News Guide Africa

Tag: Government of Ghana

  • Tarkwa Mining War: community group clashes with Chiefs over Gold Fields renewal

    Tarkwa Mining War: community group clashes with Chiefs over Gold Fields renewal

    A sharp division has erupted in Ghana’s mining heartland over the future of the Tarkwa Mine, with opinion leaders and youth groups from Huniso openly defying traditional authorities by rejecting a controversial plan to strip Gold Fields Ghana of its operating rights.

    While the Apinto Divisional Council has been rallying support for its “Apinto Shared Prosperity Proposal”, a initiative aimed at transferring the world-class mine to a wholly Ghanaian entity, local community representatives are now ringing alarms. They warn that displacing an established global miner in favor of an untested local scheme is a dangerous gamble that threatens the livelihoods of thousands across the Western Region.

    Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Opinion Leaders of Huniso and Surrounding Communities, Convener Nana Kwesi Ansah launched a fierce critique against the takeover push during a press briefing, framing it as an irresponsible maneuver that puts regional stability at risk.

    “The proposal calling on the Government of Ghana to reject Gold Fields Ghana’s 20-year lease renewal and hand over the Tarkwa Mine under the so-called ‘Apinto Shared Prosperity Proposal’ is reckless, economically unviable and deeply disingenuous,” Nana Kwesi Ansah said.

     

    A High-Stakes Gamble on Industrial Operations

    The core of the community group’s concern centers on whether a local corporate entity can realistically fund and manage a large-scale modern extraction site. Large-scale surface mining requires relentless reinvestment, complex supply chains, and specialized safety compliance—demands the community leaders argue cannot be met through local ambition alone.

    “Mining is not an arena for trial-and-error corporate governance. The Tarkwa Mine is a world-class operation requiring continuous capital expenditure, high-level technical expertise, specialized equipment and international environmental compliance standards,” Nana Kwesi Ansah cautioned.

     

    Beyond direct mining jobs, the group pointed to the broader economic ripple effect. Local transport contractors, catering firms, engineering suppliers, and small vendors all rely heavily on the mine’s continuous operation. Interrupting production through a forced ownership transition, they argue, could trigger widespread economic hardship across Tarkwa and its surrounding enclaves.

    Turning Renewal Negotiations into Local Gain

    While pushing back against the takeover plan, the Huniso leaders acknowledged that the host communities still face genuine socio-economic struggles. However, rather than ousting Gold Fields, they are urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to leverage the upcoming 20-year lease renewal to extract far better terms for the local populace.

    Countering allegations that Gold Fields has neglected host communities, the group pointed to past infrastructure delivered through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation including the Tarkwa-Damang road network, the Tarkwa and Abosso Stadium, water sanitation projects, and tertiary education scholarships.

    “While no mining operation is without environmental and social challenges, claiming that Gold Fields has contributed nothing significant to host communities is factually untrue,” Ansah remarked.

     

    To ensure the host towns receive a fairer share moving forward, the coalition called for concrete legal safeguards to be built directly into the new lease terms.

    “We call on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to proceed with the review of Gold Fields’ lease renewal, but to use this process to demand a stricter, legally binding Community Development Agreement,” Ansah demanded.

     

    Terms for Moving Forward

    The group outlined key conditions the government must insist upon before signing the 20-year lease renewal:

    ● Guaranteed Job Allocation: Priority hiring quotas and technical training programs reserved strictly for local youth.

    ● Project Completion Deadlines: Enforceable completion schedules for long-delayed projects, including the Health Training School.

    ● Critical Road Repairs: Immediate funding and rehabilitation for deteriorating roads within the mine’s immediate operational area.

    In closing, the Huniso leaders warned state regulators against prioritizing political maneuvers over practical economic realities.

    “We refuse to let personal grandstanding compromise the peace, security and economic health of our land. Foreign direct investment, when properly regulated and held accountable, remains the surest driver of sustainable industrial mining in Tarkwa,” Nana Kwesi Ansah stated.

     

  • Ghana to scrap 20% excise tax on local fruit juices to drive agro-processing and economic growth

    Ghana to scrap 20% excise tax on local fruit juices to drive agro-processing and economic growth

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Government of Ghana has unveiled plans to eliminate the 20 percent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, delivering a significant policy victory to domestic processors and agricultural producers.

    Announced as part of broader economic measures to strengthen local manufacturing, the initiative aims to lower operational costs for beverage manufacturers, reduce post-harvest crop losses for fruit farmers, and stimulate job creation across the agribusiness sector.

    For years, local manufacturers and agricultural stakeholders have raised concerns over the 20 percent tax on locally packaged fruit juices, arguing that it placed domestic processors at a competitive disadvantage against cheap, imported alternatives.

    Unveiling the policy initiative, government representatives emphasized that removing the excise duty aligns with national strategies to accelerate industrialization, deepen import substitution, and support local value addition under economic recovery programmes.

    “By removing the 20 percent excise duty on locally produced fruit juices, government is taking a decisive step to support domestic industries, protect jobs, and encourage value addition within our agricultural sector,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Finance during an economic policy briefing. “We want to create a conducive business environment where local agribusinesses can scale up operations, remain competitive, and contribute meaningfully to our national output.”

     

    Agribusinesses Welcome the Relief

    The decision has drawn praise from trade associations and local fruit processing companies, many of which have struggled with high production costs, utility tariffs, and macroeconomic pressures.

    Industry leaders noted that eliminating the tax burden will significantly lower production overheads, allowing processors to reinvest capital into capacity expansion, modernized processing equipment, and product innovation.

    “This is a landmark relief for domestic fruit juice processors who have endured squeezed margins and tough competition from foreign brands,” said a representative of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). “Removing this tax burden directly restores our competitiveness. It enables local manufacturers to price their products more affordably for consumers while reinvesting savings into modern technology and plant expansion.”

     

    Boosting Local Farmers and Reducing Post-Harvest Losses

    The tax relief is expected to send positive ripple effects down the agricultural value chain. Local fruit farmers particularly those producing pineapples, oranges, mangoes, and passion fruit frequently suffer severe post-harvest losses due to limited off-take capacity from local processing plants.

    With processing companies poised to expand production volumes following the tax removal, demand for raw agricultural produce is projected to surge.

    “When local processors grow, farmers thrive,” remarked an agricultural economist and agribusiness consultant. “This policy will create a reliable market for smallholder fruit farmers who previously lost substantial portions of their harvest to spoilage. Increased demand from processing factories means guaranteed incomes, improved livelihoods, and reduced post-harvest losses for farm households across the country.”

     

    Job Creation and Economic Outlook

    Beyond agricultural support, government officials anticipate that the move will spur employment across logistics, packaging, marketing, and factory operations.

    As local manufacturers prepare for the policy’s formal implementation, trade analysts advise that complementary measures such as improved access to affordable credit, energy cost stabilization, and strict quality control on imported beverages will be essential to maximizing the long-term impact of the policy.

    The proposed repeal of the 20 percent excise duty is expected to be submitted to Parliament as part of upcoming fiscal legislation, paving the way for full operational execution in the coming fiscal quarter.

     

  • Gov’t rejects low spending claims, unveils billions allocated to key sectors

    Gov’t rejects low spending claims, unveils billions allocated to key sectors

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Government of Ghana has strongly pushed back against critics claiming a slowdown in public spending, presenting Parliament with an extensive breakdown of billions of cedis deployed across crucial sectors of the economy under the 2026 Budget.

    Addressing Parliament, government representatives insisted that state funds are being deployed responsibly to drive national development while strictly preserving fiscal discipline following recent macroeconomic stabilization efforts.

    Discipline Meets Development

    Addressing lawmakers in Parliament, government officials emphasized that while a narrative of reduced public expenditure has gained traction among political opponents and market commentators, the financial figures demonstrate substantial funding for infrastructure, social protection, education, and health.

    “We are operating on the fundamental principle of spending only what we have while ensuring that every single cedi is deployed prudently,” stated the government update presented to Parliament. “The narrative that public spending has stalled is completely detached from the reality on the ground. We are maintaining fiscal discipline without compromising on critical social investments and development projects.”

     

    Major Allocations Across Essential Sectors

    According to the official fiscal update, compensation for public sector employees accounted for the largest single expenditure at GH¢48.8 billion, which included GH¢4 billion in contributions toward the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and Tier-2 pension schemes.

    Debt servicing commitments were also highlighted, with GH¢21.5 billion paid toward domestic interest obligations, US$700 million spent on servicing Eurobond and foreign debt commitments, and GH¢10 billion disbursed to domestic bondholders to bolster financial sector confidence.

    To support social welfare and sub-national governance, government released GH¢4.4 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), GH¢4.5 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and GH¢1.1 billion toward the specialized healthcare initiative, MahamaCares.

    “Our commitment to social safety nets remains unwavering,” the statement noted. “From health coverage through the NHIS to specialized care under MahamaCares and local development via the District Assemblies Common Fund, resources are actively flowing to improve the everyday lives of Ghanaians.”

     

    Investments in Education, Agriculture, and Infrastructure

    The breakdown highlighted extensive support for education, including GH¢4.2 billion transferred to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), GH¢1.8 billion for the Free SHS Programme, GH¢537 million under the No Fees Stress Policy for tertiary students, and GH¢915 million for educational goods and services.

    In infrastructure and agriculture, government committed GH¢11.5 billion to total capital expenditure, which encompasses GH¢6.5 billion dedicated to the Big Push Infrastructure Programme and GH¢1.7 billion to the Road Maintenance Trust Fund. Agriculture received GH¢1.1 billion for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support flagship initiatives like Feed Ghana, alongside an additional GH¢551 million set aside in escrow for establishing Farmer Service Centres.

    “Investing in our roads, modernizing agriculture, and relieving the cost of education for families are non-negotiable priorities,” a spokesperson added during the parliamentary session. “These allocations directly strengthen our local economies and ensure long-term, sustainable growth across every region of the country.”

     

    Social intervention schemes were also covered, with GH¢877 million disbursed to the Ghana School Feeding Programme, GH¢485 million to the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) scheme, and combined millions allocated for teacher and nursing trainee allowances.

    Government concluded its address by assuring Parliament that it will maintain transparency and adhere closely to approved budgetary framework targets for the remainder of the fiscal year.

     

  • EXPOSÉ: Millions spent at the Hague while ‘State Mining’ assets are secretly sold off ….Who is the watchman for gov’t assets?

    EXPOSÉ: Millions spent at the Hague while ‘State Mining’ assets are secretly sold off ….Who is the watchman for gov’t assets?

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    A major brewing scandal involving the alleged plunder of millions of dollars worth of state-owned gold mining assets has triggered a wave of official petitions, with citizens and civil society groups demanding an immediate, high-level criminal probe into the unlawful takeover and sale of State Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) properties in Upper Denkyira.

    The brewing crisis centers around valuable movable and immovable assets that were successfully defended by the Ghanaian state during intense international arbitration proceedings at The Hague, only to be allegedly sold off unlawfully to private individuals by local authorities.

    At the forefront of the exposé are separate petitions fired to the government by Hon. Peter Kofi Owusu-Ashia Jnr, the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Upper Denkyira, and Mr. George Arthur, the official caretaker of Continental Goldfields Limited properties, alongside prominent civil society organizations.

    A Hard-Won Victory Looted?

    The root of the controversy dates back to 1995, when the Government of Ghana divested SGMC properties to Continental Goldfields Limited, an Indo-Australian firm. However, after the company repeatedly breached regulatory agreements and defaulted on a US$700,000 debt to the state, its mining licenses were revoked by then-Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Professor Dominic Fobin.

    The revocation sparked a bitter legal battle. Continental Goldfields dragged the Municipal Assembly and the Denkyira Traditional Council to court, eventually escalating the matter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in 2012.

    “Government is spending huge sums on litigation at The Hague. Why are these properties being sold while nobody appears interested in stopping the process?” questioned Hon. Kofi Owusu-Ashia Jnr, speaking exclusively on the matter.

    The international tribunal ultimately ruled in favor of Ghana between 2015 and 2016, handing a landmark judgment and the vast estate of assets back to the state. Yet, petitioners allege that while the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General’s office held the hard-won judgment in Accra, local actors moved in to strip the asset pool clean.

    Shocking Asset Stripping Exposed

    According to the investigative petitions submitted to the state, the current Chief of Dunkwa, Nana Obeng Nuamah III, allegedly organized a demonstration to forcefully dislodge the official state caretakers and workers from the facility. Following the takeover, a systematic liquidation of state properties allegedly commenced.

    The inventory of allegedly plundered state assets is staggering, spanning mining yards, heavy industrial machinery, and administrative equipment. Left behind for the state but now reportedly sold off were a 30-ton Hyco crane, multiple trailers, concrete mixers, agricultural equipment (including rice thrashers and harrows), 40 bundles of high-grade electrical cables, and a fully equipped factory house containing commercial water production machinery and thousands of gallons of storage tanks.

    Even historical state documents, files, and receipt books inside the SGMC offices have allegedly vanished or been compromised.

    Petitioners Demand Accountability

    The petitioners are expressing deep frustration over what they describe as the government’s apparent paralysis while state properties are pilfered under its nose.

    “The two ministries need to act immediately and explain why investigations have not started,” Hon. Kofi Owusu-Ashia Jnr stated sharply, urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General to break their silence.

    He further noted that it is deeply troubling that public funds are continuously being funneled into international legal battles while the very assets being fought for are actively being disposed of without attracting the attention of the relevant authorities.

    The petitioners contend that these multi-million-cedi assets belong strictly to the Ghanaian state and must be fiercely protected in the national interest. They are formally calling for:

    ● An immediate, independent investigation into the unlawful transactions.

    ● The instant suspension of any further transfers, developments, or sales of the SGMC lands and properties pending the outcome of a probe.

    ● The total recovery of all state assets found to have been unlawfully disposed of, and the prosecution of those responsible.

    They have strongly urged the government to demonstrate its touted commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of public assets by ensuring that any public or traditional official found complicit in this daylight asset-stripping face the full rigors of the law.

    State Departments Silent

    The implications of the case are severe, raising profound questions about the breakdown of law and order regarding state asset protection at the local government level.

    As of the time of filing this investigative report, both the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General had not issued any public response to the petitions, nor have they indicated when a formal inquiry into the actions in Dunkwa-on-Offin will commence.

     

    News Guide Africa continues to track this story as documents unravel.

     

  • Ghana destroys illicit firearms: Julius Debrah reaffirms government’s uncompromising stance on national security

    Ghana destroys illicit firearms: Julius Debrah reaffirms government’s uncompromising stance on national security

    ​By Staff Reporter

     

    In a decisive move to protect the nation’s peace, security, and democratic stability, the Government of Ghana oversaw the public destruction of thousands of confiscated and surrendered illicit firearms.

     

    ​The exercise, which marked the 8th National Small Arms Destruction Ceremony, was held at the Police Depot in Tesano, Accra. The event coincided with the global observance of the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, drawing together senior state officials, security heads, development partners, and civil society organizations.

    ​Delivering the keynote address, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, reiterated Ghana’s uncompromising stance against the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons. He emphasized that the exercise went far beyond a symbolic gesture.

     

    ​”The destruction of these confiscated and surrendered firearms demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that illegal weapons do not find their way back into Ghanaian communities,” Hon. Debrah declared.

     

    ​The Chief of Staff highly commended the patriotism of Ghanaian citizens who voluntarily complied with the state’s Gun Amnesty Programme. The initiative successfully yielded the surrender of more than 4,000 illicit firearms. Hon. Debrah urged the general public to remain vigilant and proactive by reporting any illegal possession, trafficking, or usage of firearms to law enforcement agencies.

    ​Sub-regional threats and community vigilance

     

    ​Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed that every single firearm destroyed represents a monumental victory in Ghana’s ongoing fight against crime. He noted that removing these weapons effectively prevents them from falling into the hands of armed robbers, political vigilantes, violent extremists, and other dangerous criminal elements.

     

    ​Minister Mohammed-Mubarak, however, issued a stark warning regarding the volatile security climate in the West African sub-region. While Ghana maintains an enviable reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable democracies, the Minister cautioned that the trans-border circulation of illicit small arms continues to fuel organized crime, armed conflicts, and cross-border insecurity across neighboring territories.

    ​To combat this creeping threat, the Interior Minister made a passionate appeal to traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to actively support state apparatuses. He stressed that national security is a collective responsibility that requires public education, heightened community vigilance, and the continuous promotion of peaceful coexistence.

    ​The high-profile event concluded with the physical destruction of the weapons, sending a powerful message of Ghana’s collective determination to eradicate illicit firearms and safeguard its sustainable development and national peace.

  • Ghana beats deadlines to pay over US$2.1bn in Eurobond debt since Jan. 2025

    Ghana beats deadlines to pay over US$2.1bn in Eurobond debt since Jan. 2025

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In a major development that signals a dramatic turnaround for the nation’s financial standing, the Government of Ghana has successfully settled a massive US$700 million Eurobond obligation well ahead of its scheduled deadline.

    The transaction marks one of the country’s largest single debt-service payments since it began restructuring its external bonds following the highly publicized 2022 default.

    According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the strategic payment was fully executed and completed on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

    With this latest ahead-of-schedule settlement, Ghana has now injected a staggering total of US$2.1 billion back to Eurobond holders since January 2025 under the strict terms of its Eurobond Debt Exchange Programme.

    Breaking Down the Figures

    Financial analysts have closely watched the transaction, which represents a massive chunk of liquid capital. The latest US$700 million package is mathematically split into two key components:

    ● US$525.2 million allocated purely for direct principal repayments.

    ● US$174.8 million utilized to clear accrued interest payments.

    Significantly, the Ministry of Finance emphasized that the massive transaction did not disrupt local currency stability. The entire process was handled smoothly through the government’s carefully planned internal financing arrangements.

    Crucially, officials confirmed the payment was executed “without undue pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves,” a feat that signals vastly improved liquidity conditions and stabilizing macroeconomic indicators across the board.

    Restoring Defiant Investor Confidence

    The structured repayment program was originally engineered to completely replace the high-yield, unsustainable terms of Ghana’s legacy Eurobonds after the country launched a comprehensive external debt overhaul. By meeting and systematically beating these restructured deadlines, the government is sending an aggressive, clear message to international capitals and credit rating agencies.

    “The settlement reduces Ghana’s outstanding Eurobond debt and strengthens investor confidence in the country’s ability to manage its obligations,” the Ministry stated confidently.

     

    The Treasury further added that the proactive payment demonstrates a “steadfast commitment to disciplined public financial management and long-term macroeconomic stability.”

    The Path to Stabilization

    Ghana’s broader economy has shown remarkably steady signs of stabilization over the past several months. Inflation, which peaked at highly disruptive, volatile double-digit levels throughout 2024 and early 2025, has progressively eased under the strict anchor of an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported program.

    While the Ministry of Finance did not publicly disclose the exact remaining balance left on the restructured Eurobonds, it took steps to reassure the local public that the country’s treasury is safe. Moving forward, the government will continue to enforce strict fiscal buffers to sustainably finance the nation’s ongoing development agenda without sinking back into unsustainable borrowing cycles.

    Closing out the official briefing, the ministry expressed profound gratitude to the local population for enduring the worst of the economic squeeze. The statement warmly thanked the good people of Ghana “for their continued patience, support, and confidence” throughout what has undoubtedly been a challenging but ultimately rewarding restructuring process.

     

  • Moving Beyond the “Resource Curse”: Gov’t integrates Upper East’s 10-year PEARL framework into national agenda

    Moving Beyond the “Resource Curse”: Gov’t integrates Upper East’s 10-year PEARL framework into national agenda

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin warns against finite mining reliance, urging focus on lasting regional infrastructure and enterprise.

    The Government of Ghana has taken steps to formally integrate the Upper East Region’s newly launched 10-Year PEARL Framework into the country’s central development planning system, signaling a structural shift toward sustainable, diversified regional growth.

    The policy alignment, announced following the official unveiling of the framework, aims to ensure that the development initiatives designed for the Upper East Region are backed by national statutory frameworks and fiscal support.

    The 10-Year PEARL (Prosperous, Equitable, Accelerated, Resilient, and Localised) Framework outlines a blueprint to pivot the region away from a singular focus on mineral extraction toward long-term investments in human capital, mechanized agriculture, and industrial enterprise.

    Mining Is a Temporary Cure, Not a Permanent Strategy

    Speaking at the high-profile launch on Monday, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, delivered a strongly worded caution to policymakers and regional leaders against relying on mining as the bedrock of long-term economic stability.

    “The question before us is therefore not whether the Upper East Region possesses valuable mineral resources,” Bagbin stated in a speech read on his behalf. “The more important question is whether those resources will become the foundation for lasting prosperity, or whether the mineral resources will be a curse or a cure to our economic malaise.”

    Bagbin highlighted the historical vulnerabilities faced by resource-rich territories globally, noting that many have been left ecologically degraded and economically hollowed out once extractable deposits run dry.

    “Mining is a temporary opportunity, not a permanent development strategy,” the Speaker emphasized. “The true wealth of this region will not ultimately be measured by the minerals extracted from beneath the bowels of the soil, but by the enduring assets created above it, such as productive agriculture, thriving industries, resilient infrastructure, skilled citizens, vibrant enterprises, and strong institutions.”

    National Integration for Localized Progress

    The decision by the central government to absorb the PEARL objectives into the national framework aims to address a common developmental bottleneck in Ghana: localized strategic plans losing momentum due to a lack of institutional alignment and national budgetary commitment.

    By integrating the PEARL initiatives, state agencies, including the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the Ministry of Finance, can systematically allocate resources to scale up the region’s localized priorities.

    Development experts attending the launch praised the framework’s focus on converting volatile, short-term mineral revenues into fixed economic foundations. Regional planners intend to utilize mineral royalties to aggressively fund modernized irrigation systems, climate-resilient transport corridors, and vocational training centers tailored to the evolving job market.

    A Call for Wisdom and Stewardship

    As the Upper East Region stands at a developmental crossroads, heavily courted by large-scale and artisanal mining interests alike, leaders are urging a mindset shift that prioritizes the welfare of future generations.

    Reflecting on the historical significance of the newly adopted policy direction, Speaker Bagbin challenged stakeholders to exercise rigorous economic stewardship.

    “The challenge is whether [the region] possesses the wisdom to convert temporary wealth into permanent prosperity,” Bagbin noted. He added that future generations should remember this specific era not for the volume of minerals extracted from the earth, but for how effectively that extraction financed a modern, independent, and diversified regional economy.

     

  • Ghana to self-fund US$4bn Accra–Kumasi expressway project

    Ghana to self-fund US$4bn Accra–Kumasi expressway project

    In an unconventional break from traditional developing-nation financing models, the government of Ghana has firmly ruled out external or domestic borrowing to fund the upcoming US$4 billion, 198-kilometer Accra–Kumasi Expressway.

    Instead, the state has launched an aggressive fiscal policy overhaul to channel national petroleum revenues and mineral royalties directly into critical, high-impact infrastructure.

    The strategic pivot ring-fences domestic resource wealth, seeking to permanently end the cycle of borrowing-led development while aiming to complete the modern six-lane corridor within a strict three-year window.

    Speaking to international business executives and economic policy analysts at the Ishmael Yamson & Associates Business Roundtable, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson detailed the alternative financing structure. He explained that the state has completely halted the practice of spreading oil windfalls across recurrent, low-impact line items, opting instead to pool state resources for high-value national assets.

    “Granted, the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is going to cost us $4 billion. We’ll fund it without borrowing,” Dr. Ato Forson confidently declared. “In 2025, 2026, and 2027, we’ll be able to have US$4 billion to link Accra to Kumasi… We’ve said that we must use Ghana’s oil revenue only for infrastructure. All of the imprudent spending, we’ve stopped it. And we are targeting major infrastructure. After 2027, we’ll target another project.”

    The government has already successfully mobilized a massive baseline by redirecting mineral royalties—previously held in the Minerals Income Investment Fund for short-term treasury bill investments—straight into the project’s primary development account. With government projections indicating an additional US$1.5 billion surge in petroleum and mining revenues over the current fiscal cycle, total available domestic cash is expected to reach US$2.5 billion by year-end, fully backing construction milestones without foreign debt.

    Military acceleration and property compensation

    The ambitious project, which stands as a central pillar of the national infrastructure agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, is already rapidly transitioning from design blueprints to active field operations. To bypass lengthy commercial procurement delays and ensure maximum fiscal efficiency, the Ghana Armed Forces are leading the initial clearing and alignment phases.

    Providing an operational update, the Finance Minister confirmed that military engineering regiments have already completed extensive site preparations along the corridor.

    “An update on the phenomenal work being undertaken by the Ghana Armed Forces on President Mahama’s transformational Accra-Kumasi Expressway project,” Dr. Ato Forson stated. “So far, about 51 kilometers of the entire stretch has been successfully cleared. Steadily, deliberately, and with remarkable professionalism, the foundation is being laid for what will become one of Ghana’s most strategic and economically transformative corridors.”

    As heavy machinery moves along the cleared corridor, the state is concurrently addressing local community impact. The Ministry of Finance announced that formal compensation payments to residents and landowners along the alignment path will begin next month, following the completion of data verification assessments by relevant state valuation agencies.

    Commuters and shippers anticipate relief from bottlenecks

    The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm across the national logistics and transport sectors. While the ongoing dualization work on sections of the traditional Accra–Kumasi highway remains separate, this entirely new six-lane expressway is designed to completely reshape travel dynamics between the capital and the middle belt. Featuring eight major modern interchanges—including planned junctions at Accra, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase, and Kumasi—the high-speed road will bypass traditional traffic chokepoints entirely.

    A representative from the national cargo transport unions noted that reducing travel times between the capital and the interior is critical to lowering food and product inflation across the country.

    “The current road between Accra and Kumasi is plagued by severe traffic delays, vehicle wear-and-tear, and high accident risks,” the transport representative remarked. “A dedicated, high-speed express route means our cargo trucks can turn around in hours instead of days. If the government can truly deliver this without adding new debt to the national ledger, it will be a historic victory for Ghanaian business owners.”

    A post-debt blueprint for West Africa

    International economists are watching Ghana’s self-funding strategy closely, viewing it as a critical test case for infrastructural independence. Having recently stabilized its macroeconomic indicators through strict fiscal discipline, the state’s choice to rely on raw resource revenues rather than global credit markets marks a significant paradigm shift.

    If the government hits its aggressive target to complete the 198-kilometer express link by 2029, the project could serve as an infrastructure blueprint for resource-rich nations across the continent, proving that sovereign assets can directly build national development.

     

     

     

     

     

  • World Cup 2026: Black Stars to receive $100k appearance fee …as Partey, Inaki join camp in Wales for friendly

    World Cup 2026: Black Stars to receive $100k appearance fee …as Partey, Inaki join camp in Wales for friendly

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches a fever pitch, the Government of Ghana has officially locked in the financial package for the national team. Each player selected for the Black Stars’ final World Cup squad will receive a guaranteed $100,000 appearance fee.

    The announcement was confirmed by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, during an interview with TV3. Addressing public conversations regarding whether the economic climate should dictate an adjustment to the long-standing bonus structure, the Minister firmly dismissed any changes.

    “The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player,” Minister Adams stated.

    He further clarified the government’s stance against adjusting the figure based on exchange rate fluctuations, adding, “Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar (equivalent) so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so.”

    The $100,000 appearance fee maintains a tradition that dates back to Ghana’s historic runs in the tournament, having been consistently pegged at this exact figure since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

    Squad Numbers Swell at Dragon Park

    The financial clarity comes at a crucial time as the team intensifies its pre-tournament preparations in Wales. The Black Stars’ camp received a massive boost over the weekend with the highly anticipated arrival of midfield maestro Thomas Partey and clinical forward Iñaki Williams.

    Prior to their arrival, a 24-man contingent had already commenced rigorous training sessions at Dragon Park, the National Football Development Centre in Newport, working under the watchful eyes of the technical team to step up their tactical readiness. With Partey and Williams now integrated into the squad, the number of players in camp has risen to 28.

    The atmosphere in Cardiff is described as highly focused but tense, as a looming deadline hangs over the squad. Only 26 players will make the final cut for the global showpiece. This means two players from the current 28-man provisional roster will face the heartbreak of being dropped today, Monday, June 1, 2026, when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) officially submits its final squad list to FIFA.

    Wales Friendly A Ultimate Litmus Test

    The immediate focus for the technical team, however, is a high-profile international friendly against Wales. The match, scheduled to take place at the iconic Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, is being treated as the ultimate litmus test for the team’s tactical cohesion before they jet off to the World Cup.

    Team insiders indicate that the inclusion of heavyweight figures like Partey and Williams has significantly raised the intensity of the training sessions, with every player eager to prove their worth and secure a starting spot.

    With the financial terms settled and the squad nearly finalized, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if this blend of seasoned European-based stars and emerging talents can replicate or surpass the legendary World Cup exploits of the past.

     

     

     

     

  • Gov’t backs hybrid funding for mining reforms …rejects risky 100% resource nationalization

    Gov’t backs hybrid funding for mining reforms …rejects risky 100% resource nationalization

    By News Desk

    The government of Ghana has formally backed a hybrid funding model for the country’s multi-billion dollar extractive sector, firmly rejecting mounting structural calls to move toward 100 percent state ownership of commercial mineral concessions.

    The policy shift forms part of a comprehensive legislative review aimed at aggressively boosting local equity, streamlining mineral rights renewals, and mandating value-addition industrialization within domestic mining contracts without alienating the foreign capital critical to keeping the sector viable.

    This comes at the heels of intense advocacy by mining sector stakeholders; including a veteran journalist and a mining health and safety professional, Adnan Adams Mohammed, whose insight on why it is risky for 100% nationalisation of large mining concessions has been captured in a series of published articles while proposing alternatives to optimise nation gains from the mining sector.

    “We must move past this populist sentiment that ignores the reality of global capital,” Mr Adnan Adams stated in one of a series of critiques. He pointed to the historical failure of state-run enterprises, referencing the era of the State Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) which nearly collapsed the sector before privatization in the 1980s.

    “The calls by the IEA and Sophia Akuffo are not just ill-timed; they are dangerous. They are asking the state to take over complex, capital-intensive operations when we are currently struggling to manage basic public utilities. To suggest GoldFields should be pushed out is a betrayal of the investment stability Ghana has spent decades building.”

    Economic risk: Experts warn against resource nationalization

    Addressing a national extractive forum, economist Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie issued a stern caution against complete resource nationalization, warning that total state ownership has historically birthed severe operational inefficiencies, capital starvation, and political patronage.

    “100 percent government ownership is very risky,” Dr. Sarkodie warned. “Our management is questionable because politicians will employ party foot soldiers, so a state ownership and private management model is okay. Public-private participation helps protect operational efficiency, maintain investor confidence, and ensure that the sector remains competitive while still delivering high value to the state.”

    A mineral economist speaking on panel structures expanded on this, outlining why a hybrid capital model represents the most pragmatic economic pathway for the continent’s leading gold producer.

    “A hybrid funding approach is key to strengthening local mining participation because it blends state-led strategic financing with international risk capital,” the specialist argued. “By setting up state-backed equity funds or joint ventures, we can build true domestic wealth without cutting off the foreign direct investment pipelines that absorb the initial, multi-million dollar risks of mineral exploration.”

    The capital bottleneck vs. technical competency

    The call for high-capital private integration was strongly corroborated by energy and governance expert Dr. Boateng, who observed that while the domestic economy possesses the requisite engineering and operational expertise to handle extraction, it lacks the deep fiscal reserves to go it alone.

    “Ghana has the technical capacity, but capital remains our key constraint in the mining sector,” Dr. Boateng emphasized. “We have the geologists, the engineers, and the technical minds capable of managing tier-one assets. What we do not have is the deep financial pool to independently fund deep-level exploration and heavy machinery development. Ghanaian participation in the extractive sector must increase, but it must be driven through structured capital partnerships.”

    Enforcing local content and policy consistency

    For private investors, structural predictability remains the single greatest variable governing project lifecycles. Emphasizing this reality, a senior advisory partner at accounting and consulting firm Deloitte Ghana urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to codify explicit, immutable guidelines regarding mineral lease extensions and local equity frameworks.

    “The government must provide clear, consistent policies to govern mining license renewals and local content targets,” the Deloitte partner stated. “Regulatory ambiguity is the enemy of long-term investment. If mining companies and financial markets understand the exact timelines, compliance metrics, and equity expectations required for renewals years in out, they will confidently allocate the capital required to expand production and integrate local vendors into their supply chains.”

    Mining as a catalyst for industrialization

    Beyond royalties and corporate taxes, policy advocates are demanding that resource extraction serve as a direct springboard for national manufacturing. Outlining the structural conditions needed to ensure sustainable development, industrial strategist Ayi Owoo argued that extracting raw unrefined ore belongs to a bygone era.

    “Government must make in-country industrialization an absolute condition in all future mining contracts,” Ayi Owoo asserted. “We can no longer tolerate a framework where raw resources are extracted and exported out of our ports in their primary states. If a multinational corporation wants access to Ghana’s gold, lithium, or bauxite, their contract must explicitly commit them to investing in domestic processing plants, local refining infrastructure, and primary fabrication pipelines.”

    The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has indicated that these evolving policy pillars comprising the hybrid funding matrix, explicit processing targets, and standardized license rules will form the cornerstone of upcoming mineral bill revisions slated for parliamentary review.