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June 15, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Over 50% of Barekese forest cover lost as reservoir capacity drops by 30% – GWL
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Ghana Water Limited (GWL) warns that extensive forest degradation around the Barekese Dam threatens water supply to the Greater Kumasi metropolis.
- Over 50% of the forest cover has been lost, leading to severe siltation that has reduced the reservoir's storage capacity by nearly 30%.
- Illegal logging, indiscriminate farming, bush burning, sand winning, and expanding human settlements are identified as major drivers of the destruction.
- GWL has partnered with the Forestry Commission and local assembly to plant over 5,000 tree seedlings to restore forest cover and protect the water source.
- The restoration efforts aim to improve water quality, reduce treatment burdens, enhance climate resilience, and ensure long-term water security for Kumasi.
Why This Matters
This situation is critical for Ghana as the Barekese Dam provides potable water for Kumasi, the country's second-largest city. The degradation threatens water security, public health, and sustainable development for a major urban center. Failure to address this could lead to a severe water crisis with significant socio-economic repercussions.
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September 17, 2026
Abducted South African journalist found dead with gunshot wounds
- Veteran South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu was found dead on Wednesday after being abducted during a vehicle hijacking near Johannesburg.
- Ndlovu was seized on Tuesday by three unknown men while picking up his wife from a church in Katlehong.
- His body, reportedly with gunshot wounds, was discovered by residents the following morning in Thokoza, and his hijacked vehicle was later found abandoned.
- Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects and are investigating the murder, with a post-mortem pending to establish the cause of death.
- The incident has once again highlighted South Africa's severe violent crime problem, with recent figures showing over 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings in a three-month period.
September 16, 2026
Jordan Ayew, Yirenkyi feature as Ghanaian trio exit Carabao Cup
- Jordan Ayew played 32 minutes for Sheffield United as they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Fleetwood Town.
- Ayew is actively working on his return to full fitness after being without a club since July.
- Caleb Yirenkyi secured his first start in two weeks for Coventry City, playing 73 minutes in their Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa.
- Fellow Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante was an unused substitute for Coventry City and continues to struggle for regular playing time.
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September 16, 2026
Customs revenue jumps to 450 million dollars monthly since AI introduction
- Customs revenue in Ghana has significantly increased by approximately $100 million monthly, rising from $350 million to $450 million.
- This surge is attributed to the introduction of artificial intelligence systems and the modernization of customs operations, particularly in valuation and classification.
- The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, disclosed these figures at the West African Tax Administrators Forum.
- Sarpong emphasized that the improvement is a result of administrative reform and digital innovation, not new taxes or higher rates.
- The reforms, which began in April with the installation of AI systems, demonstrate how political will, administrative reform, and digital innovation can transform national fiscal destinies.