Ghana’s Aziz Issah seals permanent transfer to Barcelona

July 28, 2026

• Ghana's government pledges to eliminate the double-track education system within 24 months to enhance secondary education quality.
• A $300 million World Bank facility will support this initiative, focusing on expanding secondary school infrastructure.
• The Minority in Parliament criticizes the loan, alleging it funds the Free SHS program and signals economic mismanagement post-IMF.
• The government refutes these claims, insisting the World Bank facility is solely for infrastructure development and quality improvement, not Free SHS funding.
• Additional reforms include a GH¢3.4 billion GETFund allocation for student feeding, strengthening teacher professionalism, curriculum review, and boosting STEM education.

July 28, 2026

• The President of NPC Ghana, Samson Deen, announced a special podium medal bonus package for Ghanaian para athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• Gold medallists will receive £3,000, silver medallists £2,000, and bronze medallists £1,000.
• Zinabu Issah, Ghana's first medal winner (silver) at the Games, will receive a £2,000 cash award.
• A similar medal prize scheme will be formally launched for the LA28 Paralympic Games qualification campaign.
• A 'Follow My Athlete Scheme' will also be introduced to connect individual para athletes with corporate organisations, philanthropists, and sponsors.

July 28, 2026

• KPMG Ghana urges the government to implement new tax reforms from the Mid-Year Budget using a phased-out strategy.
• Key reforms include the removal of 20% excise duty on locally produced beverages and a massive reform in tax administration structure.
• The government plans to deploy Fiscal Electronic Devices, a VAT Reward Scheme, and technology to collect VAT from non-resident digital platforms.
• KPMG recommends that implementation be supported by clear technical standards, taxpayer education, and reasonable transition arrangements to ensure effective compliance.
• KPMG also supported the government's expenditure rationalization, noting Ghana's positive H1 economic performance with a fiscal surplus, strong reserves, and robust trade position.