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News

GRA Arrests Nine Public Officers Over Undeclared Tramadol at Tema Port

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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has arrested nine public officers following the interception of a large consignment of undeclared Tramadol at the Tema Port. The officers, who are currently on Police inquiry bail, include five Customs officers, one officer from the Narcotics Control Commission, one Port Security officer, one Energy Commission officer, and one Standards Authority officer. According to the GRA, the seizure occurred on February 26, 2026, after an operation led by the Preventive Unit of the Customs Division. The exercise resulted in the interception of a container loaded with 299 cartons containing 146,932,000 tablets of undeclared Tramadol Hydrochloride. The Authority further disclosed that the importer and declarant have been handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations, while the seized consignment remains under Customs control. The GRA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security, protecting public health, and preserving the integrity of Ghana’s revenue and border management systems.

Live Events, News

GTCD commissions Ghana’s first-ever Campus Tourism Office at UG

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The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has commissioned Ghana’s first-ever Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Southern Gate of Legon Hall on Monday, March 3, 2026, brought together key stakeholders in the tourism and creative arts sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Tourism Federation, and members of the academic community. Speaking at the event,the President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran, emphasized the Federation’s openness to collaboration, noting the interdependent nature of work in the tourism sector. “So we are ever ready, willing to collaborate. They saw together the duty to promote our country.We will focus on how we coordinate the groundwork, so when the visitors come to Ghana,you will have an unforgettable experience.“ Also addressing attendees, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority stated that the facility will serve not only as a point of connection for students and industry players but also as an information and resource centre to promote tourism opportunities across the country. “I am delighted to be here with all the important people and today we are here to witness this.This is a beautiful office that we have waited here. It is a beautiful point of connection for anybody who is interested in tourism or commerce.It is a beautiful information centre as well.“ Delivering her remarks, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie stated that the establishment of the Campus Tourism Office forms part of government’s broader strategy to deepen youth participation in tourism and position the sector as a viable driver of economic growth and job creation. The Minister explained that establishment of the hub is a strategic move for national development. “So, for national development, this decision to have this here, I’m saying it’s not a peripheral addition, it is a strategic tool for national development.“ She further encouraged all tourism agencies to work together, emphasizing that the work of the sector cannot be done in silos. “Kobby , thank you very much. You and your GTDC and all the 13 agencies under the ministry are doing very well. I urge you all to continue working together.The collaboration is important. We cannot work in silos because all of that belongs to the same mother that is the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Culture.” Receiving the facility on behalf of the University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo said the partnership aligns with the University’s strategic vision and strengthens its mandate to produce globally competent graduates who remain firmly grounded in African culture and identity. The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the University of Ghana, marks a strategic move to directly engage Ghana’s youth and academic community in tourism development. The office will function as a dedicated hub to promote student travel, cultural exchange, and experiential learning centered on Ghana’s rich heritage.

Energy

Energy Minister Engages Petroleum Stakeholders on Fuel Security Amid Middle East Crisis

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The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor , has held a high-level meeting with key petroleum stakeholders across the sector to assess the potential impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on the country’s fuel security. The engagement which took place on March 3,2026 brought together representatives from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), BOSTEnergies, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), and other industry players. Discussions during the engagement centered around heightened global oil market volatility and the possible implications of the Middle East tensions for domestic fuel pricing and consumer welfare. The Minister emphasized the need to be proactive in safeguarding Ghana’s energy supply, noting that contingency measures are being reviewed and strengthened to minimise any potential adverse effects from the current geopolitical tensions. The Minister also directed the National Petroleum Authority, as the downstream sector regulator, to intensify market surveillance and maintain close coordination with industry stakeholders to ensure any anticipated supply disruptions are mitigated swiftly and effectively. He further charged all sector agencies to maintain adequate strategic fuel stocks, monitor international developments closely, and ensure stable nationwide distribution. Dr Jinapor assured the public that the government remains fully committed to protecting Ghana’s energy supply security, exploring all necessary measures to ensure sustained fuel availability and mitigate undue hardship on consumers.

Economy, News

24-Hour Economy Secretariat Partners Venture Capital Trust Fund to Boost Ghanaian Businesses

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The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat has announced a strategic partnership with the Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund to strengthen support for Ghanaian businesses. The collaboration, disclosed in an X post on March 2, 2026, is aimed at providing businesses with the capital required to scale up operations, expand sustainably, and create jobs. According to the Secretariat, the partnership will prioritise patient financing, investment readiness, and stronger coordination between policy and capital — particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) positioned to operate at scale under the 24-Hour Economy policy. The Secretariat emphasised that the initiative is designed to transform productivity ambitions into investable and fully operational enterprises It further noted that the partnership forms part of broader government efforts to ensure the successful rollout of the 24-Hour Economy programme.  

Economic Reports, News

Latest Afrobarometer Reports Shows Russia Lags Behind Global Powers in African Perception

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Afrobarometer has revealed in its latest report that fewer than four in ten Africans view Russia’s economic and political influence in their countries as positive — significantly lower than perceptions of China, the United States, and major international organisations. According to the study, which gathered data from 38 countries across the continent, 36% of respondents described Russia’s influence as “somewhat positive” or “very positive,” while 23% viewed it as somewhat or very negative. A notable 42% did not offer an assessment. Comparatively, Russia ranks well below other global and regional actors in positive perception. China recorded 62%, regional economic organisations 56%, the African Union 55%, the United States 52%, and the European Union 50%. The report further indicated that among the seven in ten Africans who said they are aware of the Russia–Ukraine war, 72% believe their countries should remain neutral. Mali was the only surveyed country where a majority (72%) expressed support for one side which is Russia. Afrobarometer is a trusted, independent research network that collects reliable data on Africans’ views regarding democracy, governance, and quality of life. Through regular, face-to-face surveys conducted in multiple countries, it provides credible insights into public opinion across the continent.

News, Economy

Government Can Now Issue New Domestic Bonds Following Expiry of 2023 Restrictions

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  The Ministry of Finance has announced the expiration of the restrictions on new domestic bond issuance. In a Statement released on March 2,2026 the Ministry explained that the three year restrictions which was imposed in 2023 as a result of debt default that preceded the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and hence prevented the government from issuing new bonds has now expired. The Ministry also added that the expiration of the restrictions comes at a time where inflation is low, investor confidence is improving , macroeconomic environment is strong, supported by a robust medium-term debt management strategy and significant buffers. The statement also highlighted the government’s performance since 2025 having honored every coupon payment and obligation under the restructured bonds. The Ministry also explained that the expiration of the restrictions not only paves the way for the government to issue more domestic bonds but also help in reducing the government’s dependence on Treasury bills to finance its budget. The Ministry then commended Ghanians for their for their forbearance and cooperation during the restriction on domestic bond issuance .      

News

Ghana Embassy in Qatar Urges Nationals to Register for Emergency Preparedness Amid Middle East Tensions

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The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Doha, Qatar has urged all Ghanaian nationals residing in Qatar who are yet to partake in the registration as part of the ongoing emergency preparedness measures to do so. In a statement released on Monday, 2nd March, 2026 the Embassy explained that the registration process is necessary to ensure effective communication, assistance or possible evacuation arrangements for Ghanaian citizens amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and USA which has left other countries like Qatar in the region affected. The Embassy stated that all Ghanaians in the region including students, workers, families, and visitors are expected to complete the registration via the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAlpQLSfWvvyOXOBD0fnVaK-QXr- The Embassy expressed its commitment to supporting Ghanaian residents in Qatar and assured them that information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for official emergency and consular purposes.

News, World

Government urges Ghanaians to avoid Non- Essentials travels to and from Middle East Amid Ongoing Tensions

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The Government of Ghana has urged all Ghanaians to avoid non essentials travels to and from the Middle East amid ongoing tensions between Iran and US and Israel . The government also through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Ghanaian nationals who find themselves in the region particularly Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to remain indoors where possible,comply with directives issued by local authorities and remain vigilant at all times. The Ministry also encouraged nationals in these affected areas to avoid large gatherings, stay clear of sensitive locations , closely monitor official communications, most importantly keep travel documents readily accessible and maintain contact with the nearest Ghana diplomatic mission. The ministry further highlighted that an emergency preparedness plan has been activated and assessment are ongoing concerning the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals where necessary. The Government of Ghana also called on all parties to return to diplomatic engagement in the interest of protecting lives, ensuring economic stability and lasting regional peace. The Ministry then urged Ghanaian nationals requiring emergency consular support to contact: Ghana +233 240 913 284 +233 240 793 072 Israel +972 54 931 6007 Kuwait +965 256 211 59 +965 515 027 93 United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi +971 50702 2055 United Arab Emirates – Dubai +971 56165 7159 Qatar +974 5111 9817 +974 5575 5816 +974 5054 1911 Iran +98 992 656 6203  

Telecommunications

MTN Foundation to Hand Over Expanded A&E Block to Ho Teaching Hospital

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The MTN Foundation, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, is expected to hand over an expanded Accident & Emergency (A&E) Block at Ho Teaching Hospital to the people of Ho. The ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility in supporting community development and social impact initiatives across Ghana. The handing-over ceremony will bring together key stakeholders, traditional authorities, community leaders, health professionals, and representatives of the MTN Foundation to celebrate the completion of the project. The newly constructed block, which began in June 2024, features modern equipment aimed at enhancing emergency medical care, improving accessibility, and ensuring convenience for patients, staff, and visitors, while improving patient outcomes in the region. The initiative, according to the Foundation, reaffirms its commitment to supporting impactful interventions that enable communities to access quality healthcare services and drive meaningful progress in Ghana.      

Telecommunications

5G Rollout Set for 6th March 2027

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Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations of Ghana, Samuel Nartey George, has stated that the country is expected to achieve 70% 5G rollout by 6th March 2027. Speaking during a media engagement after the President’s delivery of the State of the Nation Address, the Minister clarified that the 70% rollout refers to population coverage and not geographic coverage of 70% of the country’s land area. “But I’m giving an indication to the regulator that by the time Ghana turns 70 on 6th of March next year, 2027, I want to have or see the rollout of 5G within 70% of our population density. Not geographic 70% coverage. Population density in terms of location of handsets and we’ll do that. So Ghana will have 70% 5G rollout.” He also explained that Cabinet has granted the Ministry the authority to remove exclusivity in the wholesale 5G model. ““I announced at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the NCA that cabinet has given us authorisation to take out the exclusivity in the wholesale model. “ He added that the delay in the rollout is a result of the legal processes that must be undertaken, which are currently being followed. “There are a number of steps that the law says we must go through notification and all of that so we’re going through that process “ He further stated that there will be a fresh 5G auction, which will be conducted without prejudice to the existing 5G wholesale model. “You have my word on that. The regulator is going to work. We’re going to do a fresh 5G auction and without any prejudice to the wholesale model that exists already.” The Minister assured that government remains committed to expanding digital infrastructure and improving nationwide connectivity through the phased rollout of 5G technology.