ACCRA – In a heartfelt address to the nation as the holy month begins, President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of discipline, generosity, and national unity.
The message, issued jointly with the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, comes at a significant moment for the country as it navigates a critical economic “Reset” and prepares for the rollout of the newly enacted 24-Hour Economy Authority Act.
A Season of Reflection and Renewal
President Mahama described Ramadan as a “blessed threshold” for spiritual growth and community bonding. He emphasized that the essence of the fast transcends the mere abstention from food, focusing instead on the moral purification and the strengthening of faith (Imān).
”Ramadan is truly a special time; a month of reflection, renewal, and coming together as one community,” the President stated. “May your prayers be answered, your good deeds be accepted, and may this Ramadan bring you closer to your Creator and to one another.”
The Call to Generosity
The President highlighted compassion for the less fortunate as a central pillar of the month. He encouraged those breaking their fast each evening with family and friends to remember the vulnerable in society, urging a national display of discipline and generosity that extends beyond the Muslim community to all Ghanaians.
”The true beauty of Ramadan lies not just in abstaining from food, but in the discipline, compassion, and generosity we show to all, especially to those less fortunate,” he added.
Unity as a Pillar of National Stability
With Ghana’s religious tolerance often cited as a benchmark in the sub-region, President Mahama used the occasion to advocate for deeper social cohesion. He urged citizens to use the holy month to mend fences and strengthen the “bonds of unity, love, and peace” across the country.
This message of harmony aligns with his recent remarks at the 32nd Annual Ramadan Conference in Takoradi, where he cautioned against religious bigotry and described tolerance as a “precious commodity” that anchors Ghana’s stability.
Spirituality and National Duty
As the 2026 Ramadan fast begins, many see the President’s message as a call for spiritual support for his administration’s ambitious “Reset Agenda.” By fostering a culture of 24-hour productivity as recently legalized by the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill the President is looking to leverage the discipline observed during Ramadan as a blueprint for national work ethics and communal progress.
The statement concluded with a warm blessing: “Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept your worship.”
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has issued a final, high-priority notice to all prospective pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, warning that failure to submit travel documents by the close of business today, February 16, 2026, will result in automatic disqualification from this year’s pilgrimage. The emergency directive specifically targets applicants who made payments via agents but utilized the office’s official Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) payment codes. Despite completing their financial obligations, a significant number of these individuals have yet to submit their physical passports to the Secretariat, stalling the visa issuance process. bickett naked wutangyogurtThe “Payment Gap” Crisis
The PAOG has identified a critical bottleneck where pilgrims have successfully paid the approved fare approximately GH¢60,000—but have not followed up with the mandatory documentation.
According to the office, information suggests that while funds are secured in the official accounts, the lack of physical passports makes it impossible to proceed with the Saudi Arabian Embassy for visa processing.
“Today marks the final day for the emergency submission of passports. The Saudi authorities have fast-tracked the 2026 visa schedule, and we must adhere strictly to these timelines to ensure no one is left behind,” stated the PAOG Communications Directorate.
Action Required: What Pilgrims Must Do
To safeguard their travel arrangements, affected prospective pilgrims are urged to take the following steps immediately:
● Option A: Hand over passports directly to the accredited Hajj agents through whom payments were facilitated.
● Option B: Submit passports directly to the PAOG Secretariat located at the Hajj Village, Kotoka International Airport, Accra.
Strict Compliance and “Fast-Track” Processing
The PAOG emphasizes that this is not merely an administrative request but a mandatory requirement dictated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new early-visa strategy.
Requirement Status Deadline
Hajj Fare Payment Closed (as of Jan 6) Completed
Passport Submission URGENT Feb 16, 2026 (Today)
Medical Screening Ongoing Started Feb 2
Visa Issuance Fast-tracked Ongoing through March
The office is collaborating with the Passport Office to assist those who may require expedited services, but this assistance is contingent on pilgrims reporting to the Hajj Village immediately.
A Call to Integrity
The Secretariat expressed its commitment to a smooth operation but warned that the “integrity of Ghana’s Hajj operations” depends on the prompt cooperation of every pilgrim. Failure to act today could lead to unforeseen challenges, including the inability to secure flights or accommodation in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
ACCRA, Ghana – The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has issued an urgent directive to all prospective pilgrims, setting Monday, February 16, 2026, as the final deadline for the submission of passports for visa processing.
The announcement, released on February 12, emphasizes that this deadline is strict and non-negotiable. Any individual who fails to submit their documents by this date will be ineligible to participate in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Mandatory Compliance for All Applicants
According to the PAOG, the directive applies to every Ghanaian who has fully paid for the 2026 Hajj. This includes:
● Pilgrims who paid through accredited Hajj agents.
● Those who made direct payments to the Pilgrims Affairs Office.
● Individuals under special Hajj payment arrangements.
Saudi Deadlines and Process Speed
The Communications Director of PAOG, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey Hussein, explained that the timeframe was mandated by the Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure the timely issuance of visas.
“The visa process is on a very tight schedule,” Alhaji Lamptey Hussein noted. “To ensure a smooth journey and avoid any administrative bottlenecks, it is imperative that all passports are received by the February 16 cutoff.”
Support for Urgent Cases
Recognizing the short notice, the PAOG confirmed it is working in close collaboration with the National Passport Office to assist pilgrims requiring urgent passport services or renewals.
The Office has apologized for the tight window but stressed that full cooperation from the public and Hajj agents is necessary to prevent any Ghanaian from missing out on this year’s spiritual exercise.
Prospective pilgrims are advised to contact their agents or visit the PAOG headquarters immediately to ensure their documentation is secured before the Monday deadline.
In fulfillment of his commitment to empower the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has empowered over a thousand grassroots with jobs.
Popularly known as “Logas” and affectionately dubbed the “Grassroots Chief of Staff,” is being celebrated for overseeing the recruitment of over 1,000 contract staff to man newly established DVLA stations across the country.
The move has sent ripples of excitement throughout the country has been hailed by the party leadership and grassroots for such direct intervention in youth unemployment.
Action Over Excuses
Political observers and party loyalists have noted that while many officials often cite economic constraints as reasons for slow progress, Kotey has taken a proactive approach.
“I’m not one to make excuses for people, but we must speak the truth when we see it, one supporter noted” a member of the ruling party praised Julius Neequaye Kotey, saying he has proven his worth. “He has directly empowered our people with real opportunities instead of just promises.”
The recruitment drive is seen as a strategic move to not only improve the service delivery of the DVLA by expanding its footprint but to also ensure that the “footsoldiers” who represent the backbone of the party are not left behind.
A Wave of Appreciation
The news has sparked a wave of prayers and gratitude from party footsoldiers, many of whom have struggled to find stable employment.
”God bless him for looking out for the grassroots,” a beneficiary shared. “While others complain, he is delivering results. These are the kind of leaders who deserve our appreciation and prayers.”
Setting a Standard for Leadership
By filling these roles with local talent to manage the new stations, Kotey is being credited with bridging the gap between administrative leadership and the party’s grassroots base. This move is expected to boost morale within the NDC as the party looks toward future organizational goals.
As the new recruits begin their training and deployment, the consensus among the grassroots remains clear: Julius Neequaye Kotey is a leader who understands that the strength of a movement lies in the empowerment of its people.
Accra, Ghana – AMG Global Travel has announced an exclusive Umrah package for Ramadan 2026, targeting Muslims who were unable to secure registration for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The promotional campaign advises eligible worshippers to perform Umrah during Ramadan, citing the Hadith that “Umra performed in the month of Ramadam will equal (in rewards) to that of Hajj and Hajj performed with me”.
Each package includes visa processing, air ticket, accommodation in Makka and Madina hotels, transport, guide services, orientation, medical assistance, and optional services such as Tawaf bags, Ziyara visits, and local food.
Three departure groups are scheduled:
– Group 1: 7 March – 25 March
– Group 2: 9 March – 21 March
– Group 3: 9 March – 25 March.
Additional services include Umra visa-only for USD 260 and hotel options like Barakatul Burhan (4*) at USD 2,400 or Taj Park Hotel at USD 3,000 for the last ten days.
AMG Global Travel’s CEO emphasized that the Ramadan Umrah provides an opportunity for spiritual fulfillment for those who missed Hajj, urging interested pilgrims to contact their Accra, Tamale, or Kumasi offices for bookings and inquiries.
For more information, call +233 0 24 418 5415 or visit www.amgglobalgh.com.
Dignitaries at the PRINPAG and BoG training workshop
By Adnan Adams Mohammed
In a strategic move to safeguard Ghana’s financial stability, the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) have forged a new partnership to prioritize accuracy and ethical standards in economic reporting.
The initiative was solidified during a specialized training workshop held at the Peace Holiday Resort, Ada, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The event, themed “Resetting the Economy: The Role of Journalists, News Publishers and Media Owners,” featured high-level contributions from the central bank aimed at aligning media narratives with national economic recovery efforts.
A “Launchpad” for Stability
Delivering an address on behalf of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the Advisor to the Governor, Dr. Francis Yao Kumah, underscored the progress made over the past year. He noted that Ghana enters 2026 on a stronger footing, with inflation plummeting from 23.8% in December 2024 to 5.4% in December 2025.
Furthermore, gross international reserves have strengthened to over US$13.9 billion, providing approximately 5.7 months of import cover. However, Dr. Kumah warned that these gains are merely a “launchpad”.
“Resetting the economy requires resetting expectations from short-termism to patience, and resetting behaviors across the information ecosystem that shapes public understanding,” he stated.
The Media as an Economic Anchor
The workshop highlighted the delicate nature of financial journalism, with the BoG emphasizing that “economic information carries weight”. Dr. Kumah argued that a well-informed media acts as an anchor for confidence by contextualizing data and countering misinformation that can trigger market volatility.
“Our expectation is not compliance but responsibility,” the Governor’s address noted, underscoring the need for accuracy, balance, and appropriateness of context. The Bank cautioned that incomplete or de-contextualized reporting—particularly regarding foreign exchange (FX) markets—can amplify uncertainty.
New Incentives for Excellence
To foster this “New Partnership for a New Phase,” the Bank of Ghana announced several proactive measures to support newsrooms:
Expanded Training: Scaling up specialized sessions on monetary policy, FX operations, and financial stability.
Editors’ & Producers’ Forum: Establishing a regular forum to provide media gatekeepers with the context needed to guide coverage before major policy cycles.
Annual Awards: Launching the Governor’s “Economic and Financial Story of the Year” Award. The winner will receive sponsorship to attend the IMF/World Bank Meetings, a move designed to encourage depth of analysis and clarity in reporting.
Strengthening the Bridge
PRINPAG leadership and workshop participants welcomed the central bank’s commitment to openness. The Bank’s communications team pledged to maintain open lines for timely clarifications and access to subject-matter experts to ensure every story is well-sourced and confidently delivered.
“Communication Is Policy”
Echoing these sentiments, the President of PRINPAG, Mr. David Tamakloe, delivered a powerful message centered on the mantra: “Communication Is Policy.”
He argued that for any economic policy to succeed, it must be communicated effectively and accurately to the citizenry. “The way we report economic issues can either build investor confidence or destroy it. As journalists, we are partners in national development, and our pens must be guided by the national interest,” Mr. Tamakloe said.
He noted that the workshop was part of PRINPAG’s broader agenda to build the capacity of its members, ensuring that private media outlets remain competitive and credible in an increasingly volatile information landscape.
Tackling Misinformation
The training session comes at a time when Ghana’s economic climate is under intense international and local scrutiny. Speakers at the event noted that “fake news” regarding exchange rates, inflation, and the banking sector often spreads faster than official rebuttals, creating a “perception-led” volatility in the markets.
Participants were taken through modules on interpreting financial statements, understanding Central Bank operations, and the ethics of financial gatekeeping.
Speaking to the participants, Dr. Bernard Ato Otabil, Director of Communications at the Bank of Ghana, underscored the delicate nature of financial journalism. He warned that in the modern era of rapid digital dissemination, irresponsible reporting could trigger unnecessary panic and destabilize the national economy.
“Economic reporting is not just about the numbers; it is about the impact those numbers have on lives and markets,” Dr. Otabil stated. He urged media practitioners to move away from sensationalism and instead focus on evidence-based analysis to help the public make informed decisions.
Dr. Otabil further highlighted that rising cases of misinformation—often fueled by social media—pose a significant threat to monetary policy. He challenged journalists to verify complex data with official sources before publication, noting that the BoG remains committed to transparency.
Participants see the workshop as a timely intervention to strengthen the bridge between policy-makers and the Fourth Estate, ensuring that the “Policy of Communication” serves as a tool for economic growth rather than a source of confusion.
As Ghana navigates a period of economic consolidation in 2026, the consensus from Ada was clear: when the media succeeds in its role, the public understands, and the economy functions better.
For decades, the mention of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana conjured images of endless queues, sweltering heat, and the omnipresent “goro boys” lurking in the shadows of the yard.
It was a bureaucratic fortress that many citizens approached with a sense of dread.
Fast forward to 2026, and a quiet but radical revolution has taken hold at the Authority’s Weija headquarters and beyond. At the center of this transformation is Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer whose leadership has turned a “bureaucratic dinosaur” into a modern, tech-driven powerhouse.
From Debt to Digital Dominance
When Mr. Kotey took the helm in January 2025, he didn’t inherit a polished machine. Instead, he met a staggering financial crisis—a debt totaling over $200 million in foreign currency and GH¢300 million locally. His first order of business wasn’t just survival; it was a total “review, reset, and restore.”
Within just one year, the results are undeniable:
Revenue Growth: A massive 37% increase in revenue by the end of 2025 alone.
Efficiency: The clearance of a 440,000-backlog of driver’s licenses that had frustrated Ghanaians for years.
Modernization: The replacement of chaotic aluminum “Drive From Port” (DP) plates with secure, digital DP Stickers featuring embedded QR codes.
Bringing the DVLA to Your Doorstep
Perhaps the most “compelling” aspect of Kotey’s tenure is the decentralization of services. Under his leadership, the DVLA has moved from the gated offices of Accra to the hearts of local communities.
The 24-Hour Economy in Action: Aligning with national goals, Kotey launched Ghana’s first 24-hour public service centers, starting in Adenta. Citizens can now renew licenses or register vehicles at 2:00 AM, making the “come tomorrow” excuse a thing of the past.
Going Global: Recognizing the Ghanaian diaspora, the DVLA has expanded its reach with international offices in London, Hamburg, Dubai, Toronto, and Washington. This ensures that Ghanaians abroad can renew their documentation without the “trauma” of long-distance middlemen.
Community Outreach: From lorry terminal engagements to new offices in places like Mankessim and Bawjiase, the goal is clear: eliminate the “goro boys” by making the official service more accessible than the illegal alternative.
The 2026 Vision: Smart Plates and Birthday Licenses
Never one to rest on past laurels, Kotey recently announced a suite of forward-thinking reforms that are set to redefine road safety and compliance in Ghana.
“My driving philosophy has always been that the day you recognize there is something wrong is the day of ratification,” Kotey noted during a recent stakeholder engagement.
In January 2026, the Authority began rolling out RFID-embedded number plates. These “detective” plates are not just for identification; they enable real-time verification, help track stolen vehicles, and support the national toll system. Furthermore, in a move praised for its simplicity, driver’s licenses will now expire on the holder’s birthday, supported by an automated SMS notification system to remind motorists before their credentials lapse.
A Leadership Built on Empathy
Beyond the software and the security chips, Julius Neequaye Kotey’s leadership is defined by a commitment to the human element. Whether it’s pledging better healthcare and promotion structures for his staff or his “National Service to CEO” journey, he leads with the perspective of someone who has seen the system from every angle.
As the DVLA continues its evolution into a world-class institution, one thing is certain: under Julius Neequaye Kotey, the “license to believe” in efficient public service has finally been issued to all Ghanaians.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, has marked exactly one year since assuming leadership of the institution, describing it as a year of intense work, significant milestones, and shared commitment to excellence.
In a message titled _Celebrating a Year of Transformation_, Mr. Kotey expressed profound gratitude to key stakeholders for their support. He thanked H.E. President John Dramani Mahama for his vision and confidence in leading the DVLA, and acknowledged guidance from Minister of Transport Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe and Chief Executive of DVLA, alongside the Board Chairman Spencer Quaye.
Mr. Kotey also appreciated his deputies, Foster Akwasi Asante and Mr. Iddissah Yeboah Seidu, and the entire DVLA staff for their dedication. He highlighted the importance of transforming the DVLA into a world-class institution, focusing on digitalization, decentralization, transparency, and efficiency to make services seamless for Ghanaians.
The CEO outlined plans to accelerate digital efforts, enhance service delivery, and ensure safer roads, positioning the DVLA as a global benchmark in driver and vehicle licensing. He concluded with a message of hope, stating, “The best is yet to come.”
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (POAG) has introduced a mandatory medical examination and certification for all prospective pilgrims as part of preparations for the Hajj 2026 pilgrimage.
The directive follows new guidelines from the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, requiring comprehensive medical screening to determine health eligibility for visa approval.
The Ghana Hajj Medical Team, in collaboration with accredited health institutions, will conduct the medical examinations across all accredited centres in various regions of the country.
The screening process includes submission of medical, surgical, and drug history, a physical examination, and laboratory tests such as Full Blood Count, Renal Function Test, Liver Function Test, Blood Sugar Tests (FBS and HbA1c), Urine Pregnancy Test (where indicated), and an Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Prospective pilgrims are advised to contact their accredited Hajj agents for information on scheduled timelines and designated centres.
The POAG assures applicants that strict confidentiality will be maintained regarding all medical records, in line with professional medical ethics and data protection standards.
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