News
Parliamentary Committee on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Religious Affairs engages key institutions
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Religious Affairs has embarked on a familiarisation visit to some key institutions.
The institutions are the Ministry of Local Government, the Christian Council, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into their roles, challenges and to explore how the committee can best offer its support.
In his remarks, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasized that a major issue being addressed is the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. He highlighted that the government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
A notable achievement, he noted, was the decision to ensure that a ruling party member does not chair the committee—a move aimed at avoiding partisan decisions and ensuring fairness in resolving chieftaincy disputes.
According to him, “Mr. Chairman, we will put our political affiliations aside to confront these matters in a neutral, impartial, and transparent manner; once we do that, we will be able to resolve most of our chieftaincy issues.”
He highlighted sanitation as one of the core municipal functions under his Ministry and urged the Committee to work closely with the Government to help sustain the National Sanitation Day exercise across the various MMDAs.
During the committee’s visit to the Christian Council of Ghana, the Chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hillard D. Dogbe, stated that although the Council has established standards and entry requirements for membership, it does not have absolute control over rogue pastors, a major challenge that could bring the image of the institution into disrepute.
He therefore called for self-regulation within the religious community and urged parliamentarians to refrain from endorsing rogue pastors, as such endorsements give them the zeal to continue operating with the impression that they have official support.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Dzifa Abla Gomashie, urged Ghanaians to celebrate, support and protect our culture, as it not only generates income but also sets us apart from the rest of the world, giving visitors a reason to return.
“Our uniqueness is reflected in our food, clothing, fashion, and heritage,”she noted.
The Minister expressed hope that the Ministry will be supported in its efforts to secure the recognition and resources it deserves to be able to do more.
The Chairman of the Committee, Fred Kyei Asamoah, commended the institutions for the good work done and gave the assurance that the committee would not be an armchair body, but rather an action-oriented one and would work closely to achieve results for the betterment of the country.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has temporarily suspended three pharmacies from providing services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) over suspected irregularities in claims and service transactions.
The affected pharmacies are Deldem Pharma Limited, Paramedica Pharmacy and Desh Chemist.
According to a public notice issued by the NHIA on May 14, the suspension took immediate effect.
The Authority explained that a routine claims verification exercise uncovered what it described as “material irregularities” linked to claims and service transactions involving the three facilities.
It stated that the findings raised reasonable suspicion of fraud and abuse under the NHIS Provider Service Agreement.
As part of the suspension, the pharmacies are not allowed to provide healthcare services or dispense medicines under the NHIS until further notice.
The NHIA advised NHIS members who need pharmaceutical services to seek care from other accredited providers across the country.
In the statement signed by the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Victor Asare Bampoe, the Authority warned all credentialed healthcare providers against engaging in fraudulent practices that could threaten the sustainability of the scheme.
It stressed that healthcare providers who defraud or attempt to defraud the NHIS commit an offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both upon conviction.
The NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper use of public funds in delivering quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Black Starlets were left frustrated after surrendering a commanding two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Algeria in their opening Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
The Black Starlets made a dream start to the encounter, taking the lead just two minutes after kickoff through Yao Gavi Robinho.
The youngster reacted quickest in the area to put Ghana ahead and set the tone for what looked to be a dominant evening for Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side.
Eight minutes later, Eric Adu Gyamfi produced a moment of pure brilliance that instantly lit up the tournament.
Spotting the Algerian goalkeeper off his line, the midfielder unleashed an audacious long-range volley from the center area that sailed beautifully into the net to double Ghana’s advantage in spectacular fashion.
With confidence flowing through the team, the Black Starlets continued to create numerous opportunities and should have extended their lead before halftime. However, wastefulness in front of goal kept Algeria alive in the contest despite Ghana’s dominance in the opening half.
The second half, however, told a completely different story as Algeria returned with renewed energy and intensity. The North Africans pushed forward relentlessly and gradually turned the game around with two goals before the 70th minute to draw level against a stunned Ghanaian side.
Algeria were later handed a golden opportunity to complete the comeback after being awarded a penalty, but the effort was blasted wide.
The result leaves South Africa at the top of Group D following their victory over Senegal in the other group fixture.
The Starlets will now shift attention to their crucial second group game against Senegal on May 17 as they aim to bounce back and revive their campaign.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
[13:37, 15/05/2026] Edem: Ghana concludes IMF bailout programme, shifts to policy coordination instrument
The Government of Ghana has announced the successful completion of its Extended Credit Facility bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking what it describes as the end of the country’s financial bailout relationship with the Fund.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Office on Friday, government explained that the country would now transition to a non financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) arrangement with the IMF.
According to the statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, the conclusion of the programme reflects the restoration of macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability ahead of schedule.
The statement noted that after the IMF programme was derailed at the end of 2024, the Mahama administration introduced strict fiscal measures, expenditure controls and structural reforms in 2025 to bring the programme back on track.
Government indicated that the measures have led to a significant reduction in inflation, a stronger cedi, lower public debt levels and improved economic growth.
It stated that Ghana’s sovereign credit ratings had improved from restricted default status to a “B” rating with a positive outlook, representing what it described as five levels of upgrades.
According to the statement, Ghana’s gross international reserves rose to about 14.5 billion dollars by February 2026, providing nearly six months of import cover.
Government explained that the reserves would help the country withstand external economic shocks and strengthen economic stability.
The statement further clarified that the new Policy Coordination Instrument with the IMF would not involve financial support or bailout funds.
Instead, it said the PCI would provide technical assistance, support economic reforms, boost investor confidence and help Ghana attract financing from private investors and development partners.
Government believes the arrangement will support efforts to achieve investment grade status, which it says could reduce borrowing costs, attract long term investors and create cheaper financing opportunities for infrastructure and private sector growth.
The Presidency also expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their sacrifices and patience during the programme period.
It further thanked bilateral creditors, the Official Creditor Committee and both domestic and external investors for their support throughout the process.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to prudent economic management, fiscal discipline and creating a favourable environment for investment and job creation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
