News
Govt to introduce new road maintenance trust fund to cater for better roads
The government is set to introduce a new Road Maintenance Trust Fund aimed at improving how roads are maintained across the country.
This was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
According to him, the new trust fund will replace the current Ghana Road Fund, as part of efforts to reorganize and refocus government’s approach to road maintenance.
Dr. Forson stated that the Minister for Roads and Highways will soon lay the road maintenance trust fund bill before Parliament for approval.
“The Road Maintenance Trust Fund will come with a new governance structure, a fairer formula for allocating funds, and greater transparency in how the road fund levy and other resources are used,” he explained.
He added that the government has identified 166 constituencies that are in dire need of road infrastructure.
To address this,he noted that the plan was to rehabilitate 10 kilometres of roads every year in each of these constituencies.
“This means about 5,000 kilometres of roads will be reconstructed over the next three years,” Dr. Forson said.
He underscored the importance of the initiative saying, it will improve road conditions, enhance transportation, and benefit both commuters and businesses across the country.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
27 persons arrested, excavators and weapons seized at Ankaase Gyadam
The Ghana Police Service, in a coordinated intelligence-led operation, has arrested twenty-seven (27) male suspects during an anti-illegal mining operation at Ankaase Gyadam, near Asamang Tamfoe in the Eastern Region on Friday, July 25, 2025
The suspects were arrested while actively engaging in illegal mining activities at various sites in the area.
During the operation, some individuals attempted to obstruct and attack police officers on duty, wielding machetes and other offensive implements.
Eleven (11) excavators, one (1) bulldozer, one (1) pump-action shotgun, three (3) saloon vehicles, one (1) Mitsubishi pickup truck, one (1) pick loader, several water pumping machines, and other mining equipment were seized from the sites.
All the suspects are in police custody assisting investigation, while exhibits have been retained in secure custody.
News
GTEC demands proof of PhD from Hassan Ayariga over alleged misuse of ‘Doctor’ title
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is demanding proof of an earned doctorate from politician Hassan Ayariga, following what it describes as the questionable use of the title “Doctor.”
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, said Mr. Ayariga has made inconsistent claims about his academic qualifications, which the commission finds concerning.
“We made it clear to him that we are not interested in honorary titles. what we are asking for is evidence of an earned, accredited academic PhD,” Prof. Jinapor told journalists.
According to him, Mr. Ayariga claimed in one interview that he holds a PhD in Business Management with a thesis in Political Science, and in another, that he has a PhD in Political Science with a thesis on Political Tolerance.
“He mentioned that he has two honorary doctorates and what he called a ‘platinum’ doctorate. None of these claims have been supported with valid academic documents.” Prof. Jinapor said.
Prof. Jinapor said the Commission reached out to Mr. Ayariga through several informal messages and followed up with four official letters, yet no response or documentation has been received.
“We made every effort to give him the opportunity to clarify, but to date, we have not seen any proof of a recognized academic qualification,” he stated.
He stressed that under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), it is illegal for anyone to use academic titles such as “Doctor” or “Professor” without verifiable academic credentials.
“Titles like ‘Hon. Dr.,’ ‘Dr. (Hon.),’ or ‘Prof. (Hon.)’ are not legally recognized and must not be used as though they reflect earned academic status,” he clarified.
He warned that such actions amount to public deception and are punishable under Ghanaian law.
“The law is very clear. Any false claim to academic titles is a violation and may attract sanctions or prosecution,” he cautioned.
Prof. Jinapor further urged public figures, institutions, and the general public to ensure that any academic or professional title used in public is backed by credible and traceable academic records.
“We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of our tertiary education system, and we will not hesitate to act against those who undermine it,” he reiterated.
By Jacob Aggrey
