The Akosombo substation fire incident should never have escalated: ASEC calls for stronger protection systems, fire response and redundancy

July 28, 2026

• The CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) attributes recent fuel price increases to global market pressures, not new government taxes or policy changes.
• Disruptions in the international oil market, particularly Middle East tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, have significantly increased global benchmark crude prices.
• Ghana's deregulated petroleum pricing system means Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) pass on these increased international costs directly to consumers.
• The GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy is an additional component to an existing levy structure, and the CEO clarified it's not the primary cause of current price hikes.
• Ghana's reliance on imported refined petroleum products leaves it vulnerable to global shocks, with local refining suggested as a way to improve supply security and potentially reduce some costs.

July 28, 2026

• Energy expert Benjamin Nsiah calls for a review of Ghana’s petroleum pricing framework to protect consumers and businesses.
• He argues the current system, heavily reliant on international prices and exchange rates, exposes the economy to external shocks and frequent price fluctuations.
• Nsiah proposes a more flexible fiscal and pricing regime to absorb global market volatility and maintain stability at the pumps.
• The expert highlights cedi depreciation and global geopolitical tensions as key drivers of surging ex-pump prices.
• He warns of wider economic consequences like rising inflation, increased transport costs, and higher interest rates, and advocates for reviewing the fuel tax and levy structure for a long-term cushioning framework.

July 28, 2026

• Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) urges the Ministry of Education (MoE) to adopt a deliberate, adequately resourced, and phased approach to implementing Ghana’s reviewed KG and primary curriculum.
• While welcoming the curriculum review, Eduwatch cautions that success hinges on comprehensive preparation and support, not just a well-designed curriculum.
• Key success factors identified include teacher preparedness, availability of teaching resources, institutional capacity, sustainable financing, and effective implementation support.
• Eduwatch recommends developing and publishing a costed Curriculum Implementation Readiness Plan with clear benchmarks, rather than adhering to a fixed timeline for nationwide rollout.
• Essential conditions for implementation include comprehensive teacher training, stakeholder orientation, provision of adequate materials, robust monitoring, and sufficient resources for NaCCA.