56.4% of Ghanaians remain in poverty despite economic recovery – World Bank

October 10, 2026

• The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) investigated allegations of extortion involving Customs officers at Accra International Airport after a passenger, Gifty Osei Bonsu, was assessed GH¢807.68 in customs duty.
• Preliminary investigations revealed a temporary system failure prevented the immediate issuance of an official receipt for the duty paid on 20 pairs of new shoes, nine dresses, 18 shirts, and four wigs.
• Ms. Bonsu deposited GH¢800, and the remaining GH¢7.68 was covered by the officers personally, with the full assessed duty later paid into GRA’s revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Limited.
• The GRA apologized for the inconvenience and delay, affirming the transaction was in good faith and the duty duly accounted for.
• The Authority has introduced alternative procedures for system interruptions, begun reviewing standard operating procedures for officer engagement, and is developing improved passenger-facing processes for transparency and clarity.

October 9, 2026

• A National Conference on Housing Finance 2026 communiqué has been adopted, committing various stakeholders to improve access to affordable housing in Ghana.
• The National Housing Fund (NHF) is tasked with coordinating implementation, promoting innovation, developing risk-sharing mechanisms, and establishing a national homebuyers database.
• Government, financial institutions, housing developers (GREDA), and labour organizations have pledged specific actions, including mobilizing private investment and advocating for inclusive policies.
• GREDA committed to using local materials, improving efficiency, and promoting green building practices to reduce housing costs.
• The initiative aims to address Ghana's estimated 1.8 million housing deficit and tackle challenges like rapid urbanization and rising construction costs.

October 9, 2026

• A concerned parent laments the ongoing teachers' strike, highlighting that boarding school students are idle despite their families' significant financial sacrifices.
• Parents are burdened with costs for provisions and other essentials, which students consume without receiving academic instruction.
• The parent urges the government to urgently address the strike by settling teachers' outstanding payments to restore normal academic activities.
• He criticizes the notion that teachers' reward is in heaven, advocating for fair and timely compensation for teachers akin to other professionals.
• The parent stresses the foundational role of teachers in national development and calls for immediate intervention to protect students' education.