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Government Takes Steps to Resolve Rice Glut, Assures Farmers

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Demordzi, has reassured rice farmers. He acknowledged that many farmers are struggling to sell their produce. This situation has emerged across several regions where rice production exceeded market demand. Consequently, the government is implementing measures to stabilise the rice market and support affected farmers.

Speaking earlier on Tuesday, November 4, Mr Demordzi explained that the current challenges stem from an unexpected bumper harvest. Small-scale interventions were initially planned, but production quickly surpassed expectations. Therefore, farmers now face difficulties in selling their rice, transporting produce, and accessing markets. Without proper planning along the value chain, such challenges are likely to occur.

To address the issue, the Feed Ghana Programme has initiated steps to purchase the excess rice from the system. This intervention aims to balance supply and demand while preventing losses for farmers. Mr Demordzi expressed confidence that the market glut will reduce in the coming weeks. He highlighted that coordination with local buyers and market actors is already underway to ensure smooth implementation.

The Coordinator emphasised the importance of long-term planning to prevent similar issues in future harvests. Strengthening market linkages, improving logistics, and supporting farmers with timely information are key priorities. The government also plans to expand interventions across other crops and regions to promote overall agricultural stability.

He stated, “We are now struggling to ensure that we buy the excess from the system, and we are on course. We are buying. I think that in the next two to three weeks, this issue of the glut of the rice paddy will come down.”

Meanwhile, farmers have welcomed the government’s proactive approach. They believe that buying excess rice will prevent post-harvest losses and provide financial relief. Analysts also note that improving planning along the agricultural value chain will increase efficiency and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Overall, the Feed Ghana Programme’s intervention reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, stabilising the rice market, and strengthening Ghana’s agricultural economy for the future.

How Would You Feel If Your Partner Fought Over You In Public?

By
Ivy Hollys
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feel
Two school kids fight in a dark passageway of their school, almost silhouette.

On today’s episode of The Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong, the team tackled a fiery question that got everyone talking: Would you feel flattered or embarrassed if your partner fought over you in public?

The discussion was both hilarious and thought-provoking. Adwoa opened the floor by asking whether fighting for love in public is romantic or simply a sign of insecurity.

Guest Rhodalin Apenteng Aku said she would be completely embarrassed if her partner ever fought because of her.

“Love should never make someone lose control in public,” she explained. “That’s not a show of love, it’s a lack of self-control.”

Kofi Boamah admitted he might feel a little flattered at first but would mostly be embarrassed.

“Part of you might think, ‘Wow, this person really cares.’ But after that moment, you realise everyone’s staring at you and you feel embarrassed,” he said.

Nelly, another guest on the show, shared that she would also feel embarrassed. “It’s not something I’d want to witness or be part of,” she said. “I’d rather my partner walk away than start a fight.”

Listeners on Orange FM’s WhatsApp line added even more flavour to the conversation.

Portia wrote, “My partner shouldn’t be fighting over me in public. I wouldn’t create room for that.” Raymond said, “I’d be very embarrassed. It could even make me lose interest in my partner.”

Samuel said, “It’s a 60-40 thing, but I’ll be more embarrassed though.”

Afua, on the other hand, brought the humour, saying, “I’ll be like yeah daddy, give him blow in the jaw!”

No definite answer was given, but the conversation surely gave listeners something to think about.

GTEC Directs Public Universities to Stop Unapproved Fee Hikes for 2025/2026

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has cautioned all public tertiary institutions against introducing or revising student fees. The warning specifically targets the 2025/2026 academic year. The Commission emphasized that no university should implement any fee changes without parliamentary approval. This directive follows reports that some universities increased fees despite government policies. Consequently, the Ministry of Education intervened to prevent further unauthorised adjustments.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, directed GTEC to issue a firm instruction. The directive orders public universities to halt all unauthorised tuition fee hikes. According to the Ministry, arbitrary increases could undermine the government’s No Fees Stress Policy. This policy provides free tertiary education for first-year students and persons with disabilities. Therefore, ensuring compliance is critical to safeguarding student welfare.

Furthermore, GTEC noted that several institutions have historically adjusted fees without following proper procedures. Over the years, such practices have caused challenges in implementation and compliance. To prevent confusion and financial strain on students, the Commission insists that universities maintain current fees. Until Parliament reviews and approves any proposed changes, no institution should alter tuition charges.

In the statement sent to Vice Chancellors of traditional and technical universities, GTEC emphasized the legal requirement. It stated, “To ensure compliance with statutory requirements under the Fees and Charges Act and in line with its mandate to promote the effective and efficient operation of tertiary education institutions, GTEC reminds all universities that new fees for the 2025/2026 academic year cannot be charged without prior approval from Parliament, as mandated by law.”

Meanwhile, student advocacy groups have welcomed the Commission’s directive. They argue it protects families from unexpected financial burdens. At the same time, university administrators caution that rising operational costs remain a concern. Nevertheless, GTEC maintains that compliance with legal procedures ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability. The Commission will closely monitor universities to enforce adherence while Parliament considers fee proposals for the upcoming academic year.

Black Stars Boss Says Gyan’s Testimonial Is Long Overdue

By
Ivy Hollys
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Black Stars Team Manager, Ameenu Shardow, has applauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for announcing a testimonial match in honour of former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, describing the gesture as “long overdue.”

The GFA confirmed on Tuesday, November 4, that it will organise a special match to celebrate Gyan’s illustrious football career. Details of the event are expected to be made public soon.

Gyan, who officially retired in 2023 at age 37, remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Shardow commended the Association for recognising Gyan’s immense contribution to the national team and Ghanaian football as a whole.

“It’s extremely important because, aside from honouring a distinguished personality who has given everything for this nation, this shows that Ghana appreciates its heroes,” Shardow said.

He added that such gestures inspire current and future players to give their best for the country.

“For me, this is long overdue. I’m very happy that finally, the GFA is taking the lead in getting these things done and not leaving them in the hands of private individuals,” he stated.

Gyan has remained close to the Black Stars since his retirement, supporting the technical team in advisory roles alongside former teammate Stephen Appiah, who serves as deputy chair of the Management Committee.

Both Gyan and Appiah have continued to mentor players and motivate the squad during key assignments, including recent World Cup qualifying campaigns.

KATH Faces Serious Equipment Shortages

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi faces a growing equipment crisis. The hospital serves the Ashanti Region and parts of northern Ghana. It handles thousands of patients each day. However, its medical capacity continues to decline. As a result, many patients struggle to access timely treatment.

During a Public Accounts Committee session, Chief Executive Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo shared major concerns. He explained that the hospital still does not have a cardiac catheterisation machine. Such a device supports heart diagnosis and emergency treatment. Therefore, heart patients must depend on private facilities or travel long distances. Meanwhile, families with limited income face serious medical and financial risks. Many patients delay urgent care due to high private hospital costs.

Furthermore, Dr Baidoo revealed challenges with diagnostic machines. The hospital has three CT scanners. Only one works at the moment. Technicians are repairing a second scanner. However, that process will take time. Consequently, emergency patients often wait for scans. Trauma and stroke cases also face delays. Many critical patients search for private services. This increases pressure on already stressed families.

He stated, “We have three scan machines; only one is working currently, and engineers are fixing another.”

Long queues form daily at the radiology unit. Every day, frustrated patients wait for hours. Although doctors and nurses work hard, they face heavy pressure. Their ability to support emergencies remains limited. Patients who need urgent scans sometimes miss crucial treatment windows. Additionally, emergency referrals increase at private hospitals, creating more inequality.

Experts say this problem reflects years of limited investment. They warn that Ghana’s second-largest referral hospital requires stronger national support. Moreover, they note that advanced hospitals must have reliable modern equipment. Health analysts insist that planned upgrades and maintenance systems are essential. They also recommend increased funding and faster equipment procurement.

Despite these challenges, KATH remains a critical healthcare hub. Therefore, health stakeholders urge swift government action. They argue that improved equipment will protect lives and strengthen public healthcare in the region. Meanwhile, staff continue serving patients under difficult conditions, hoping for urgent improvements.

A/R: EPA Shuts Down Chinese Warehouses

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shut five Chinese-owned warehouses at Anwia Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region. The facilities secretly stored and assembled “changfan” machines used for illegal mining activities. Each warehouse was registered as a spare-parts business to conceal its true purpose. However, inspections uncovered hundreds of assembled machines and loose parts linked to galamsey operations.

The EPA announced that this action followed its nationwide directive banning changfan machines. The machines contribute heavily to environmental destruction, especially within mining communities across Ghana. Officials stressed that the decision aims to protect water bodies, forests, and farmland. They described the equipment as highly destructive, causing severe pollution and land degradation.

According to the Agency, the warehouses operated without approved environmental permits. This violated key provisions under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124). It also breached requirements under the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504). EPA officials emphasised that the violations showed deliberate disregard for national environmental laws.

EPA Chief Executive Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse led the enforcement exercise. She stated that the operation forms part of a national crackdown on illegal mining. The crackdown specifically targets machinery producers, equipment suppliers, and illegal mining networks. She explained that destroying supply chains will weaken galamsey operations significantly.

Professor Klutse also confirmed that similar enforcement activities will occur in other regions. She said the EPA will intensify inspections at suspected warehouses and workshops. Officials will also track illegal imports and monitor suspicious business registrations nationwide.

The EPA warned that any organisation or individual breaching environmental directives will face prosecution. The Agency urged the public to report suspicious equipment storage sites. It encouraged communities to support efforts to protect natural resources from illegal mining. Officials assured the public that strict enforcement will continue without interference or hesitation.

Blaze at Akyempim Claims Seven

By
Ivy Hollys
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Blaze

A family of seven, including five children, died when fire swept through their home at Akyempim in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said its Dunkwa-On-Offin station received a distress call at 1:04 a.m. Firefighters arrived 16 minutes later to find a bedroom in flames and locked from the outside. They put out the fire at 1:32 a.m., preventing it from spreading to the rest of the house.

Two adults and five children, aged between one and 15 years, died in the blaze.

Investigators believe the husband of one of the victims started the fire on purpose. He allegedly locked the family inside, set the room on fire, and fled into a nearby bush. Police later found him dead, hanging from a tree.

Officers from the Ghana Police Service at Atekyim took custody of the victims’ remains for further investigation.

In a statement, Central Regional PRO of the GNFS, DO II Abdul Wasiu Hudu, extended sympathy to the affected family and community.

“The Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to saving lives and protecting property. We will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe,” the statement said.

Bompata Residents Reject Illegal Mining to Protect Environment

By
Ivy Hollys
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Residents of Bompata in the Asante Akim District of the Ashanti Region have strongly opposed any mining activities in their community. They said their goal is to protect the environment and keep natural resources safe for future generations.

At a press conference on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the residents declared that no company or individual would mine or prospect for gold in the area. They explained that their decision comes from what they have seen illegal mining, or galamsey, do to other communities.

Community spokesperson Joseph Baah said the people of Bompata are united in their stand. “Mining has caused serious environmental, social, and health problems in many places. We will not allow the same here,” he said.

Mr. Baah added that the destruction of farmlands, forests, and vegetation threatens food security and livelihoods. He urged other communities to defend their lands before they face similar damage.

The residents called on the government and regulators to respect their decision. They asked authorities not to grant any mining license or permit for operations in Bompata. According to them, protecting their land matters more than any short term financial benefit.

Ghana Loses 2,500 Women to Cervical Cancer in 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana

Ghana lost about 2,500 women to cervical cancer in 2024 out of 3,000 reported cases. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah shared the figures in Parliament on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah called the situation alarming. She said many women report to hospitals too late, leaving doctors unable to save them.

“In 2024, we saw about 3,000 cervical cancer cases, and sadly, 2,500 women died. Most patients come only when the disease has advanced,” she said.

She believes the government’s free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for children aged 9 to 14 will help reduce future deaths. The vaccine protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are increasing education and screening to encourage early diagnosis.

Cervical cancer remains one of the top causes of cancer deaths among Ghanaian women. Yet experts say it can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening.

Health officials say the HPV vaccination drive shows the government’s commitment to protect young girls and improve women’s health.

Mahama Hails Ghana’s 7.3% Economic Growth

By
Ivy Hollys
-

President John Dramani Mahama has commended Ghana’s recent economic growth, describing it as evidence of renewed investor confidence and effective fiscal management.

Speaking during a diplomatic engagement with foreign envoys and visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday, November 4, President Mahama said the economy is showing strong signs of recovery.

According to him, Ghana’s GDP growth rose from 5.1% in the first half of 2025 to 7.3% in the second quarter, signalling a steady rebound after years of economic turbulence.

“These indicators send a clear message to our international partners and investors that Ghana is ready and open for business again,” the president noted.

He attributed the growth to improved fiscal discipline, targeted reforms, and renewed private sector participation.

“Through sustained fiscal discipline, bold energy sector reforms, industrial modernisation, and agricultural transformation, we have restored confidence in our economy and laid a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth,” President Mahama added.

The president further stated that the stabilising macroeconomic environment has boosted investor confidence, attracting fresh capital inflows and strengthening Ghana’s position as a competitive investment destination in Africa.

The remarks come as Ghana continues to implement structural reforms aimed at consolidating economic stability and promoting sustainable development.

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