News
Ghana Publishing Company launches nationwide Gazette 360 campaign
The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has rolled out Gazette 360, a nationwide public education campaign designed to deepen public understanding of the Ghana Gazette and make access to the official journal easier for all citizens.
The campaign, which will feature media engagements, community outreach, and digital learning platforms, seeks to demystify the Gazette, highlight its importance in legal and civic life, and protect the public from fraudulent publications.
It also aims to ensure that individuals, businesses, and institutions know how to obtain authentic gazettes and use them as reliable legal references.
Under the theme “Know it, Use it, Trust it,” Gazette 360 emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of Ghana’s democratic governance.
Launching the initiative in Accra, GPCL’s Managing Director, Nana Kwasi Boatey, said the Gazette had been upgraded with new security features, including a gold coat of arms and watermarks, to prevent counterfeiting.
He explained that the features were not ornamental but crucial safeguards to track authenticity.
He revealed that electronic verification systems were also being developed to make it easier for the public to confirm genuine publications.
Mr. Boatey cautioned that fake gazettes were damaging the reputations of many Ghanaians through fraudulent marriages and name changes.
He stressed that those who falsify the Gazette were “waging war against the state” and warned that offenders would be pursued, arrested, and prosecuted.
He urged the media to support the fight against fake gazettes, describing the campaign as a national responsibility to protect the integrity of Ghana’s most authoritative legal record.
GPCL’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Lantam Papanko, explained that Gazette 360 was created to break down misconceptions about the Gazette and highlight its relevance to everyday life.
He said the campaign would not only involve the press but also extend into schools, universities, churches, mosques, and community forums, so that every Ghanaian could understand the Gazette and its role in governance.
Mr. Papanko stressed that Gazette 360 was not just a GPCL initiative but a national campaign calling on citizens to value truth, legality, and integrity in public records.
He thanked MarryRight Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti for their partnership and called on the media to keep the conversation alive.
Operations Manager at MarryRight Ghana, Barimah Agyemang, said marriage officers and venues must be published in the Gazette to give weddings legal force.
He warned that ceremonies conducted without proper gazetting risked lacking binding legal authority, which could expose couples and institutions to legal disputes.
Mr. Agyemang pledged MarryRight’s support in spreading the campaign’s message nationwide and commended GPCL for taking steps to protect the integrity of marriages and other legal processes.
Background
The Ghana Gazette is the official journal of record of the Republic of Ghana. It publishes laws, parliamentary instruments, government notices, company registrations, and other legal documents.
Any information published in the Gazette is legally recognized and enforceable, making it a trusted source of communication between the state and the public.
By: Jacob Aggrey
AS Valentine’s Day is marked around the world with flowers, gifts and romantic gestures, a marriage counsellor has encouraged Ghanaians to move beyond the commercial celebration and reflect on the deeper meaning of love rooted in faith.
Speaking to The Spectator, Counsellor Prince Offei, who is also a mental health professional and a Reverend Minister, said Valentine’s Day has strong Christian origins that were often ignored in contemporary celebrations.
He explained that the day was linked to Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly officiating weddings for young couples. Saint Valentine was later arrested and executed for his actions.
“Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life; that legacy is what inspired the celebration of love that we now know as Valentine’s Day,” Counsellor Offei said.
He noted that the celebration remains relevant to Christianity when approached from a spiritual perspective.
“As Christians, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity,” he said, citing 1 John 4:19, which states that love originates from God.
“When love, kindness and generosity are at the centre, the celebration aligns with Christian values.”
Addressing debates over the origins of Valentine’s Day, Counsellor Offei mentioned that the modern observance can be redeemed when believers focus on demonstrating Christ-like love.
“We can use the day to strengthen relationships, share scripture and show love in practical ways,” he said, referencing John 13:34, which urges believers to love one another as Christ loved them.
On how the day should be observed, Counsellor Offei stressed that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic relationships.
“For singles, it can be a time to practise self-love and appreciate family and friendships,” he said, adding that for couples who are dating, it is an opportunity to deepen understanding, while married couples can use the day to reconnect and renew their commitment.
He also encouraged acts of service, noting that showing compassion to those in need reflects the true spirit of love.
However, the counsellor expressed concern over the growing association of Valentine’s Day with promiscuity.
“It is worrying when the day is used to justify immoral behaviour,” he said. “Christian teachings emphasise that sexual intimacy is sacred and meant for marriage. When this is ignored and misused, it often leads to emotional and psychological harm,” he added.
Counsellor Offei urged Christians, particularly the youth, to resist societal pressure and remain grounded in faith.
“Young people should remember that true love is rooted in God’s love,” he said. “Social media trends should not define their worth or relationships. Scripture and godly counsel remain the best guides.”
He called on Christians to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of love that is sacrificial, responsible and reflective of God’s nature.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has congratulated radio journalists and station owners across the country as the world marks World Radio Day 2026, and renewed calls for the passage of the long-pending Broadcasting Bill.
In a statement issued in Accra on February 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Association joined UNESCO and the international community in celebrating the day under the theme: “AI is a Tool, Not a Voice.”
According to the GJA, the theme highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in broadcasting but reminds media practitioners that technology cannot replace the human voice.
It said while AI can support radio work, credibility and public trust depend on ethics, professionalism and sound editorial judgment.
The Association described radio as the most accessible and inclusive medium in Ghana. It noted that radio continues to inform, educate and unite people in both urban and rural communities.
It said the medium plays a key role in promoting accountability, encouraging public dialogue and sharing important information on health, education, security, the economy and climate change.
The GJA congratulated radio journalists, presenters, producers, editors, technicians and support staff for their dedication and resilience.
It said their work has helped to sustain one of the most vibrant radio industries in Africa and has strengthened Ghana’s democracy.
It commended private radio station owners, including commercial and community broadcasters, for operating despite financial and regulatory challenges.
The Association said many of them face limited revenue, high operational costs and stiff competition, yet they continue to invest in local content, multilingual programming and job creation.
While celebrating the achievements of the sector, the GJA expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive Broadcasting Law.
It pointed out that the Broadcasting Bill, which has been pending since 2009, is needed to modernise and properly regulate the industry.
The Association urged the Executive and Parliament to treat the passage of the Bill as a national priority.
It said a well-regulated and independent radio sector is essential for democratic growth and national development.
As the country marks World Radio Day, the GJA encouraged media professionals to uphold high standards of integrity, accuracy and responsibility.
It stressed that even as technology evolves, innovation must not weaken the ethical foundation of journalism.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism and pushing for reforms to strengthen broadcasting in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
