Parliament today considered the Value for Money Office Bill, 2026 at its second reading stage. Moving the motion for the second reading, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, explained that the Bill seeks to establish the Value for Money Office. According to him, the office will regulate, monitor, coordinate, promote, and develop value-for-money assessments to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the management of public expenditure and procurement. The proposal, however, met stiff opposition from the Minority Caucus. Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, argued that the mandate of the intended office would overlap with that of the Public...
Minority Rejects PURC Tariff Cuts as Inadequate
The Minority in Parliament is demanding deeper cuts in electricity and water tariffs, insisting that the recent reductions announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) fall short of easing the financial strain on households and businesses. Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, voiced the concerns in response to PURC’s announcement last week that electricity tariffs would drop by an average of 4.81 per cent and water tariffs by 3.06 per cent, effective April 1, 2026. “The Regulatory Commission announced reductions in electricity and water tariffs, but we say plainly this reduction is insufficient and Ghanaian...
Parliament Passes Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Parliament has approved the Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to amend the existing Ghana Deposit Protection Act, 2016 (Act 931). Moving the motion for the second reading, Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, explained that the amendment was necessary to strengthen Ghana’s financial safety net. He noted that the changes will enhance the mandate and functions of the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation, ensuring that the Deposit Protection Scheme remains relevant and effective. The objective of the Bill is to empower the Corporation to better protect depositors from losses arising from the occurrence of insured events....
Minority Demands Immediate Repeal of GH₵1 Fuel Levy
The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to abolish the GH₵1 fuel levy, arguing that it is worsening the financial strain on citizens already struggling with rising living expenses. Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, made the appeal during an interaction with reporters in Parliament. “The justification for this levy no longer exists. Keeping it is not policy—it is punishment,” Mr. Mensah declared, pressing the government to urgently repeal the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Act of 2025 under a certificate of urgency. This demand comes in the wake of surging fuel prices, driven by escalating...
Foreign Affairs Minister Discovers Ghanaian Stars in Kyrgyz Football
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has uncovered a remarkable Ghanaian connection to Kyrgyzstan’s national football team during bilateral meetings with the Kyrgyz President and Foreign Minister. The officials revealed that Joel Kojo, a Ghanaian-born striker, is celebrated as a national hero and star player for the Kyrgyz national team, the White Falcons. Kojo, originally from Juapong in Ghana’s North Tongu constituency, switched nationality to represent Kyrgyzstan and has since become their all-time top scorer. He was named Best Kyrgyz Player in 2025 and played a pivotal role in qualifying the team for the Asian Cup. Another...
President Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Economic Growth
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated government’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and sustainable economic growth during a high-level dialogue with Organised Labour at the Presidency. Addressing labour leaders, the President assured that government remains open about the true state of the economy, stressing that shared understanding is essential for the equitable distribution of national resources. He further called for continued collaboration between government and Organised Labour, noting that reforms will be implemented in phases through sustained consultation. President Mahama reaffirmed that the ultimate goal is to improve worker welfare while growing the economy to create more jobs, better wages,...
Parliament Reads University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill for Second Time
Parliament has debated and read for the second time the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a new university dedicated to advancing engineering and agricultural sciences in Ghana. Moving the motion, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, explained that the Bill aims to provide for the governance arrangements and management of the University, ensuring a clear framework for its operations. Presenting the Committee on Education’s report, Chairman Hon. Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe noted that the Bill outlines governance structures, finance, administration, and regulation of the University’s activities in a structured and coordinated manner. The...
Nursing Colleges to Award Degrees in Major Health Reform – Hon. Akandoh
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming nursing and midwifery education in Ghana, including the transition of training colleges into degree-awarding institutions and the introduction of specialised programmes. Speaking at the inauguration of Advisory Boards for Health Training Institutions, the Minister said the reforms are designed to produce a highly skilled and responsive health workforce capable of meeting the country’s evolving healthcare needs. He revealed that more than forty nursing and midwifery colleges are set to begin offering degree programmes, while new specialised courses in critical care, oncology, and emergency nursing will...
British High Commissioner Highlights Strength of Ghana-UK Health Partnership
A delegation led by the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss ongoing health sector reforms and deepen bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Hon. Akandoh outlined Ghana’s progress in strengthening healthcare delivery, citing the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme, investment in primary healthcare, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, retooling of health facilities, and the rollout of specialised nursing and medical training programmes. He emphasized government’s commitment to addressing workforce challenges, enhancing technology in healthcare, and completing ongoing hospital projects. The Minister further underscored Ghana’s...
MoGCSP Strengthens Child Protection Data Systems with SWIMS Workshop
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Department of Social Welfare, has organised a two-day workshop on the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS) Residential Homes for Children (RHC) Registry, aimed at enhancing data management and case documentation within Ghana’s child protection system. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the SWIMS RHC Registry, its functionalities, and its role in supporting the documentation and management of child welfare cases. The initiative forms part of efforts to maintain a reliable and up-to-date database of children in Residential Homes for Children, in line with...