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September 12, 2026
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Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
Money
Policy
Growth
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia has closed its critical East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack originating from Iraq, amidst an escalating Middle East conflict.
- Iraq admitted the drone attack came from one of its provinces bordering Iran, leading to the removal of a military commander and an ongoing investigation.
- The incident coincides with significant advances by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have seized control of much of the Red Sea coast, including the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- The pipeline closure impacts 4-5% of global oil supply, and the widening conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
- Saudi Arabia has reserved its right to retaliate but supports Iraq's efforts to prevent future attacks, while the Gulf Co-operation Council condemned the incident as a dangerous escalation.
Why This Matters
As a net importer of petroleum products, Ghana is highly susceptible to fluctuations in global crude oil prices. The surge past $100 a barrel due to this conflict will likely increase fuel costs, exacerbate inflation, and raise the cost of living and doing business across the country. This can strain government finances, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs and hindering economic stability and growth initiatives.
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September 12, 2026
‘Life Is Short’ gospel music hitmaker Bernice Offei dies at 63
- Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Bernice Offei has died at the age of 63.
- Her death was announced on September 12, 2026, by fellow musicians Nii Noi and Kwesi Ernest.
- Offei was celebrated for hit songs including "Life Is Short," "Hold On," and "Kaa She Gbeyei."
- Her passing comes shortly after a reported disappearance, where she was later found safe but appeared unwell.
- She had a decades-long career, leaving a lasting legacy in Ghana's gospel music scene with her inspirational messages.
September 11, 2026
I have space for about 800 students – Mansoman SHS headmaster raises concerns about placement changes
- The Headmaster of Mansoman SHS, Rev. Nicholas Adu Berko, is concerned about the increasing number of students changing their Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) placements.
- Mansoman SHS, despite having facilities for 800-900 students (classrooms, dormitories, beds), is struggling to attract students and is seeing its initial placement numbers drop.
- Parents are reportedly changing placements due to reasons like poor road conditions and a preference for perceived 'better' or 'Grade A' schools, often in urban centers.
- The headmaster challenges the perception that schools outside major urban areas lack quality teachers or provide inferior education, stating his teachers are equally capable.
- He advocates for an end to the practice of ranking or categorising senior high schools, believing it unfairly influences parents' choices and contributes to the neglect of some institutions.
September 11, 2026
NPP National Chairman Race: John Boadu in narrow lead, but race is open and competitive – APL report
- John Boadu holds an early lead in the NPP National Chairman race with 38.6% support overall and 65.0% among decided voters.
- Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko is the closest contender, polling 20.7% overall and 34.8% among decided voters, trailing Boadu by 17.9 points.
- A substantial 30.7% of delegates are still undecided, making the contest highly fluid and open.
- Candidate support shows strong regional variations, with Boadu dominating in Bono East and Upper East, while Agyarko is strong in Western North and Ahafo.
- Africa Policy Lens (APL) analysts classify the race as competitive due to the high undecided vote, the margin between frontrunners, and the impact of dropouts.