News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • Interior Minister Gives Citizens 6 Weeks to Surrender Illicit Guns

    Interior Minister Gives Citizens 6 Weeks to Surrender Illicit Guns

    Minister for the Interior, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a nationwide gun amnesty programme running from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

    The initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to reduce the circulation of unregistered and unlawfully held firearms across the country.

     

    Speaking at a press briefing on November 18, the Minister warned of the dangers posed by illicit weapons, stressing that they continue to fuel violent crimes and conflicts both in public spaces and within communities.

     

    “These weapons unregistered and unlawfully held are fueling armed robbery, violent disputes, chieftaincy and land conflicts, and domestic violence. They turn minor disagreements into bloodshed and pit communities against each other. They rob us of fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters lives that should be shaping the future of Ghana,” he said.

     

    The Minister revealed alarming crime statistics: “In 2024 there were 1219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year there were 628 and 340 robbery and murder cases respectively.”

     

    He explained that after consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), and other stakeholders, government resolved to declare the amnesty. “That is why, after broad consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, our security agencies, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and civil society, the Government has resolved to declare a Gun Amnesty.”

     

    Describing the initiative as compassionate but urgent, the Minister said: “This amnesty is a window of grace. It offers every law-abiding Ghanaian who holds an unregistered or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution. From 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026, any person who voluntarily hands over such weapons at designated collection points will be commended, not condemned.”

     

    He cautioned that those who fail to comply will face strict enforcement after the amnesty period. “But let me be clear: when this amnesty period ends, the law will take its full course. The Ghana Police Service and all security agencies will intensify operations to recover illicit arms. Those who refuse this generous offer will be treated as criminals, and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising.”

     

    The Minister outlined accompanying measures, including suspension of new firearm import and sales permits, a temporary ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebrations, enhanced border security, post-amnesty joint operations to retrieve illegal weapons, and intensified swoops in crime-prone areas.

    Preparatory steps such as consultations with chiefs, regional ministers, ambassadors, arms dealers, and opinion leaders, as well as sensitisation campaigns and training of officials, have already been undertaken.

     

    Calling for national cooperation, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urged leaders and the media to help spread the message. “I call upon our chiefs, elders, pastors, imams, opinion leaders, community associations, and the media to amplify this message. Encourage your communities to surrender illicit firearms.”

     

    He ended his address with a rallying call: “Guns down, Ghana up!”

  • ECOWAS trains journalists in Guinea Bissau to promote infomation integrity, counter fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in West Africa

    ECOWAS trains journalists in Guinea Bissau to promote infomation integrity, counter fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in West Africa

    The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has commenced a two-day training for journalists and media practitioners in Guinea Bissau to strengthen information integrity and counter misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and anti-democratic narratives in the region.

    Organised in partnership with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and supported by the Government of Germany, the training, which runs from 17 –18 November 2025, seeks to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) by equipping media practitioners with practical skills to detect misinformation networks, enhance conflict-sensitive reporting, advance democracy, peace and good governance in West Africa.

     

    Declaring the workshop open on behalf of ECOWAS President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea Bissau, H.E. Ambassador Ngozi Ukeje, said the training reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to support Member States and media professionals in promoting information integrity and combat the scourge of false and harmful narratives across West Africa.

    She underscored the importance of the media as a critical partner in strengthening political governance for peace, security and stability of the region.

  • GRA wins two categories at IPR Excellence Awards 

    GRA wins two categories at IPR Excellence Awards 

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) reaffirmed its leadership in strategic communication and public engagement by winning two major honors at the recently held Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Annual General Meeting and Excellence Awards.

    The Authority was recognized for its exceptional contributions to public education and stakeholder engagement, earning the awards for Best PR Campaign of the Year and Best Digital & Social Media Campaign of the Year.

    The dual victory underscores GRA’s dedication to innovative communication, increased taxpayer engagement, and the effective use of digital platforms to promote voluntary compliance and support national development.

    The Best Digital Campaign Award recognized GRA’s innovative approaches in digital engagement, including targeted online content, data-driven messaging, and interactive taxpayer support platforms that greatly increased awareness and participation among various public groups. This feat, was spearheaded by the Communication & Public Affairs Department, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, Mrs. Florence Asante.

     

    Receiving the honors on behalf of the Authority, Chief Revenue Officer, Dzinunya Mawuli from Public Education, Media Relations, and Review unit praised the Communication and Public Affairs Department and all staff whose dedication and creativity have strengthened GRA’s relationship with the public. She stated that the awards will motivate the team to enhance further its efforts to promote tax compliance and support the government’s revenue mobilization plan.

     

    The IPR Excellence Awards, the highest recognition for communication practice in Ghana, brought together leading PR institutions and professionals to celebrate innovation, impact, and ethical practice

  • IMF goes hard on Ghana’s economic managers  …as it pins corruption as major barrier to effective economic governance

    IMF goes hard on Ghana’s economic managers  …as it pins corruption as major barrier to effective economic governance

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed worry about the widespread corruption in the country, which it says remains a major barrier to effective economic governance, public trust and sustainable growth in Ghana.

     

    According to the Fund as captured in the Ghana Governance Diagnostic Report, public procurement processes are a major source of corruption risk, characterised by excessive reliance on sole-source and restricted tendering without adequate justification or oversight, resulting in inefficiencies, inflated costs, and frequent contract non-performance.

     

    “While Ghana has been a beacon of political stability in the region, corruption remains a major barrier to effective economic governance, public trust and sustainable growth in Ghana”.

     

    It stated that the accumulation of large expenditure arrears, driven by weak budget credibility and poor commitment controls, exacerbates governance vulnerabilities by creating discretionary opportunities for corrupt practices in payment prioritization.

     

    “Anti-corruption institutions remain fragmented and under-resourced, while preventive mechanisms such as asset declarations, conflict-of-interest rules, and beneficial ownership registries are incomplete or poorly enforced”, it added.

     

    Furthermore, the Fund said revenue administration is weakened by outdated legal provisions, political influence, outdated systems, and limited digitalization, undermining the effectiveness of the Ghana Revenue Authority. “The judiciary, while constitutionally independent, faces delays, resource constraints, and has had to deal with allegations of corruption, while land tenure complexities continue to erode property rights”.

     

    It continued that financial sector oversight has advanced, but supervisory capacity and governance challenges in banks persist, highlighting that “Overall, important inefficiencies and overlapping mandates create space for corruption, underscoring the need for comprehensive and well-sequenced reforms”.

     

    “The government has committed to strengthening governance and reducing corruption, providing a critical opportunity to address these long-standing vulnerabilities. Lasting improvements in governance and corruption control will require sustained commitment”, it added.

     

    Recommendations

     

    The report emphasised that addressing Ghana’s governance weaknesses will require well-sequence, comprehensive reforms to strengthen institutional independence, transparency, and operational capacity.

     

    It stressed the importance of reinforcing preventive and enforcement mechanisms, enhancing the financial and operational autonomy of anti-corruption agencies, bolstering fiscal credibility and accountability (including by prioritizing budget credibility, implementing the arrears clearance strategy, entrenching competitive procurement practices), and generally minimizing discretionary powers in public sector operations.

     

    Additionally, sustained progress will also depend on reducing reported inefficiencies in justice, land administration, and revenue administration.

  • GRA to launch nationwide anti‑smuggling operation in 2026 – Ato Forson

    GRA to launch nationwide anti‑smuggling operation in 2026 – Ato Forson

    Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Division will, from 2026, roll out a nationwide offensive against smuggling to protect local industries and safeguard national revenue.

     

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 14, Dr Forson said the coordinated operation, led particularly by the Preventive Division of Customs, will mark a renewed government commitment to tackling the long‑standing challenge of illicit trade.

     

    He underscored the threat posed by smuggling, which he stated undermines the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts while placing local businesses at a competitive disadvantage. “

     

    Smuggling affects the country in many ways, leading to revenue loss and other issues. We have to find a way to stop it,” he stressed.

     

    Outlining the government’s planned enforcement approach, the Minister said smugglers will face stricter sanctions under the new regime. “The best way to deal with it is when you catch them, do not give them their goods. Confiscate and sell. When they lose their capital, the information will go out there, and they will stop,” he stated.

     

    According to him, the survival of local businesses depends heavily on curbing the influx of illegal goods that distort market prices and weaken domestic production. “Smuggling is not making the work of local businesses survive. We have to fight smuggling,”[jeg_weather location=”” auto_location=”false” count=”4″ item=”show”] he added.

  • NPA sets up steering committee to support Mahama’s 24-hr economy

    NPA sets up steering committee to support Mahama’s 24-hr economy

    The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced the formation of a steering committee within the institution to oversee the implementation of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy vision in the energy sector.

     

    Speaking at the launch of the NPA’s Consumer Week Celebration, themed “LPG: A Sustainable Energy for a Better Tomorrow,” the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, said the initiative aims to ensure affordability, quality, fair pricing, and strict adherence to industry standards.

     

    He added that the move aligns with President Mahama’s broader goal of resetting and transforming the energy sector under the 24-hour economy policy framework.

     

    “Our commitment remains to ensure fair pricing and strict adherence to industry standards, in alignment with the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, as he promised to reset and transform the sector while rolling out the 24-hour economy initiative. Today, at the Authority, we have put together a steering committee on the rollout of the 24-hour economy policy,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has called on the NPA and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to establish additional LPG exchange points within the constituency.

     

    Mr Norgbey explained that creating more exchange points would not only improve accessibility and safety but also reduce overcrowding at existing LPG stations and minimise the risks consumers face when travelling long distances for gas refills.

  • Ghana’s bond market to anchor Africa’s capital market integration – BoG Governor

    Ghana’s bond market to anchor Africa’s capital market integration – BoG Governor

    Ghana’s fixed-income market is fast emerging as one of Africa’s most credible and resilient bond platforms, with GHc214 billion in turnover so far in 2025.

     

    According to Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama the milestone marks not just a recovery from Ghana’s recent debt crisis but the beginning of a new era of regional financial leadership.

     

    Speaking at the 10th Anniversary of the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM) in Accra, Dr. Asiama said Ghana’s bond market is now well-positioned to anchor regional capital market integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Financial Integration Framework.

     

    “Our goal is to make Ghana the reference point for transparency and innovation in African fixed-income markets. “We have moved from rebuilding trust to leading by example.” he said.

     

    The Governor added that Ghana is aiming to become a regional benchmark for transparency, innovation, and sustainability, much like Nigeria’s FMDQ and Morocco’s Casablanca Finance City, both of which have become continental hubs for financial services.

     

    The transformation follows a turbulent period for Ghana’s financial markets. During the domestic debt exchange, trading volumes on the GFIM plunged from GHc 230 billion in 2022 to just GHc 98 billion in 2023 as confidence in the government’s fiscal credibility waned.

     

    However, by October 2025, trading activity had rebounded to GHc 214 billion, signaling a strong resurgence of investor confidence and a restored sense of market stability.

     

    Dr. Asiama described the episode as both a financial and emotional test for Ghana’s economy one that taught policymakers three crucial lessons.

     

    “Credibility is capital, without it, no reform endures. Predictability breeds confidence – markets price stability before they price returns. And coordination is protection – fiscal and monetary policies must align,” he said.

     

    The Governor credited the sharp rebound to enhanced coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, as well as consistent efforts by the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to restore market discipline.

     

    He noted that Ghana’s broader macroeconomic turnaround including inflation dropping from 54 percent to 8 percent, a 35 percent appreciation of the cedi, and reserves covering nearly five months of imports — has bolstered investor sentiment and deepened liquidity on the GFIM.

     

    “Behind every decline in inflation lies a rise in discipline, and behind every cedi of appreciation lies a recovery of trust,” Dr. Asiama said, adding that Ghana’s bond market has once again become a mirror of the country’s economic recovery.

     

    With its renewed credibility and modern trading infrastructure, Ghana’s fixed-income market is being positioned to play a pivotal role in continental capital market integration.

     

    Dr. Asiama said the next decade of GFIM’s growth will focus on depth, diversity, and digitalisation creating a market that not only trades bonds but transforms economies.

     

    “This anniversary is not just a celebration of a platform, but of partnership,” he said. “Together, we can deepen markets, expand possibilities, and secure Ghana’s financial future.”

  • Private sector must take lead role in job creation – Ato Forson

    Private sector must take lead role in job creation – Ato Forson

    Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has urged the private sector to absorb the majority of Ghana’s labour force as the government pursues a more strategic and sustainable approach to public sector recruitment.

     

    Dr Forson, speaking on a radio interview, explained that the government cannot continue to carry the weight of mass employment, particularly when infrastructure and economic capacity do not match the increasing demand for jobs.

     

    He noted that while the state will continue to employ essential workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers, those decisions must be tied to the availability of facilities. “If you employ doctors, you must have hospitals for them to work in. The same applies to teachers, you need classrooms,” he said, stressing the need for a careful balance between hiring and the provision of public goods.

     

    Dr. Forson said the government is not halting recruitment but is shifting to a more deliberate model aimed at protecting the economy.

     

    He explained that the 2026 Budget has directed allocations to sectors capable of creating large-scale employment through private investment and enterprise growth. According to him, this approach aligns with global trends where governments employ only between 15 and 20% of the workforce.

     

    “Government cannot say they won’t employ, but we have to employ strategically and sustainably. In most countries, the government does just 15 to 20% of the employment, and the private sector does the rest.

     

    “The private sector is the most sustainable, not the government sector, so it should take the bulk of the employment force,” Dr Forson said.

  • Tap into US$250bn pension assets for oil and gas investments – Pecan Energies CEO

    Tap into US$250bn pension assets for oil and gas investments – Pecan Energies CEO

    The Chief Executive of Pecan Energies Ghana has called on African policymakers and industry leaders to mobilise part of Africa’s vast pension funds, estimated at US$250 billion, to finance oil and gas projects before the window of opportunity closes.

     

    Kadijah Amoah’s bold call for African nations to turn inward and leverage the continent’s own wealth to fund the future of its oil and gas sector, comes at a time Africa nations struggle to attract new investments in the hydrocarbons exploration and development projects.

     

    “WTO’s Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently said African pension funds have about US$250 billion combined. That’s significant. Given that oil and gas are time-bound, it is important to consider dedicating 10 per cent of pension funds in Africa to ensuring that we get the oil out of the ground. That will be a game changer for Africa’s international oil companies to take projects to the next level,” Mrs Amoah said at a recently held oil and gas forum in Accra.

     

    Her message was clear: with international oil majors scaling back exploration in emerging markets, African producers must become “intentional and deliberate” about funding their own future.

     

    A Homegrown Financing Solution

     

    Amoah argued that Africa cannot rely on international capital markets alone, as ESG pressures and climate commitments increasingly constrain funding for hydrocarbons. Instead, she highlighted the role of regional financial institutions such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) which owns Pecan Energies and the newly established Africa Energy Bank, describing them as critical vehicles for sustaining upstream development.

     

    “Africa needs homegrown solutions to its financing gap,” she said. “Mobilising pension funds, supported by African development finance institutions, will ensure that our independents have the capital they need to survive and thrive.”

     

    Pecan Project as a Test Case

     

    Pecan Energies, which operates the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points Block offshore Ghana, epitomises the opportunities and challenges Amoah referenced.

     

    The field holds estimated recoverable reserves of between 300 and 450 million barrels, with potential upside of up to 1 billion barrels.

     

    According to Rystad Energy, the project remains profitable at oil prices above US$30 per barrel, underlining its resilience in volatile markets.

     

    Ghanaian officials had expected first oil by 2026, ramping up to around 80,000 barrels per day.

     

    This would push Ghana’s overall production beyond 200,000 barrels per day, cementing the country’s role as a rising energy hub in West Africa.

     

    The project’s partners include Lukoil (38%), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC, 10%), and FuelTrade (2%), with growing speculation that oil supermajor Shell could acquire a stake, a move Ghanaian President John Mahama recently described as a major vote of confidence in Ghana’s energy future.

     

    The Bigger Picture

     

    Amoah’s intervention comes at a pivotal moment. While global investors are retreating from fossil fuel projects, Africa’s demographics and development needs demand reliable energy. Oil and gas revenues remain critical for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

     

    For Amoah, the message is urgent: the continent must act now, before global momentum shifts decisively away from hydrocarbons.

     

    Unlocking even 10 per cent of Africa’s pension funds could provide a catalytic pool of US$25 billion enough to de-risk projects, attract co-investments, and drive new upstream developments across the continent.

     

    “Oil and gas are time-bound,” she warned. “If we don’t get the resources out now with our own funding, the opportunity may pass us by.”

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • 2026 Budget: Gov’t prioritizes energy sector to boost industrial growth

    2026 Budget: Gov’t prioritizes energy sector to boost industrial growth

    The 2026 Budget as read by the Finance Minister places the energy sector at the center of the country’s economic transformation, with a renewed focus on financial stability, renewable energy expansion, and reliable power supply.

     

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government’s Energy and Green Transition Programme aims to provide sustainable electricity for households, industry, and exports, making it a key driver of national growth.

     

    Key interventions highlighted include the continuation of the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP), the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, and targeted measures to clear legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

     

    These reforms are expected to restore investor confidence, stabilize the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and improve efficiency across the power value chain.

     

    In line with Ghana’s climate commitments, the government plans to increase renewable energy generation to 15 percent by 2030, supported by projects such as the Bui Solar Expansion, Akonor Solar Park, and off-grid mini-grid systems across Northern Ghana. These initiatives are designed to complement industrial electrification and support the 24-Hour Economy initiative by ensuring continuous power availability.

     

    The Green Jobs and Skills Programme, under the Ministry of Energy and Employment, is training thousands of young Ghanaians in solar assembly, installation, and maintenance, building a skilled workforce for the emerging energy sector.

     

    Dr. Forson emphasized that stabilizing the energy sector, expanding renewables, and developing local expertise will boost industrial productivity, reduce operational costs, and provide a sustainable energy foundation for Ghana’s long-term economic growth.