News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • NPA boss welcomes Sierra Leone petroleum delegation on study visit

    NPA boss welcomes Sierra Leone petroleum delegation on study visit

    The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has welcomed a delegation from the Sierra Leone National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) on a study visit to the Authority.

    The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two countries.

    According to the NPA, the delegation is in Ghana to understudy the country’s petroleum downstream sector, particularly in areas such as policy administration, regulatory framework, and technical advancements.

    Ghana’s NPA has long been recognised as a model institution in the sub-region, with its systems and reforms often serving as a reference point for other African regulators.

    The two-member Sierra Leonean delegation includes Wuyah Deen Sucarray, Director of Policy Planning and Coordination at NPRA, and Ms Aminata Margaret Kora, Assistant Manager, Human Resources and Administration.

    During the visit, the team is expected to engage with key NPA departments and exchange ideas on best practices.

    Mr Tameklo reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to regional cooperation, noting that such visits strengthen partnerships and promote standardisation in the petroleum sector across West Africa.

    He expressed optimism that the engagement would contribute to enhancing Sierra Leone’s regulatory framework while deepening ties between the two agencies.

     

     

  • NPA CEO outlines bold strategic vision to drive regulatory efficiency and national energy transformation

     

    The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tamakloe, has unveiled an ambitious and transformative vision to enhance regulatory efficiency and position Ghana’s petroleum downstream industry as a model of sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness across Africa.

     

    Speaking at the unveiling of the NPA’s new strategic direction, Mr. Tamakloe emphasised that the Authority’s future hinges on eight interconnected themes designed to strengthen infrastructure, empower local participation, and ensure environmental responsibility in the petroleum sector.

     

    01:Efficient Infrastructure and Operational Standards

    Mr. Tamakloe underscored the need for a modernised regulatory infrastructure that guarantees product quality, safety, and service reliability.

     

    He noted that the NPA would implement cutting-edge operational standards to streamline licensing, compliance, and monitoring processes.

     

    02: Green Transition and Industry Sustainability

    In line with global energy trends, the NPA is committing to a green transition that reduces emissions and promotes cleaner fuels.

     

    “The NPA will champion policies that balance energy access with environmental protection,” Mr. Tamakloe affirmed, emphasising Ghana’s role in Africa’s climate-resilient growth agenda.

     

    03: Enhanced Ghanaian Content and Ghanaian Participation

    To ensure that Ghanaians play a leading role in the petroleum value chain, the Authority will intensify efforts to increase local ownership, capacity building, and enterprise development.

     

    “Ghanaian hands must shape Ghana’s energy destiny,” he stressed.

     

    04: Strengthened Technological Resources

    The CEO announced plans to digitise key NPA operations, deploy advanced monitoring technologies, and leverage data analytics for real-time decision-making.

     

    This digital transformation, he said, will enhance transparency and regulatory precision.

     

    05: Empowered and Inclusive Human Resource

    Recognising that people are the backbone of institutional success, the NPA will invest in continuous professional development, inclusion, and gender equity.

     

    “An empowered workforce drives an empowered nation,” Mr. Tameklo remarked.

     

    06: Legislative Enhancement

    The NPA will collaborate with Parliament and relevant stakeholders to update existing petroleum legislation, ensuring that it reflects evolving industry realities and strengthens regulatory oversight.

     

    07: Enhanced Regulatory Image and Reputation

    Mr. Tameklo highlighted the importance of restoring and protecting the NPA’s image as a transparent, fair, and responsive regulator. “Public trust is our license to operate,” he stated.

     

    08: Financial Sustainability

    Finally, the Authority will implement prudent financial management systems to ensure that the NPA remains self-sustaining while delivering efficient services and supporting national development.

     

    Mr. Tameklo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency, innovation, and national development.

     

    “The NPA is entering a new era—one defined by efficiency, sustainability, and Ghanaian leadership in energy regulation,” he declared. “We are building not just an institution, but a legacy of integrity and excellence.

     

     

  • Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 pegged at GH¢60,000

    Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 pegged at GH¢60,000

    The New Hajj Board Chairman, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, has announced that the Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 will be GH¢60,000.

    This year’s quota has been set at 6,872 pilgrims, with a possibility of increasing to 10,000 after justification, In Sha Allah.

    According to sources, the new fare is a result of negotiations between the Hajj Board and service providers. The quota increase is expected to provide more opportunities for Ghanaian Muslims to perform the holy pilgrimage.

    It is worth noting that President John Mahama had previously projected a potential reduction in Hajj fare to less than GH¢50,000 for 2026, citing the cedi’s performance against foreign currencies as a determining factor.

    However, the actual fare for 2026 has been set at GH¢60,000.

    The Ghana Hajj Taskforce had previously reduced the fare from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000 for the 2025 pilgrimage, citing diligent negotiations and collaboration with service providersy.

  • ECOWAS trains journalists in Benin Republic on information integrity in Africa

    ECOWAS trains journalists in Benin Republic on information integrity in Africa

    The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has begun a two-day training for journalists and media practitioners in Cotonou to boost information integrity and counter misinformation, disinformation, fake news and anti-democratic narratives in West Africa.

    Organised by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the training, holding on 13–14 October 2025, aims to build participants’ skills in media and information literacy, conflict-sensitive reporting, identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation actors, and promoting democracy, peace and good governance within the region.

    Opening the workshop on behalf of the ECOWAS President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin , H.E. Ambassador Amadou Diongue, underscored the media’s role in amplifying ECOWAS’ Vision 2050 goals on promoting regional integration, democracy, peace and security.

  • President Mahama champions gender equality at Global Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing

    President Mahama champions gender equality at Global Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing, China, on Monday, October 13, 2025.

    Speaking in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion for Gender and Development Issues, President Mahama called for a renewed moral and political will to ensure that progress made by nations remains inclusive and does not come at the expense of women and girls.

    He highlighted Ghana’s strides in promoting gender equality, noting the election of the country’s first female Vice President and the appointment of women to key positions across government, the judiciary, and security services.

    The summit, co-hosted by China and UN Women, brought together global leaders to deliberate on strategies to strengthen women’s rights, boost economic empowerment, and enhance political participation.

    President Mahama’s participation, according to observers, reflects Ghana’s unwavering commitment to gender mainstreaming and women’s development in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The President emphasized that the gathering “reaffirms the shared commitments made during the Beijing Conference 30 years ago for the empowerment of women and girls.”

    He noted that “Ghana on its part has resolved to remain committed and has taken decisive measures to mainstream gender.”

    President Mahama cited significant achievements, including the election of Ghana’s first female Vice President and the appointment of women to strategic national positions. He expressed optimism that with sustained support, “women could break the glass ceiling and advance to lead the country.”

    Touching on education, he disclosed that Ghana has achieved gender parity in school enrollment and assured that government remains dedicated to sustaining the progress through strengthened institutions and adequate budget allocations for social intervention programmes.

    He mentioned the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, which particularly targets female-headed households, as one of the key interventions promoting gender equity.

    President Mahama further revealed ongoing efforts to establish a Women’s Development Bank, an initiative that aligns with the AU’s declaration of 2020–2030 as the Decade of African Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion.

    He stressed the importance of consolidating gains made in women’s empowerment while putting in place mechanisms to close existing gaps.

    In concluding his address, President Mahama appealed to fellow leaders, saying that as the AU Champion for Gender and Development Issues, he was urging them “to focus on women empowerment for sustainable development and also commit to transformative actions.”

  • Jail the big men behind galamsey or it will never stop – Awall Ibrahim

    Jail the big men behind galamsey or it will never stop – Awall Ibrahim

    Media personality and member of the NDC Press Corps, Awall Ibrahim, has called for a firm crackdown on the powerful figures believed to be behind the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, across Ghana.

    According to him, the fight against galamsey will remain futile unless the real financiers and political kingpins who control the illegal mining networks are arrested and prosecuted.

    “Till we start jailing the big wigs behind galamsey, it will never stop,” Awall Ibrahim stated firmly. “The small miners on the ground are only the face of a much bigger problem. The real masterminds are those who fund and protect the operations.”

    He expressed deep concern about the massive environmental destruction caused by galamsey, particularly its impact on rivers and farmlands. He lamented that several communities have already lost access to clean drinking water as a result of the pollution.

    Awall Ibrahim cautioned that if the government does not act decisively, Ghana could soon face a major agricultural and water crisis.

    He further appealed to civil society groups, the media, and the general public to keep demanding accountability from leaders, stressing that the issue should not be turned into a political battle.

    “This fight shouldn’t be about which party is in power. It’s about the future of our country, our children, and our natural resources,” he emphasized.

    His comments come at a time when there is growing public frustration over the resurgence of illegal mining activities, despite several government interventions and the formation of task forces to tackle the problem.

    Awall Ibrahim’s statement has since generated widespread discussions on social media, with many Ghanaians supporting his call for the government to go after the “untouchables” who continue to benefit from the galamsey trade.

     

     

  • ECOWAS regional competition authority support Ghana’s efforts to establish competition and consumer protection frameworks 

    ECOWAS regional competition authority support Ghana’s efforts to establish competition and consumer protection frameworks 

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana in developing and implementing a comprehensive Competition and Consumer Protection Law.

    An eleven-member ERCA delegation, led by Executive Director Dr. Simeon Konan Koffi, paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, on 9th September 2025 in Accra to discuss collaboration and regional cooperation mechanisms for fair-market practices.

    The engagement underscores ECOWAS’ broader goal of fostering an integrated and competitive regional market that promotes economic efficiency, consumer welfare, and inclusive growth in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050.

  • Youth Employment Agency refutes claims of unpaid salaries

    Youth Employment Agency refutes claims of unpaid salaries

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has denied media reports alleging that about 300 of its staff have gone without pay for ten months, describing the reports as misleading and inaccurate.

    In a statement signed by Suadique Musah, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Agency clarified that its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malik Basintale, assumed office in February 2025—making the claims of ten months of unpaid salaries impossible.

    “It is therefore factually inaccurate for any group to allege that the CEO has failed to pay them for ten months, when he has been in office for only eight months,” the statement said.

    According to YEA, all verified staff have been paid consistently from February to September 2025.

    “Since February 2025, all staff members captured on the official payroll have been paid consistently up to September 2025. No individual whose name was duly verified and approved has been left out of the payroll,” the Agency noted.

    The statement explained that management conducted a comprehensive staff audit earlier this year to ensure only legitimate employees remained on the payroll.

    “This exercise, far from being punitive, was to protect the integrity of the Agency and safeguard public funds,” YEA said, adding that all those who took part in the audit “have been paid accordingly and continue to receive their entitlements.”

    The Agency further clarified that some employees’ contracts had expired before the new CEO assumed office, and those affected were directed to reapply through their respective directors.

    “Those whose contracts were renewed have since been placed on the payroll,” the statement added.

    While acknowledging reports of hardship and unemployment challenges among Ghanaian youth, the Agency emphasized its commitment to staff welfare and to creating sustainable job opportunities.

    “At no point has the Agency deliberately neglected its verified staff or failed in its obligation to pay those legitimately captured on its payroll,” YEA stressed.

    The statement reaffirmed YEA’s dedication to accountability, transparency, and its mandate to create employment for young people across the country.

     

     

  • ADB Renews Commitment to Enhance Service Experience …As It Marks Customer Service Week

     

     

    The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC celebrates this year’s Customer Service Week by reaffirming its commitment to delivering enhanced customer-centric solutions and service experience to empower individuals and support businesses.

    This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Mission: Possible,” underscores ADB’s preparedness to create sustainable value through enhanced customer experience.

    Speaking on the significance of the week, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, emphasized that the Bank’s renewed focus on service excellence is deeply rooted in its strategic direction to build a resilient, forward-looking, and future-ready institution driven by innovation and customer-centricity.

    ADB MD in a photo with customers

    “Our strategic direction focuses on innovation, service excellence, and distinctive financial solutions which align with our core values of responsibility, entrepreneurship, integrity, service excellence, and purpose-driven,” he stated.

    Mr. Sarpong expressed profound gratitude to ADB’s customers for their loyalty and trust in the Bank over the past six decades. He noted that the Bank’s longevity and success have been made possible by customers who continue to believe in its purpose and mission.

    “As we celebrate Customer Service Week, we want to thank every customer who has journeyed with us. Your confidence and trust in ADB inspire us to continuously improve and serve you better,” he said.

    “Every interaction with our customers is an opportunity to make a positive difference,” Mr. Sarpong stated. “At ADB, we are not just providing financial services; we are building relationships, enabling growth, and contributing to Ghana’s social and economic development,” he added.

    The Managing Director further stated that the Bank’s mission to create sustainable banking for everyone remains a guiding principle shaping how ADB serves its customers, from personalized in-branch experiences to digital innovations that make access to finance simpler, safer, and more inclusive.

    He also reiterated that ADB’s new brand or corporate tagline, “Beyond Banking…,” embodies the enduring promise to redefine banking in Ghana. He indicated that Beyond Banking is more than a tagline, it is a commitment to empowering businesses, building futures, driving prosperity, and nurturing communities.

    As part of this year’s celebrations, management and other officials will visit selected branches to interact with customers and also take feedback as input for continuous improvement of service delivery and service experience. Other customer-centric activities are also being rolled out as part of the celebrations.

    The Customer Service Week, celebrated annually all over the world, recognizes the importance of customer service, and ADB always leverages this important week to show appreciation to its customers for their invaluable trust in the brand.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ECOWAS Ministers members of the adhoc committee meet in Abuja to propose the rotation of ECOWAS statutory appointees for the 2026-2030 term

    ECOWAS Ministers members of the adhoc committee meet in Abuja to propose the rotation of ECOWAS statutory appointees for the 2026-2030 term

    From October 7 to 8, 2025, members of the ECOWAS ad hoc ministerial Committee are meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss and propose the allocation of positions for the ECOWAS’s future statutory appointees by country.

    Among the positions to be filled are those of President, Vice-President, and Commissioners of the ECOWAS Commission, the honorable judges of the Community Court of Justice, the Auditor General, the Directors General of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO).

    The rotation of statutory appointees at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) follows a principle of rotation among member countries for their representation in executive bodies, as stipulated in the legal texts and regulations of the regional organization, with a non-renewable four-year term.

    The proposals resulting from this meeting will be submitted to the approval of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in December.