GoldBod Plans $800m FX Market Injection

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced plans to make US$800 million available to commercial banks in November to support stability in the foreign exchange market.

The move forms part of the board’s projected foreign exchange generation of US$1.2 billion from its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade operations during the month.

In a statement issued on November 2, 2026, the GoldBod said the foreign exchange sales would be conducted through its GoFX platform in accordance with the approved Foreign Exchange Sales and Intermediation Framework.

According to the board, the framework is intended to ensure transparency, fairness and regulatory compliance in the sale of foreign exchange to authorised commercial banks.

The planned supply follows GoldBod’s generation of US$1.011 billion from its ASM gold trade operations in October, the full amount of which was sold to authorised commercial banks through the GoFX platform.

The board said the transactions formed part of its statutory mandate under Section 2(b) of Act 1140 to generate foreign exchange for the country.

GoldBod also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the accumulation of Ghana’s foreign reserves by the Bank of Ghana under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP).

It said the planned US$800 million supply will provide foreign exchange to participating commercial banks.

GoldBod indicated that it would continue to carry out its foreign exchange operations in line with its mandate and the approved framework governing the transactions.

Sakumono Murder Suspect Grabbed At Ejisu

A SUSPECT in the murder of two persons at NTHC Estate, Sakumono, in the Greater Accra Region, has been arrested at Tikrom near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region following police intelligence operation.

The deceased persons, Irene Atubiga, aged 47, and George Atubiga, aged 57, according to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, were murdered on October 30, 2026.

Suspect Samuel Christopher Osei Anto, 72, was reportedly nabbed on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at his hideout in possession of Smith and Wesson pistol together with seven rounds of live ammunition.

The Ashanti Police Command’s preliminary investigation has revealed that the deceased, George Atubiga, allegedly owed the suspect GHS500,000 but failed to repay the money, leading to the murder of the two people.

‘The Ashanti Regional Police Command wishes to inform the public that a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of two persons at NTHC Estate, Sakumono, in the Greater Accra Region, has been arrested.

‘The suspect, identified as Samuel Christopher Osei Anto, aged 72, was arrested on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at his hideout at Tikrom near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region.

‘The arrest follows an earlier press release issued by the Accra Regional Police Command on October 30, 2026, concerning the murder of Irene Atubiga, aged 47, and George Atubiga, aged 57.

‘Preliminary investigations into the incident indicate that the murders allegedly arose from a financial dispute involving the deceased, George Atubiga, who allegedly owed the suspect GHS500,000 but failed to repay the money,’ a police report said.

According to a police statement, authored and signed by Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, the Head of the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, ‘acting on intelligence regarding the suspect’s whereabouts, a police team proceeded to his hideout and successfully apprehended him. During the operation, a Smith and Wesson pistol together with seven (7) rounds of live ammunition was retrieved from him.’

‘The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while the rec

NAIMOS Fights ‘Galamseyers’ On Offin River

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has embarked on an operation to remove chanfang machines from the River Offin and disrupt illegal mining activities, also called ‘galamsey’, that directly affect the river and its banks.

The operation, codenamed ‘Water Shield’, was supported by the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and other security elements.

During the latest riverine patrol from Bedaabour to Beposo, the task force raided six illegal mining sites near the riverbanks and destroyed equipment found there.

Four floating chanfang platforms operating directly on the river were also destroyed.

The patrol team observed approximately 45 additional floating chanfang platforms abandoned along the route.

The chanfang machines, pumps, and other associated equipment were removed from the platforms before the task force arrived, suggesting operators vacated the river ahead of the sustained security presence.

According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, within just four days of sustained operations, illegal miners appear to be withdrawing equipment from sections of the River Offin.

NAIMOS assessed that awareness of the riverine force’s continued presence, particularly the SBS patrol capability, may be prompting illegal miners to abandon platforms before enforcement teams reach them.

‘The SBS plays a key role by providing the riverine capability needed to reach mining platforms and other locations that are difficult to access from land,’ the statement noted.

It added that the objective is to systematically clear floating chanfang platforms from the river, deny illegal miners freedom to operate on the water, and prevent them from simply relocating to other sections when pressure is applied.

The statement indicated that Operation Water Shield will also target mining sites along the riverbanks whose activities contribute to pollution, sedimentation, and degradation of the River Offin.

NAIMOS emphasised that patrols will continue, abandoned platforms will be cleared, and illegal mining sites affecting the river will remain targets for enforcement action.

‘NAIMOS remains committed to restoring effective protection of the River Offin and ensuring that areas cleared during the operation are not reoccupied by illegal miners,’ the statement pointed out.

BlueCrest Graduates Urged To Turn Skills Into Impact

Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Felicity Nelson, has challenged graduates of BlueCrest University College to translate their skills into real impact.

She was speaking at the 26th Convocation held under the theme, ‘From Skills to Impact: Empowering Graduates to Innovate, Lead and Drive Sustainable Development.’

Ms. Nelson said qualifications alone are no longer enough, stressing that the real test of education begins when graduates face problems without textbook answers.

‘What is the value of a skill if it does not solve a problem, create an opportunity, improve a system, or make somebody’s life better?’ she asked.

She noted that Ghana does not lack potential but must learn to organise and deploy its assets productively, citing tourism as an example where assets must be turned into viable products.

Sharing the success story of GTDC’s ‘Accra by Night’ product, Ms. Nelson revealed how she personally sold tickets door-to-door when the second edition recorded low sales, turning it into the company’s most successful product with over 30 editions in just over a year.

She urged graduates not to limit themselves to their qualifications but to be resourceful, creative, and ready to get involved to drive sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah said UEW values its long-standing affiliation with BlueCrest, describing the institution as a credible partner.

Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s message, he said graduation goes beyond wearing gowns and taking pictures, stressing the importance of the theme ‘From Skills to Impact.’

He charged graduates to move ‘from gown to town’ by impacting their families, communities and the nation.

Prof. Braimah urged graduates to be creative and innovative and not wait to be employed, but to create opportunities for others.

Acting Rector of BlueCrest University College, Thomas Buabeng Assan, charged graduates to move beyond seeking jobs to creating opportunities.

He noted that graduates are entering a world rapidly transformed by technology, artificial intelligence and digitisation, which is changing how people learn, research and deliver services.

He, therefore, urged them not to fear technological change but to embrace continuous learning and adaptation.

‘Do not ask only where can I find a job. Also ask: What problems can I solve? What value can I create?’ he said.

Mr. Assan emphasised that entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see problems, and that leadership is about responsibility, not position.

He charged graduates to be innovative, entrepreneurial, technologically inclined and ethical, asking whether their work creates value, improves lives, protects the environment and contributes to a better Ghana.

Grace Sey-Ansah, BA Mass Communication and Journalism, was the Valedictorian for the class of 2025.

Two Arrested In Techiman Over Fabulous Ladies Agartha Takyiwaa’s Murder

Faboulous Ladies coach Nana Atuahene has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in Techiman in the Bono Region in connection with the alleged murder of footballer Agartha Takyiwaa.

The 22-year-old was killed on the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Afrancho in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. She was stabbed in the thigh, stomach and neck.

According to the coach, Agartha worked as a commercial tricycle (pragya) rider. Around 10:30pm, she picked up a female passenger and was taking her to Afrancho New Site.

Events reportedly took a tragic turn during the journey, leading to a struggle between Agartha and some suspected assailants over her tricycle.

She was stabbed during the confrontation and died, while the suspects made off with the tricycle and her mobile phone. The suspects were later tracked down through the phone’s location.

Agartha had been preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 Women’s Division One League.

Coach Atuahene said the club has yet to formally inform the Ghana Football Association about the incident. Speaking to Luv FM, he noted the realities facing players in the women’s game. ‘Women’s football is still young in Ghana,’ he said. ‘Our players are registered as amateurs, not professionals, so we support them with only transportation costs.’

New CIB Ghana Council Tasked To Tackle Banking Risks

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has sworn into office the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), with a call on its members to strengthen professional standards, ethical conduct and the banking sector’s resilience against emerging threats.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education in Accra, saw members of the 2026 Governing Council take their oaths of office and secrecy in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991).

The Council is led by Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa as President and Chairperson, with Woelinam Dogbe as Vice President and Benjamin Amenumey as Immediate Past President. Robert Dzato serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Other members include Rosemond Amoo, Doris Yaa Aggrey Ahiati, Daniel Kweku Arhin, John Awuah, representing the Ghana Association of Banks; Elliot Adu Amoako, representing the Bank of Ghana; Kudjo Andy Ameckson of the Ministry of Finance; and Emmanuel Oteng of the Ministry of Education.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Education Minister urged the Council to promote professional excellence, enforce ethical standards and equip bankers to respond to changing industry demands.

He identified cybercrime, digital banking fraud and artificial intelligence as emerging threats requiring urgent attention.

‘We expect that you will respond to the new emerging challenge of artificial intelligence and how that can impact on fraud associated with banking in Ghana,’ he said.

The Minister also urged the Institute to pay attention to non-performing loans, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.

He stressed that ethical conduct was fundamental to the banking profession, urging practitioners to provide accurate information, avoid fraud, protect customer confidentiality and refrain from discriminatory practices.

Although he acknowledged improvements in the resilience of the banking sector, he said sustaining the gains would require stronger corporate governance.

Mr. Iddrisu also highlighted the contribution of community banks to financial inclusion and urged CIB Ghana to advise the Ministry on incorporating financial literacy into the national curriculum.

In her remarks, Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the new Council was committed to shaping the future of banking in Ghana amid rapid technological developments and emerging industry risks.

She identified professional standards, digital finance capabilities, good governance, ethical leadership and opportunities for young bankers as key priorities.

She said banking went beyond financial institutions and transactions to include supporting businesses, facilitating investment, creating opportunities and contributing to national economic development.

Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the Council would work towards building a profession that was future-ready, globally competitive and anchored in integrity, competence and public trust.

She identified cyber fraud and non-performing loans as major concerns, adding that the Institute had incorporated cybersecurity, virtual assets, data analytics and green finance into its curriculum.

The Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, announced plans to make continuing professional development (CPD) mandatory for members.

He said chartered bankers would be required to earn a minimum number of professional development credit hours annually to maintain their membership status.

Mr. Dzato said the Institute was also strengthening leadership, soft and digital skills development, expanding digital learning and improving its faculty.

He added that efforts were underway to develop future banking professionals through university programmes in banking and ethics, as well as financial literacy initiatives in secondary schools.

Polo Beach Club Announces Comeback For Detty December

The December rollout has officially begun as Polo Beach Club has hinted at a major comeback.

After months of speculation following its demolition, the luxury beachfront venue has confirmed it is returning with better vibes, bigger parties, and an upgraded location.

In a post on its official page, the club said: ‘You’ve been asking, we heard you, and we’re coming back just in time for Detty December! Better vibes, bigger parties, and an upgraded location. T + The December Rollout Begins Now!’

The announcement comes just weeks after the club’s demolition on October 2, 2026, during a security-led clearance operation at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service removed structures along the La beachfront, citing encroachment and safety concerns raised by Labadi Beach Hotel and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

Prior to the demolition, Spartan-Ives Limited, operators of Polo Beach Club, had filed a lawsuit on September 16, 2026, against Labadi Beach Hotel and National Security officials over ownership of the disputed land.

Despite the setback, anticipation has been building. The club had earlier posted an eight-second video of an excavator levelling a beachfront for construction with the caption: ‘The rumours are true. We are coming back soon. Stay tuned for what’s next at Polo Beach Club,’ a post that garnered over 133,000 views.

Syrian Arrested In Lebanon With 40kg Cocaine From Ghana

A Syrian national has been arrested at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, following his arrival from Accra, Ghana, with approximately 40 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in a statement, confirmed the arrested which was effected on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

NACOC said the successful apprehension of the suspect resulted from a coordinated controlled delivery exercise, carried out through close operational cooperation between Ghanaian and Lebanese drug law enforcement authorities.

‘The joint operation aimed to identify and apprehend targets at both ends of the supply chain while gathering vital intelligence to dismantle the broader transnational criminal syndicate behind the shipment,’ the statement said.

It said the operation underscores Ghana and Lebanon’s collaborative commitment to disrupting international drug trafficking networks through cross-border intelligence-sharing.

The statement added that NACOC operations are ongoing to arrest the suspect’s accomplices in Ghana.

This is the fourth major arrest of persons suspected to be linked to drug trafficking syndicates, having arrived from Ghana to their various destinations.

The arrests have resulted in calls on government to take drastic measures to deal with the incidents, which have the potential to put passengers arriving from Ghana on the radar of other countries.

On September 20, 2026, a 52-year-old man was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa on suspicion of drug trafficking after arriving from Accra.

The South African national, who had arrived from Ghana, was arrested by the country’s law enforcement agents in an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the retrieval of substances suspected to be cocaine, with a local street value of R2 million, an equivalent of GHS1,416,545.18.

In June this year, a British actress and an Australian couple were arrested and put before court for allegedly attempting to smuggle 320kg of methamphetamine into Australia from Ghana, with an estimated value of A$296 million ($208 million).

In July, French customs officers at the port of Dunkirk seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at more than US$260 million, concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed Ghana.

All these incidents put together paint a negative picture of the country’s border and customs, as many are beginning to draw a link to insider complicity.

Responding to the previous two major drug busts in France and Australia, President John Mahama gave an inter-agency task force two weeks to draw up measures to halt the trafficking of narcotic drugs through Ghana’s borders.

Two Battle For Life After Sokoban Road Crash

TWO PERSONS are battling for their lives at the Asafo Agyei Hospital after a speeding vehicle knocked them down at Sokoban in the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The accident, which occurred last Saturday, involved a private vehicle with registration number GE 461-15, allegedly driven by a suspected drunk driver.

The driver, whose identity has been withheld, was arrested following the incident.

The Assembly Member for the Sokoban-Daban Electoral Area, Kwadwo Boateng, who reportedly led efforts to apprehend the driver, confirmed the accident and said the victims were knocked down while standing by the roadside.

He disclosed that the driver was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

Mr. Boateng expressed concern over what he described as the increasing spate of pedestrian knockdowns in the area, blaming the situation partly on the absence of speed ramps and roadside barricades.

According to him, his office, together with residents, had repeatedly petitioned the Department of Feeder Roads and the area’s Member of Parliament to facilitate the construction of speed ramps and barricades to check speeding and protect pedestrians.

However, he lamented that the appeals had not received the needed attention, despite several lives reportedly being lost through similar accidents.

‘Several people have died through similar pedestrian knockdowns in this area. We have cried to the authorities for speed ramps, but nobody listens to us until another life is lost,’ he lamented.

The Assembly Member consequently appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently intervene and provide the necessary road safety infrastructure to prevent further fatalities.

Meanwhile, the police have commenced investigations into the accident, while the two victims remain in critical condition at the hospital.

Nana Akua Closes Lagos Fashion Week With Emotional Tears On Runway

Ghanaian fashion influencer, Nana Akua Addo, captured the hearts of attendees at this year’s Lagos Fashion Week after an emotional debut runway appearance where she was seen in tears.

Nana Akua Addo was the star model for THE SEVON DEJANA BRAND in an all-white wedding gown, receiving applause from the audience as she closed the designer’s ‘Out of Body’ showcase at the Federal Palace Hotel tents.

The appearance marked her first major public outing since videos showing her with facial injuries circulated on social media.

In a post on social media, she wrote: ‘Last night, I walked into my moment and gave the runway a finale to remember. I closed the show in a wedding gown, just as I closed a chapter in my own story. Perhaps there is something beautiful about endings, new beginnings and the courage to embrace both. Closing @sevondejana at Lagos Fashion Week 2026 was more than a walk for me. That statement truly had to be made. Some chapters end, but the woman always remains the story.’

The tears on the runway have been linked by many fans to her current personal ordeal.

Weeks before the show, Nana Akua Addo announced her separation from her husband, Harold Norman, weeks after allegations of domestic violence involving the couple became public.

She made the announcement through an Instagram post accompanying the video of her Lagos Fashion Week appearance.

The separation announcement followed reports that the actress was allegedly assaulted and hospitalised. Nana Akua Addo later petitioned the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), alleging that her husband subjected her to physical, emotional and economic abuse.

For many who watched her close the show in a wedding gown, the tears were seen as more than emotion for fashion – but a symbol of closing a painful marital chapter and embracing a new beginning.