News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • Edudzi Tameklo: Driving Transformative Change in Ghana’s Downstream Petroleum Sector

    Edudzi Tameklo: Driving Transformative Change in Ghana’s Downstream Petroleum Sector

    Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has remained a beacon of regulatory excellence in the West African sub-region under the dynamic and forward-thinking leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo Esq.

     

    Since assuming office he has steered the organisation towards greater heights. Under his leadership and direction, the NPA has achieved several key milestones, reinforcing its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and sustainability in the petroleum downstream industry.

     

    Streamlined licensing of stations

     

    One of Tameklo’s notable achievements is his firm guarantee of fairness and due process in issuing licences for Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs). This approach is expected to foster a more transparent operating environment in the downstream industry, creating a competitive and level playing field for all sector players.

     

    The NPA has also been pushing for stiffer penalties to clamp down on illegal fuel stations, ensuring a safer and more regulated petroleum sector.

     

    Centre of Excellence

     

    Tameklo’s exceptional leadership has earned him recognition from various stakeholders, including the Anlo Dukor (State) Council.

     

    His transformative approach has been instrumental in advancing the NPA’s vision of becoming a world-class regulator, promoting sustainable development and ensuring the consistent availability of quality petroleum products in Ghana.

     

    The NPA recently launched its 20th anniversary celebrations, marking two decades of regulatory excellence and national impact in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector. This milestone highlights the role of transparent regulatory governance in fostering national growth and development.

     

    24-hour services

     

    Under Tameklo’s leadership the NPA is also working towards implementing a 24-hour economy pilot project in Osu, aimed at fueling round-the-clock commerce and tapping into the multi-million-dollar night-time economy. This initiative is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs and improve the overall standard of living for Ghanaians.

     

    Collaborative spirit

     

    Tameklo has emphasised the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders, noting that these engagements have helped reduce market disruptions, improve fuel standards and strengthen consumer protections.

     

    The NPA continues to engage with various stakeholders including industry players, civil society organisations and government agencies to ensure that the petroleum sector is regulated effectively and efficiently.

     

    Exceptional leadership and governance

     

    Tameklo’s leadership has been central to the transformative progress within Ghana’s petroleum sector. His commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainability has earned him recognition as a champion of good governance.

     

    As the NPA continues to regulate the downstream industry it is expected to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive, while safeguarding consumer interests and promoting sustained economic growth.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • Mahama unveils plan to modernise Ghana’s health facilities

    Mahama unveils plan to modernise Ghana’s health facilities

    President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to retool and modernise health facilities across Ghana, positioning the country at the forefront of Africa’s health transformation agenda.

     

    The initiative, Mahama explained, aligns with continental priorities under Agenda 2063, Africa’s New Public Health Order, and global commitments outlined in SDG 3, all of which call for African nations to move from ambition to concrete action.

     

    Speaking at the WHX Leaders Africa Summit in Accra on Tuesday, December 9, the president highlighted that the retooling programme will be implemented through strategic public–private partnerships, focusing on upgrading critical systems, including strengthening dialysis services and other specialised care.

     

    “MahamaCare positions Ghana as a regional hub for special care, advanced research, and cutting-edge innovation. To complement this, we will also implement a universal free primary health programme, ensuring that cost never prevents a Ghanaian from accessing essential health services,” he said.

     

    President Mahama also called on global vaccine manufacturers to partner with African governments to establish vaccine production hubs on the continent.

    “We urge vaccine manufacturers to collaborate with us to build African vaccine production hubs. We also call on pharmaceutical companies to expand into biological generics for essential medicine manufacturing in Africa,” he added.

  • GTA and GoldBod offer visitors Gold as part of December festivities

    GTA and GoldBod offer visitors Gold as part of December festivities

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has partnered with the Ghana GoldBod to offer visitors a unique incentive during the festive season, CEO Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto has announced.

     

    Under the initiative, tourists and local visitors can enjoy Ghana’s rich culture, cuisine, and entertainment and go home with a small piece of gold.

    Speaking on the JoyNews’ AM Show, Maame Efua Houadjeto said, “Ghana Tourism Authority is having a partnership with the Gold Board, where after all the fun and memories that you can collect in Ghana, you go home with gold, a small piece of gold. So, GoldBod and Ghana Tourism are having a collaboration. Come and have fun in Ghana. Come and watch our celebrities. Come and eat our food; come and experience our people.”

    The promotion, running through December, aims to boost domestic and international tourism while highlighting Ghana’s hospitality and cultural offerings.

    Visitors participating in the programme will be able to purchase gold at promotional rates, allowing them to combine their festive celebrations with a tangible souvenir of the “Gold Coast.”

    Maame Efua Houadjeto emphasised that the initiative encourages visitors to spend on food, entertainment, and experiences, while also investing in a small piece of gold.

     

    “If you are spending money on food and fun, save a little for gold and go home with gold. Let the world know that you came to the Gold Coast,” she said.

     

    The GTA has been rolling out a series of festive season events, including concerts, food festivals, and cultural showcases across the country.

    This collaboration with the Goldbod represents a first-of-its-kind effort to combine leisure, culture, and investment in a single promotion.

  • ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council opens in Abuja

    ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council opens in Abuja

    The 55th Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at Ministerial Level is underway at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, today, 9 December 2025.

    Council members are meeting to review the regional political and security landscape and to develop strategic actions to address emerging challenges.

     

    In his opening remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, called for immediate and decisive measures to safeguard the region’s stability and uphold the values that define the Community. As ECOWAS marks its Golden Jubilee, he noted that the direction for the decades ahead has never been clearer.

     

    Dr. Touray highlighted the urgent need to reflect on the state of democracy in the region and invest more robustly in collective security. He emphasized that recent country assessments reveal concerning risks from ongoing military interventions and shrinking electoral inclusivity to the growing reach of terrorist groups and escalating geopolitical pressures.

     

     

     

  • Digital credit regulation: BoG trains media on legal regime 

    Digital credit regulation: BoG trains media on legal regime 

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has trained selected journalists to help deepen public understanding of the fast-growing digital credit landscape in the country.

     

    The session forms part of the central bank’s broader effort to promote responsible lending practices and ensure that consumers are better protected as digital financial services continue to expand.

     

    Speaking at the event, the Bank’s Director of Communication, Bernard Otabil, underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting financial literacy.

     

    He noted that as digital credit services become more accessible through mobile phones and online platforms, it is increasingly important for the public to receive accurate, timely, and clear information.

     

    Mr. Otabil emphasised that media engagement is essential to narrowing the information gap surrounding digital lending.

     

    According to him, the rise of instant mobile loans, fintech-driven credit products, and online lending platforms presents both opportunities and risks.

    While these innovations improve access to finance especially for underserved populations they also raise concerns about transparency, data protection, and potential predatory practices.

     

    “The media remains one of our strongest partners in ensuring that consumers understand their rights and responsibilities when accessing digital credit,” Mr. Otabil said. “By working closely with journalists, we can amplify messages on responsible borrowing, regulatory safeguards, and the need for customers to use only licensed and compliant service providers.”

     

    He further explained that the Bank of Ghana continues to strengthen its regulatory and supervisory frameworks to address challenges emerging in the digital lending ecosystem. These include enforcing compliance among digital lenders, monitoring unethical recovery practices, and ensuring that customer data is handled securely.

    Participants at the session were taken through key aspects of the BoG’s consumer protection guidelines, current regulatory measures for digital credit providers, and the central bank’s ongoing initiatives to promote financial stability.

     

    The event concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between the BoG and the media to safeguard consumer interests and build public trust in Ghana’s digital financial services sector.

  • ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency over rising coups, security threats                                                  

    ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency over rising coups, security threats                                                  

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency, citing escalating political instability and security threats across several member states.

     

    The announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja on Tuesday.

     

    Omar Touray said the worsening situation in the sub-region demands urgent attention and collective action.

     

    According to him, recent developments highlight the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”

     

    The emergency declaration comes on the back of a troubling wave of unconstitutional takeovers in parts of West Africa.

     

     

    In the past few years, countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea-Bissau have experienced coups or attempted coups, while security agencies in Benin and other states have also reported foiled mutinies.

     

    Officials say Tuesday’s meeting was convened to assess the growing threats ranging from military interventions to violent extremism and to consider measures that can help stabilise the region.

     

    ECOWAS has faced criticism in recent months, particularly after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc earlier this year.

     

    More updates are expected as the ministerial council continues its deliberations in Abuja.

  • Prof. Sanatu Alidu crowned Northern Region’s Best Female Farmer 2025  …develops six climate-resilient cowpea varities

    Prof. Sanatu Alidu crowned Northern Region’s Best Female Farmer 2025  …develops six climate-resilient cowpea varities

    Ghana’s agricultural landscape has received a boost with the announcement of Professor Sanatu Alidu as the Best Female Farmer 2025 for the Northern Region.

     

    This prestigious award is a testament to Prof. Alidu’s tireless efforts in advancing agricultural research and innovation.

     

    Prof. Alidu, an Associate Professor at the University for Development Studies (UDS), has recently made headlines with the development of six new climate-smart and drought-tolerant cowpea varieties.

     

    These varieties have received conditional release and are pending final approval from the National Seed Council (NSC), marking a significant milestone as the first crop varieties developed by UDS researchers for nationwide release.

     

    The new varieties boast impressive features, including climate-resilience, high-yielding and nutritious crops, and suitability for mechanical harvesting. These characteristics are expected to improve food security, increase farmers’ income, and promote modern farming practices in northern Ghana.

     

    This achievement is a result of a collaborative effort between UDS, CSIR-SARI, and JIRCAS, demonstrating the power of partnership in driving agricultural innovation. Prof. Alidu’s leadership in this public-sector release showcases the technical capacity within Ghana’s seed industry and the commitment to advancing the sector.

     

    As the founder of Dinmbone Farm Gates and a member of the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG), Prof. Alidu’s work is a shining example of dedication to agricultural development. Her award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to Ghana’s agricultural sector.

     

    The six new cowpea varieties, namely UDS-Tu Bilichini, UDS-Kachaɣu Tuya, UDS-AGRAWAC Tuya, UDS-JIRCAS Sasage, UDS Ny-25, and UDS-Zara Tuya, are expected to make a significant impact on Ghana’s agricultural landscape.

     

    We congratulate Prof. Sanatu Alidu on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing her continue to drive agricultural innovation in Ghana.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • Era of Waste in Public Sector Over – Ato Forson Draws the Line

    Era of Waste in Public Sector Over – Ato Forson Draws the Line

    Ghana’s Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has sounded one of the strongest warnings yet to public officials, declaring that the era of waste, mismanagement, and reckless financial infractions in the public sector has come to an end.

     

    At a crucial meeting with Chief Directors and audit heads across ministries, departments, and agencies, Dr. Ato Forson announced that government has “charted a clear and decisive path” for implementing the recommendations contained in the 2024 Audit Report.

     

    The Minister, who has been spearheading reforms in public financial management, did not mince words about the scale of the problem. “Persistent waste sends the wrong signal about our nation,” he said, stressing that the continued loss of scarce national resources undermines the peace, stability, and confidence that Ghanaians have worked so hard to restore.

     

     

    His remarks follow the release of the Auditor-General’s 2024 report, which revealed staggering levels of financial irregularities across several state institutions, most notably the GH¢18.4 billion in infractions recorded among public boards, corporations, and statutory bodies the highest in recent history.

     

    Dr. Ato Forson made it clear that Ghana “truly deserves better” than the persistent cycle of unearned salaries, unpresented vouchers, unauthorized allowances, procurement breaches, and poor internal controls that have become distressingly common in some MDAs, MMDAs, and state agencies.

    These irregularities have prompted ongoing investigations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which has already recovered more than GH¢12.6 billion in collaboration with the Auditor-General.

     

    The Minister emphasised that the new push for accountability is not merely administrative but tied directly to Ghana’s broader goals of restoring fiscal credibility, strengthening institutions, and rebuilding public trust. “We cannot continue to lose scarce resources through infractions that are completely avoidable,” he insisted, noting that government will ensure that every recommendation from the 2024 Audit Report is acted upon with urgency and firmness.

     

     

    Specialized Courts to Tackle Financial Breaches

     

    One of the most significant developments strengthening this new accountability regime is the establishment of specialised courts dedicated to handling breaches of financial laws.

     

    Dr. Ato Forson reminded officials that these courts are now fully operational, signalling a decisive move away from the old cycle in which wrongdoing went unpunished. “This is a new chapter,” he declared. “Accountability will no longer be optional.”

     

    President John Dramani Mahama has also expressed deep concern about the entrenched waste of public resources. Since assuming office, he has vowed a comprehensive turnaround in the culture of fiscal indiscipline and has met with the Attorney-General, Auditor-General, and Chief Justice to ensure coordinated action. These engagements resulted in the milestone establishment of the specialised courts, which will expedite prosecutions and enforce consequences for officials who breach financial regulations.

     

    Dr. Ato Forson’s message to the Chief Directors and audit heads was direct and uncompromising: drive infractions down to the barest minimum and uphold the highest standards of transparency and responsibility.

     

    A Duty to Every Ghanaian

     

    He reiterated that discipline in public financial management is not merely a bureaucratic obligation but “a duty we owe to every Ghanaian”. The 2024 audit cycle marks a turning point for the nation’s financial governance, coming at a time when citizens are demanding greater accountability and improved efficiency in the use of public funds.

     

    With the Auditor-General’s reports revealing both progress and ongoing challenges, the government’s renewed focus on enforcement represents a significant step toward fiscal rectitude.

    The Minister’s warning signals a clear departure from business as usual, establishing a strong political and administrative commitment to ending the chronic leakage of billions of cedis that could otherwise support critical infrastructure, social services, job creation, and economic transformation.

     

    As Ghana moves into this new era of financial discipline, Dr. Ato Forson’s stance reflects a broader national effort to safeguard public resources and protect the public purse from systemic abuse.His call to action reinforces the message that public service is a stewardship of national trust and that the future of Ghana depends on ensuring that every cedi is used responsibly and for the benefit of the people.

  • Council of State Is Not Your End – Alhaji Said Sinare Celebrates Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple’s Rising Influence

    Council of State Is Not Your End – Alhaji Said Sinare Celebrates Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple’s Rising Influence

    Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E Alhaji Said Sinare, has heaped glowing praise on the council of state member, H.E Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, describing him as “a rising national asset whose leadership journey goes far beyond the Council of State.”

     

    Speaking at a spectacular birthday celebration held on Sunday, 7th December 2025, at Dr. Tanko’s magnificent East Legon Estate, the NDC’s Zongo President, H.E Alhaji Said Sinare joined other high-ranking officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), business magnates, families, and close friends to honor the distinguished statesman and business tycoon.

     

    In his address, the Ambassador recounted Dr. Tanko’s remarkable contributions to the party’s national growth, particularly his strategic support in securing Zongo votes for President John Dramani Mahama and several Parliamentary Candidates during the 2024 general elections.

     

    Alhaji Sinare revealed that the revered council of state member also financed his “Winning the Zongo Votes for president Mahama and NDC PCs” initiative, an intervention he described as “a decisive factor in strengthening the NDC’s grassroots appeal across critical constituencies.”

     

    “Tanko is young, visionary, and loyal to the NDC’s mission. His wisdom, political maturity, and dedication to national unity show clearly that the Council of State is not his final destination. Ghana still has bigger roles for him,” he stated.

     

    The Ambassador praised Dr. Tanko’s growing influence in the Volta Region and highlighted his continuous investments in community development, youth empowerment, and party-building efforts.

     

    Alhaji Sinare further offered heartfelt prayers for Dr. Tanko, asking Allah to grant him protection, long life, and greater capacity to serve Ghana.

     

    He concluded by urging the chiefs and people of the Volta Region to rally behind Dr. Tanko, describing him as “a generational asset whose leadership will shape both the region and the country for years to come.”

  • Corporate sector confidence surges amid tax reforms

    Corporate sector confidence surges amid tax reforms

    Ghana’s recent tax reforms have launched a surge in confidence in the corporate sector.

    The withdrawal of the E-Levy and COVID-19 levy has eased compliance costs and strengthened business confidence.

    According to the 2025 Business Environment and Competitiveness Survey by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), businesses reported a 16% improvement in tax-related sentiments compared to previous years, citing simpler processes, reduced levies, and predictability.

    Among other key findings captured in the report are:

    Improved Tax Sentiment: Businesses are more positive about Ghana’s tax regime, with a 16% improvement in tax-related sentiments.

    Stable Regulatory Environment: Respondents noted a more stable regulatory environment, allowing firms to plan investments with greater certainty.

    Increased International Competitiveness: 67% of respondents believe they can meet global competition standards, up from 52% in 2024.

    Quality Control: Perceptions of Ghana’s quality control landscape have steadily improved over the last three years.

    Business Outlook for 2026:

    While sentiment is improving, businesses remain cautious, emphasizing that maintaining policy consistency is crucial to sustaining confidence into 2026. The UKGCC notes that predictable taxation, streamlined regulations, and continued macroeconomic stability will determine whether firms can fully convert their optimism into long-term investment and expansion decisions .

    The Ghanaian government has introduced several tax reforms, including reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 21.9% to 20% and increasing the VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000. These reforms aim to create a more business-friendly environment and stimulate economic growth.