Ghanaian in Israel Reports Safety Amid Conflict, Declines Evacuation

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Ghanaian in Israel Reports Safety Amid Conflict, Declines Evacuation

A Ghanaian citizen residing in Israel has confirmed the safety of all known Ghanaian nationals despite escalating missile exchanges between Israel and Iran.

In an interview with Onua TV, the unnamed source stated no Ghanaian casualties have occurred, attributing this to Israel’s organized emergency protocols.

“Authorities provide accessible underground bomb shelters for all residents during air raid sirens,” the citizen explained. “Victims are typically those unable to reach shelters promptly or caught unaware during attacks.”

Notably, the interviewee expressed no desire to accept Ghana’s evacuation offer, citing greater confidence in Israel’s crisis infrastructure. “We actually feel safer here than we would in Ghana,” he stated, sharing phone footage of bomb debris near his residence as evidence of both proximity to danger and systemic preparedness.

The testimony emerges as diplomatic channels remain active for foreign nationals in conflict zones, with Ghana’s government maintaining evacuation readiness despite residents’ current preference to stay.

Ghana Pursues China Trade Deals Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

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Ghana Pursues China Trade Deals Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

Global trade faces heightened uncertainty as U.S. protectionist policies under President Donald Trump disrupt established patterns, analysts indicate.

Washington’s sweeping tariffs threaten exports to the American market by increasing costs, prompting nations including Ghana to seek alternative trade partnerships. Ghana confronts a potential 10% tariff impacting local exporters to the U.S., accelerating its strategic pivot toward China.

The Ghana-China Summit, running from June 23-27, 2025 in Accra under the theme “Synergizing Opportunities: Strengthening the Ghana-China Business Relationship and Fostering a 24-Hour Economy,” convenes government officials, business leaders, and economic observers from both nations. The gathering aims to secure industrial and trade agreements as Trump’s “America First” doctrine continues fueling trade fragmentation. The World Trade Organization warns such policies could reduce global trade volumes, with multinationals already diversifying supply chains through “China + 1” strategies.

For Ghana, the summit presents critical export diversification opportunities. China’s consumer market offers potential for Ghanaian cocoa, cashew, shea butter, pineapple, and gold exports, particularly benefiting from China’s zero-tariff policy for African goods. Technology and machinery transfers represent another priority, with potential deals targeting agricultural processing, textile manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure. Ghana may leverage China’s Belt and Road Initiative for logistics and financing support amid constrained Western markets.

The negotiations could redefine Ghana’s trade architecture as developed economies grapple with inflation and geopolitical instability, positioning China as a primary partner for industrial development and export growth.

Ghana Parliament Boosts Rights Oversight With CHRAJ Partnership

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Ghana Parliament Boosts Rights Oversight With CHRAJ Partnership

Ghana’s Parliament is collaborating with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to implement the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, Speaker Alban Bagbin announced during an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) delegation visit on June 23, 2025.

The partnership forms part of Parliament’s strategic commitment to advance human rights through legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions.

Bagbin detailed Parliament’s engagement through the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up (NMRF), which monitors Ghana’s compliance with international human rights obligations. He highlighted recent legislative reforms fulfilling Universal Periodic Review recommendations, including abolition of the death penalty and passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill. “Ghana’s Parliament has already acted on several key UPR recommendations supported by the state,” Bagbin stated.

The Speaker confirmed ongoing efforts to align domestic laws with international protocols, addressing prison conditions, gender inequality, and environmental protection. Parliament maintains active participation in United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, reinforcing institutional commitment to global rights standards.

IPU Senior Programme Officer for Governance Akiyo Miguel Afouda commended Ghana’s parliamentary leadership, announcing upcoming capacity-building workshops for Parliament’s Human Rights Committee to strengthen compliance oversight. The visit continues dialogue initiated during the IPU’s March 2025 mission assessing institutional development.

The collaboration positions Ghana’s legislature as a regional model for implementing human rights frameworks through parliamentary channels.

US Embassy Ghana Mandates Social Media Handles for Student Visas

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US Embassy Ghana Mandates Social Media Handles for Student Visas

The United States Embassy in Ghana has clarified its requirement for student visa applicants to submit social media account details, confirming the policy aligns with a 2019 U.S. government mandate.

Consular officials stated during an Accra educational seminar that all visa seekers must provide identifiers used across platforms over the past five years.

Embassy representatives explained the measure enables verification of applicants’ stated educational intentions, detection of national security risks, and identification of potential immigration fraud. “IT’S NOT ABOUT SPYING,” one official emphasized. “IT’S ABOUT ENSURING APPLICANTS ENTER THE U.S. FOR THEIR DECLARED PURPOSES.” The policy affects all visa categories, including Ghana’s frequently used F1 student visas, with platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn subject to review.

Applicants must truthfully disclose all accounts; omissions or false information risk visa denial or long-term entry bans. Students were advised to maintain transparent online profiles, avoid illegal content, and ensure digital footprints reflect their academic objectives. The embassy noted social media scrutiny constitutes one component of broader vetting and doesn’t singularly determine application outcomes.

While some applicants expressed privacy concerns, U.S. officials maintain the protocol strengthens global border security uniformly across nationalities.

Iran Denies Missile Strikes as Israel Vows Retaliation

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Iran has denied launching missiles at Israel following Israeli military reports of fresh attacks early Tuesday, hours after a ceasefire took effect.

The Israel Defense Forces stated several missiles originated from Iranian territory overnight, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa, Beersheba, and other cities. While claiming interceptions by air defense systems, the IDF acknowledged minor injuries and property damage occurred.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered resumed offensives against Iranian targets, calling the strikes “a clear violation of the ceasefire terms.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson countered: “Iran fully adheres to the ceasefire agreement,” accusing Israel of fabricating the incident to justify renewed military action. The spokesperson affirmed no missiles had been fired since the truce and warned of retaliation if attacked.

The ceasefire, brokered hours earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump with Qatari and Egyptian support, aimed to de-escalate weeks of regional conflict. U.S. officials remain publicly silent, though diplomatic channels are reportedly active to contain hostilities.

Military forces remain on maximum alert amid mutual accusations, leaving the U.S.-mediated truce in precarious balance.

UCC Lecturers Demand Speed Ramps After Deadly Gate Accidents

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UCC Lecturers Demand Speed Ramps After Deadly Gate Accidents

The University of Cape Coast branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has urgently called for speed ramps and traffic lights at campus entrances following repeated vehicular accidents.

UTAG President Dr. Jerry Opoku Ansah confirmed the demand during a protest march organized with other university unions on Tuesday, aiming to alert highway authorities and government officials to safety hazards at the East and West gates.

Dr. Ansah cited multiple fatal incidents, including last year’s death of a PhD candidate crossing to campus and a June 19 collision where a tipper truck killed one driver and injured others. “It tarnishes the University’s image,” he told MyNewsGh, noting that professors are protesting to restore a secure learning environment.

Professor Peter Grant, Head of Classics and Philosophy, referenced students lost en route to a Spelling Bee competition: “We keep losing breadwinners and young lives to avoidable tragedies.” While acknowledging an overhead bridge under construction, Grant insisted immediate measures are essential, warning: “If authorities delay, we will create our own speed ramps.”

UCC Students’ Representative Council President Abraham Norman Nortey echoed concerns over reckless driving, threatening independent action within a week if officials fail to respond. Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive George Justice Arthur, present at the protest, pledged emergency talks with highway authorities: “Something must be done immediately while awaiting the full road project.”

The indefinite protest escalates pressure on Ghanaian transportation authorities to address critical safety failures at the university’s access points.

NIA Staff Strike Over Unpaid Allowances Begins Tuesday

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NIA Staff Strike Over Unpaid Allowances Begins Tuesday

The National Identification Authority (NIA) Division of Ghana’s Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU-TUC) will commence an indefinite strike on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

This industrial action follows collapsed negotiations with the Ministry of Finance concerning unpaid Operational Support Allowances.

In a formal notice dated June 23, 2025, the Union stated: “We write to formally inform you that the Union will embark on an indefinite strike action, effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025.” The disputed allowance, designed to supplement NIA staff salaries, resulted from extensive negotiations concluded in July 2024. Payment was scheduled for August through December 2024, but the Ministry of Finance has allegedly suspended disbursements since January 2025.

Despite management assurances – including a June 18, 2025 press briefing – and a subsequent crisis meeting at the Finance Ministry, the Union claims no concrete resolution or payment timeline has been established. “As of today, especially after a crunch meeting at the Finance Ministry, no concrete steps or timelines have been provided to address the matter,” the statement confirmed.

The PSWU emphasized the strike represents a last resort after months of financial strain on members. “This industrial action is not taken lightly. It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect,” the notice explained. All PSWU members across NIA headquarters, regional, and district offices will participate until outstanding payments are settled.

The indefinite work stoppage threatens to disrupt Ghana’s national identity services amid prolonged fiscal disputes between labor and government entities.

Cyber Fraud Surge Threatens Ghana’s Financial Inclusion Progress

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Cyber Fraud Surge Threatens Ghana’s Financial Inclusion Progress

Escalating cyber fraud is jeopardizing Ghana’s financial inclusion gains with reported losses reaching GH₵4.4 million in Q1 2025, nearly double the GH₵2.4 million recorded during the same period last year.

Bank of Ghana First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakaria Mumuni disclosed at the Africa Inclusion Policy Initiative roundtable that over 21,000 cyber fraud attempts targeted financial institutions in 2022, primarily exploiting digital channels.

Speaking for Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama in Accra, Mumuni warned these incidents erode public trust and risk reversing inclusion achievements. “Financial inclusion without system integrity is unsustainable,” he stated, emphasizing cybersecurity must transition from technical concern to strategic governance priority.

This threat emerges alongside rapid digital financial service expansion. Ghana’s mobile money accounts now exceed 70 million, while Interpol estimates African cybercrime losses surpass $4 billion annually.

The central bank has responded through regulatory measures including its 2018 cybersecurity directive for financial institutions. Over 40 entities currently participate in the Financial Industry Security Operations Centre for real-time threat monitoring, though annual assessments using NIST and COBIT 5 frameworks continue revealing security gaps.

Concurrently, the Bank of Ghana is enhancing consumer protection protocols amid rising complaints over transaction failures and service disruptions. These coordinated efforts address systemic vulnerabilities while safeguarding retail users as digital finance penetration deepens across Ghana’s economic ecosystem.

Oil Prices Plunge After Israel-Iran Ceasefire Announcement

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Oil Prices Plunge After Israel-Iran Ceasefire Announcement

International crude oil prices fell sharply following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Israel-Iran ceasefire on Monday.

Brent crude declined 2.9% to $69.40 per barrel in early Asian trading, its lowest level in over a week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate dropped 3.0% to $66.48, according to Reuters data cited by The High Street Journal.

The price decline responds to Trump’s declaration that Iran would cease hostilities immediately after U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, with Israel expected to follow within 12 hours. Analysts indicate the 12-day conflict could formally conclude within 24 hours if both parties maintain the truce.

For Ghana, the price drop presents potential economic relief. The Mahama administration had suspended its GHC 1 Energy Sector Levy—designed to address energy debt—fearing conflict escalation would raise global oil prices and domestic fuel costs. With prices now falling, government officials indicate they will reconsider implementing the levy.

Consumers may benefit from reduced inflationary pressure if the trend continues. Current fuel price decreases and cedi appreciation could extend as global crude benchmarks decline. Sustained lower oil prices could decrease pump costs, reduce transportation and production expenses, and ease foreign exchange demand on the cedi.

Market analysts caution that price stability depends on ceasefire maintenance in the volatile Middle East region. While offering short-term economic relief, oil markets remain sensitive to renewed geopolitical instability.

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