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Education Minister: Mother Tongue Now Mandatory in All Schools

By
Ivy Hollys
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Honourable Haruna Iddrisu
Honourable Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the use of Ghanaian mother tongues as a medium of instruction is now compulsory in all schools across the country.

He made this known at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities initiative in Accra, where he directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately enforce the new policy.

“I am directing the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service that, from today, the use of mother tongue instruction is compulsory in all Ghanaian schools,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.

He explained that the policy aims to strengthen cultural identity and improve learning outcomes by allowing children to begin their education in the language they understand best.

“The Ghanaian child was not born into an English family but into a proud Ashanti, Akan, or Ewe family and deserves to learn in that language,” he added.

The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which seeks to restore national pride, promote cultural values, and reform the education system to better serve Ghana’s development goals.

Education experts have long argued that teaching in local languages enhances comprehension and critical thinking among pupils, particularly in early childhood education.

Finance Minister to Present 2026 Budget on November 13

By
Ivy Hollys
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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finace
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finace

Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson is expected to present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 13, Joy Business has learned from sources close to the process.

The proposed date, pending parliamentary approval, will mark the government’s first major budget presentation since its 2024 election victory and nine months in office. Analysts say the 2025 Budget mainly followed the framework of the previous administration.

In line with the Public Financial Management Act, the Finance Minister must present the national budget to Parliament no later than November 15 each year. The Ministry of Finance has already completed several rounds of stakeholder consultations to finalise the 2026 fiscal policy.

Dr. Forson has hinted that the upcoming budget will focus on job creation, tax reforms, and economic growth. Sources also indicate that new policies will aim to improve revenue mobilisation while easing the tax burden on businesses and households.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General, Anthony Sarpong, has confirmed that the budget will include a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 22% to 20% as part of broader efforts to make the tax system more business-friendly.

With Ghana expected to exit the IMF programme in May 2026, the budget will be a crucial roadmap for the country’s post-IMF economic strategy, focusing on managing the fiscal deficit, expenditure control, and maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Commonwealth Honored with Otumfuo Commemorative Coin

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Presentation of Otumfuo's Commemorative Gold coin to Commonwealth Secretary General, Her Excellency Shirley Ayokor Botchwey
Presentation of Otumfuo's Commemorative Gold coin to Commonwealth Secretary General, Her Excellency Shirley Ayokor Botchwey

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Her Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has lauded the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for placing peacebuilding at the heart of his reign. “His peace initiative is well documented, and as a Commonwealth, we associate with the initiative,” she stated.

Her remarks came during a brief ceremony at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Thursday, October 23, 2025, where she received the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin. She praised the Asantehene’s enduring contributions to Asanteman and Ghana, describing them as exemplary.

In her address, the Secretary-General highlighted that all 56 member states of the Commonwealth operate under a shared charter that upholds democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. “Otumfuo is on the right path, and we wholeheartedly associate ourselves with what he is doing. We gratefully accept this gift of the gold coin,” she added.

The commemorative coin was presented by a delegation comprising Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group; Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, Executive Chairman of E.ON 3 Group; Kwami Sefa Kayi, broadcast journalist and media consultant to E.ON 3 Group; and Daniel Weitmann, founder of Golden Suisse.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Dadey said, “We have come here on behalf of Otumfuo to present one of the commemorative gold coins to you and also to invite you to next year’s peace concert event.”

The 24-karat gold coin is a symbol of peace and a tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enduring legacy. It represents a lifelong initiative that not only honors the 16th Asantehene but also serves as a cultural emblem, promoting Ghana’s heritage on the global stage.

Chef Abbys Feeds 20,000 People in Accra

By
Ivy Hollys
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Chef abby street food fest

Ghanaian culinary humanitarian, Chef Abbys, has led one of the largest privately organised feeding projects in the country, serving more than 20,000 people on the streets of Accra through her initiative, “The Big Street Feast.” The event ran under the inspiring theme, “Wherever you are, free food will find you.”

Speaking after the event, Chef Abbys said she felt deeply moved by the joy and gratitude she witnessed. “Our goal was simple to make everyone feel happy and loved. In every plate we served, we added a smile. We made sure no one was left out and that each person felt seen, cared for, and appreciated. That was the true foundation of The Big Street Feast,” she said.

Meals were served across four major locations Efua Sutherland Park, Fadama Astroturf, Madina Astroturf, and Kwabenya Market. In addition, seven Yango trucks delivered meals to ten distant communities, including Dome, Pokuase, Ablekuma, Dansoman, West Hills, Jamestown, Bukom, Spintex, Teshie, and Ashaley Botwe. A mobile food truck also toured parts of the city to reach those unable to visit the feeding points.

The massive effort was made possible through the support of partners such as Kivo, Yango, Everpack, Rafimex Company Ltd, Fairway Care, Lucozade, Perla, the Diaspora Affairs Office, and many others.

Sponsors included Don Simon, De Rio Farms, Nita’s Bakery, Roadman Grill, Laly’s Eatery, Steezer’s Kitchen, Joemens Popcorn, and several food brands and catering services that joined to make the event a success.

Through The Big Street Feast, Chef Abbys demonstrated how compassion, teamwork, and food can unite people one plate at a time.

GFA President Emphasizes Commitment for World Cup selection

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kurt-Okraku
Kurt-Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has declared that only players who have demonstrated full commitment and respect for the national team will be considered for selection ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Okraku stated that he would not entertain any attempts to include foreign-born players who had previously declined invitations or shown disinterest in representing Ghana.

“Players who have not shown enough commitment to the Ghanaian flag will not be part of us,” he stressed. “There must be a good reason why a player is included in the travelling party. I want players who display high levels of dedication, passion, and respect for Ghana.”

Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a decisive victory over Comoros, has revived national discussions on whether the Black Stars should accommodate diaspora players who have recently expressed interest in joining the squad.

Eddie Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Francis Amuzu are among the names linked with potential inclusion, having now made themselves available for selection.

However, Mr. Okraku made it clear that past refusals to play for the national team would not be easily overlooked.

“If we have approached you before and you turned us down, if you have shown a lack of respect or declined to play for Ghana in the past, count yourself out. It’s not going to happen,” he asserted.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, where Ghana will discover its group-stage opponents.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Otto Addo is expected to lead the Black Stars on an Asian tour in November, featuring friendly matches against Japan and South Korea as part of preparations for the global tournament.

NAIMOS and Ashanti REGSEC Break Illegal Mining Network in Oda River Reserve

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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A major joint security operation led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has dismantled entrenched illegal mining activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.

The intelligence-led operation, carried out on Wednesday, 23 October 2025, resulted in the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed individuals impersonating National Security operatives.

In a statement, NAIMOS described the mission as a strategic effort to restore law and order and protect one of Ghana’s most severely degraded forest reserves.

Three tactical units were deployed to secure entry and exit routes while tracking suspects. Acting on actionable intelligence, officers intercepted miners fleeing on motorbikes. Fifteen suspects were arrested after admitting they had been tipped off about the taskforce’s movements.

During the same operation, security personnel encountered nine men in khaki uniforms posing as National Security officers. The imposters, allegedly working under the direction of a man known as “Major Jabari,” were found with a loaded pistol, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun with three cartridges, two handcuffs, and eight pouches. All items were seized to support ongoing investigations.

NAIMOS also revealed that its officers rejected a bribery attempt involving GH₵120,000. The offer came from individuals in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup, who tried to secure the release of the detained suspects.

Deeper into the reserve, the taskforce uncovered extensive environmental destruction. Reclaimed areas had been re-mined, with vegetation cleared, farmlands excavated, and water bodies polluted. A makeshift settlement of wooden structures and tents was dismantled to prevent reoccupation.

Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, praised the professionalism of the officers, calling the mission “a demonstration of effective inter-agency cooperation.” He warned, “No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to destroy our environment with impunity,” and pledged intensified nationwide operations to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

Energy Ministry Pushes For Certified Electricians only On Projects

By
Ivy Hollys
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MINISTRY OF ENERGY
MINISTRY OF ENERGY

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has welcomed a proposal from the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) calling for a policy that allows only certified electrical contractors to handle electrical works in all construction projects.

The leadership of GECA met with the Minister for Energy and Green Transition on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to discuss challenges in the electrical industry and explore ways to ensure higher safety and professional standards.

GECA proposed that government separate electrical contracts from general building contracts to improve safety, efficiency, and value for money. The association argued that combining the two under one contractor often compromises quality and leads to substandard work.

The group also raised concerns about the capacity of some contractors working on Ministry of Energy electrification projects. They explained that several of these contractors lack the necessary technical expertise, resulting in abandoned projects and material theft.

To resolve these issues, GECA suggested closer collaboration with the Ministry to screen and validate contractors and provide training through the ECG Training School.

“This will help produce competent contractors, improve system reliability, and reduce technical losses,” said GECA President Awal Sakib Mohamed.

The meeting also discussed the need for reliable and affordable electricity to support the government’s 24-hour economy policy. GECA further appealed for a policy on rechargeable jobs to ease financial pressure on businesses requiring dedicated electricity connections and transformers.

The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, directed a team to develop a roadmap addressing the issues raised. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with GECA, the Energy Commission, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to strengthen safety and regulatory standards.

Umar Harris Applauds Attorney General’s Efforts in Corruption Fight

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Umar Harris, has praised the Attorney General for exposing alleged misconduct by the former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). He described the move as a strong step in defending public funds.

Speaking on Orange Sunrise, Mr. Harris said he fully supports the ongoing legal process. “The Attorney General is doing a great job,” he noted. “We must protect state resources.”

He questioned why such alleged financial abuses happened under previous administrations without accountability.

He believes the perpetrators assumed their misconduct would remain secret but insists public funds must never be misused.

Mr. Harris expressed hope that the current government will continue to show commitment in the corruption fight. He admitted that eliminating corruption is not an easy task. “Corruption is difficult to handle, especially in our part of the world,” he said. “But the Mahama administration will not allow anyone to misuse public money.”

He emphasized that the system must treat everyone equally. “When someone violates the rules, they must face the consequences.”

Mr. Harris urged Ghanaians to support efforts that promote transparency and fairness in national affairs. He believes accountability should guide the country’s development. “Officials must know their actions matter,” he added. “We all deserve honest leadership.”

Ghana’s Health Ministry Opens Applications for Nurses to Work in Grenada

By
Ivy Hollys
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Recruitment of Nurses

The Ministry of Health has opened applications for Ghanaian nurses to be recruited to work in Grenada. The initiative follows a bilateral agreement between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Grenada.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 24, 2025, the Ministry said it is seeking experienced and qualified Registered Nurses in several specialties, including Critical Care, Accident and Emergency, Public Health, and General Nursing.

Applicants must meet the regulatory requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana and have at least five years of professional working experience.

The Ministry outlined that interested candidates must submit several documents, including academic and professional certificates, a letter of good standing from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, a recent criminal clearance certificate, a curriculum vitae, reference letters, and a valid passport with at least two years before expiration.

Certified copies of all qualifications and professional documents will be required during the interview process.

The application period begins on Friday, October 24, 2025, and will close on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Applications are to be submitted through the Ministry of Health’s online recruitment portal.

According to the Ministry, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

This recruitment forms part of Ghana’s international health workforce exchange programme, which aims to create more professional opportunities for Ghanaian nurses abroad while deepening bilateral cooperation in healthcare between Ghana and Grenada.

Inspector Jailed for Life Over Murder of Girlfriend in Kumasi

By
Ivy Hollys
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inspector
PHOTO CREDIT: myjoyonline

A police inspector with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, popularly known as Tycoon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend in Kumasi.

The Kumasi High Court delivered the verdict on Friday, October 24, 2025, finding the officer guilty by a 5-2 jury decision. Twumasi had earlier pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before the same court on July 26, 2023.

The case stems from the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Victoria Dapaah, also known as Maadwoa, a mother of one, on April 20, 2023, around 9:50 p.m. at Adum. Prosecutors told the court that the police inspector shot Maadwoa multiple times in the abdomen and chest following a disagreement.

An uncle of the victim reported the incident to the police, and she was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where a medical officer pronounced her dead the same night.

Following the crime, a specialized police operation led to the arrest of Inspector Twumasi at his hideout in Sekyere near Effiduase in the Ashanti Region.

The case drew nationwide attention, sparking public outrage over police conduct and domestic violence. With the verdict now delivered, many have hailed the decision as a step toward justice for the late Maadwoa and a reminder of the accountability expected within Ghana’s security services.

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