Interior Minister Calls for Correctional Reform as Prisons Service Graduates New Officers

At the Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School in the Central Region, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, emphasised the urgent need for correctional reform in Ghana. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the prison service into a modern facility that prioritises rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of inmates.

The Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand vocational training, educational programs, and productive inmate enterprises, all of which reinforce the principles of rehabilitation and reformation. He emphasised that correctional facilities must evolve into centres of reform rather than merely detention centres.

He explained that “empowering an inmate with employable skills is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in national security and human capital.” According to the Minister, providing inmates with marketable skills reduces their likelihood of re-offending. He emphasised that rehabilitation and reformation should be tied to purposeful activities, ensuring they occur in an environment that fosters change.

To implement this vision, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak announced plans to scale up government support for prison-based ventures. These will include activities such as carpentry, tailoring, agriculture, and industrial operations like bottled water production, forming the backbone of a self-sustaining correctional economy.

The Minister also directed all institutions under the Ministry for the Interior to prioritise purchasing bottled water and toilet rolls produced by the Ghana Prisons Service. This initiative, he said, would help alleviate the financial burden on the state, generate revenue, and promote inmate productivity.

Reassuring the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Minister emphasised the government’s unwavering support. He noted that the commitment goes beyond improving logistics and infrastructure to reforming the very foundations of correctional practices in Ghana.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urged the newly graduated officers to serve with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. He reminded them that their actions would reflect the high standards of the prison service and the trust the nation has placed in them.

University of Ghana Sanctions Over 100 Students for Misconduct and Exam Malpractice

The University of Ghana has sanctioned 115 students for various acts of misconduct and examination malpractice following a decision by the Academic Board. A notice from the Office of the Registrar, dated June 16, 2025, outlines the range of sanctions, including suspensions, expulsions, grade penalties, and reprimands.

Disciplinary Actions

The sanctions are divided into two categories: general misconduct and examination-related offences. Fourteen students, including Mr Abdul-Yakini Lukman and Mr Daniel Ansah, were suspended for two academic years due to “disorderly conduct and failure to observe the orders of University authorities,” as per Statutes 42(1)(a) of the University of Ghana Statutes 2011. These suspensions are retroactive, covering both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years.

Examination-related offences made up the majority of the cases. Students like Mr Christian Owusu Yeboah and Ms Linda Attah Lambongyi were expelled for impersonation during exams. Other students, such as Mr. Ramsey Akoto Junior, received a Grade Z for leaving the examination hall with answer booklets. Possession of unauthorized materials, such as mobile phones and written notes, led to penalties ranging from Grade X to Grade Z, depending on the severity.

Notable Cases

Mr. Eugene Nimo Obeng was suspended for one semester and received a Grade Z for possessing unauthorized materials and sharing his answers with another candidate. Ms Lilian N.L. Miller faced a similar suspension and Grade Z for repeated offences involving unauthorized notes during exams.

Ms. Fatimah Iddriss and Justice Nii-Amo were reprimanded for rudeness toward invigilators and inappropriate communication during exams, respectively.

University’s Stance

In the notice, signed by Registrar Mrs Emelia Agyei-Mensah, the university emphasized the importance of adhering to university regulations. “All students are advised to familiarize themselves with the University’s regulations and conduct themselves in a manner befitting members of our community,” the notice stated. It was distributed to all university employees and students, with copies sent to senior administrators.

Find the entire notice below:

june-2025-sanctions-publication-250617080034-e4ba9cb8 Download

Govt Secures European Funding for Damongo Water Supply Project – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has successfully secured funding to address the water crisis in Damongo, located in the Savannah Region. The European Union has committed financial support for the construction of a new water supply system for the area.

“We have all the designs ready, and the European Union has offered funding to execute the project,” President Mahama revealed.

During his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Savannah Region, the President reassured the residents of Damongo that the government is dedicated to resolving the ongoing water shortage, with the project set to begin soon.

He emphasized the importance of clean water, stating, “Your Majesty, access to clean water is not a luxury but a basic right.” He also informed Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I that the long-awaited Damongo water supply system would soon be operational.

Once completed, the project will supply clean water to Damongo and its surrounding areas. “This project will draw water from Yapei and supply it to Damongo. I am pleased to announce that it will serve the 8,000 residents of Damongo and its environs,” President Mahama added.

The previous NPP administration had laid the groundwork for the Damongo Water Supply Project, which involved a $49 million credit facility from UK Export Finance and Deutsche Bank AG.

Currently, Damongo’s water supply relies on an irrigation dam. However, due to siltation issues caused by adverse climatic conditions, the existing plant has been non-operational since 2005. As a result, residents have had to depend on private hand-dug wells and boreholes with hand pumps for their water supply.

The new Water Supply System is designed to meet the needs of Damongo and surrounding communities until 2040, in line with government policy. The system is expected to serve a population of around 68,000 people, with an average daily water demand of about 8,800 cubic meters.

GES Includes 25 Private SHSs in the 2025 Computerised School Placement System

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the inclusion of 25 private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the 2025 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) under the Free SHS policy. This marks the first time private SHSs have been incorporated into the Free SHS programme since its launch in September 2017.

The GES aims to improve access to quality second-cycle education, particularly in regions where public senior high schools (SHSs) are overcrowded. The selected schools, categorised under Category E, are co-educational day institutions spread across all 16 regions. They offer a variety of academic programmes, including General Arts, General Science, Business, Technical, Visual Arts, Home Economics, and Agriculture.

According to Mr Prince Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instruction Division, the deadline for school selection has been extended to Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to provide candidates with sufficient time to consider the newly added options.

The GES statement emphasised that this initiative reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equity and access to education. The pilot programme will be monitored and evaluated for potential future expansion.

In the following steps, selected schools will undergo capacity-building and assessments to meet the operational standards of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The Ministry, GES, and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) will collaborate on training, oversight, and infrastructure support where needed.

This expansion of the Free SHS programme, in partnership with GNACOPS, focuses on private institutions in areas where public schools cannot accommodate all qualified students due to infrastructure constraints.

Find the complete list of the selected schools below.

Accountants Urged to Embrace AI but Stay Ethical

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), Mr. Augustine Addo, has called on accountants to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) while upholding their ethical values.

Speaking during a Jumu’ah prayer and symposium at the National Mosque in Kanda, Mr Addo said AI was transforming accounting. “AI empowers us to analyse data more accurately, detect fraud efficiently, and offer insights that can transform businesses and public institutions,” he said.

Mr Augustin Addo – President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)

But he warned that progress must not come at the cost of integrity. “Technology is a tool,” he said, “but our values—honesty, justice, and stewardship—must guide its use for the greater good.”

The event was part of the 2025 Accountants’ Week celebration. This year’s theme is “Leveraging the Transformational Power of AI: The Role of the Professional Accountant.”

Mr Addo praised the unity and reflection shared at the gathering of Muslim professionals and dignitaries.

President of the Ghana Association of Muslim Accountants (GAMA), Mr. Yusif Geoffrey, also addressed the forum. He stated that ethical financial stewardship was crucial to national development.

“As Muslim accountants, we are not just custodians of finances but also of public trust,” he said. He stressed that Islamic teachings demand accountability in all actions. “This sense of responsibility must shape how we manage resources,” he added.

Mr Geoffrey highlighted the role of Muslim accountants in promoting transparency and ensuring the proper use of resources across various sectors.

He urged mosque leaders to adopt sound financial practices. These included using qualified accountants, setting up internal controls, and regularly sharing financial reports.

“Our mosques manage significant funds from zakat, sadaqah, and donations,” he said. “We must uphold the highest standards of transparency and professionalism.”

On Hajj operations, he welcomed recent reforms, including the reduced Hajj fare of GH¢62,000 and the increased quota of 5,000 pilgrims. However, he called for more precise fare breakdowns, earlier announcements, and the involvement of financial experts.

“GAMA is ready to support the Hajj Board to deliver a more accountable experience for Ghanaian pilgrims,” he said.

Quoting from the Quran, he reminded the gathering, “Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight” (Quran 17:35). He said ethical governance was both a professional and moral duty.

As part of the celebration, cash donations were made to the National Chief Imam and towards the Ghana National Mosque project.

Tamale Constitution Review Forum Moves to New Venue

The Constitutional Review Committee has announced a new venue for its upcoming public engagement in Tamale.

The session, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, will now take place at the Modern City Hotel Conference Centre, Big Hall 1. The location is in the Northern Region capital, Tamale.

All other details—including the time and structure of the event—remain the same.

In a statement signed by the Committee’s Secretary, Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Committee apologized for any inconvenience. It urged the public, guests, and stakeholders to take note of the new venue.

The Tamale session is part of the Committee’s ongoing nationwide consultations. These sessions aim to gather views on the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

“This public forum is part of a broader effort to ensure that the voices of all Ghanaians are reflected in the future of our democratic governance,” the statement said.

The Committee encouraged citizens to attend and take part in shaping possible changes to the Constitution.

“Your voice matters, and we look forward to your active participation,” the statement added.

7 Drowned Lawra SHS Students Laid to Rest

A tragic incident struck Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when seven students from the school’s cadet corps drowned in the River Dikpe. The students, two boys and five girls had been crossing the river as part of their morning routine when their canoe capsized midstream.

While three students managed to swim to safety, the others, unable to swim, were swept away by the strong undercurrent. All seven bodies were recovered and sent to the Lawra Municipal Assembly morgue for preservation. By 3 p.m. the following Sunday, six of the bodies had been released to the families for burial. The final two bodies were retrieved the following day.

The students were part of the cadet corps’ early morning jogging routine. The accident occurred when they used a different route across the river, opting for a canoe instead of crossing on foot. Typically, the crossing was shallow enough for them to wade across, but this time, they chose to board a canoe.

A Burkinabè with the canoe was seen crossing the river at the same time, and ten of the 15 cadet corps members joined him. The rest waited behind. Unfortunately, the canoe capsized during the crossing, leading to the drowning of the seven students. Three students, two girls and a boy, managed to swim to the bank, but the others were pulled away by the current.

The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Razak Abdul Korah, confirmed the incident and stated that the GES would issue a detailed report soon. By 2 p.m. on Sunday, the GES visited two of the deceased students’ families in the Daffiama Bussie Issa District and was on its way to see a third family in Nadowli.

All seven students were buried by the time the report was filed. The GES has been visiting the affected families to offer condolences and support.

Abdul Latif Osman, the Upper West Regional National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Coordinator, explained that the cadet corps usually crosses the river during their routine jog. Still, the crossing was typically done on foot as the water was shallow. This time, the cadets used a different route and boarded the canoe after seeing the Burkinabè crossing. The canoe capsized while crossing, and seven students drowned. The Burkinabè, who was in charge of the canoe, fled the scene and has not been found.

The accident occurred at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The surviving students informed the community, and rituals were performed before the search began. The search team started at 10 a.m., and within an hour, five bodies had been retrieved. After a brief pause in the search, the remaining two bodies were found the following morning.

Teachers Aiding Candidates to Cheat in BECE Raises Concerns — WAEC

The Upper West Regional Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Donald Tuor, has raised the alarm over the involvement of teachers and supervisors in examination malpractice during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Mr Tuor revealed that some teachers have been helping candidates cheat by solving exam questions and hiding them in the examination halls or pre-arranged locations for candidates to pick up.

He noted that several candidates had been caught with unauthorized materials, while others had swapped their question papers.

Donald Tuor – Upper West Regional Controller of WAEC

Method of Malpractice

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Tuor explained, “The teachers would hide in bushes, solve the questions, drop them in the examination halls for the candidates, or place them in toilets for the candidates to retrieve.” He added that the teachers already informed the candidates about where to find the solved questions. “The candidates know exactly when and where to go for them,” he stated.

Mr. Tuor expressed disappointment, mentioning that many supervisors and invigilators had been compromised and were assisting candidates in their cheating activities.

Handling Malpractice

Typically, when candidates are caught with foreign materials or found cheating, they are asked to fill out a form acknowledging the infraction, which is witnessed by the supervisor. After this, they are allowed to continue with the rest of the exam. For the teachers involved their names have been submitted to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for disciplinary action.

Other Incidents

While the examination has generally proceeded smoothly, there have been isolated incidents of cheating and swapping of question papers. Mr Tuor mentioned an unusual occurrence last Friday when a bee invasion at Wa School for the Deaf led to two candidates being stung and rushed to the hospital. One of the victims, a girl, was detained and unable to sit for the second paper, while the boy was treated and discharged.