Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Listen to Orange FM Live
Home Blog Page 29

Fuel Prices to Rise as OMCs Begin Adjustments After Global Crude Increases

By
Ivy Hollys
-
national petroleum authority announces new price for second pricing window

Fuel prices in Ghana are expected to rise from today, November 17, as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) begin adjusting pump prices following the latest two-week petroleum pricing review. Data from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COPEC) points to a projected increase of between 1 percent and 4 percent per litre across major fuel products.

Some OMCs have indicated that they will adjust prices immediately, while others prefer to monitor market reactions before making changes.

According to COPEC’s Pricing Outlook Report, the anticipated upward adjustments are mainly driven by rising crude oil prices on the international market. In mid-November 2025, crude prices climbed by 2.95 percent, moving from 62.82 dollars to 64.67 dollars per barrel. The increase has been linked to renewed global tariff tensions, the ongoing United States government shutdown, and fresh sanctions placed on Russian oil.

This global trend has pushed up the prices of major petroleum products. Petrol rose by 3.85 percent, diesel surged by 12 percent, and LPG increased by 6.97 percent. Although the Ghanaian cedi appreciated slightly within the current pricing window, the gains were not enough to offset the upward pressure on global fuel prices. COPEC reports that the cedi strengthened from 11.12 Ghana cedis to 10.94 Ghana cedis to the dollar, representing a 1.57 percent improvement.

Industry projections suggest that petrol could retail at around 13.15 Ghana cedis per litre, while diesel may rise to about 13.60 Ghana cedis. LPG is also expected to see price increases of up to 3.53 percent.

Despite the expected hikes, COPEC data shows that earlier in November, some OMCs reduced prices by as much as 12 percent, giving Ghana one of its most significant fuel price drops this year.

Baffoe-Bonnie Approved as Ghana’s New Chief Justice

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana following his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10.

His confirmation on Thursday, November 13, followed a majority decision by the Committee recommending his appointment to the House.

“The Committee therefore recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of the report on the approval of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” Committee Chair Bernard Ahiafor stated.

Presenting the report to Parliament, Mr Ahiafor said the nominee’s approval came after careful deliberation. He noted that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie displayed “outstanding competence, deep legal insight, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”

He added that the nominee responded to questions with “professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor,” qualities he said reflected his ability to protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

“The Committee is satisfied that the nominee possesses the qualifications, temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of a Chief Justice,” he said.

During the debate on the report, the Majority supported the motion to confirm Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, while the Minority opposed it and demanded a secret ballot to record their position.

Speaker Alban Bagbin eventually approved the motion through a voice vote, declaring, “Honourable Members, I think the ‘ayes’ have it.”

However, the Minority challenged the ruling under Order 151(3) of the Standing Orders and called for a headcount to formally register their objection.

Mahama Launches “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” Initiative

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
mahama
Photo by Pixabay

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative, a nationwide programme designed to revitalise Ghana’s poultry industry, strengthen food security, and create sustainable livelihoods. The launch took place in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Describing the initiative as “more than just a government intervention,” President Mahama said it represents a national movement to restore food self-sufficiency, empower households, and promote sustainable income generation, especially for women, youth, and vulnerable families.

The “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative is a key part of the Poultry Industry Revitalisation Programme, which forms a major component of the broader Feed Ghana Programme, an ambitious national plan to transform agriculture, promote food sovereignty, and reduce reliance on imports.

Highlighting challenges facing the sector, Mahama noted that Ghana spent over $350 million on poultry imports in 2023, calling it a “drain on foreign exchange and a missed opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs.” He said the government’s goal is to reclaim Ghana’s pride in producing, processing, and consuming locally grown products.

The Feed Ghana Programme is built on three components: the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project, which will support 50 anchor farmers with 80,000 birds each to produce four million birds; a small and medium-scale support scheme for 500 farmers across all regions; and the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” or Backyard Poultry for Nutrition and Livelihoods initiative.

Under the community-driven phase, 3 million birds will be distributed across 276 constituencies, with 60,000 households each receiving 50 birds and technical support.

President Mahama emphasised that the project will not only boost domestic poultry production but also foster resilience, create jobs, and ensure that “every Ghanaian household becomes part of Ghana’s food security journey.”

GJA President Tasks Otumfuo to Spearhead Galamsey Battle

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to use his influence and moral authority to support the national fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

Speaking at the 29th GJA Media Awards, Mr Dwumfour said the Asantehene’s leadership could inspire stronger commitment to addressing the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining.

He emphasised that both traditional and political leadership play a crucial role in protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.

“The voices of our traditional rulers must be heard and respected in policy formulation and enforcement on environmental issues,” Mr Dwumfour stated.

He urged traditional and political authorities to strengthen oversight and take decisive action against environmental crimes and corruption, which he said undermine development efforts.

The GJA President called for stronger legal frameworks with stricter penalties for environmental offences and proposed the establishment of special courts to handle galamsey-related cases for faster prosecution and deterrence.

Mr Dwumfour also encouraged journalists to remain bold and professional in reporting environmental and governance issues while safeguarding the welfare and safety of their sources.

He reaffirmed the GJA’s readiness to support any lawful measures aimed at protecting Ghana’s environment and democratic institutions.

“The fight against galamsey requires sustained collaboration between government, traditional leaders, civil society, and the media,” he said.

“The Coffee Curse”: When Your Morning Brew Turns Against You

By
Ivy Hollys
-

It’s early, you’re dressed to impress, and today’s the day you’ve been waiting for the big job interview. Your shirt is crisp, your answers are rehearsed, and the world finally seems in order. Until your cup of coffee decides to betray you.

One clumsy movement, and it’s over. The hot liquid leaps out like it’s been holding a grudge, splattering your shirt in a perfect display of chaos. Suddenly, your “new beginnings” outfit looks like abstract art. You freeze, caught between panic and disbelief.

“I just stood there, watching my dreams drip down my shirt,” laughs Kojo Antwi, who once experienced the same horror. Serwaa added, “I tried to dab it with tissue, but it only made it worse like I’d been in a wrestling match .”

Job seekers everywhere have their own “coffee war” memories moments when caffeine turned confidence into chaos. Ama Owusu, a recent graduate, recalls missing her taxi because she ran back to change. “I ended up late and sweaty. At that point, the coffee wasn’t even the villain my anxiety was,” she jokes.

Despite the chaos, many say they’ve learned to laugh it off.

Maybe that’s the real lesson life rarely goes as planned. Sometimes, even with a stained shirt and shaky nerves, you still make a lasting impression.

Is Having a Boyfriend Now Embarrassing in Ghana?

By
Ivy Hollys
-
boyfriend
Photo by Vinícius Vieira ft

If someone so much as says “my boyfriend” on TikTok, the reaction is instant: dramatic sighs, scrolling fingers, and sarcastic comments. For many young women online, public displays of love have become less endearing and more exhausting. What was once a badge of romantic success now feels almost outdated, even slightly embarrassing.

In her viral Vogue article “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?” British writer Chanté Joseph explored this very shift, showing how modern women have grown wary of being defined by their relationships. Her argument resonates surprisingly well here in Ghana, where cultural expectations around love and womanhood are still deeply rooted. Still, the social media landscape has evolved into something far more complex.

The Era of the “Soft Launch”

Gone are the days of matching outfits and “couple goals” captions on Instagram. The new romantic aesthetic is subtle, almost secretive: a cropped photo, a shadow at dinner, a bouquet with no card. Ghanaian women, especially public figures, are no longer “hard-launching” their partners online; they are curating mystery instead.

This is not necessarily about shame or secrecy. It is about control. The internet never forgets, and in a culture where a breakup can easily become public gossip, keeping a relationship private feels like self-preservation.

That attitude reflects a quiet rebellion. For so long, Ghanaian women, both online and off, have been rewarded for their ability to attract and keep a man. But in 2025, many are rejecting that validation system altogether. Romance is still welcome, but the performance of it is not.

The Fear of Embarrassment

Let’s be honest: Ghanaian women’s unofficial slogan might as well be “Men will embarrass you.” It has become both a meme and a mantra, a shorthand for the collective caution of women who have witnessed one too many public heartbreaks.

Beyond the jokes lies a genuine anxiety. Posting your relationship is an emotional gamble. What if it ends, and the internet has receipts? What if he cheats? What if he embarrasses me, or something worse? What if envy, the dreaded “ani bone (evil eye)”, sabotages what you thought was love? For some women, privacy is not about mystery; it is spiritual armour.

When Single Becomes a Statement

Interestingly, the pendulum has swung so far that singleness itself has become aspirational. Online, being single is trending: women showing off solo dates, solo travel, and a lifestyle that prioritises peace over partnership. In a society where marriage is still treated as an ultimate goal, that is quietly radical.

Being single now reads as a kind of quiet confidence. It suggests freedom, focus, and self-possession, qualities that once made women seem incomplete without a man. For many, it is less about rejecting love and more about refusing to perform it for the sake of approval.

Redefining Love, Privately

The shift is not just aesthetic; it is philosophical. Ghanaian women are rewriting what it means to love without losing individuality. The online audience, once hungry for romantic spectacle, now seems to prefer authenticity or, at the very least, privacy.

There is no shame in falling in love, and certainly none in sharing it. But as women continue to reclaim their narratives, “having a boyfriend” no longer feels like the grand achievement it once did. The true flex now is emotional independence: loving openly but living quietly.

Maybe the boyfriend is not the problem. Maybe the performance is.

This article draws inspiration from Chanté Joseph’s “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?” published by Vogue in 2025.

Mfantsipim School Secures Fourth NSMQ Championship

By
Ivy Hollys
-
nsmq

Mfantsipim School has made history once again, successfully defending its title to win the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). The Botwe Boys claimed back-to-back glory and their fourth national trophy in a charged final held at the University of Cape Coast’s NEC Auditorium.

Dubbed the “Battle of the Giants,” the grand finale brought together three of Ghana’s top-performing schools — Mfantsipim, St. Augustine’s College (Augusco), and Opoku Ware School (OWASS). The competition was intense, combining speed, intelligence, and teamwork that kept the audience on edge from start to finish.

Mfantsipim took an early lead in the first round with 20 points, while Augusco and OWASS followed closely with 17 points each. Augusco rallied in the second round to edge ahead with 27 points, but the defending champions quickly regained control in the Problem of the Day segment, scoring 30 points to Augusco’s 29.

By the fourth round, Mfantsipim had widened the gap to 46 points, with Augusco on 42 and OWASS on 29. The tension peaked in the final round as all three teams battled fiercely, but Mfantsipim remained composed and strategic. When the final bell rang, they emerged victorious with 56 points, sealing their dominance in style.

St. Augustine’s College finished second with 42 points after a valiant performance, while Opoku Ware School placed third with 29 points.

As cheers of “God is a MOBA!” filled the auditorium, the Botwe Boys hoisted the trophy high in celebration of yet another historic win. With this triumph, Mfantsipim solidifies its legacy as one of Ghana’s greatest academic powerhouses, standing tall with four NSMQ titles and a legacy of unmatched excellence.

NSA Promises Swift Payment of September Allowances

By
Ivy Hollys
-
NSA

The National Service Authority (NSA) says service personnel will soon receive their September 2025 allowances. The Authority explained that final administrative steps are almost complete.

In a notice issued on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Deputy Director-General for Finance and Administration, Donkor Fuseini, said the NSA had received many complaints about the delay. He thanked personnel for their patience while the process continues.

“All required documents are ready and with the Office of the Accountant-General for approval and release of funds,” Mr. Fuseini said.

He assured personnel that payments will begin once approval is given. He also promised better coordination to ensure timely payments in the future.

“We value your service and urge everyone to stay calm,” he added. “We are working closely with key stakeholders to resolve this matter quickly.”

Many service personnel have expressed frustration on social media over the delay. The NSA’s response seeks to ease concerns and rebuild confidence in its operations.

Mahama Launches Solar for Industries Project to Power Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Sona 2026: gdp
President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana’s new Solar for Industries Project will play a central role in driving the country’s 24-hour economy and boosting industrial productivity.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-purpose Solar Energy Project at the Dawa Industrial Park in Agotor on Thursday, November 6, President Mahama said the initiative will provide clean, stable, and affordable electricity to power manufacturing and export zones across Ghana.

He explained that the project is part of the government’s broader effort to expand renewable energy access and support sustainable industrialisation under the National Renewable Energy Master Plan. The initiative is expected to help Ghana achieve a 15% renewable energy share in the national energy mix.

“The Solar Industry Project, powered by PAC Solar in partnership with Quam Investment, the International Finance Corporation, and Chinese EPC contractors, represents a major shift toward renewable industrial energy,” President Mahama said.

He noted that consistent and affordable energy supply is essential to the success of the government’s 24-hour economy policy and industrial recovery programme.

“This facility will produce clean, stable, and affordable electricity dedicated to Ghana’s manufacturing and export zones, and this is the core of our 24-hour economy and our industrial recovery programme,” he stated.

The project, once completed, is expected to reduce energy costs for industries, create green jobs, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market. It will also help attract private investment into renewable infrastructure, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable energy transition.

President Mahama also reflected on past energy sector reforms, remarking that “PDS wasn’t a bad idea, just mishandled,” emphasizing the importance of learning from previous experiences to ensure transparency and efficiency in future energy initiatives.

Wa West MP Calls for New Presidential Jet Purchase

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Presidential jet

The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has urged the government to consider buying a new presidential aircraft, saying it would be a better long term investment for Ghana’s security and economy.

Discussions about Ghana’s presidential jet have resurfaced in recent years due to frequent repairs and maintenance delays. These issues have sometimes forced government officials to rely on chartered flights for international assignments.

Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, said on Thursday, November 6, 2025, that the Falcon 900 Executive Jet is now undergoing final tests in France after months of maintenance. The aircraft was sent to Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, on March 11, 2025, for a routine 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour inspection. The procedure ensures that the jet remains airworthy and meets international safety standards.

In a Facebook post on Friday, November 7, Mr. Toobu who is also a former police officer and security analyst said the continuous repairs and high maintenance costs highlight the need for a modern replacement.

“Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the dollar respects you, so buying a new presidential jet should be on the front burner. Blend safety and security with economics,” he wrote.

His remarks add to the growing public debate over whether Ghana should keep maintaining the ageing Falcon 900, acquired in 2010, or invest in a newer, more efficient aircraft that meets today’s operational and safety demands.

Mr. Toobu stressed that decisions about the presidential jet should be based on national interest, not politics. He said Ghana must prioritize safety, cost efficiency, and reliability in addressing the issue.

1...282930...157Page 29 of 157

Recent Posts

Email: info@focus1mediagh.com