UNFPA urges Ghana to make population data central to national development planning

November 5, 2026

• Chiefs in the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area have called on President John Dramani Mahama to bring the Tarkwa Gold Mine under state ownership when Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s leases expire in April 2027.
• They argue that decades of mining have brought insufficient benefits to host communities, citing poor roads, limited infrastructure investment, and delayed royalty payments.
• The Apinto Divisional Council has separately petitioned the government against renewing Gold Fields’ leases, advocating for the concession to go to a Ghanaian investor committed to community development.
• Queen Mother Nana Abena Konadwoa II highlighted significant infrastructure projects in the Damang area following its transfer to Ghanaian ownership as an example of desired investment around Tarkwa.
• The government currently holds a 10% stake in the mine, with Gold Fields holding 90% of this major gold-producing operation.

November 5, 2026

• The Ministry of Food and Agriculture signed an MoU with DMT Collateral Management to construct a 21,000-metric-tonne grain storage facility in Ghana's Upper West Region.
• Expected by August 2027, the facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food storage, and bolster national food security, including emergency reserves.
• The project, located in Wa, is backed by an export credit facility of approximately €4.8 million and an additional investment of about US$5 million.
• It includes local capacity building, offering training to National Service personnel, Feed Ghana Brigadiers, and technicians in silo operations and grain management.
• This facility is the initial phase of a larger national plan to establish 15-20 similar storage facilities across the country.

November 5, 2026

• MultiChoice Ghana is launching four simplified DStv packages (Starter, Select, Sports, Ultimate) on November 5, 2026, replacing existing ones.
• The new packages come with significantly reduced subscription prices, making content more accessible and affordable.
• This restructuring is a direct response to years of customer feedback concerning high costs, aiming to offer more content for less money.
• MultiChoice is also reducing DStv equipment prices, with a decoder and dish now costing GH¢99, and a decoder alone at GH¢49, to attract more households.
• The company is expanding its distribution network and collaborating with the government on content piracy as part of a strategy to grow its subscriber base.