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Big Push Program: Nearly 50 billion approved for multi-year road and bridge projects 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kwame Governs Agboza on big push program procument

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has detailed key infrastructure projects under the government’s big push program as part of efforts to accelerate road development and improve connectivity across the country.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday during the 29th Sitting at the 1st Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic, the minister said the Big Push program will prioritize critical road projects that have stalled over the years.

According to him, the big push program builds on an earlier framework that identified 12 major economic corridors, widely referred to as the “12 Disciples,” aimed at transforming transportation and trade routes nationwide.

He explained that these projects were later expanded into 54 lots to promote competition among contractors and speed up execution under the big push program.

The minister further revealed that 23 road projects, valued at approximately $14.88 billion, which were awarded under the previous administration but abandoned due to funding challenges, have now been incorporated into the big push program.

Kwame Governs Agbodza noted that the inclusion of these projects under the Big Push program will ensure dedicated funding and timely completion.

He listed several major projects set to be undertaken, including the design and construction of the Suame Interchange and ancillary works under Phase One, as well as the Suame Interchange local roads under Phase Two.

Other projects under the big push program include the rehabilitation and dualization of the Takoradi–Agona Junction road, the rehabilitation of the Tepa–Mabang–Gaoso road, and the reconstruction of the Jenejene–Sampa road.

The minister also mentioned the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Kasoa–Winneba road, the rehabilitation of the Ofankor–Nsawam road, the design, build, and dualization of the Adenta–Dodowa road, and the upgrading of the Nkwanta–Oti–Damango road.

He emphasized that the Big Push program is a strategic intervention by the government to address critical infrastructure deficits, boost economic activity, and improve transportation efficiency across regions.

Peasant Farmers Call for Urgent Action Over Looming Tomato Shortage

By
Ivy Hollys
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tomato exports resume

Peasant farmers in Ghana are raising alarm over a possible tomato shortage, urging the government to implement an immediate emergency response plan to prevent a supply crisis.

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana made the call following ongoing negotiations between Ghana and Burkina Faso over a temporary ban on tomato exports, a situation that could disrupt supply across the country.

Speaking at a World Bank Civil Society Organisation engagement on food security in Accra on Tuesday, March 24, President of the Association, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, warned that failure in the talks could result in sharp price hikes, supply gaps, and increased pressure on local producers.

According to him, peasant farmers are concerned that the country is not adequately prepared to handle the impact of a potential disruption in tomato imports.

“Within this period, the government should quickly set up an emergency strategic response plan with stakeholders to address the looming shortage of tomatoes, in case engagements with Burkina Faso prove futile,” he stated.

He explained that peasant farmers across the country require immediate support to scale up production and stabilize supply in the short term.

Mr. Adugwala outlined a multi-phase approach, urging the government to increase access to irrigated land, empower more peasant farmers, and strengthen market systems.

He also highlighted the need for improved storage facilities, including cold storage infrastructure, and better coordination between traders and transporters to ensure efficient distribution and reduce post-harvest losses.

On long-term solutions, peasant farmers are advocating for significant investment in irrigation infrastructure to support year-round farming.

Mr. Adugwala proposed the construction of at least one major irrigation dam in every region, noting that such investments would reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports.

He added that peasant farmers believe Ghana must increase its irrigable land from the current 10 percent to over 50 percent by 2028 to secure food production and prevent recurring shortages.

The concerns raised by peasant farmers highlight growing food security challenges as stakeholders continue to monitor the outcome of negotiations between Ghana and Burkina Faso.

WASSCE: Ghana to rejoin the common West African examination calendar

By
Ivy Hollys
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Wassce

Ghana will this year rejoin the common West African examination calendar, as candidates prepare to sit for the WASSCE in May/June alongside other countries.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, confirmed the development. He stated that Ghana is returning to the international timetable after several years of running a separate national version.

The shift follows disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced changes to the academic calendar.

While countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia returned to the May–June schedule in 2021, Ghana continued independently until now.

Professor Davis says preparations for the WASSCE in May/June began last year, and schools have already been directed to get candidates ready.

The exams are expected to begin with practical and project work.

President John Dramani Mahama urges tenants to report landlords who demand excessive rent advance

By
Ivy Hollys
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president John Mahama on cabinet meeting
President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama is urging tenants to report landlords who demand excessive rent advance charges beyond what the law allows.

Speaking at a meeting with organized labor at the Jubilee House, the president raised concerns about the rising cost of accommodation and its impact on households. He noted that housing expenses continue to consume a significant portion of incomes, placing pressure on many families.

President Mahama called for stronger enforcement of rent laws and proposed a national housing dialogue involving government, the private sector, and labor unions to develop a sustainable social housing policy.

He explained that the increasing demand for high rent advance payments is largely driven by the country’s housing deficit. By law, rent advances are capped at six months, but some landlords continue to exceed this limit.

The president added that the situation persists partly because many tenants fail to report such cases to the Rent Control Department.

The Embassy of Ghana in Qatar announces plans to carry out an emergency evacuation for Ghanaians living in the country.

By
Ivy Hollys
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embassy of Ghana in qatar.

The Embassy of Ghana in Qatar said the decision follows heightened security concerns in parts of the Middle East. In a notice dated March 15, 2026, the Embassy of Ghana in Qatar explained that the government issued the directive after reviewing the evolving regional security situation.

According to the Embassy of Ghana in Qatar, the evacuation arrangement will strictly be a one-way exercise from Qatar to Ghana. The Embassy is therefore urging Ghanaians currently residing in the country who wish to be evacuated to reconfirm their interest immediately.

The Embassy has asked interested citizens to submit the biodata pages of their passports via email. Ghanaians seeking evacuation must send the information to doha@mfa.gov.gh no later than Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

According to the Embassy of Ghana in Qatar, the evacuation exercise is only a precautionary measure in response to the current security concerns.

Officials say the move forms part of contingency planning to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens abroad.

Abraham Amaliba says drivers whose vehicles break down in major city centers will soon be required to arrange towing within thirty minutes.

By
Ivy Hollys
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Abraham Amaliba

Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, has revealed that a new directive to accompany the implementation of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will make it mandatory for every vehicle owner to subscribe to a towing service. 

Abraham Amaliba explained that the measure will help prevent broken-down vehicles from causing traffic congestion and safety hazards on busy urban roads.

Speaking on the proposed policy, Abraham Amaliba said drivers must immediately contact their towing provider within thirty minutes if their vehicle develops a fault in a city center.

Abraham Amaliba further noted that the law will require vehicle owners to register with either a recognized towing provider or an insurance company offering towing services.

According to Abraham Amaliba, this arrangement will ensure that assistance is dispatched quickly when vehicles break down, reducing gridlock and improving road safety in Ghana’s major cities.

The National Road Safety Authority, led by Abraham Amaliba, believes the policy will significantly improve traffic flow and enhance safety on urban roads.

Ghana Airports Company Terminates McDan Aviation Agreement Over Unpaid Fees

By
Ivy Hollys
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mcdan group

McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited has had its Fixed Base Operations agreement terminated by the Ghana Airports Company Limited.

According to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited agreement allowed the company to provide Fixed Base Operations services at Kotoka International Airport. The agreement began in August 2022.

Under the contract, McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited was required to pay license fees, royalties, and rent to the airport authority.

However, the Ghana Airports Company Limited says McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited began defaulting on its financial obligations shortly after operations began.

The airport operator restricted access to Terminal One in late 2024 after McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited accumulated significant unpaid debts.

Following that restriction, McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited settled arrears covering the period between 2022 and 2024 to resume operations.

However, the Ghana Airports Company Limited says McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited again accumulated outstanding rent and royalties throughout 2025.

The airport authority issued a 90-day termination notice in January 2025, demanding that McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited clear the debt.

Although McDan Aviation Handling Services Limited later paid about 265 thousand US dollars, the Ghana Airports Company Limited says they consider the payment only partial. 

NPA Announces New Fuel Price Floors as Petrol, Diesel and LPG Expected to Rise

By
Ivy Hollys
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should government cushion fuel prices

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced new minimum price floors for petroleum products for the second pricing window of March.

The National Petroleum Authority says the new price floors will take effect from March 16 to March 31, affecting petrol, diesel, and LPG nationwide.

According to the National Petroleum Authority, the revised minimum price for petrol has increased from GH¢10.46 to GH¢11.57 per litre.

The National Petroleum Authority also raised the minimum price floor for diesel from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, marking a sharp adjustment. Industry observers say the diesel increase announced by the National Petroleum Authority represents one of the most significant price floor changes recently.

The National Petroleum Authority further adjusted the minimum price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to GH¢10.67 per kilogram, up from GH¢9.38 previously. In a notice to oil marketing companies, the National Petroleum Authority urged all operators to comply with the Petroleum Products Pricing Guidelines.

The NPA clarified that the announced price floors exclude premiums charged by international oil trading companies and other industry margins.

According to the National Petroleum Authority, bulk importers, distributors, marketers, and dealers will independently determine their operating margins under existing guidelines.

The National Petroleum Authority says no oil marketing company or LPG marketing company may sell petroleum products below the approved price floors.

World Kidney Day: National security arrests suspected Sukudai chemical supplier in Aboabo

By
Ivy Hollys
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local concoction sukudai

National security operatives have arrested a trader suspected of supplying chemicals used in the preparation of the controversial Sukudai drink in Aboabo. The suspect was picked up after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by security agencies investigating the circulation of the drink in parts of Kumasi.

Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator Njeh Abdallah Umar, who led the operation, described the presence of the drink on the streets as a national security concern.

According to him, an unusual pattern has been observed among those involved in selling the product. “The most interesting aspect is that those selling it will not drink it when asked to do so. Even if you force them, they will not. Yet the product has been in circulation for many years,” he said.

The arrest comes as health experts intensify warnings about the potential dangers associated with the drink.

Head of the Department of Pharmacology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Cynthia Ameni-Dankwa, cautioned that substances detected in the concoction could cause severe irritation and damage to vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.

Professor Ameni-Dankwa explained that further biomedical studies are being planned to fully understand the drink’s effects on the human body. The investigations will include detailed examinations of tissues, liver enzymes, blood cells, and other biological indicators.

Despite the ongoing research, she urged the public to avoid consuming the Sukudai drink due to the potential health risks.

Medical researchers warn that the corrosive chemicals in the concoction could damage the digestive system and, once absorbed into the bloodstream, may severely affect the liver and kidneys, potentially worsening Ghana’s growing kidney disease crisis.

Health data indicate that chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 14 to 17 percent of the population in Ghana, with many patients diagnosed during their most productive years.

At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, more than 400 end-stage kidney patients are admitted every year, while over 1,000 people in Accra currently rely on dialysis to survive.

Toxic ‘Sukudai’ Local Drink Raises Alarm Over Rising Kidney Disease in Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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kidney failure

Health experts are raising fresh concerns about the growing burden of kidney disease in Ghana as the country marks World Kidney Day, with new evidence linking a dangerous herbal concoction to serious organ damage.

Chronic kidney disease is emerging as a major health challenge in Ghana, affecting an estimated 14 to 17 percent of the population, with many patients diagnosed during their most productive years. At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, more than 400 end-stage kidney patients are admitted every year, while over 1,000 people in Accra currently depend on dialysis for survival.

Medical experts say the increasing cases of kidney disease are linked to several factors, including hypertension, diabetes, misuse of painkillers, environmental toxins, and unregulated herbal medicines.

Crackdown on toxic herbal drink

In the Ashanti Region, authorities have launched a crackdown on a toxic herbal cocktail known as “Sukudai,” which is being marketed as a heart cleanser.

Researchers from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have described the drink as toxic after laboratory analysis revealed that it contains harmful chemicals capable of causing severe damage to vital organs, including the kidneys.

According to the Department of Pharmacology at KNUST, preliminary tests found the drink contains acetone, zinc chloride, and ethanol.

Acetone is commonly used in nail polish removers, while zinc chloride is a corrosive chemical. Both substances are unsafe for human consumption.

Laboratory experiments conducted on rats revealed the severity of the danger. Rats administered low, medium, and high doses of a chemical substance used in this ‘sukudai’ concoction all died within 24 hours, showing signs of distress shortly after ingestion. Researchers also observed that the chemical mixture was able to melt plastic takeaway bowls, highlighting its corrosive nature.

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