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Producer Inflation Rises Slightly to 1.5% in March 2026

By
Ivy Hollys
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producer inflation

Producer inflation in Ghana increased slightly to 1.5% in March 2026, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. This represents a 0.1 percentage point rise from the 1.4% recorded in February, indicating a modest increase in factory-gate prices.

On a month-on-month basis, producer prices rose by 0.7%, slower than the 1.3% growth recorded in February.

The mining and quarrying sector recorded a slight decline in inflation to 3.9%, down from 4.1%. Manufacturing remained in negative territory but improved from -2.9% to -2.2%. Utilities continued to record high inflation levels. Electricity and gas stood at 13.6%, while water supply and waste management reached 9.9%.

Transport and storage recorded deeper deflation at -9.8%, while accommodation and food services stood at -9.4%.

Despite the increase, producer inflation remains significantly lower than levels recorded a year ago. The Producer Price Index rose to 280.3 in March, up from 278.4 in February.

The relatively low inflation environment supports stable input costs for businesses, although slight monthly increases suggest emerging short-term pressures.

National Petroleum Authority announces new price floors

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

Fuel prices in Ghana are expected to decline slightly in the second pricing window, which begins on April 16, following new benchmarks set by the National Petroleum Authority.

Petrol will sell at a minimum of GH¢13.27 per litre, down from GH¢13.30 in the first pricing window. Diesel will see a more significant reduction, dropping to GH¢16.10 per liter from GH¢17.10, marking a GH¢1 decrease.

However, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will increase slightly to GH¢10.79 per kilogram, up from GH¢10.71.

The adjustments show a downward trend for petrol and diesel, offering some relief to consumers. LPG prices, however, continue to rise gradually.

Under Ghana’s petroleum pricing guidelines, the price floor represents the minimum rate at which oil marketing companies can sell fuel.

These prices exclude international trading premiums and operational margins, which are determined independently by companies.

The new pricing window takes effect on April 16, ahead of a possible government intervention.

Authorities are expected to announce the suspension of selected taxes and margins to cushion consumers against persistent fuel price pressures.

Baba Amando Remanded: NPP Cries Foul Over Arrests of Party Members

By
Ivy Hollys
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baba amando

Following the remand of its Bono Regional Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong concerns over what it describes as targeted arrests of its members. 

Baba Amando was remanded into police custody for two weeks by a circuit court in Accra on Monday, April 14, 2026, after a judge denied him bail.

Background to the Case

According to reports, Baba Amando was initially invited by police in Sunyani for questioning. The invitation was linked to social media posts he allegedly made, involving edited images of President John Dramani Mahama, Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George.

The images reportedly depicted the three public officials as females, prompting investigators to subject the content to forensic examination.

After honouring the invitation, Baba Amando was transported to Accra to assist with further investigations.

Court Proceedings

Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, provided details of the court proceedings. He explained that Baba Amando reported to the police as directed and later appeared before Circuit Court 9.

According to him, the police did not initially request that the accused be remanded.

“The police indicated that they were not applying to the court for Baba Amando to be remanded,” he stated.

He added that prosecutors told the court they needed more time to conduct a forensic examination of the social media posts. However, despite the prosecution’s position, the judge exercised discretion and ordered that Baba Amando be remanded for two weeks.

Afenyo-Markin criticised the decision, describing it as troubling and inconsistent with standard legal practice. He argued that the prosecution had not demonstrated any risk of interference with investigations that would justify a remand.

“The prosecutor is not asking for remand… so what are you trying to drive at?” he questioned.

The Minority Leader further expressed frustration over what he described as a worrying trend. “Our country is being reduced to something else… We are a country of Democrats,” he said.

There are also reports that former Kumasi Mayor Maxwell Kofi Jumah has had security personnel visit his residence in the Ashanti Region. Additionally, the party’s Bono East Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, is said to have been invited by police in connection with separate matters.

The NPP insists that these actions raise concerns about freedom of expression and political tolerance in the country.

Police hunt for six suspects involved in Berekum Chelsea bus attack

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dominic Frimpong

The Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region has launched a manhunt for six suspected armed robbers following a deadly attack on a team bus carrying players and officials of Berekum Chelsea.

The incident occurred on Sunday night along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso road when the attackers ambushed a VIP bus transporting approximately 30 players and team officials from Samreboi to Berekum.

In a statement issued on April 13, 2026, the Ashanti Regional Police Command said patrol teams responded swiftly to distress calls and arrived at the scene to find the bus, with registration number AM 9334-20, lodged in a nearby bush. The driver had reportedly veered off the road while attempting to escape the armed assailants.

Police indicated that the six attackers, three of whom were armed with pump-action guns, opened fire on the vehicle during the ambush.

Footballer Dies from Gunshot Injuries

One of the players, Dominic Frimpong, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. He was rushed to the Bibiani Government Hospital but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

Another victim, identified as George Owusu Afriyie, 52, was reportedly robbed of GH¢4,500 by the attackers.

Investigators who visited the scene retrieved two spent BB cartridges to aid in ongoing forensic analysis.

Police Intensify Search for Suspects Involved in Berekum Chelsea bus attack

The Police Command has since deployed additional personnel, including crime scene experts, to support investigations and track down the suspects.

Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators as quickly as possible.

“The Regional Police Command has deployed additional personnel and crime scene experts to the area and is currently on a manhunt for the suspects. The Police assure the public that the perpetrators will be arrested within the shortest possible time,” the statement noted.

Public Urged to Stay Calm

The Police have called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.

The statement, signed by Godwin Ahianyor, Head of the Public Affairs Unit for the Ashanti Region, urged the public to maintain confidence in the police service.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Unauthorised phase switching is illegal – PURC

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Power outages in Ashanti region

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a strong warning to electricity consumers in the Ashanti Region to desist from unauthorised phase switching, citing serious risks to the power distribution network.

At a consumer sensitisation event held in Kumasi on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Ashanti Regional Manager of PURC, Edward Boduah, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of the illegal practice, commonly referred to as “phase changing” or “load shifting.”

According to him, unauthorised phase switching occurs when electricity users deliberately alter their power supply connection—such as moving from single-phase to three-phase power—without approval from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Mr Boduah explained that the practice disrupts the stability of the electricity distribution system by creating phase imbalances, overloading transformers, and causing voltage fluctuations. These disruptions can trigger protective systems within the grid, resulting in widespread and sometimes prolonged power outages in the region.

“It’s a recipe for disaster, leading to transformer damage, equipment failures, and system-wide instability,” he cautioned.

The PURC official further called on residents, assembly members, and community leaders to report individuals engaged in tampering with electricity meters or illegally switching phases. Reports can be made to the ECG, PURC, or law enforcement agencies.

He stressed that timely reporting is critical in preventing avoidable outages and protecting electrical infrastructure from costly damage.

The PURC also reiterated that unauthorised phase switching is a punishable offence under existing regulations, including provisions outlined in LI 2413. Offenders risk facing legal penalties if found culpable.

As part of its ongoing public engagement efforts, the Ashanti Regional Office of PURC continues to educate consumers on electricity usage, tariff structures, and regulatory compliance.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Publican AI: GUTA, Transport Ministry to hold talks over port system

By
Ivy Hollys
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publican ai system

Publican AI has become a major point of contention in Ghana’s trading sector, prompting an emergency meeting between government and industry players.

The minister for transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, is scheduled to meet leaders of the Ghana Union of Traders Association on Thursday, April 16, to address concerns over the system.

The meeting follows a sit-down strike by freight forwarders and clearing agents on Monday, April 13. The protest was triggered by the implementation of Publican AI at the country’s ports.

Operators argue that the rollout lacked adequate consultation and clarity, raising concerns about its impact on port operations and trade facilitation.

Speaking after a meeting with the Ghana Shippers Authority, GUTA Vice President Joseph Paddy said the association had requested a temporary suspension of the system pending further engagement.

“Beyond the sit-down strike by our agents, there are so many programs and activities we want to embark on.

“We also told the chief executive officer that the program should be suspended, but he gave us assurance that the transport minister was interested in this thing, but he has unfortunately travelled, and so we should give him two days.

“He will be meeting us on Thursday in the morning as soon as possible to solve all the challenges,” he said.

The Publican AI system is intended to improve efficiency and transparency in clearing imports, but industry players continue to call for broader stakeholder engagement before full implementation.

Background of Publican AI System

From the perspective of the Ghanaian government, the Publican AI System is a critical intervention aimed at safeguarding national revenue and modernising port operations. The primary driver behind this initiative is the scale of revenue loss attributed to trade malpractices.

According to government estimates, between 2020 and 2025, Ghana recorded imports valued at approximately US$127 billion, yet only US$52 billion was declared for customs purposes. The new AI system is projected to plug these leakages by detecting undervaluation, misclassification, and other forms of import fraud.

The Ministry of Finance and the GRA assert that the system empowers customs officers by providing instant access to credible international trade benchmarks. This digital transition shifts the clearance process from manual vetting to advanced, data-driven inspection.

To ensure compliance, the GRA has issued strict directives mandating that customs officers rely on datasets, risk assessments, and decision outputs generated by the AI system as the primary basis for valuation.

Fuel prices: Think tanks propose GH¢1.65 reduction to ease the burden

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

Fuel prices could see a reduction after a coalition of policy think tanks proposed immediate measures to ease pressure on consumers.

The proposal recommends a GH¢1.65 reduction in the petroleum price build-up.

The fuel prices proposal follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama for the Ministries of Energy and Finance to review taxes, margins, and levies within the pricing structure.

In a joint statement issued on April 14, 2026, the groups—including IMANI Africa, COPEC, INSTEPR, and the Institute for Energy Security—suggested that the reduction should remain in effect for two months instead of the four weeks initially proposed by the government.

They explained that the extended period would allow for a more stable assessment of global market developments.

Beyond the immediate intervention, the coalition called for broader reforms, including a review and possible removal of certain taxes and levies considered burdensome.

They also recommended the establishment of a strategic reserve fund to stabilize fuel supply during price shocks.

In addition, the group urged increased investment in the Tema Oil Refinery to strengthen local refining capacity.

Analysts say adjustments to fuel prices could provide short-term relief while supporting long-term sector reforms.

Tema robbery: Two armed robbers shot dead during momo vendor attack

By
Ivy Hollys
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tema robbery at Community 5
Photo of a creepy horror criminal in black hoodie holding revolver gun

Two armed robbers were shot dead in a Tema robbery incident after a police operation foiled an attacked on a mobile money vendor in Community Five.

The Tema Regional Police Operations Team shot and killed the suspects on Monday, April 13, 2026, following the robbery at Aba Fosuah Plaza at about 8:30 a.m.

A female vendor sustained a gunshot wound to her leg when she attempted to resist the attackers. She is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

According to a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs for the Tema Regional Police Command, the suspects arrived on a motorbike and executed the robbery under the guise of a transaction.

One of the suspects approached the vendor pretending to perform a cash-out request before the situation escalated.

Police retrieved GH¢11,390.00 believed to be proceeds from the Tema robbery. Officers also recovered a black 9mm Luger pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.

Additional items found on the suspects included three Android phones, assorted SIM cards, a talisman, and a Ghana Card belonging to the victim.

Investigators also recovered an empty bullet shell from the scene, suspected to have been fired from the suspects’ weapon.

Police say investigations into the robbery are ongoing.

US Orders Extradition Of Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu
Tamakloe Attionu - GhanaSky.com

The US district court has ordered the extradition of the former CEO of the Microfinance and small loans centre(MASLOC), Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu 10 years sentence by the Accra High court for causing financial loss and money laundering.

In 2024, Sedinam Attionu was convicted and handed a 10-year jail term in absentia by the Accra High Court for causing financial loss of almost GH¢90 million to the state during her tenure as MASLOC boss from 2013 to 2016.

The charges included, improper withdrawal of GHS500,000 from Obaatampa Savings and Loans. Diversion of over GHS 1.7 million meant for a sensitization programme. Failure to fully disburse funds allocated to victims of the Kantamanso market fire. Other counts are stealing, money laundering, causing loss to public property.

Sedinam Christine Tamakloe-Attionu was charged with the embezzlement of a total amount of GHS 3.19 million, as well as causing GHS 1.97 million loss to government. She was also charged with exposing government to GHS 61.74 million in obligations. She left Ghana in 2021 for medical treatment in the US and did not return. The court approved trial in Absentia on February 24, 2023.

Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine confirmed US authorities have completed the extradition process. She was arrested by US Marshals in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 7, 2026. The AG said she may soon be extradited to Ghana to serve her prison term, barring an appeal by her lawyers.

The court certifies the extradition of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu to Ghana on the 25 counts of stealing in violation of 124 of the criminal offences Act, 1960(ACT 29).

Government to roll out free health care policy in phases from 2026 to 2028 – Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on oral health

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that Ghana’s highly anticipated free healthcare policy will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2028, with an initial focus on underserved districts across the country.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh explained that the policy has been carefully designed over the past year and refined through extensive stakeholder consultations. “This policy has not been rushed. It has been carefully designed over the past year and further improved based on input from a cross-section of stakeholders,” he stated.

According to Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, consultations included the Ghana Medical Association, the media, Members of Parliament, and other partners to ensure the policy reflects national needs. He emphasized that the initiative is a national policy aimed at benefiting all Ghanaians, noting that a phased approach will allow for effective implementation and long-term sustainability.

Out of the country’s 261 districts, the first phase will cover 150 underserved districts, with each region identifying areas that require urgent attention. He said, “We’ll implement it in phases between 2026 and 2028. We’ll begin with 150 selected districts, particularly those that are underserved, and then expand nationwide by 2028,” Kwabena Mintah stated.

Kwabena Mintah explained that the phased rollout is based on lessons from past policies, allowing the government to address challenges early and improve delivery.

“This phase approach will allow us to learn, adjust, and ensure that quality and sustainability are maintained,” he added.

He further revealed that preparations ahead of the official launch are already at an advanced stage. The policy is set to be launched on Wednesday, April 15, by President John Dramani Mahama.

“Prior to Wednesday’s launch… significant preparation has already taken place. We have mapped the service delivery point, and referral systems have been defined,” Kwabena Mintah noted.

As part of readiness efforts, the government has procured 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment to support implementation nationwide. “This is intended to ensure our facilities and health workers are equipped and ready for implementation,” Kwabena Mintah Akandoh added.

With full nationwide coverage expected by 2028, Kwabena Mintah reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities.

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