure could be wasted if administrators fail to implement effective maintenance systems. "We have invested heavily in oxygen plants, vehicles, medical equipment and other infrastructure. I don't want to hear that a patient dies because there is no oxygen when the country has already provided these facilities. Maintaining them is your responsibility," he emphasised. He revealed that government is investing hundreds of millions of cedis in equipment and logistics to support the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Policy, including thousands of motorbikes and tricycles for health outreach. However, he cautioned that without a strong maintenance culture, the investments could quickly deteriorate. "If we don't fix our maintenance systems now, the 7,000 motorbikes and 2,000 tricycles being procured for free primary healthcare will all be grounded within a year, and we'll be asking government to buy new ones again," he warned. Prof. Akoriyea further urged health administrators to make better use of the Ghana Health Service's existing workshops and technical personnel instead of relying excessively on private garages for vehicle repairs. He also called for proper inventory management and labelling of medical equipment to prevent losses and misuse. The Director-General challenged participants at the conference to ensure the meeting produces practical reforms rather than becoming another "talk shop." "I want this conference to produce concrete solutions. Develop checklists, strengthen maintenance systems and ensure that support services truly become the backbone of healthcare delivery," he said. Prof. Akoriyea concluded by reminding health administrators that while clinicians provide direct patient care, the success of healthcare delivery ultimately depends on the efficiency of administrative and support services. "If the backbone fails, the entire body cannot function. Support services must work efficiently if Ghana's Free Primary Health Care Policy is to succeed," he added. This version follows a straight-news style suitable for publication while clearly attributing the remarks to Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

The Deputy Managing Director of BOSTEnergies Limited, Salifu Nat Acheampong, has expressed concern over what he describes as a growing pushback from some stakeholders in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector against the operations of the state-owned strategic fuel stocks company. According to him, the criticisms levelled against BOSTEnergies, particularly regarding its involvement in fuel trading, suggest that some industry players may have formed an alliance aimed at questioning the relevance and role of the company. “It appears some sort of alliance has been forged against a state-owned institution like BOSTEnergies,” Mr. Acheampong said. He made the remarks on the final day of the two-day 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GHiPCON) held in Accra, where discussions centred on key issues affecting Ghana’s petroleum and energy sector. The Deputy Managing Director rejected claims that BOSTEnergies had moved away from its original mandate of maintaining Ghana’s strategic petroleum reserves by participating in commercial fuel activities. He explained that the company’s involvement in fuel trading is a necessary component of managing the country’s fuel stocks, noting that petroleum reserves must be rotated regularly to maintain quality, create storage capacity, and accommodate new supplies. According to him, when BOSTEnergies releases some of its existing stocks onto the market, some industry players interpret the move as a shift from its core mandate, rather than understanding it as part of a broader stock management framework. “Sometimes, when we release stocks onto the market to make room for fresh supplies, people conclude that we have moved away from our mandate. That is not the case,” he said. Mr. Acheampong stressed that BOSTEnergies was established to protect Ghana’s energy security by ensuring that the country maintains adequate strategic fuel reserves to respond to emergencies and supply disruptions. He questioned why some stakeholders continue to challenge the operations of a state institution whose primary responsibility is to safeguard a critical national asset. “Countries must maintain control over their strategic petroleum reserves because energy security is directly linked to national security,” he stated. Drawing a comparison with global situations, Mr. Acheampong cited Iran’s ability to rely on its own petroleum reserves during periods of international pressure, arguing that countries that leave strategic energy resources entirely in the hands of private entities could expose themselves to vulnerabilities. “Just imagine if Iran had entrusted all its strategic petroleum reserves to private entities. Do you think Iran would have been able to defend itself?” he questioned. He reiterated that BOSTEnergies has not abandoned its statutory responsibilities, insisting that the company remains focused on maintaining Ghana’s strategic fuel reserves while adopting commercial approaches that support operational sustainability. The Deputy Managing Director urged industry players and stakeholders to view BOSTEnergies’ commercial activities within the context of strengthening national energy resilience rather than interpreting them as a departure from its mandate. He assured that the company will continue to work towards ensuring fuel security, efficient stock management, and the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s petroleum sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has described the Government's partnership with the World Gold Council as a major milestone in Ghana's efforts to promote responsible gold production, strengthen supply chain integrity and ensure that Ghanaian gold is traded through legal and transparent channels. Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Ghana and the World Gold Council, the Minister said the collaboration would support the formalisation of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector while reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. According to Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, the partnership is designed to ensure that gold produced in Ghana is sourced from legitimate operations and meets internationally accepted standards of traceability and responsible mining. "This partnership will ensure Ghanaian gold is produced responsibly and traded through legal channels," the Minister stated, adding that government remains committed to sanitising the mining sector and eliminating illegal gold trading. He disclosed that the World Gold Council has committed an initial US$250,000 development grant as part of a broader US$1 million support package to assist Ghana in implementing programmes aimed at improving responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The Minister explained that the initiative will facilitate the establishment of a nationwide network of trusted gold processing facilities to enable small-scale miners to process their ore more efficiently using modern technology. He noted that many artisanal miners currently recover less than 20 percent of the value of their ore due to outdated processing methods. However, with access to modern processing facilities, recovery rates could exceed 80 percent, increasing miners' incomes while significantly reducing environmental degradation associated with illegal mining. Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah said the partnership also seeks to improve transparency throughout Ghana's gold supply chain, making it easier to verify the origin of gold and channel production through formal markets. President of the World Gold Council, David Tait, said Ghana's initiative has the potential to become a model for other gold-producing countries seeking to address challenges associated with artisanal and small-scale mining. He explained that the programme would leverage modern verification technologies, responsible processing systems and official gold-buying mechanisms to enhance transparency, reduce illegal mining activities and strengthen confidence in Ghanaian gold on the international market. Mr. Tait further urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that illegal mining remains a national challenge that requires collective action rather than political division. The partnership is expected to advance Ghana's ongoing efforts to formalise the small-scale mining sector, improve environmental stewardship, increase gold recovery rates and reinforce the country's reputation as a responsible producer of gold for the global market. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has announced a series of intelligence-led operations that have led to the arrest of 28 suspects linked to human trafficking, cyber-enabled fraud and illicit arms trafficking, while rescuing 33 victims. Addressing journalists at a press briefing, COP Donkor said the successful operations, undertaken by the CID Headquarters and the Tema Regional Police Command, demonstrate the Police Service's commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling organised criminal networks and upholding the rule of law. According to her, the first operation was carried out on July 3, 2026, at Mataheko-Afienya in the Greater Accra Region, where the Tema Regional Police Intelligence Directorate arrested ten suspects operating from an apartment allegedly used as a cybercrime hub. She disclosed that investigations identified Collins Francis Olayi Ojo as the leader of the syndicate, accusing him of trafficking nine Nigerian nationals into Ghana and forcing them to engage in cyber-enabled fraudulent activities. The victims were rescued and placed in a safe location, while a search at the premises resulted in the retrieval of 28 laptop computers and nine mobile phones for forensic examination. Collins Francis Olayi Ojo has since been remanded by the Accra High Court as investigations continue. COP Donkor further revealed that another intelligence-led operation at Fafa Community on July 7, 2026, led to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in cybercrime. Police recovered 14 laptop computers with accessories and 12 smartphones, believed to have been used in criminal activities. She explained that preliminary investigations initially identified six of the suspects as victims of human trafficking who had been lured from Nigeria under false promises and exploited for cyber fraud. However, subsequent investigations uncovered that Godstime Terry and Wilson Makuo, who had initially posed as victims, were actually coordinators of the syndicate. A third suspect, identified only as Jerry, remains on the run. The rescued victims received medical care, protection and support before being repatriated to Nigeria. The CID Director-General also announced the arrest of five Nigerian nationals during a joint operation by the CID Cybercrime Unit, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the CID Headquarters Operations Unit at Kwabenya on July 12, 2026. The suspects—Chigozie Azubuike, Edwin Onyema, Kingsley Nwachukwu, Henry Ebuke and Harrison Godwin—were arrested after intelligence indicated they were holding trafficked young Nigerians in a residential apartment and compelling them to engage in cybercrime. According to COP Donkor, officers forced entry into a locked room after becoming suspicious of explanations given by the suspects and discovered 22 young Nigerian nationals, of whom 18, aged between 15 and 24 years, were confirmed to be victims of human trafficking. She stated that the victims had been instructed by the alleged ringleader, Chigozie Azubuike, to hide from the Police. The victims have since been rescued and placed under the care of the appropriate authorities, while the suspects have been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court to assist investigations. Police also retrieved 52 assorted mobile phones and several wireless internet devices for forensic examination. On the issue of illegal firearms, COP Donkor disclosed that the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the CID Headquarters arrested Christopher Kuupieni, 63, and Kwabena Tawiah, 56, for allegedly engaging in the unlawful trade of arms and ammunition in the Ashanti Region. She explained that the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance after Police received information that weapons were being supplied to criminal elements across the country. A search conducted on Kwabena Tawiah led to the recovery of several firearms, including Malik, Walther PK 380, Smith & Wesson, Stoeger STR Series and Taurus G2C pistols, together with multiple magazines, 105 rounds of live 9mm ammunition and 20 rounds of .380 Auto PPU ammunition. COP Donkor disclosed that Kwabena Tawiah admitted to engaging in the illegal arms trade for the past ten years without a licence and confessed to supplying weapons to numerous clients nationwide. She assured the public that investigations are ongoing to arrest other accomplices and dismantle the criminal networks connected to the suspects. COP Lydia Yaako Donkor reiterated that the Ghana Police Service remains resolute in combating organised crime and warned that anyone involved in human trafficking, cybercrime or the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms would face the full rigours of the law. She expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism. She also thanked members of the public for providing credible intelligence and urged citizens to continue reporting suspicious activities to the Police through the nearest station or the emergency lines 191 and 18555. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has suspended its nationwide Capacity Building Programme following widespread concerns from national service personnel over deductions from their monthly allowances. Addressing a press conference in Accra, the National President of NASPA, Abdul Wahab B. Muhammed, said the decision follows engagements with the National Service Authority (NSA), feedback from service personnel, and a directive from the Minister for Youth, Empowerment and Development. According to Mr. Muhammed, the programme was designed to equip national service personnel with practical and industry-relevant skills, including coding, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, agriculture business, and website development, to improve their employability after completing national service. He explained that the initiative was approved by NASPA’s National Executive Council in December last year after deliberations on addressing youth unemployment and easing graduates’ transition into the job market. Mr. Muhammed disclosed that NASPA entered into a contractual agreement with Zeus Atlas Limited to implement the nationwide training programme, stressing that the association acted independently in line with its mandate before informing the National Service Authority. He noted that the programme was expected to cost an estimated GH¢15 per month, amounting to about GH¢180 over the service year, with the funds covering practical training, learning materials, and certificates of completion. As part of the implementation, NASPA requested the National Service Authority to facilitate an initial GH¢60 deduction, representing four months of training costs, from personnel allowances. However, following public backlash over the deductions and concerns about consultation, Mr. Muhammed said NASPA reviewed the programme after engaging newly elected regional executives and receiving feedback from service personnel nationwide. “Following discussions with the Management of the National Service Authority and in line with the directive of the Minister for Youth, Empowerment and Development, the Capacity Building Programme, as currently structured, has been suspended with immediate effect pending a comprehensive review,” Mr. Muhammed announced. He assured service personnel that no further deductions would be made in relation to the training programme. Mr. Muhammed welcomed the directive, describing it as one that prioritises the welfare of national service personnel while allowing room for a thorough review of the initiative. He also expressed appreciation to the Minister, the Board and Management of the National Service Authority for their guidance, the media for holding the association accountable, and service personnel for voicing their concerns constructively. Mr. Muhammed reaffirmed NASPA’s commitment to transparency and pledged that the association would continue to place the interests and welfare of national service personnel at the centre of its decisions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has called for greater honesty, transparency and objectivity in Ghana’s development planning process, stressing that sustainable national progress can only be achieved when policymakers are prepared to acknowledge both achievements and persistent challenges. Speaking at the media engagement and official launch of the 2025 National Annual Progress Report (APR) in Accra on Thursday, Dr. Thompson said evidence-based policymaking requires an accurate assessment of the country’s development performance rather than selective emphasis on successes. He explained that the 2025 APR is the fourth and final assessment of the implementation of the Agenda for Jobs policy framework, marking the conclusion of that national development reporting cycle. According to him, the report fulfils the NDPC’s constitutional mandate of providing government, Parliament, development partners, civil society organisations, academia and the general public with credible data to evaluate Ghana’s development performance. “The report ultimately seeks to answer one fundamental question: Are national development policies improving the lives of the people?” he stated. Dr. Thompson noted that development should not be measured merely by the number of policies introduced or projects executed, but by the extent to which citizens experience improved living conditions. He said meaningful development is reflected in better educational outcomes, quality and accessible healthcare, decent employment opportunities, stronger institutions, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians. The NDPC Chairman said the 2025 report presents a balanced assessment of Ghana’s progress, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including stronger economic growth, easing inflation, improved fiscal performance and declining public debt levels. However, he noted that the report also identifies significant development challenges, particularly youth unemployment, maternal health outcomes and implementation capacity within public service delivery systems According to him, recognising these shortcomings should not be viewed as an admission of failure but as an essential step towards designing effective interventions and strengthening national development outcomes. “Evidence-based planning requires honesty and the willingness to acknowledge both successes and challenges,” he stressed. Dr. Thompson further observed that development statistics represent real people and should never be treated as mere numbers. He explained that every improvement or decline in indicators such as economic growth, education, healthcare and employment directly affects the livelihoods of individuals, families, businesses and communities. He also highlighted the interconnected nature of development, explaining that sustained economic growth creates jobs, quality healthcare enhances productivity, education strengthens human capital, effective institutions build investor confidence, while modern infrastructure supports economic expansion and community development. He therefore urged policymakers and development practitioners to adopt a holistic interpretation of development data to ensure policies adequately respond to the needs of citizens. Addressing members of the media, Dr. Thompson described journalists as indispensable partners in Ghana’s development agenda. He encouraged the media to report the findings of the 2025 National Annual Progress Report professionally, fairly and accurately, saying balanced reporting would help the public appreciate both the country’s progress and the challenges requiring urgent attention. He assured journalists of the Commission’s commitment to providing timely information and clarification to support factual reporting. Dr. Thompson reiterated that transparency, continuous evaluation and evidence-driven policymaking remain essential to achieving sustainable national development. In her remarks, the Director-General of the NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah (FGIP), said the Commission organised the media engagement to ensure journalists and other stakeholders fully understand the findings of the 2025 National Annual Progress Report before it enters the public domain. She explained that while publishing development evidence is important, ensuring that the information is properly understood is equally critical. “The National Development Planning Commission believes that development evidence should not simply be published; it should be understood,” she stated. According to Dr. Amoah, previous experience has shown that national development reports often contain complex statistics which can easily be misinterpreted when presented without sufficient explanation and context. She said the objective of the engagement was therefore to equip journalists, editors and analysts with the necessary understanding to promote factual, balanced and evidence-based reporting on Ghana’s development performance. Dr. Amoah outlined the rigorous process used in preparing the Annual Progress Report, describing it as one of the Commission’s greatest strengths. She explained that the report is compiled from Annual Progress Reports submitted by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as official statistical and administrative data from relevant national institutions. According to her, the NDPC subsequently undertakes extensive verification, validation, analysis and synthesis of the data before producing the national assessment. She noted that every dataset is carefully examined for consistency and completeness, while emerging trends are assessed against national policy targets and indicators. The findings, she said, undergo technical reviews by Cross-Sectoral Planning Groups in accordance with Legislative Instrument (LI) 2402 before receiving final approval from the Commission, whose membership includes representatives from all 16 regions, ministers, academics, subject matter experts and professional bodies. “This rigorous process ensures that the conclusions contained in the report are evidence-based and accurately reflect Ghana’s development performance during the 2025 reporting period,” she said. Dr. Amoah also explained the rationale behind the Commission’s technical presentation ahead of the official launch. She noted that the National Annual Progress Report covers numerous sectors, hundreds of development indicators and multiple policy interventions, many of which require technical interpretation and contextual explanation. The technical presentation, she said, provides stakeholders with an opportunity to understand not only the findings themselves but also the methodology used in arriving at those conclusions, while promoting transparency, accountability and informed public dialogue. She indicated that the technical team from the Monitoring and Evaluation Division would present the report’s major findings, implementation achievements, emerging challenges, lessons learned and policy recommendations before opening the floor for discussions and questions. Dr. Amoah encouraged journalists to actively engage with the evidence by seeking clarification where necessary to ensure accurate reporting. She reaffirmed the Commission’s appreciation of its longstanding partnership with the media and urged journalists to continue promoting balanced and responsible reporting on national development issues. Quoting American futurist, Alvin Toffler, she concluded, “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” She described the Annual Progress Report as a vital learning instrument that enables Ghana to reflect on its development performance, learn from experience and continuously improve national planning, implementation and monitoring processes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana's informal cross-border trade generated an estimated GH¢31 billion in economic activity between January and September 2025, equivalent to approximately US$2.3 billion or 2.9 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Presenting the findings of the Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) Survey at the release of the report, Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, described the survey as a significant milestone in Ghana's efforts to capture previously unrecorded economic activity and improve the quality of national statistics. "Our message today is simple: Leaving No Trade Unrecorded," Dr. Alhassan said, explaining that the survey has revealed a substantial segment of Ghana's economy that had historically remained outside official records. According to him, the survey found that a sizeable volume of legitimate trade conducted across Ghana's land borders with Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire had gone undocumented because the goods were not processed through formal customs declaration systems. He noted that although these transactions had remained invisible in official trade statistics, they play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods, supporting employment, ensuring food availability and facilitating regional commerce. "This trade is not marginal," Dr. Alhassan stressed. "It feeds families, sustains jobs, keeps markets supplied on both sides of the border and contributes significantly to economic activity across West Africa." The Government Statistician pointed out that Africa continues to record relatively low levels of intra-African trade compared to other regions of the world. Citing data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), he noted that trade among African countries accounts for only 10 to 12 percent of the continent's total trade, compared with approximately 40 percent in North America and 63 percent in Western Europe. He explained that one reason for this disparity is the large volume of informal trade that remains outside official statistical systems. "You cannot plan for what you cannot measure, and you cannot protect what you cannot see," Dr. Alhassan stated, adding that measuring informal trade is essential for designing effective economic policies and strengthening regional integration. Dr. Alhassan said the survey's findings will significantly improve Ghana's trade statistics and balance of payments estimates, providing policymakers with more accurate data for national planning. He explained that the information would also enhance understanding of food security, revealing that nearly half of Ghana's informal imports comprise food commodities, making the data valuable for assessing food availability and affordability. Beyond food security, the findings also shed light on employment and inclusion within border communities, where women and young people constitute a significant proportion of informal traders. The Government Statistician further observed that the survey supports implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by providing a clearer picture of the true scale of trade occurring among African countries. He added that the study also contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, decent work and stronger regional partnerships. Dr. Alhassan explained that the latest publication builds on Ghana's first-ever Informal Cross-Border Trade Report, released in October 2025, which covered the final quarter of 2024. The current report expands the coverage to include the first three quarters of 2025, spanning January to September. He said the survey sought to estimate the volume and value of informal trade, determine the direction of imports and exports across active border points, identify the major commodities and trading partners, profile traders and trading patterns, and compare informal trade with Ghana's formal international trade. To ensure credibility and international comparability, Dr. Alhassan said the survey covered 206 active border crossing points across Ghana's land borders with Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, spanning 10 regions. The survey captured all legitimate goods crossing the borders without formal customs declarations, irrespective of quantity or mode of transport. However, it excluded goods formally declared to Customs, transit goods, fictitious entries and illegal commodities such as narcotics and firearms. He noted that the Ghana Statistical Service adopted the African Union's continental methodology for measuring informal cross-border trade alongside the United Nations International Merchandise Trade Statistics standards, with all commodities classified using internationally recognised 10-digit commodity codes. "This means our estimates are directly comparable with those produced by statistical agencies across the world," Dr. Alhassan said. The Government Statistician described the survey as one of the largest statistical field operations undertaken by the Ghana Statistical Service. Out of more than 1,000 recruits, the Service trained 676 field officers, including 523 interviewers and 153 supervisors, who were deployed to border communities. Field teams simultaneously observed goods crossing border points and conducted face-to-face interviews with traders. Data collection was undertaken electronically using tablets for 14 days each month between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., while trade occurring outside those periods was estimated using the African Union's standard methodology. Dr. Alhassan said the exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority's Customs Division, the Ghana Immigration Service, relevant government ministries, ECOWAS, and community leaders across the country's border communities. He added that the survey covered 206 active border points, with the Volta Region recording the highest number of crossing locations, underscoring the extensive nature of informal trade activities along Ghana's eastern frontier. The Government Statistician expressed confidence that the survey marks a new era in Ghana's statistical development by ensuring that a significant segment of economic activity, previously invisible in official records, is now measured and incorporated into national economic planning. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has presented a GH¢12.65 million reward package to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) following the successful seizure and subsequent sale of 17 gold bars confiscated from illegal gold traders in 2025. The presentation, made in Accra, forms part of GoldBod’s reward framework aimed at encouraging intelligence-led operations, recognising the sacrifices of security personnel, and strengthening inter-agency efforts to combat illicit gold trading across the country. Speaking during the presentation, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, explained that the GH¢12.65 million represents 50 percent of the proceeds realised from the sale of the confiscated gold bars. He outlined the Board’s reward-sharing formula, noting that 10 percent of the proceeds has been allocated to the informant whose credible intelligence led to the successful interception of the gold. According to him, the contribution of whistleblowers remains critical in dismantling illegal gold trading networks and protecting the country’s mineral wealth. Mr. Gyamfi further disclosed that GoldBod’s Board of Directors approved an additional 20 percent of the proceeds as a special reward for the NACOC officers who participated in the operation, in recognition of the risks they undertook and their professionalism in executing the mission. The remaining 20 percent, he said, was presented to NACOC as an institution to support its continued operational efforts and acknowledge the deployment of personnel and logistical resources that contributed to the successful operation. He reiterated GoldBod’s commitment to working closely with state security agencies to enforce mining and gold trading regulations, stressing that rewarding credible intelligence and operational excellence remains central to the institution’s strategy for tackling illegal activities within the gold sector. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Commission, Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed appreciation to GoldBod for honouring its commitment under the reward policy. He described the gesture as a strong demonstration of government agencies working together towards a common national objective and assured GoldBod of NACOC’s continued support in the fight against illegal gold trading and other transnational organised crimes. Major General Mantey noted that strengthening collaboration between security institutions and regulatory agencies is essential to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to national development. The reward presentation highlights GoldBod’s broader strategy of promoting accountability, incentivising actionable intelligence, and fostering stronger partnerships with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal gold trading and safeguard Ghana’s gold resources for current and future generations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, describing his demise as a monumental loss not only to Dagbon but to Ghana's revered chieftaincy institution. In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Ga Mantse and signed by Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, the King extended heartfelt sympathies to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, chiefs, queen mothers, elders, and the people of Dagbon. Speaking on behalf of himself, the Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Elders, and the entire people of the Ga State, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said the news of the Yaa-Naa's passing was received with deep sadness, noting that Ghana had lost a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign was marked by wisdom, humility, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to peace and cultural preservation. According to the Ga Mantse, Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II devoted his life to promoting unity, justice, and development within the Dagbon Kingdom while championing harmony among his people. He said the late Overlord earned admiration and respect across Ghana and beyond for his exemplary leadership and dedication to public service. The Ga Mantse further stated that the late King's wise counsel, statesmanship, and steadfast leadership significantly strengthened the institution of chieftaincy and reinforced the important role of traditional authorities in promoting national cohesion and safeguarding Ghana's cultural heritage. While mourning the passing of the Dagbon overlord, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said the nation should also celebrate a life of honour, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to humanity. He expressed confidence that the legacy of Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II would continue to inspire current and future generations of traditional leaders to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion. The Ga Mantse prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Yaa-Naa and asked the Almighty God to grant strength, comfort, and fortitude to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, and all those affected by the loss. He reaffirmed the solidarity of the Ga Traditional Council and the entire Ga State with the people of Dagbon during this period of mourning, assuring them of their unwavering support as they honour the memory of their departed King. The condolence message was signed on behalf of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II by Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith