Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu

The Parliament of Ghana has suspended consideration of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025, to allow for further consultations with stakeholders.

The decision was on the request of the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The minister informed the House that the suspension was necessary to address concerns raised by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Education.

“Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the Office of the President related to me some concerns that have been communicated, and therefore Mr Speaker, I sought the chairman’s indulgence if we can stay further consideration as I do the consultation. As I indicated, on Tuesday we will engage the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Education,” the minister said.

The consultation, according to the minister, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to ensure stakeholder input is incorporated before the bill progresses.

The Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, laid before Parliament on July 8, 2025, aims to reform the country’s scholarship system by elevating the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat into a full-fledged authority.

The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate nepotism and cronyism in scholarship awards, ensuring allocations are based on merit and need, particularly in critical disciplines like science, mathematics, and education.

It includes provisions to end government-funded foreign scholarships for courses offered in Ghanaian universities, aiming to strengthen local institutions and promote fairness.

However, civil society groups, including Africa Education Watch, have raised concerns about the bill’s governance structure, arguing that it grants excessive executive control, which could undermine transparency efforts.

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Deputy CEO of DVLA Foster Akwasi Asante (L) and Alok Singhal of VFS Global (R)

A premium ultra-center for licensing and vehicle registration, offering expedited services, has officially opened.

Located in a prime area at Ring Road West in Accra, the centre, established through a partnership between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and VFS Global, aims to provide a comfortable, efficient, and convenient environment for applicants seeking DVLA services.

Speaking during a media tour at the DVLA office in Accra on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Foster Akwasi Asante, praised the state-of-the-art nature of the facility.

According to him, the ultra-center forms part of the Authority’s policy to collaborate with private businesses to improve service delivery and make these services more accessible to Ghanaians.

“The state of art is top-notch. I just informed the manager here that this is my first time, but it appears this is one of a kind. I’m really impressed. I’m amazed at how much it works. The ultra centers, as a policy, are getting the private partners to partner with governments in providing services to the masses, that is, our cherished customers,” he said.

He continued, “DVLA alone cannot take on this mandate because the workload will definitely overwhelm us. We are happy to have such partners, and I’m very glad to be here today to see what VFS is doing. DVLA, our mandate is to serve, and we are expected to bring our services to the doorsteps of our cherished customers. Bringing the services closer to the doorsteps of our cherished customers does not only show up the revenue of the states, but give out the service in the convenience of our cherished customers.”

Also speaking during the tour, Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa for VFS Global, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and what they have been able to achieve with the premium center.

Singhal highlighted how such partnerships could improve service delivery in the public sector, calling for more such initiatives to strengthen public services across the country.

“This is something that we have been planning for last several months and I’m really, really happy that we have been able to finally achieve because we wanted to showcase the kind of partnership that we have with DVLA in order to provide convenient access to the Ghanian citizens who wish to apply basically for their driving license as well as for vehicle registration.

“This facility is definitely a testament of how public services can be improved through a very strong public-private partnership, wherein we meet all the compliance requirements that are required by the authorities, but at the same time provide a world-class, excellent service to the Ghanian citizens,” he said.

He commended the premium center for its advanced digitalization and the technology adopted in its operations, which ensures speedy and efficient service delivery for the general public.

Additional services that Ghanaians can get are driver’s license renewal, replacement of licenses, amendment of records, missing license, international driving permit, foreign license conversion, vehicle registration, and International Vehicle Permit.

MAG/MA

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed that an amount of GH¢462 million has been disbursed to support the training allowances of 120,000 nursing students across the country.

This payment, which covers a six-month period, forms part of a broader initiative by the government to provide financial support to students in Nursing Training Colleges.

The allowance, which was a key commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 election campaign, has now been fulfilled, with payments beginning today and continuing through to next Friday.

The Ministry views this development as a significant step in improving the welfare of nursing trainees and sustaining the motivation of future health professionals.

It further aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector by ensuring that critical human resources receive the necessary support throughout their training.

The Ministry extended its appreciation to President Mahama for fulfilling his promise to the nurses, as well as to all stakeholders involved in facilitating the timely release and distribution of the funds.

It also reiterated its commitment to working closely with nursing institutions to ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare education across the country.

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor in a group photo with

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, paid a working visit to the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGC) as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagements with agencies under the ministry.

During the visit, the sector minister held discussions with the management and staff of GNGC on the company’s operational direction and strategic priorities.

Addressing the team, John Jinapor highlighted the vital role of natural gas in Ghana’s energy development and called for renewed efforts to boost domestic gas production.

“Gas is not merely a bridge fuel; it is a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy security and a driver of our economy,” he said.

“We must invest in infrastructure and improve delivery through the expansion of pipelines,” he added.

He mentioned that the government remains committed to building a resilient gas sector that supports power generation, industrialisation, and job creation.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a Minister, but as a partner in this vital endeavor. Your expertise, dedication and unwavering commitment are what will drive us forward. I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a new gas processing plant. With this new plant, we will secure a brighter energy sector and a more prosperous future for Ghana,” he told staff.

Welcoming the sector minister, the Managing Director of GNGC, Judith Adjobah Blay, expressed appreciation for the visit and praised the minister’s proactive approach to energy sector reform.

“We are inspired by the minister’s vision and support. Our institution remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering results that will move the country forward,” she said.

Judith Blay assured that the company is ready to align with the government’s agenda to expand domestic gas infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The visit reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key institutions in the energy value chain and accelerating national efforts to ensure sustainable and affordable energy for all.

Ghana’s Parliament is currently reviewing the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025—an important initiative aimed at reforming how government scholarships are administered and awarded nationwide.

Now under discussion during the second meeting of the first session of the Ninth Parliament, the Bill seeks to address persistent challenges in scholarship management while promoting transparency, fairness, and equitable access to educational support.

The Bill was officially introduced to Parliament by the Honourable Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrissu, on July 9, 2025. 

Related Article: Scholarship scheme overhauled – New bill to go before Parliament soon

Following its presentation, it was referred to the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration and State Interest for detailed review and recommendations.

The core objective of the Bill is to establish the Ghana Scholarships Authority—a dedicated body responsible for overseeing the administration, allocation, and management of government scholarships.

The Bill contains 34 clauses, covering everything from the Authority’s establishment, its functions, governance structure, and funding arrangements, to eligibility criteria, application procedures, and conditions for scholarship awards.

Key provisions under consideration include the decentralisation of scholarship awards to ensure wider access across regions, prioritisation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes to foster national development, and the introduction of a transparent, merit-based selection process.

The Bill also emphasises the need to prevent abuse of the system, including measures for the repayment of scholarships by beneficiaries who study abroad and fail to return or serve the country afterwards.

Funding remains a crucial aspect of the Bill. The proposed legislation recommends that the Authority’s funds could be supplemented by up to two percent of the country’s oil revenue and a percentage of disbursements from the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the Student Loan Trust Fund, ensuring sustainable financing.

The Committee also discussed the importance of establishing a comprehensive database of scholarship beneficiaries to prevent duplication and improve transparency. Additionally, amendments have been proposed to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of some clauses, including criteria for scholarship eligibility, application assessment, and disciplinary measures for non-compliance.

While the Bill is still under review, the Joint Committee has expressed a positive outlook, noting that the proposed legislation aligns with national development goals and addresses past issues of patronage, corruption, and nepotism in scholarship awards. 

The Committee unanimously recommended that the House adopt the report and pass the Bill, paving the way for a more transparent and equitable scholarship system in Ghana.

During the second reading of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025, the Education Minister called on Parliament to support the legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s scholarship system. 

In his address, Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to regulate scholarship awards, which he said would help eliminate issues of political patronage, corruption, nepotism, and cronyism that have plagued the current system. 

“Support this Bill to provide the regulatory oversight needed to ensure deserving students benefit from our scholarship programs and to restore confidence in our national education system,” he appealed.

He highlighted that the Bill seeks to elevate the Scholarship Secretariat into a formal authority responsible for ensuring transparent and merit-based scholarship awards, including skills upgrading programs across Ghana.

Furthermore, the Minister announced the introduction of the President’s Scholarship for Excellence, which will recognise the top 10 students in West Africa based on results from the West African Senior Certificate Examination, ensuring meritocracy in awarding national honours.

He also highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that many Ghanaian students studying abroad have been sent home due to unpaid scholarships, underscoring the urgency of passing this legislation.

The Western Regional Health Directorate has confirmed 97 Mpox cases out of 387 suspected infections reported between January and July 12, 2025.

Regional Director Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah confirmed all cases were mild, with no healthcare worker infections or fatalities recorded.

Testing identified 260 negative results, while 53 cases remain pending. Health workers traced 460 contacts, with 341 completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period. Currently, 49 patients receive home-based care, and 48 have recovered. The outbreak spans 11 districts, with seven new suspected cases under investigation.

A Public Health Emergency Committee is coordinating containment, including door-to-door case searches and intensified community education. The Ghana Red Cross Society trained 100 volunteers to support awareness campaigns via educational materials, radio discussions, and mobile announcements targeting high-risk groups.

Dr. Yeboah emphasized ongoing vigilance despite the absence of severe cases, noting response efforts prioritize early detection and public sensitization.

Dr. Omane Boamah presenting a cheque to VAG leadership

THE MINISTER for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence.

As part of the event, the Minister presented a cheque for GH¢1,452,000 to support the operations and welfare initiatives of the Administration.

The 12-member Board is chaired by Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) and comprises a blend of retired senior military officers and former warrant officers.

The members include Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, Brigadier General Charles Gbekle, Brigadier General Seidu Mumuni (Rtd), Brigadier General Nicholas Kwami Kporku (Rtd), Colonel John Wilberforce Kweku Asabre (Rtd), Group Captain Seth Fianya (Rtd), Major Christine Naa Adoley Oko (Rtd), Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd), and Ex-Warrant Officers Class One William Koku Akpakli, Moses Amoah Nyarko, and Abukari Issaka. Each member took the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy, and Oath of Allegiance during the ceremony.

Delivering his remarks on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, John Dramani Mahama, the Minister congratulated the Board on their appointment and reaffirmed the government’s trust in their capacity to lead the institution tasked with promoting the welfare of Ghana’s ex-servicemen and women. He praised veterans for their dedication and bravery in serving both at home and on international peacekeeping missions.

Dr. Boamah highlighted the persistent challenges veterans face after retirement, including access to quality healthcare, delayed pensions, and financial constraints. He assured the Board of the government’s commitment to solving these issues through enhanced healthcare delivery, financial support systems, employment pathways, and better recognition of veterans’ contributions to national development.

The Minister also urged the new Board to go beyond traditional governance roles by becoming champions of veteran welfare. He encouraged innovation, strong partnerships with the private sector, and collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to implement effective programmes that support veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.

In his response, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) expressed the Board’s appreciation to the President and the Minister for the confidence placed in them. He pledged the Board’s dedication to delivering on its mandate with diligence and professionalism, while prioritising the well-being of veterans and preserving the legacy of Ghana’s service men and women.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

File photo of US dollar notes

A Facebook post by the Bank of Ghana on Thursday morning announcing the day’s foreign exchange rate has drawn ridicule from several Ghanaian social media users.

The post, published on the official Bank of Ghana (BoG) Facebook page around 10:00 AM, stated the day’s buying rate at GH¢10.42 and the selling rate at GH¢10.43 per US dollar.

In response, some social media users highlighted the significant disparity between the Bank’s published rates and prevailing rates in the forex market.

A large section of respondents expressed concern that while the BoG continues to announce relatively low exchange rates, these do not reflect the reality on the ground, where the dollar is reportedly being sold for over GH¢13.

“Bank of Ghana has the rate, but Zamarama has the dollars,” one user remarked.

“You control the rate online; abochi controls it offline in the black market,” another added.

One user also asked, “Why don’t banks have dollars to sell to importers?”

Meanwhile, a group of importers expressed frustration over their inability to access dollars from commercial banks, saying the situation is negatively affecting their businesses.

According to the importers, banks are refusing to sell dollars due to the wide gap between the Bank of Ghana’s rates and those of the forex market.

This, they claim, is forcing them to resort to the black market, where rates are significantly higher.

AME

The Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, has rewarded Lance Corporal Solomon Asare Teye-Tsu, the Ghanaian soldier who was recently honoured and promoted by the Ghana Armed Forces for his patriotic act of rejecting a bribe from illegal miners (galamsey operators) at the Bibiani Gold Mines.

At an all-ranks durbar held for officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of Garrisons 1 & 5 at Burma Camp on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Dr Boamah made a personal donation of GH¢10,000 to L/Cpl Teye-Tsu to promote professionalism in the Armed Forces.

He lauded L/Cpl Teye-Tsu for his exemplary conduct, commended the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment, and reminded them of the importance of upholding their military code.

Dr Boamah urged the leadership of the Armed Forces to act decisively against personnel who deviate from the professional standards expected of the Ghana Armed Forces. 

While expressing regret over the recent killing of two soldiers in Bawku, he also cautioned against soldiers who provide unauthorised private security services, calling on the military high command to address this illegal practice.

“Government seeks to enhance operational capacity, improve troop welfare, and explore strategic partnerships and global collaborations,” he said, adding that the barracks would be upgraded with 10,000 new housing units as well as modern equipment and logistics.

On Friday, July 11, 2025, then Private Teye-Tsu, who currently serves with the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong.

As part of the reward package, he was presented with a citation and nominated to serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

This recognition followed an earlier honour presented by Ojeyz Securities Limited, the private security company managing operations at the Bibiani Gold Mines, where L/Cpl Teye-Tsu had been stationed last year.

It would be recalled that L/Cpl Teye-Tsu was on official guard duty at Bibiani when he was approached by a group of artisanal miners, who attempted to bribe him with a large sum of money in exchange for access to the restricted mining site.

Driven by integrity and patriotism, he rejected the bribe, apprehended the illegal miners, and handed them over to the authorities for prosecution.

Impressed by his selfless action, Ojeyz Securities Limited described him as a “shining star” — an accolade that sparked similar honours from the Ghana Armed Forces.

Aged 30, L/Cpl Teye-Tsu was enlisted into the Ghana Armed Forces in 2023. He hails from Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region, and is an alumnus of Manya Krobo Senior High School and King David College, both in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. He is also a member of Kloma Gbi (Voice of the Krobo States), a Krobo-based youth network.