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IMANI Demands Accountability in Massive Gold for Oil Audit Revelations

By
Ivy Hollys
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imani africa demand audit

A forensic audit into Ghana’s flagship Gold-for-Oil (G4O) program has exposed widespread corruption, systemic governance failures, and significant revenue losses, prompting civil society watchdog IMANI Africa and its partners to call for urgent prosecutions and full financial recovery. The scandal was revealed through an intensive audit involving data from the National Petroleum Authority, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), and the Customs Division.

The independent audit presents an alarming picture of a program riddled with opacity and deliberate evasion of oversight mechanisms.

One of the most serious revelations from the audit was the lack of formal contracts between the Bank of Ghana and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). This contractual vacuum eliminated essential audit controls such as pricing benchmarks, standardized exchange rates, and clear delivery tracking. The audit report accuses state actors of constructing a “deliberate architecture of obfuscation” that rendered independent verification nearly impossible.

BOST Implicated in Petroleum Sector Mismanagement

According to the audit, over GHS 7.5 billion was granted in import tax exemptions with no clear downstream reconciliation or documentation. This lack of an audit trail enabled unchecked allocations and potential manipulation of petroleum cargoes, resulting in estimated revenue losses of more than GHC 2 billion.

BOST is centrally implicated, with the audit highlighting its role in managing imports without sufficient oversight. The report also raises red flags about the ownership of international oil suppliers, many of which were tied to high-risk jurisdictions such as Dubai, Cyprus, and Switzerland.

Offshore Accounts and Trade-Based Money Laundering

In one of the more damning sections, the audit identifies possible trade-based money laundering and illicit offshore activity involving former BOST officials and affiliated private entities. The findings suggest gross breaches of fiduciary duty and outline the use of the G4O programme for personal enrichment.

IMANI Africa’s Call for a Comprehensive Audit and Prosecution

Responding swiftly to the revelations, IMANI Africa, a leading policy think tank is demanding a full-scale audit of all transactions under the G4O programme. President Franklin Cudjoe labeled the scheme as “systematically weaponised against the state,” while IMANI Vice President Bright Simons dismissed the programme as political theatre designed to mask the looting of public resources.

IMANI and its coalition are now demanding:

  • A vessel-by-vessel and ounce-by-ounce forensic audit of all transactions.
  • Criminal prosecutions for all implicated parties.
  • Retroactive tax clawbacks on illegitimate exemptions.
  • Mandatory quarterly publication of G4O contracts and performance reports.

About GHS5.6 million in fines imposed on institutions for breaching the Right to Information (RTI) law

By
Ivy Hollys
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fines imposed on state and private institutions

Fines totaling about GHS5.6 million have been imposed on key state and private institutions for breaching the Right to Information (RTI) law, a Corruption Watch investigation has revealed. The report shows that several agencies either ignored or denied citizens’ requests for information, resulting in heavy fines from the RTI Commission (RTIC).

The Ghana Police Service has already paid GHS450,357 in fines, while CHRAJ is yet to settle a fine of GHS30,000. The Parliamentary Service has paid GHS53,785, and the Judicial Service of Ghana still owes a fine of GHS100,000. The Attorney General’s Department has an outstanding fine of GHS50,000, and SSNIT has cleared a fine of GHS200,000.

The investigation identified the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) as the biggest offender. It has paid fines amounting to GHS1.365 million. Other significant payments include GHS260,000 from the Ministry of Education, GHS150,000 from the Lands Commission, and GHS60,000 from the Ghana Audit Service. The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has not yet paid its fine of GHS100,000.

Taxpayer Money Funding Penalties

Corruption Watch reports that institutions are turning to public funds to pay these fines, raising fresh concerns about accountability. The findings are contained in a new investigative report titled “SAGA OVER RTI: Millions paid as penalty,” released today, September 29, 2025.

The report notes that institutions mandated to promote transparency are instead obstructing access to information. Their refusal or failure to comply with RTI requests has triggered fines issued by the RTI Commission.

“The investigative piece reveals that the RTIC imposed the penalties in more than 70 determinations involving at least 60 separate institutions,” the report states.

The investigation, conducted between February and July 2025, also tracked the frequency of violations. The Ministry of Education recorded the highest number of penalties, with four in total. 

The Ghana Police Service has received three penalties, while ten other institutions have each been sanctioned twice. These include the Ghana Education Service, the Judicial Service, the Lands Commission, the PPA, the Ministry of Energy, and the Urban Roads Department.

World Bank Report: Ghana’s 40-Year Reliance on the IMF Reveals Deep Economic Challenges

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana imf programme

A new World Bank report titled “Transforming Ghana in a Generation” has revealed that Ghana has spent 40 out of its 68 years of independence under International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs. This prolonged reliance on the IMF highlights deep-rooted economic vulnerabilities and a persistent dependence on external financial support.

According to the report, Ghana has entered into 17 separate IMF programs since its independence. The World Bank warns that unless Ghana implements meaningful reforms, its economic growth may stagnate at around 3.8% per year, which is far below the pace needed to attain upper-middle-income status by 2050.

The World Bank stresses that the IMF, while useful for short-term stabilization, is not a long-term solution. Rather, the repeated returns to the IMF illustrate Ghana’s failure to carry out sustainable reforms that would strengthen public institutions, improve economic management, and reduce reliance on external bailouts.

One of the key issues identified in the report is fiscal indiscipline. Overspending, inefficient allocation of resources, and poor public financial management have undermined trust in government institutions and created a pattern of budget deficits and rising debt. These fiscal weaknesses are often followed by IMF interventions, which provide temporary relief but do not address the root causes of Ghana’s economic fragility.

Ghana’s dependence on natural resources is also cited as a major constraint. According to the report, the country’s economic structure remains heavily reliant on commodities such as gold, cocoa, and oil, making it vulnerable to price shocks. These shocks often lead to revenue shortfalls, forcing Ghana back into IMF-supported programs. The report urges a shift towards economic diversification to build resilience and foster sustainable growth.

The report reflects on Ghana’s economic performance over the last two decades. While the early 2000s saw impressive growth and a reduction in poverty, the subsequent years were marked by stagnation. The World Bank describes the period from 2012 to 2022 as a “lost decade,” during which per capita income plateaued at around US$2,200. This indicates that economic growth was not effectively translated into long-term development or improved living standards.

Looking ahead, the World Bank calls for bold and urgent reforms over the next four years, especially as Ghana approaches another election cycle. This period is seen as a critical window of opportunity to reset the country’s economic trajectory. The report outlines key reform areas including strengthening fiscal responsibility, enhancing governance, diversifying the economy, and investing in human capital and infrastructure.

Without these reforms, the World Bank warns that Ghana may remain trapped in a cycle of IMF dependency, rising poverty, regional inequality, environmental degradation, and public discontent. These risks threaten to delay the country’s transformation into a resilient and inclusive economy.

The report emphasizes that the IMF cannot be the foundation of Ghana’s long-term development. While IMF support has been essential in moments of crisis, lasting change must come from within. Ghana’s future hinges on its ability to break free from the repetitive cycle of fiscal crises and IMF bailouts — and to build a self-sustaining, prosperous economy driven by strong institutions and visionary leadership.

Police Crackdown on Armed Robbery Gangs Across Five Regions

By
Ivy Hollys
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police crackdown on armed robbery gangs

The Ghana Police Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on armed robbery gangs in the country. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohonu told the media on Wednesday 25th September 2025 that the operation led to the arrest of key suspects of criminal networks that have terrorized financial institutions and communities. 

Major Operation and Arrests

According to the IGP, the police conducted a coordinated operation targeting hideouts of armed robbery gangs in Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti regions. Areas searched included Chirapati, Asuofia, Atonsu Monako, Ahwie Zongo, Aputuogya, Pechi, Obuasi, and Buoho near Kronum.

According to him, the police arrested 10 suspects during the operation, while three others were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with a manhunt ongoing for the remaining members of the armed robbery gangs.

Recovered items included 14 weapons such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols, and ammunition. The police also seized vehicles, mobile phones, and other valuables. Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that some weapons retrieved from the armed robbery gangs were originally police service rifles snatched during deadly attacks on officers.

She disclosed that one of the AK-47 rifles marked GHGP/ASH /TEPA/ TP/B1523 belonged to Corporal Francis Adu Yaw, who was killed by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway in November 2024.

“This is an indication that this same gang committed that heinous crime,” Donkor explained.

She further revealed that two other rifles had been stolen from officers on duty at Ecobank Ahafo Kenyase during a violent robbery in September 2025. The recovered cache included three AK-47 assault rifles, seven pump-action guns, three Bruni pistols, one M&P pistol, ammunition, six vehicles, four motorbikes, mobile phones, jewelry, and cash in various currencies, including 18,845 Ghana cedis.

Public Support and Police Promotions

The IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, emphasized that public cooperation was key to dismantling the armed robbery gangs. He encouraged communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid investigations.

He also announced promotions for several police officers who played vital roles in tracking the suspects. These included three chief inspectors promoted to the police academy, two sergeants to inspector, three inspectors to chief inspector, one corporal to sergeant, and three constables elevated to lance corporal. 

Background

Between November 2024 and September 2025, police observed a recurring pattern in the operations of armed robbery gangs. Their strategy often involved storming banks with pump-action guns, overpowering security guards, seizing their weapons, and using industrial cutting machines to break into vaults.

Police say the dismantling of these networks is a critical step in restoring safety and trust across affected regions. Yohunu assured the public that the police “will continue to make life uncomfortable for criminal elements in our society. We will continue to pursue you till you are brought to justice.”

Minority Calls for Suspension of MoU on US Deportees

By
Ivy Hollys
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Minority on West African deportees to Ghana

Recent West African deportees are at the center of strong objections raised by the minority in Parliament against the government’s memorandum of understanding with the United States, which they argue breaches constitutional requirements.

According to the group, Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution is clear that every treaty, agreement, or convention executed by or under the authority of the president must be laid before Parliament for ratification. They insist the agreement with Washington violates this constitutional safeguard.

The minority recalled that in 2016, the government entered into an agreement with the United States to receive Guantanamo Bay inmates without parliamentary approval, a move later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. They argued that the then Attorney General defended the action by claiming the agreement with the United States did not fall under Article 75, arguing it was not a “solemn form” agreement but rather one concluded through “mere diplomatic notes.” 

However, the Supreme Court dismissed this position and ruled that every international agreement, no matter its form, requires parliamentary approval.

They expressed disappointment that the government is repeating the same act condemned by the Supreme Court nearly a decade ago. They argued that entering into a new MoU with the United States without parliamentary ratification undermines the rule of law.

“It is surprising that the current government, which superintended over this unconstitutional act, which was pronounced upon by the supreme court, will once again enter into a similar agreement with the same United States of America and proceed to receive foreign nationals into our country, pursuant to the said agreement, without regard to the clear constitutional requirement to seek parliamentary ratification,” the Minority stated.

Reports indicate that some of the deportees are being held against their will in detention centres and have initiated legal action against the Ghanaian government for breaches of their human rights. Despite this, about 40 more deportees are expected in the country under the MoU.

The Minority said the Minister for Foreign Affairs has described the arrangement as a memorandum of understanding that will only need parliamentary approval when elevated to the status of an agreement. But they dismissed that claim, insisting that “the constitution makes no such distinction between formal agreements and memorandum of understanding.”

Addressing the press, they warned that Ghana’s sovereignty, security, and diplomatic standing are all at risk, stressing that the government’s conduct raises grave concerns, and warns of serious foreign policy implications for Ghana. They stressed that the agreement undermines Ghana’s historic reputation for principled diplomacy and non-alignment.

They cautioned that hosting West African deportees from the United States could damage Ghana’s image across the continent and associate the country with immigration policies widely described as harsh and discriminatory.

“The decision to serve as a receiving point for West African deportees against their wishes with emphasis from the United States, risks our country being perceived as aligning itself with the United States government’s current immigration enforcement regime, one which has been criticized as harsh and discriminatory,” the Minority stated.

Reiterating their call for government to suspend the agreement, they emphasized the importance of Parliament’s role in ratifying international commitments. The Minority said until proper constitutional procedures are followed, implementing the MoU is unconstitutional and exposes the country to significant risks. 

“Langa Langa:” Dr. Ohene Aku Kwapong Proposes New Ghanaian Language

By
Ivy Hollys
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a new language

A bold proposal has emerged in Ghana’s public discourse as Dr. Hene Aku Kwapong suggests the creation of a new Ghanaian language. His idea seeks to merge Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani into what he calls “Langa Langa.” According to him, the proposal is part of a three-model structure that has proven successful in other countries.

Dr. Kwapong pointed to countries such as South Korea and Singapore, where governments streamlined multiple languages to promote unity and identity. He said Ghana could adopt the same approach.

Dr. Kwapong revealed that he has already compiled over 500 pages of material for the proposed language, which he calls “Langa Langa.”

He explained that the proposed structure would have three levels: a mother tongue, a national Ghanaian language (langa langa), and English. The new Ghanaian language, he said, would merge the four dominant local tongues into one. “I am proposing that we create a new language… I put together Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani,” he said.

National Institute for Language Development

Dr. Kwapong suggested that a national language institute could oversee the development and standardization of “Langa Langa.” He believes this would ensure the new language is properly taught, accepted, and implemented across all sectors of society.

He stressed that the initiative could transform the country by uniting citizens under a shared identity. “If we dare to be bold to do this, the transformation that can happen in this country will put us on the map,” he said.

English Versus Local Languages

On whether English already serves as a unifying language, Dr. Kwapong argued otherwise. He said English does not unite Ghanaians in the same way a locally rooted language could. In his view, the merger of existing Ghanaian languages would create a stronger cultural bond while promoting understanding across regions.

He compared the concept to national language reforms in Indonesia and Tanzania, insisting Ghana could also succeed if the political will exists.

He said adopting a common language could help preserve shared values for generations.

Galamsey’s Toxic Legacy: Water Pollution Causing Health Crisis in Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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mining in ghana_galamsey areas

Illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies, with increasingly dire consequences for public health. Recent accounts highlight a disturbing trend: individuals returning to Ghana after living abroad are experiencing severe health problems after using local water sources, even without directly drinking it.

One such case involves a Ghanaian who returned to the Central Region after three years abroad and was confronted with a harsh reality. Despite avoiding drinking tap water, the simple act of using it for brushing teeth and cooking resulted in constant stomach upset. This personal health crisis served as a stark reminder of the alarming scale of galamsey’s impact on everyday life in Ghana.

The Central Region, like many others across the country, has witnessed widespread contamination of rivers and streams. These once-clean water sources have been heavily polluted by chemicals used in galamsey operations, particularly mercury and other toxic substances. The result is a growing health emergency that extends far beyond the immediate mining zones.

The environmental degradation caused by galamsey has moved from being an abstract concern to a tangible threat affecting ordinary citizens. Many communities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, now rely on water sources that are no longer safe. The implications go beyond temporary illnesses. Scientific studies have confirmed that exposure to polluted water, especially containing heavy metals like mercury, poses long-term risks including organ damage, neurological issues, and developmental disorders in children.

Moreover, the broader environmental impact is staggering. Rivers that once sustained agriculture and served as the primary source of potable water have turned brown and toxic, unable to support aquatic life or human consumption. Forests have been cleared, land eroded, and biodiversity destroyed — all in the name of illegal gold extraction.

Health professionals have raised alarm over the potential rise in chronic illnesses linked to the consumption and usage of contaminated water. Children born in these heavily polluted regions may face lifelong health challenges due to prenatal exposure to harmful substances. The cumulative effect of such exposure is expected to create a public health crisis that could burden the healthcare system for generations.

Despite numerous promises and public commitments, the government’s efforts to combat galamsey appear inconsistent and, in some cases, compromised. Critics argue that enforcement agencies and some policymakers are either conflicted or lack the political will to address the issue decisively. While arrests and equipment seizures have occasionally made headlines, the illegal operations continue to thrive, often returning in new forms or shifting to new locations.

Calls for more drastic measures are gaining momentum. Some have advocated for the declaration of a national state of emergency to galvanize action and draw attention to the scale of the crisis. Environmental advocates stress that only bold and urgent intervention will halt the environmental destruction and protect the nation’s water resources.

Ghana’s future is at stake. Without clean water, public health, agriculture, and economic development all suffer. If galamsey continues unchecked, the cost will not only be environmental but also generational, with irreversible consequences for those yet to be born.
The fight against galamsey is not just about stopping illegal miners; it is a battle for the soul of the nation’s environment and the health of its people.

Next Phase of IMF Review Begins in Ghana on September 29.

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana imf programme

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission is expected to arrive in Ghana on September 29, 2025, to begin the 5th review of Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported economic reform programme. This mission marks a critical checkpoint as the country nears the end of its three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement, set to conclude in May 2026.

The upcoming review will evaluate Ghana’s performance since the completion of the 4th review earlier in the year. It will also determine whether Ghana qualifies for its next disbursement of approximately $360 million, expected in October 2025. To date, Ghana has received around $2.3 billion under the $3 billion programme, which began in 2023.

A Penultimate Test for Economic Stability

This 5th review serves as the penultimate assessment before the final review scheduled for April 2026. Some financial analysts and development partners have raised concerns that Ghana may struggle to maintain fiscal discipline once IMF oversight ends. As a result, there is growing pressure to implement structural safeguards—or “shock absorbers”—to help cushion the economy post-programme.

Despite these concerns, government sources have emphasized that measures are already in place to maintain fiscal credibility and macroeconomic stability beyond May 2026. Officials have indicated that budgetary controls, improved revenue mechanisms, and investor engagement strategies are being strengthened to reassure markets.

Focus Areas of the 5th IMF Review

 The IMF mission will focus primarily on economic data up to June 2025, with a particular emphasis on Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators, financial sector health, and public finance management. Eight key areas have been identified for assessment:

  1. Inflation performance
  2. Sustainability of reserve build-up
  3. Audit of arrears
  4. Recapitalization of weak private sector banks
  5. Support for state-owned banks
  6. Fiscal shortfalls
  7. Arrears in statutory funds
  8. Shortfalls in social spending

Ghana’s current IMF programme was approved in May 2023, under a 36-month ECF arrangement worth SDR 2.242 billion (about $3 billion). The programme is designed to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild buffers, and set the country back on a path of inclusive growth.

The IMF programme is structured around several core objectives, including fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, inflation control, exchange rate and reserve stability, financial sector resilience and private sector development.

Whether Ghana can transition smoothly from IMF oversight to self-sustained discipline remains a central question. For now, the IMF’s assessment will serve as both a mirror and a milestone.

The Rising Cost of Politics and Its Impact on Leadership Skills in Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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leadership skills

Leadership skills are becoming less recognized in Ghana’s politics as financial resources increasingly determine who gets the chance to lead. According to the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), it now takes about 200 million dollars to win the presidency.

At an event in Accra, CDD-Ghana’s Executive Director, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, cautioned that the growing cost of politics could shut out individuals who possess strong leadership skills and a clear vision for the nation but lack the financial means. He noted that this troubling trend risks turning politics into an exclusive space for the wealthy, undermining democracy and development.

The challenge is not limited to presidential elections. Parliamentary races, party primaries, and even local elections are becoming too expensive. This makes it nearly impossible for individuals with leadership skills and innovative ideas to compete. As a result, many citizens now view politics as being more about wealth than about genuine service to the country.

leadership skills demonstrated by a man

The same issue is visible in universities across Ghana. Student leadership contests, such as SRC elections, are increasingly shaped by financial power. Candidates with bigger budgets can afford glossy posters, branded T-shirts, and high-profile campaigns. Students who demonstrate leadership skills but cannot match these financial displays are often sidelined, reinforcing the belief that money outweighs competence. By the time such students enter national politics, many already see money—not leadership skills—as the ultimate path to success.

CDD-Ghana has called for urgent reforms in campaign financing and stricter rules within political parties. Such reforms would allow leadership skills to shine through, create fairer opportunities for aspiring leaders, and protect Ghana’s democracy from being dominated by money.

If these changes are not made, Ghana risks developing a political system where financial power overshadows leadership skills, leaving capable leaders excluded. The critical question now is whether the country will embrace reforms to protect its democracy or allow money to fully dictate its leadership future.

Sudden Demolition Leaves Mechanics and Residents of Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu Auto Shop in Despair

By
Ivy Hollys
-

A cluster of auto mechanic shops at Amakom, a suburb of Kumasi, faced a sudden and devastating demolition at dawn on Tuesday, 23rd September. The shops, known as Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu, have been in existence for nearly 60 years, serving customers and training countless young people aspiring to become mechanics.

For decades, the mechanics operated on several acres of land without legal documentation, sustaining their families and livelihoods from the proceeds of their work. However, without prior notice, a group of police officers accompanied by unidentified thugs stormed the area with bulldozers and other heavy machinery, razing structures and displacing both workers and residents who lived on the land.

One resident, recounting the incident, said:

“I was in my room when I heard loud noises of destruction. I rushed out to see police officers and thugs forcing people out of their homes. They didn’t even care about a neighbor of mine with a five-month-old baby who is already struggling to make ends meet. This is unfair. Why didn’t they give us prior notice so we could relocate?”

The expressions of those affected reflected deep bitterness and disappointment, with many left uncertain about where they would lay their heads.

“At dawn, one of my trainees called to inform me that police officers and thugs were destroying our setups. But we actually have an unfinished court case with a woman of God over this land dispute. I have many children to feed and educate, and this workshop is my only source of income. We received no prior notice—it just happened suddenly. I honestly don’t know how to start over.”

A mechanic specializing in car spraying, who was also a victim, shared his frustration:

Another mechanic, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, explained:

“Around 4am, police officers and thugs approached us, demanding we evacuate the land immediately. Some of our leaders were arrested and taken away to an unknown location. They told us Otumfuo had sold the land. Even if that were true, why didn’t they notify us beforehand? They showed us no legal documents but insisted they were acting on orders from above, threatening to beat us if we resisted. We complied because the system does not favor the voiceless.”

The demolition did not only destroy properties but also left children, residents, traders, and workers traumatized and in despair.

A trader who has operated in the area for over 20 years also voiced her distress:

“I have been selling here since sachet water wasn’t even on the market. Now I don’t know how to earn money to support my child in university. Should I resort to a promiscuous life just to survive? I knew the landowner might one day reclaim it, but I never expected it to be in such a harsh and ruthless manner.”

The sudden demolition of Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu has not only wiped away decades of work but also shattered the hopes of many who relied on the land for survival.

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