Six of the officials have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police, while the appointments of seven others have been terminated following an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct.

According to a statement issued by the NIA, the incident occurred at the Galaka registration centre during the recently concluded free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14.

The Authority explained that the six arrested officials were identified by parents of applicants as having allegedly demanded money before registering their children, despite the exercise being free of charge.

The suspects are currently assisting the police with investigations.

Seven Others Dismissed

Beyond the arrests, the NIA disclosed that an extensive internal review had uncovered alleged misconduct involving seven other members of the registration team.

Although the seven were not identified as having directly demanded money from applicants, the Authority said its investigation established that they were aware of the alleged extortion but failed to report it.

Consequently, their appointments have been terminated.

The statement did not disclose the identities of the six arrested officials or the seven whose appointments were terminated.

It also did not indicate the amounts allegedly demanded from parents or whether any of the suspects had been formally charged.

NIA Warns Staff

The Authority has warned its personnel against demanding unauthorised payments from applicants, stressing that all registration exercises must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures.

It maintained that no employee has the authority to impose unauthorised charges on applicants or their parents.

The NIA further indicated that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against officials whose conduct undermines the integrity of the national identification system.

According to the Authority, protecting the credibility of the Ghana Card registration process remains a priority, and personnel are expected to discharge their duties professionally and fairly.

The Authority has consequently encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels to enable appropriate action to be taken.

Meanwhile, police investigations into the alleged extortion are continuing.

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He said the proposed platform should provide underlying data in accessible, machine-readable formats to enable researchers, academics, policymakers and other users to apply artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced analytical tools to uncover trends and relationships in the data.

Speaking at the launch of the maiden edition of the Ghana in Numbers 2025 report in Accra yesterday, Dr Asiama said improved access to reliable statistics would strengthen evidence-based decision-making and help institutions better understand the country’s socio-economic conditions.

He commended the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) for the initiative, describing the publication as an important national resource that brings together authoritative information to support policy formulation, business decisions and public understanding.

Dr Asiama said high-quality data remained fundamental to the Bank of Ghana’s monetary policy decisions and financial-sector regulation, particularly in assessing inflation, exchange rates, economic activity, credit conditions and external developments.

He said advances in data science, AI and machine learning offered opportunities to improve economic forecasts, assess risks and generate insights from complex datasets.

The Governor disclosed that the Bank of Ghana was strengthening its analytical capacity through the establishment of a Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Department.

He added that the Bank was also developing a directive to regulate the use of AI in the financial sector, as part of efforts to promote innovation while addressing emerging risks.

On macroeconomic conditions, Dr Asiama said inflation had remained in single digits for 13 consecutive months, while the exchange rate was relatively stable despite external headwinds.

He also said resilience in the banking sector had improved significantly, with lending conditions becoming more favourable.

According to him, the average lending rate declined from 30.25 per cent in December 2024 to 15.78 per cent in September 2026.

Growth in real private-sector credit also increased from 0.20 per cent in December 2024 to 26.42 per cent in September 2026, he said.

Dr Asiama said a stable macroeconomic environment and a well-functioning financial system were important for improving access to finance and supporting productive economic activity, particularly among young people.

He said the country’s large youth population presented significant opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, but realising that potential would require relevant skills, enterprise development and an enabling investment environment.

The Governor said reliable demographic, social and economic data would help policymakers identify gaps in opportunities and design interventions that responded to the needs of young people.

The maiden edition of Ghana in Numbers 2025 is themed “Youth and the Demographic Transition”.

Dr Asiama urged stakeholders to regard the publication not merely as a statistical report but as a national resource for assessing progress, understanding challenges and making informed decisions about Ghana’s future.

The post BoG Governor Calls for Digital Portal to Improve Access to National Data appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Ghanaian midfielder Kelvin Ofori was on target as APS Atromitos Athinon secured a 3-1 victory over NPS Volos in the Greek Cup on Thursday.

Ofori scored in the 11th minute to help Atromitos take control of the fourth-round encounter after the visitors had fallen behind early in the contest.

Volos opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Georgios Charalampoglou, who capitalised on an assist from Hamza Mendyl to give the hosts the advantage.

However, Atromitos responded almost immediately, with Ofori finding the net three minutes later following a pass from Stavros Pnevmonidis to restore parity.

Samuel Moutoussamy completed the turnaround in the 13th minute, heading home a delivery from Kyriakos Papadopoulos to put the visitors ahead.

Atromitos extended their advantage in the 23rd minute when Volos defender Derek Agyakwa inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leaving the hosts with a two-goal deficit.

Despite efforts from Volos to reduce the deficit after the break, Atromitos maintained their advantage to secure an important cup victory.

Ofori was substituted in the 70th minute after delivering a decisive contribution to his team's success.

The result strengthened Atromitos' position in the competition as they continued their pursuit of the Greek Cup title.

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Former Ghana Premier League superstar Bernard Don Bortey has shared his view on the quality of players in the ongoing 2026/27 league campaign.

According to him, the quality of players has not changed when compared to his playing days.

Speaking to Akoma FM, Don Bortey argued that the only difference between the players of today and in the past is that they are afraid to push themselves to get to the next level.

“The quality of players in the GPL today is the same as it was during our time. The difference is that the current generation is afraid to push harder,” Don Bortey said.

The retired player formerly played for Hearts of Oak between 2001 and 2010, where he made a name for himself.

With additional stints with Aduana FC, New Edubiase and Great Olympics, Bernard Don Bortey is regarded not only as a legend of the Ghana Premier League but also of Ghanaian football.

Although many who follow the local league believe it currently lacks quality players, the former star disagrees.

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The donation was made in collaboration with the Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF), led by Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, to support healthcare delivery and strengthen the capacity of both facilities to provide essential services.

According to a club statement, Bechem United Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Osei Bonsu presented the supplies on behalf of the two parties on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The intervention forms part of Owusu-Achaw’s longstanding commitment to community welfare and healthcare support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he extended assistance to 16 hospitals across the Ashanti Region through the Manhyia Palace, providing medical supplies worth millions of Ghana cedis.

His latest contribution further highlights the club leadership’s involvement in community development, with Bechem United supporting hospitals in and around Bechem through various donations and initiatives.

Bechem have also enjoyed a decent start to the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, sitting sixth in the standings after eight matches.

The club says it remains committed to initiatives that promote healthcare, social welfare and sustainable community development.

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Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies have expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Ghanaians after securing qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The team defeated Nigeria’s Edo Queens 3-2 in the continuation of the WAFU Zone B qualifying final in Egypt on Thursday, to book their place in the tournament.

Reacting to the victory, Ampem Darkoa Ladies president Nana Opoku Fosu Gyeabour II praised GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo for his role in the successful appeal that led to the decisive match being resumed, while acknowledging GFA President Edwin Kurt Simeon-Okraku for his leadership and encouragement throughout the process.

“We thank all stakeholders, particularly lawyer Prosper Harrison Addo, who led our petition and subsequently won at the appeal hearing,” Nana Opoku Fosu Gyeabour II said.

He added, “We are also grateful to the women’s football clubs, the supporters and all Ghanaians for their varied levels of support, which contributed to our qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League."

The qualification marks Ampem Darkoa Ladies' second appearance at the CAF Women's Champions League, following their debut in 2023.

The Ghanaian side impressed on that occasion by reaching the semi-finals and finishing among the competition's top four teams.

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Edo Queens have launched a fresh protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), seeking to overturn Ampem Darkoa Ladies’ qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League following their controversial WAFU Zone B qualifying final.

The Nigerian club has petitioned CAF to declare the continuation of the final on October 29 in Cairo, Egypt, null and void, citing concerns over the venue, match arrangements and player eligibility.

Ampem Darkoa secured qualification with a 3-2 aggregate victory after Afishata Mohammed scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute of extra time.

The latest complaint prolongs a dispute that began after the teams’ original meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on September 5. Edo Queens initially won the regional title following a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory after the match ended 2-2.

However, CAF’s Organising Committee subsequently ruled that the shoot-out had no sporting effect and ordered the match to resume from the start of extra time. The CAF Appeal Board upheld that decision on October 16.

Edo Queens now argue that the continuation in Cairo did not meet the required conditions, alleging that the venue change lacked the necessary confirmation from WAFU Zone B. They have also raised concerns about player eligibility, accommodation and communication regarding match arrangements.

The Nigerian side wants CAF to suspend confirmation of the qualification place, declare the continuation null and void, and order a replay at the original venue. Alternatively, they want to be declared winners if a replay cannot take place before the tournament begins.

Ampem Darkoa are scheduled to compete in Group B alongside AS FAR of Morocco, Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda and USFAS Bamako of Mali.

The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League is scheduled to run in Egypt from November 1 to 15, leaving little time for CAF to resolve the latest petition.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.

The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.

It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.

The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.

The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.

It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.

According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.

It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.

The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.

It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.

The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.

By: Jacob Aggrey

The post NPP opens applications for 2028 parliamentary candidates appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”

In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.

On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.

On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.

Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The post eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

Mr. Lavrov made the announcement at a breakfast meeting with African Foreign Ministers on 28th October 2026. He further pledged to rally all founding BRICS members to ensure consensus support for Ghana.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is in Russia with President John Dramani Mahama for the Russia-Africa Summit, conveyed Ghana’s deep appreciation to his Russian counterpart.

African Foreign Ministers have been holding strategic meetings with the Russian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the ongoing Russia-Africa Summit.

The Mahama Administration says it will continue to uphold Ghana’s longstanding foreign policy of non-alignment and friends to all, enemies to none, as it pursues diversified development options in the national interest.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The post Russia supports Ghana’s bid to join BRICS as partner country appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

The suspects have been identified as Felicia Osei Appiah, 59, Clement Opoku Yeboah, 24, and a female juvenile. They were arrested on Tuesday, 27th October 2026, for their alleged involvement in the murder of Christian Amponsah.

According to the police, the arrest followed a complaint from the manager of a guest house around Kasoa Second. The manager reported that the deceased and the juvenile had checked into the facility and booked a room for two hours. After the period elapsed without them checking out, he went to check on the room and discovered the deceased lying motionless in a pool of blood.

Following the report, police visited the crime scene where the lifeless body of the deceased was found lying in a prone position, covered with bedsheets, curtains and pillows. The body has since been conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for preservation, identification and autopsy.

The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

The Command has assured the public that thorough investigations are ongoing and steps are being taken to put the suspects before court, while thanking all stakeholders whose timely information assisted in apprehending the suspects.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The post Police arrest three suspects in murder of 34-year-old man at Kasoa appeared first on Ghanaian Times.