LATEST ARTICLES

Movement For Change Outlines Key Concerns, Solutions For Ghana’s Development

0

The Movement for Change, a leading political force in Ghana, has addressed a press conference outlining its stance on current and emerging issues dominating the country’s political landscape.

Lawyer Andrew Appiah Dankwa, spokesperson for the movement, highlighted five key areas of concern, including the dynamics of Parliament, appointments to key positions in government, corruption, constitutional reforms, and the economy.

Regarding Parliament, the movement emphasized the need for the majority to exercise their power with discretion and demonstrate commitment to accountability and transparency. The minority, led by the NPP, was also urged to hold the government accountable without grandstanding or adopting a disruptive posture.

On appointments to key positions, the movement commended the president for reducing the number of ministerial appointments to 60, a significant policy shift. However, it cautioned that the quality of appointments must demonstrate a commitment to infusing new energy, dynamism, efficiency, and innovation in government business.

Corruption remains a significant challenge, and the movement proposed six practical policy measures to tackle it. These include creating an anti-corruption agency with full constitutional backing, consolidating anti-corruption legislation, compulsory asset declaration and lifestyle audits, transparent procurement systems, empowering citizens and civil society, and incentivizing whistleblowers.

The movement also emphasized the need for constitutional reforms, citing the lack of progress in implementing reforms extensively debated by various sections of Ghanaian society. It expressed hope that the president’s committee on constitutional reforms would yield meaningful results.

On the economy, the movement advised the Minister of Finance to undertake a complete overhaul of the national budget architecture, focusing on macroeconomic stability, catalytic investment in productive sectors, and providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to leverage private sector financing and investments.

Other key proposals included stabilizing the local currency, reducing food inflation, reviewing taxes and duties at the ports, and protecting the environment, particularly in addressing the issue of galamsey (illegal mining).

The movement concluded by urging the government to consider its proposed solutions, emphasizing that it is time for action to support Ghana’s development agenda.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Dr. Godfred Mawuli Tettey Applauds NDC Group for Rescinding Protest Against GPHA Appointment

0

The Convenor of the Indigenous Freight Forwarders, Dr. Godfred Mawuli Tettey, has expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) group in Tema and Ashaiman for their decision to call off a planned demonstration against the appointment of Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono as the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

Describing the move as a “true mark of leadership and patriotism,” Dr. Tettey commended the group for choosing dialogue over confrontation. He noted that their ability to reconsider their stance and instead extend a congratulatory visit to the new GPHA Director-General was a step in the right direction.

“Your ability to listen to counsel and embrace dialogue instead of confrontation demonstrates your commitment to the greater good of our nation and the well-being of the people of Tema, Ashaiman, and the entire port community,” Tettey stated. “It is a positive step toward fostering unity, peace, and collaboration, which are crucial in advancing the President’s vision of resetting Ghana for economic progress.”

Dr. Tettey further urged all NDC supporters in Tema, freight forwarders, and the larger port community to have faith in the President’s decisions regarding key national appointments. He emphasized that the appointments were made with the goal of revitalizing Ghana’s economic structures, particularly the maritime sector.

“These appointees have been placed in positions of responsibility not for personal gain but to serve the interests of all Ghanaians,” he said. “It is, therefore, imperative that we support them and allow them to execute their mandates effectively.”

His appeal follows initial concerns raised by some NDC members in Tema and Ashaiman, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of a military officer to head the GPHA. Many believed the position should have gone to a local candidate, given Tema’s significant contribution to the party’s electoral success. However, after engaging with stakeholders and considering Tettey’s call for patience, the NDC group withdrew their protest plans and opted to extend their support to the new appointee.

While commending the NDC leadership for their cooperation, Dr. Tettey also called on all newly appointed officials, particularly those in the maritime sector, to exhibit diligence and efficiency in their duties.

“We expect nothing less than excellence in service delivery and policy implementation from the new leadership of institutions like the Ghana Shippers Authority, the Ghana Maritime Authority, and GPHA,” he stated. “Their performance will determine the success of the administration’s broader vision of making the port sector more efficient and beneficial to all Ghanaians.”

With tensions now eased and the leadership of the aggrieved NDC members throwing their support behind the new GPHA boss, industry players are hopeful for a more collaborative approach to managing Tema’s port operations.

Dr. Tettey reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that will benefit the freight forwarding community and the people of Tema. He urged all stakeholders to rally behind the government’s vision and work collectively towards improving Ghana’s ports and economic prospects.

“Let us continue working together to build a stronger, more prosperous Ghana,” he concluded.

The recent appointments in the maritime sector are seen as crucial to Ghana’s economic agenda, and all eyes will now be on the new leadership to deliver on their mandate and enhance the efficiency of the country’s ports.

Raphael Nyarkotey Obu’s Legal and Ethical Controversy: The Facts Behind his false Allegations

0

The Traditional Medicine Practice Council recently petitioned the National Security to investigate Raphael Nyarkotey Obu for alleged violations of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000 (Act 575), specifically Section 39.

1. Among other things, the said Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is practicing traditional medicine (which includes complementary/alternative medicine) without licence and other relevant certificates and authorization in breach of the said section 2 of the Act 575.

2. Among other things, the said Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is also operating a tertiary institution and offering courses in naturopathy, an aspect of a traditional medicine, without Professional licence, accreditation or necessary documentation from TMPC.

3. It is further said that, the said Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, knowing very well that, his activities fall under the control and supervision of TMPC, initially obtained accreditation from TMPC but has subsequently failed to renew the said accreditation and/or documentation upon expiration of same and for that matter running that tertiary institution with an expired professional accreditation, an offence punishable under Act 575 of section 39 of the TMPC Act 2000.

4. In furtherance among other things, the said Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is also operating a tertiary institution using a curriculum that is not sanctioned or authorised by TMPC.

4. There is also a fact that, the said Raphael Nyarkotey Obu has also launched and is operating a herbal pharmacy without the necessary documentation, authorisation, authentication and/or licence from TMPC.

5. Nyarkotey Obu, first received license from this same Traditional Medicine Council on 28th day of February, 2017 which expired in 2018 of 28th February and has refused to renew for the past 7 years now.

6. His institution RNG HOLISTIC HOSPITAL AND PROSTATE RESEARCH LAB was also licensed on 26th day of February, 2017 and also expired same in 2018, 26th of February. And has since not renewed the licence and as to if the institution name still exist or changed either ways not in good standing thus illegal .

7. His last institution named Dr Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine was also issued an accreditation under this laws on November, 5th , 2018 and has since then not renewed the licence after expiration in 2019, November till date, and as to if the institution name still exist or changed either ways not in good standing thus illegal .

Following an interrogation, Obu was cautioned, and his case remains under investigation by National Security.

His call for the President Intervention on TMPC and it Registrar, is as a result of an invitation by the National Security to interrogate him for various offenses in breach of the traditional medicine practice ACT 2000 (ACT 575) section 39.

Raphael Obu, despite his claims, is not a licensed lawyer in Ghana. Though he introduces himself as a lawyer, he is, in fact, a legal practitioner from Gambia, which is in violation of Ghana’s legal practices.

This misleading behavior has raised serious concerns, as it can deceive the public and undermine the legal and health systems in Ghana.

Instead of addressing these allegations and cooperating with the authorities, Obu has taken to social media to spread falsehoods about the council.

His actions are seen as a threat to public health and safety, promoting illegal practices under the guise of professionalism.

President Mahama Stop Scamming Ghanaians On The Invasion Of Ofori-Atta’s Home

0

The People voted for John Dramani Mahama as President to be faithful and true to the Republic of Ghana and to dedicate himself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of  Ghana and to do right to all manner of persons, and not to scam the people of Ghana with the barefaced lies and media propaganda being peddled about regarding the ill fated raid led by Richard Jakpa into Ken Ofori-Atta’s home, and the shameful performance of the President’s friend, Kissi Agyebeng, to achieve parochial political objectives.

The appointment of Richard Jakpa as the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat on 31 January 2025 gave him no power to lead a raid into a suspect’s home in Rambo style under the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030). The National Security Coordinator does not have the power under Act 1030 to apply for a warrant from any court of law under section 34 of the Act, so how could Richard Jakpa’s “involvement in the raid on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence last week” settle the controversy as reported by Joy News with source as Adomonline.com at 4:18 yesterday?

The power and the circumstances in which to apply for a warrant under Act 1030 is apportioned to a Director-General of an intelligence agency or an employee designated by the Director-General who has reasonable grounds to believe that a warrant is required to enable the agency to perform a function under the Act and it is exercisable by the Director-General or the designated employee. One may apply for a warrant of arrest or search warrant or both simultaneously.  

The Act states in the interpretation section that: ’“Director-General” means the Director-General of an intelligence agency”’ while ‘“employee” means a person who is appointed as an employee of an intelligence agency or has become an employee of an agency under this Act whether by transfer, secondment or otherwise”’.

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Research Department are the only agencies “continued in existence under this Act as the Internal and External Intelligence Agencies of the State” under section 12 of Act 1030. Consequently, a Director-General of an intelligence agency can only mean one of those two Directors-General. 

The appointment of Richard Jakpa as Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat does not make him an employee of one of the two Intelligence Agencies let alone to have been designated to apply for a warrant and to lead an execution of a lawful warrant at the Rambo style raid of Ken Ofori-Atta’s home. The supervising body of the two Intelligence Agencies that have the power to apply for warrants is the National Security Council and not the National Security Secretariat or the National Security Coordinator.     

The government’s attempt to scam the people of Ghana just demonstrates the very high level of contempt and disrespect in which President Mahama and his appointees exercising the executive authority now hold the people of Ghana even in the teeth of the fact that under Act 1030 the application for the warrant would have had to specify “(a) the facts relied on to justify the belief, or reasonable grounds, that a warrant is required to enable the intelligence agency to investigate a threat to security or to perform functions under this Act” which functions are clearly spelt out under section 14 thereof.

I know as a matter of fact that before the raid on Ken Ofori-Atta’s home, a warrant of arrest for Ken Ofori-Atta was applied for and granted despite the fact that his absence from Ghana should have been known by the applicant. There was no application for a search warrant so none was granted. This explains the deliberate government disinformation to the people of Ghana planted in and carried by Joy News states that: “However information gathered indicates that he had a warrant and did not break into Mr. Ofori-Atta’s house, as his security guard gave the team access”, when the CCTV footages showed terrified children and other occupants of Ken Ofori-Atta’s home being marched about and out of his home at gun point by Richard Jakpa who was appointed as Director of Special Operations just eleven days previously. The security guard who gave access must have a name, so why hide it, if the narrative is true?     

The justification for the dehumanizing and unlawful raid of Ken Ofori-Atta’s home in the morning of Tuesday, 11 February 2025 in tandem with the declaration of him by the Special Prosecutor as a fugitive from justice from Ghana planted and reported by Joy News stating that: “As Director of Special Operations, Mr. Jakpa will supervise the planning and execution of covert and overt operations and develop early warning systems for emerging threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime” are barefaced lies and banal propaganda from the government to scam the people of Ghana who placed their trust in John Mahama to be the President of Ghana on 7 December 2024.

President John Mahama as the repository of the executive power and authority has some explanation to do on why a warrant of arrest would be obtained in respect of a person whom the government knew was outside Ghana at the time the warrant of arrest was applied for. The government can scam Ghanaians with deception, disinformation, misinformation, and blatantly dirty propaganda but it cannot run away from the fact that it has records from the flight manifests and documents required of persons departing and entering Ghana through Kotoka International Airport (KIA) or the approved exit points of Ghana. In the case of “high-profile person” such as Ken Ofori-Atta, to borrow Kissi Agyebeng’s description, there exists daily, weekly, and monthly security briefs that contain when they depart and re-enter Ghana while in public service or retired from public service. 

The President and the National Security Secretariat which employed Richard Jakpa hold records of the movements of the so called high-profile persons, apart from the daily, weekly, and monthly security briefs submitted to the President himself and others. The NIB, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and other security agencies have their own records and security briefings on such high-profile persons at the disposal of the executive authority. This explains the necessity for the President to deal at arms length with the people of Ghana by establishing an independent enquiry into the raid on Ken Ofori-Atta’s home on the morning of 11 February 2025 instead of empowering his appointees to lie to Ghanaians to cover-up for a botched operation exposed by CCTV records.  

Media and other open-source platforms abound with statements by recent appointees of the President condemning Ken Ofori-Atta in very inhumane and degrading words and supporting the raid on his home in his absence abroad and his being declared a fugitive from Ghanaian justice. The impression any objective non-partisan person dedicated to the rule of law and the due process of law gets is that the President has let lose his underlings including the Special Prosecutor to exact street justice on Ken Ofori-Atta while scamming Ghanaians with lies to cover-up the jungle justice being meted out to him.  

It is shameful that the President and some of his high-profile appointees find nothing wrong with supporting this unjustifiable situation where the recently appointed Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, files a notice of abandonment of appeal on 24 Janaury2025 in the Supreme Court at 3:00 pm in respect of the Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa pending case, and followed six days later with Richard Jakpa being appointed Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat to give him a pretext to lead the raid on the home of Ken Ofori Atta eleven days after his politically induced public service appointment.                 

President John Dramani Mahama if you are not part of the exhibition of the coup mentality by your appointees and other underlings of your government, then you need to crack the whip to call them to order, and to redeem your image by setting up an independent enquiry to establish the true facts no matter where the truth may lead. We the People want a Ghana that is reset forward and not backwards as all the indications are pointing to. Mr. President the time to act is, now!

Martin A. B. K. Amidu

19 February 2025 

Ghanaian Students’ Exodus: Survey Highlights Workforce Readiness Crisis in Africa

0

A striking 73% of Ghanaian students plan to leave Africa after completing their education, according to a groundbreaking survey by the African Leadership University (ALU), underscoring deepening concerns over “brain drain” and the alignment of higher education with economic needs.

The 2025 Africa Workforce Readiness Survey, which polled nearly 8,000 employers and students across nine African nations, reveals a stark disconnect between Ghanaian employers’ expectations and graduates’ preparedness, alongside waning confidence in the continent’s economic future.

Ghana’s results stand out for their contradictions. While 99% of students intend to pursue higher education—a near-universal aspiration—only 40% plan to study within Africa, the lowest rate among surveyed countries. Even fewer, just 27%, envision staying on the continent post-graduation, second only to Côte d’Ivoire’s 19%. This exodus coincides with employer skepticism: only 38% of Ghanaian businesses believe new graduates can drive growth, with 78% citing brain drain as a critical threat to Africa’s development.

The survey exposes a mismatch in priorities. Seventy-one percent of Ghanaian employers urge universities to prioritize leadership development, while nearly half call for enhanced technical training and mentorship programs. Yet students rank work experience as their top criterion for choosing schools (62%), followed by acquiring skills to pursue passions (34%). Popular career sectors like engineering, banking, and technology reflect youth ambitions, but employers report gaps: 13% note a lack of entrepreneurial skills among hires, while analytical thinking and communication abilities top their wishlists.

“Higher education must bridge the gap between classrooms and boardrooms,” said ALU CEO Veda Sunassee. “Africa’s potential hinges on equipping youth with leadership, problem-solving, and real-world collaboration skills.”

Both employers and students express unease about the future. Just 41% of Ghanaian businesses feel optimistic about Africa’s economy—third lowest after Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa—while 56% of students share cautious hope. Over half of students fear a lack of jobs post-graduation, and 32% worry about inadequate experience. Artificial intelligence amplifies concerns: 35% of students view AI as a career threat, and 61% of employers predict it will reduce job opportunities, though some see potential for innovation.

ALU’s recommendations urge universities to overhaul curricula, emphasizing soft skills, technical training, and partnerships with employers for internships or apprenticeships. Public-private collaborations to fund programs and infrastructure are deemed critical, alongside ongoing assessments to track progress in closing skills gaps.

The findings arrive as Africa’s youth population surges, with the continent projected to house one-third of the global workforce by 2100. For Ghana, balancing educational reform, economic revitalization, and retention of talent emerges as a defining challenge. Without swift action, the survey warns, the promise of a demographic dividend risks dissolving into a crisis of unmet potential.

“This isn’t just about degrees—it’s about creating ecosystems where young Africans can thrive locally,” Sunassee emphasized. “The time to act is now.”

X Raises Premium+ Subscription to $50 Monthly Following Grok 3 Rollout

0

Social media platform X has sharply increased the cost of its Premium+ subscription tier to $50 per month, a move announced hours after debuting its advanced artificial intelligence model, Grok 3.

The updated pricing, now listed on X’s support page, also includes an annual payment option of $350—a significant jump from earlier rates. This marks the second price adjustment in under a year, following a December 2023 increase from $16 to $22 monthly. Over the past six months, long-term subscribers have seen their costs more than double, sparking questions about the platform’s evolving monetization strategy.

The rollout has been marred by inconsistencies, however. While some users see the new $50 rate prominently displayed, others encounter conflicting figures during sign-up, including prices as low as $39.83 per month or $40 at checkout. This lack of uniformity has fueled confusion, with critics accusing X of opaque pricing practices.

Compounding the controversy, X’s parent company, xAI, has introduced a separate subscription tier called SuperGrok, which unlocks the full suite of Grok 3’s capabilities. Premium+ users will only receive basic access to the AI tool, while advanced features like “deep search” and enhanced reasoning remain exclusive to SuperGrok subscribers. Analysts suggest this tiered approach aims to segment users, reserving cutting-edge tools for those willing to pay a premium.

The pricing overhaul reflects X’s aggressive push to monetize its AI investments. By tying advanced functionality to higher subscription tiers, the platform appears to prioritize revenue growth while testing user loyalty. Yet the strategy carries risks. Frequent price hikes, coupled with unclear communication, could alienate casual users already wary of escalating costs. Industry observers note that X’s gamble hinges on whether its AI offerings—particularly Grok 3’s touted capabilities—deliver enough value to justify the steeper fees.

For now, the company remains silent on whether additional adjustments are planned. Subscribers, meanwhile, face a dilemma: pay more for partial access to new technology or seek alternatives in an increasingly competitive market. As platforms race to capitalize on AI advancements, X’s latest moves underscore the fine line between innovation and consumer trust.

Portable Declared Wanted Over Violent Attack on Police

0

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has been declared a wanted man by the Ogun State Police following a violent altercation with law enforcement.

‘The incident unfolded when police officials arrived at a building under construction to verify approved plans. After the father of the property owner said his son was unavailable, Portable suddenly appeared—armed with a firearm and flanked by nine associates—and launched a brutal attack on the unarmed officers.

Despite suffering injuries during the assault, the officers managed to retreat and promptly report the incident to the Ota Area Command. Authorities later arrested all nine of Portable’s accomplices, while the singer himself escaped and has since gone into hiding. Multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters have been ignored, prompting the police to secure a valid court order naming him as a wanted individual.

Ogun State Police Spokesperson Omolola Odutola has called on the public for help in locating Portable, warning that anyone found harboring or assisting him will face legal consequences. This incident has ignited widespread concern and sparked debate over accountability in the music industry and the broader implications for public safety.

The case not only underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with high-profile figures but also raises questions about the influence of celebrity in such confrontations. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how justice will be served and whether the ripple effects of this violent episode will prompt further scrutiny of public conduct and accountability in Nigeria.

Mahama Warns Appointees Over Asset Declarations

0

President John Dramani Mahama has taken a firm stance on accountability, warning his appointees that failure to declare their assets by March 31 could lead to their dismissal.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday, February 18, at Jubilee House in Accra, Mahama submitted his completed Asset Declaration forms to the Auditor-General, setting a clear deadline for all officials.

The President’s directive is rooted in the constitutional requirement under Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that public office holders submit their asset declarations. This legal obligation, further detailed in the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act of 1998, applies to a wide range of officials—from the President and Vice-President to ministers, judicial officers, ambassadors, and other key public servants.

Mahama’s uncompromising message comes amid increasing calls for transparency within the government. By insisting on strict adherence to these rules, he aims to prevent any potential misuse of power and curb financial exploitation. Critics and supporters alike view this move as a necessary step toward reinforcing ethical conduct in public office.

Social media reactions have been swift, with users echoing the President’s commitment to accountability. Observers note that the emphasis on asset declaration reflects a broader effort to restore public trust in government institutions, particularly after years of debate over financial mismanagement and corruption.

As the March 31 deadline looms, all appointees are now under pressure to comply with the constitutional mandate. Mahama’s decisive approach underscores his determination to lead an administration that prioritizes transparency and ethical governance, setting a rigorous standard for those entrusted with public office.

Kwarteng Explains Restructuring of Ghana’s PTAs

0

Former Education Ministry spokesperson Kwasi Kwarteng has dismissed claims that the Parents Teachers Association was scrapped by the previous government.

Instead, he explained that the PTA was restructured to better serve both students and parents, rather than being eliminated.

Kwarteng recalled that PTAs did exist under the former administration, albeit in a different format. He noted that the restructuring was designed to prevent financial exploitation that had, in some cases, adversely affected students’ academic progress. “The change was necessary to stop practices where parents who couldn’t pay dues were penalized—sometimes to the extent of being denied access to education or barred from classes and exams,” he said.

Before the reform, many PTAs had evolved into revenue-generating schemes. Recognizing the negative impact of such practices, the government had already alleviated financial burdens on parents through the Free Senior High School policy. This led to a strategic decision to redefine parental involvement by separating the Parent Association from the Teacher Association. Kwarteng emphasized that this change was meant to ensure that parental contributions remained voluntary, thereby protecting students from academic discrimination due to financial challenges.

His comments come shortly after the Education Minister announced plans to reintroduce the PTA into public schools. “I am particularly happy to announce that PTAs will be reintroduced into the management of education in Ghana under the presidency of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. This will enable parents and teachers to work together to improve learning outcomes and support the production of quality human capital for our country,” the Minister stated.

The decision to restructure and then reintroduce the PTA reflects a broader effort to address systemic issues within the education sector. Critics argue that previous practices created inequities, and Kwarteng’s clarification aims to reassure stakeholders that the new system is designed to foster collaboration without imposing undue financial burdens. As the country prepares to welcome the reformed PTA, education observers remain cautiously optimistic that these changes will lead to more inclusive and effective management of Ghana’s schools.

Read His Post Below

PTAs Were Never Abolished; They Were Restructured. NST is already implemented.

PTAs were in existence under the previous government but in different form. The only change was that it was restructured to prevent situations of financial exploitation of parents which affected the academic activities of their wards.

Before this reform, PTAs in some schools had turned into revenue-generating schemes, where students whose parents were unable to pay PTA dues were denied access to education, prevented from attending classes, or even barred from writing exams. Recognizing this, the government then, which had already relieved the financial obligations of parents through the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, took steps to redefine parental involvement.

The solution was to separate Parent Association (PA) from Teacher Association, ensuring that parental contributions & support remained voluntary and that no student faced academic discrimination or frustration due to inability of their parents to fulfill their financial obligations under the PTA. After this streamlining, Parent Associations maintained their collaboration with teachers & schools.

NST: A Policy Already Implemented

Similarly, the assertion that the NDC government is rather going to “introduce” a National Standardized Test (NST) is equally misleading. The NST initiative was first implemented in 2021 under the NPP Administration, with three nationwide assessments conducted as follows:

1. December 17, 2021– The first NST was administered to Primary 4 students, with 470,768 pupils from 15,391 schools participating. The results showed that 38% of students were proficient in English, a significant improvement from the 2% proficiency recorded in the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) conducted in 2015.

2. In 2023, the second NST assessed Primary 2 pupils in public and selected private schools.

3. Finally in July 2024, the third NST was conducted for 895,685 students at both Primary 4 and Primary 6 levels..

NPA Chief Pushes for Tema Oil Refinery Revival After Critical Facility Inspection

0

Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has intensified calls for the urgent revival of the dormant Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), following a high-level inspection of fuel installations in the port city of Tema.

Acting NPA CEO Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo, flanked by Deputy CEO Dr. Sheila Addo and senior officials, assessed operations at the Ghana Petroleum Mooring Systems Limited (GPMS), a key hub for transferring imported fuel from vessels to onshore storage terminals.

The visit, aimed at identifying bottlenecks in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, revealed persistent challenges, including aging infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. GPMS management detailed the technical complexities of fuel distribution, underscoring the strain on a system reliant on imports due to TOR’s prolonged shutdown.

Tamaklo did not mince words. “A functional TOR isn’t optional—it’s a national imperative,” he declared, stressing that reviving the refinery would curb Ghana’s dependence on price-volatile imported fuel, stabilize local markets, and generate thousands of jobs. His remarks come amid growing public frustration over sporadic fuel shortages and rising pump prices, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions.

Once a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy independence, TOR has languished for years under crippling debt, outdated machinery, and governance disputes. While government talks of restructuring and private investment persist, progress remains elusive. Tamaklo assured stakeholders of the NPA’s “full regulatory support” to fast-track solutions but stopped short of outlining a concrete timeline.

The push to resuscitate TOR intersects with broader concerns about Ghana’s energy security. With the nation spending over $2 billion annually on fuel imports, according to central bank data, analysts argue that a revived refinery could ease pressure on foreign reserves and insulate consumers from global oil shocks. Yet skepticism lingers. Past attempts to modernize TOR have collapsed under financial mismanagement, leaving industry observers cautious.

Tamaklo, however, struck an optimistic tone, vowing the NPA would prioritize streamlining fuel distribution and upgrading infrastructure to meet rising demand. “We cannot afford to gamble with our energy future,” he said.

As the government walks a tightrope between fiscal constraints and public expectation, the fate of TOR—and its ripple effects on Ghana’s economy—remains a defining challenge. For now, all eyes are on whether this latest pledge translates into action or joins a long list of unmet promises.

No specific deadlines for TOR’s reopening were disclosed during the inspection.