Jinapor Sets Record Straight on Gold Programme, Says Bawumia Was the Brainchild

Samuel Abu Jinapor has defended the origins and record of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has entered the growing debate over Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), insisting that the initiative was conceived by then Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Jinapor made the claim in a Facebook statement on Monday, August 31, 2026, following recent comments by Bawumia while addressing the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners.

The former minister said he considered it necessary to respond because he was the minister responsible for mines when the programme was introduced.

According to Jinapor, the public record should clearly establish who conceived the programme, how it was implemented and what impact it had on Ghana’s gold reserves and the wider economy.

Jinapor: Bawumia conceived the programme

Jinapor said the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme was the brainchild of Dr Bawumia, who was then serving as head of Ghana’s Economic Management Team.

He explained that the initiative emerged at a time when Ghana was facing severe economic difficulties following the twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to his account, Bawumia held strategic meetings with relevant stakeholders and instructed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to engage stakeholders under the ministry before the programme was formally launched.

The programme was launched on June 17, 2021, at the then headquarters of the Bank of Ghana.

Jinapor said the initiative was designed to use Ghana’s domestic gold production to strengthen the country’s gold reserves and augment its foreign-exchange reserves.

A different approach to building gold reserves

Jinapor argued that the programme represented a significant change in the way Ghana accumulated gold reserves.

He said that when Ghana sought to boost its gold reserves in 1960, gold was purchased from abroad and transported to the Bank of Ghana’s vault.

Under the DGPP, however, the Bank of Ghana purchased gold locally from licensed aggregators and mining companies, paying them the Ghana cedi equivalent of the prevailing market price.

Jinapor cited remarks made by the then Governor of the Bank of Ghana at the launch, describing the initiative as a historic change in the central bank’s foreign-exchange reserve management operations.

The objective was therefore not simply to purchase gold.

It was to use Ghana’s own gold production as a mechanism for strengthening the country’s reserve position.

Gold reserves increased significantly

One of Jinapor’s strongest arguments concerns the growth in Ghana’s gold reserves following the introduction of the programme.

He said Ghana’s gold reserve stood at 8.77 tonnes when the DGPP was launched.

According to him, the Bank of Ghana initially targeted doubling that figure within five years.

But by December 2024, Jinapor said the reserve had risen to 30.53 tonnes, almost four times the level recorded when the programme began.

For Jinapor, the increase demonstrates the scale of the programme’s impact and shows that the original reserve-accumulation target was exceeded well before the five-year period had elapsed.

Government introduced stricter gold purchasing rules

Jinapor also outlined measures taken by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources during his tenure to strengthen the implementation of the programme.

He said the ministry held a series of meetings with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners before invoking the government’s pre-emptory right under Section 7 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

According to Jinapor, the ministry subsequently issued policy directives to the Minerals Commission and the then Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

He said the directives were later amended on January 4, 2024.

Under the directives, Jinapor said all large-scale mining companies were required to sell 20 percent of their refined gold to the Bank of Ghana in Ghana cedis before exporting the remaining portion.

He added that Community Mining Schemes and licensed small-scale miners were required to sell their gold to government through PMMC.

Jinapor stressed that the policy deliberately focused on licensed and responsible small-scale miners because the government did not want illegally sourced gold to enter the programme.

He said the Minerals Commission, PMMC and Bank of Ghana coordinated the implementation, with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners.

Gold exports reached a record $11.6 billion

Despite the measures introduced to channel more gold into the domestic purchasing programme, Jinapor said Ghana’s gold exports continued to grow.

According to his statement, gold exports reached a record US$11.6 billion in 2024, compared with US$7.6 billion in 2023 and US$6.6 billion in 2022.

The figures highlight the growing importance of gold to Ghana’s foreign-exchange earnings and the wider economy.

Jinapor also pointed to the export figures as evidence of the scale of activity within Ghana’s gold sector during the period.

Jinapor links the programme to economic stability

The former minister further argued that the gold accumulated through the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme has played an important role in Ghana’s economic position.

He cited remarks attributed to current Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama at the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference held at the University of Ghana on January 6, 2026.

According to Jinapor, Dr Asiama said the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme had strengthened Ghana’s external buffers and contributed to the Bank of Ghana’s objective of achieving macroeconomic stability.

Jinapor therefore described the accumulated gold reserves as an important component of Ghana’s economic position.

Jinapor challenges the GANRAP narrative

The former minister’s most politically significant argument concerns the government’s Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy, known as GANRAP.

Jinapor argues that the current policy is essentially a renamed version of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme introduced under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.

“This Government’s ‘Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation policy (GANARAP),’ is nothing more than a renaming of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme,” Jinapor stated.

The current administration has positioned its reserve accumulation strategy as part of efforts to use Ghana’s gold resources to strengthen national reserves.

The development has also resulted in new arrangements involving the Bank of Ghana, GoldBod and large-scale mining companies.

Also Read: Ghana Signs 30% Gold Deal With Large-Scale Mining Companies

That development provides another important piece of context to the ongoing debate over Ghana’s gold reserves and the government’s strategy for retaining more value from the country’s gold production.

GoldBod controversy adds another dimension

The debate over the origins and performance of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme comes at a time when Ghana’s gold purchasing system is already facing political and economic scrutiny.

A separate controversy has emerged over claims of a US$1.7 billion loss associated with domestic gold purchasing arrangements.

Also Read: GoldBod Dispute Deepens as Sammy Gyamfi Rejects $1.7bn Loss Claim

The disagreement has intensified questions about the financial cost of Ghana’s gold purchasing strategy and the responsibilities of the institutions involved.

For Jinapor, however, the central issue in his latest intervention is the historical origin and contribution of the DGPP.

He wants the programme’s achievements to be assessed alongside the growth in Ghana’s gold reserves and its contribution to strengthening the country’s external position.

Gold, the cedi and Ghana’s reserves

The debate is also taking place against the broader discussion about Ghana’s foreign-exchange position and the role of gold in supporting the cedi and macroeconomic stability.

Also Read: Cedi Under Pressure as Dollar Sells at GH¢12.30 on Forex Market

Gold has increasingly featured in discussions about Ghana’s reserves and the country’s efforts to reduce its vulnerability to external shocks.

Jinapor’s argument is that the DGPP should be viewed within this wider economic context rather than simply as a political initiative.

What Jinapor wants the public record to show

At the heart of Jinapor’s statement is a question of political and policy ownership.

He says Dr Mahamudu Bawumia conceived the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme while serving as head of the Economic Management Team.

He points to the programme’s launch in 2021, the subsequent increase in Ghana’s gold reserves and the policy measures introduced to channel more domestically produced gold into the country’s reserve accumulation efforts.

He further argues that GANRAP represents a continuation or renaming of the earlier initiative.

These assertions form part of Jinapor’s response to the current political debate over Ghana’s gold policy, and the competing interpretations of the programme remain a matter of public discussion.

Jinapor puts his position on record

For the former minister, the issue is ultimately about ensuring that the history of Ghana’s gold reserve accumulation accurately reflects the origins of the programme.

Jinapor maintains that the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme was the brainchild of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and argues that the programme contributed significantly to the increase in Ghana’s gold reserves and the strengthening of the country’s external position.

His intervention adds a fresh political dimension to the continuing debate over Ghana’s gold strategy, particularly as the government advances GANRAP and expands the role of GoldBod in the gold sector.

For now, Jinapor’s position is clear: he wants the public record to recognise Dr Bawumia as the originator of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

The debate over who conceived the programme, how it performed and how its legacy should be carried forward is likely to continue as Ghana places increasing emphasis on gold as a strategic national asset.

Source: Samuel Abu Jinapor / Facebook

Global Pulse GH Editorial Desk

Garlus Donates 15 Industrial Sewing Machines to Damongo Women

DAMONGO, Savannah Region — Fifteen women in Damongo are set to receive a boost to their tailoring businesses after Ghana Water Limited Managing Director, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu Garlus, donated 15 industrial sewing machines to members of the Lordina Ladies group.

The donation was made on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Damongo as part of an initiative aimed at helping women with tailoring skills strengthen their businesses and build more sustainable sources of income.

The gesture has also attracted commendation from Bunyanso Farms Limited and the Northern Ghana Integrated Initiatives for Development (NORGIID Ghana), which welcomed the intervention as practical support for entrepreneurship and livelihoods.

Why the Sewing Machines Matter

For many small-business operators, having the skill to work is only one part of the challenge.

Access to the right equipment can determine whether that skill becomes a functioning and profitable enterprise.

The industrial sewing machines could help the beneficiaries increase production, take on more orders and strengthen their tailoring businesses.

For women already working in the trade, improved access to equipment can also reduce some of the limitations created by relying on basic or inadequate machines.

The bigger question, however, is whether the support will translate into sustained income and growing businesses.

Garlus Announces More Support

Hon. Garlus indicated that the 15 sewing machines form part of an initial consignment of support.

Reports from the presentation indicate that he intends to extend assistance to other members of the group, including people engaged in hairdressing and other artisanal activities.

He also spoke about his longstanding relationship with the Lordina Ladies, dating back to 2010.

According to reports from the event, Garlus said the group had remained supportive during difficult periods over the years and that the intervention was partly intended to recognise that longstanding relationship.

From Skills to Sustainable Businesses

The donation comes at a time when practical livelihood opportunities remain an important part of economic discussions across Northern Ghana.

For many young people and small-business operators, the challenge is not necessarily a lack of skills but the absence of equipment, finance, markets and other resources needed to turn those skills into viable businesses.

Global Pulse GH has previously reported on vocational opportunities and livelihood development in the Savannah Region.

Also Read: Central Gonja disability groups plan vocational training for youths

That story highlights a similar issue: vocational skills become more economically useful when people have the tools required to practise and develop them.

A sewing machine, for example, can allow a tailor to accept more orders, improve production and potentially expand the business over time.

A Wider Livelihood Question for Savannah

The intervention also adds to a broader conversation about how communities in Northern Ghana can create more livelihood opportunities outside formal salaried employment.

Tailoring, agriculture, food processing, trading, construction, hairdressing and other small enterprises already provide income for thousands of people across the region.

But many operators struggle to expand because of limited access to productive equipment and capital.

That is why interventions focused on practical assets can be significant, particularly when they are combined with training, access to markets and business support.

Global Pulse GH has also reported on calls for more direct employment opportunities for young people in the Savannah Region.

Also Read: Savannah youth are demanding more sustainable employment opportunities

The issue is particularly important in communities where formal employment opportunities remain limited and many young people depend on informal businesses and skilled trades for their livelihoods.

Women’s Businesses Can Strengthen Households

The potential impact of the machines goes beyond the individual beneficiaries.

When a woman is able to expand a small business and increase her income, the additional earnings can contribute to household expenses, education, food and other family needs.

A growing enterprise can also create opportunities for apprentices and increase demand for materials and services from other local businesses.

This makes livelihood support different from a one-time intervention. Productive equipment can continue generating value when it is properly used, maintained and supported.

The same principle has been evident in other livelihood interventions across the Savannah Region.

In Central Gonja, for instance, the District Assembly recently supported persons with disabilities through financial and livelihood assistance aimed at helping beneficiaries establish or strengthen businesses.

Also Read: Central Gonja receives GH¢585,000 to support persons with disabilities

These interventions point to a common challenge facing many grassroots entrepreneurs: having the willingness and ability to work does not always mean having the resources required to grow.

What Happens After the Donation?

The presentation of the machines is only the beginning.

The real measure of the intervention will be what happens in the months ahead.

Will the beneficiaries be able to attract more customers?

Will they have access to fabrics and other materials required to operate consistently?

Can their businesses grow enough to support apprentices or additional workers?

Will they receive further training in areas such as pricing, marketing, bookkeeping and business management?

These questions will determine whether the machines remain a one-time donation or become the foundation for stronger and more sustainable businesses.

Bunyanso Farms and NORGIID Welcome the Initiative

Bunyanso Farms Limited and NORGIID Ghana have welcomed the intervention and encouraged other leaders, institutions, development organisations, civil society groups and businesses to consider similar practical forms of support.

Their position reflects a wider argument around grassroots economic empowerment: people who possess useful skills often need access to productive resources before those skills can generate meaningful income.

For women operating small enterprises, that support can make the difference between having a skill and having a functioning business.

The Bigger Opportunity for Damongo

For the 15 beneficiaries, the immediate opportunity is clear.

The machines provide new productive assets that can help them improve their tailoring activities and potentially increase their earnings.

For Damongo, the intervention adds to the growing conversation about supporting small businesses and creating practical economic opportunities at the community level.

But its long-term significance will depend on what comes next.

If the beneficiaries are able to increase production, secure more customers, grow their businesses and create opportunities for others, the impact of the donation could extend well beyond the original 15 machines.

That is ultimately where the success of the intervention will be measured — not simply by the number of machines presented, but by the businesses, incomes and livelihoods they help build.

Global Pulse GH will continue to follow community development, entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives across Damongo and the Savannah Region.

What Do You Think?

Can practical equipment support such as sewing machines make a lasting difference to women entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana?

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow Global Pulse GH for more local stories that matter.

Global Pulse GH Editorial Desk

Reported and fact-checked by the Global Pulse GH newsroom.

Ghana Launches Green TVET Initiative as New Jobs Emerge

For young Ghanaians searching for a practical route into the changing job market, a new skills initiative is putting a different set of opportunities in focus.

Ghana has launched the Green TVET Initiative, a programme designed to bring green skills, climate resilience and sustainable innovation into Technical and Vocational Education and Training across the country.

The initiative is being implemented by the Ghana TVET Service in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) as Ghana prepares for the 2026 National TVET Week.

The bigger question now is what these new skills could mean for young people looking for employment or hoping to build businesses of their own.

A New Direction for Technical Training

The world of work is changing rapidly.

Renewable energy, cleaner production, sustainable agriculture, waste management and environmentally responsible construction are becoming increasingly important as industries respond to climate change and new technologies.

Ghana's Green TVET Initiative is intended to ensure that students entering the technical and vocational system are prepared for that shift.

The Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Dr Eric Kofi Adzroe, said the future workforce would need more than traditional technical competence.

Workers would also need the ability to work with sustainable technologies, understand environmental responsibility and contribute to climate resilience.

That means green skills are being positioned not as an additional subject for students to learn, but as part of the practical competencies they will need in an evolving labour market.

Teachers Are Being Trained First

One of the important components of the initiative is the training of TVET educators.

Principals, vice principals and facilitators from institutions across Ghana are receiving training in areas including green skills, climate-smart technologies, sustainable institutional management and environmentally responsible teaching practices.

The idea is straightforward: equip instructors with the knowledge first, then transfer those skills to students through classroom teaching and practical training.

This could allow students to encounter green technologies not simply as theory, but through hands-on learning relevant to their chosen fields.

Solar Energy Training Planned at Wa Technical Institute

One of the clearest examples is emerging at the Wa Technical Institute.

Preparations are underway to establish a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) training programme equipped with modern tools and equipment.

Students are expected to gain practical experience in solar installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

That could position graduates to participate in Ghana's expanding renewable-energy sector, where technical workers will be needed to install, maintain and repair solar systems.

For young people considering technical careers, the shift could open opportunities beyond conventional employment.

It could also create room for small businesses providing solar installation and maintenance services in communities where reliable energy solutions are increasingly important.

Smart Agriculture Comes Into the Picture

The Green TVET Initiative is not limited to energy.

At the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute in Sogakope, students are being introduced to climate-smart agriculture through a Smart Agriculture Project.

The project incorporates modern farming techniques and solar-powered irrigation systems, demonstrating how technology can be used to increase agricultural productivity while reducing pressure on natural resources.

That approach is particularly relevant to Ghana, where agriculture remains a major source of employment and livelihoods.

Combining agricultural knowledge with technology, irrigation, renewable energy and sustainable production could give young people a broader set of skills for the future of farming.

Damongo Technical Institute Gets Digital Support

The initiative also has a direct connection to Ghana's Savannah Region.

The Damongo Technical Institute is benefiting from improved digital infrastructure, including computers and reliable internet connectivity.

The support is intended to strengthen e-learning and digital skills development for students.

Similar support is being extended to the Salaga Technical Institute and St Anne's Technical Institute, according to the Ghana News Agency report.

For students in the northern part of the country, improved digital access could be significant because technical education is increasingly intersecting with digital tools, online learning and technology-driven industries.

What Green Skills Could Mean for Young Job Seekers

The immediate attraction of the initiative is employment.

The programme is being developed at a time when industries are increasingly looking for workers capable of operating and maintaining newer technologies and adapting to more sustainable production methods.

Areas identified as potential sources of opportunities include:

• Renewable energy
• Sustainable construction
• Waste management
• Green manufacturing
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Solar installation and maintenance
• Sustainable production
• Environmental services

For graduates, the opportunities could come through both employment and entrepreneurship.

A trained solar technician, for example, does not necessarily have to depend on a formal job. The same skills can potentially support a small installation and maintenance business.

The same principle can apply to sustainable agriculture, waste management, construction and other emerging areas.

The objective, therefore, is not simply to produce more certificate holders.

It is to produce young people with practical skills that can be converted into economic activity.

Why This Matters for Northern Ghana

The inclusion of institutions such as Damongo Technical Institute gives the initiative an important northern dimension.

For communities across the Savannah Region, skills development can play a role in reducing the pressure on young people to leave their communities in search of opportunities elsewhere.

The region already has significant potential in agriculture and renewable energy.

Global Pulse GH previously examined the potential of agriculture as a business for young people in Northern Ghana.

Green skills could add another layer to that economic potential by connecting traditional sectors with modern technology.

A young person trained in climate-smart agriculture, solar irrigation or digital technology could potentially work within the agricultural value chain while also providing services to other farmers and businesses.

TVET Is Becoming More Important in the Jobs Conversation

The Green TVET Initiative comes amid broader efforts to reposition technical and vocational education as a major tool for tackling unemployment and preparing young people for changing labour-market demands.

Earlier this year, stakeholders in Ghana's TVET sector called for stronger investment, better policy implementation and closer collaboration with industry.

They also highlighted the need to strengthen green and Fourth Industrial Revolution-related skills in TVET programmes.

There is therefore a broader shift underway.

TVET is increasingly being viewed not simply as an alternative to academic education, but as a direct pathway into practical skills, employment and entrepreneurship.

That shift could become increasingly important as technology changes the kinds of skills employers require.

From Training to Real Jobs

Launching a training programme is only the first step.

The real test will be whether students who acquire these skills can translate them into decent jobs, sustainable businesses and productive careers.

That will require modern equipment, qualified instructors, strong links between training institutions and industry, access to finance for young entrepreneurs and continued investment in technical education.

The ILO has also highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of TVET stakeholders to integrate green skills and sustainable practices into technical education.

For students, the message is therefore bigger than simply learning about climate change.

It is about understanding where the economy is heading and acquiring skills before demand fully catches up.

The Opportunity for Ghana's Youth

Ghana's transition towards a greener and more technology-driven economy will require people capable of doing the practical work.

Solar systems will need technicians.

Climate-smart farms will need skilled operators.

Green buildings will need trained workers.

Waste-management systems will need technical expertise.

Manufacturers adopting cleaner technologies will need workers who understand those systems.

That is where the Green TVET Initiative could become significant.

If implementation is sustained and training remains connected to real industry demand, technical education could become an important bridge between Ghana's young population and the emerging green economy.

National TVET Week Will Put the Spotlight on Skills

The Green TVET Initiative is being launched ahead of the 2026 National TVET Week, scheduled for October.

The celebration is expected to bring together government, industry, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss the future direction of technical and vocational education.

A Next Gen Fashion Showcase is also expected to give learners an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, technical abilities and entrepreneurial potential.

The events will provide another opportunity to examine whether Ghana's TVET system is keeping pace with the changing world of work.

A Different Path to Employment

For many young Ghanaians, the traditional search for a salaried office job remains the most visible route into employment.

But the emerging green economy could require a different mindset.

Technical skills can create opportunities to work for companies, join growing industries or build small enterprises around specialised services.

That makes the expansion of green skills relevant not only to environmental policy but also to Ghana's wider employment challenge.

Global Pulse GH recently reported on calls for more sustainable employment opportunities for young people in the Savannah Region.

The Green TVET Initiative now adds another piece to that conversation.

The question is no longer whether the world of work is changing.

It is whether Ghana's young people will have the skills needed when those changes create new opportunities.

What Comes Next?

The success of the initiative will ultimately be measured beyond training rooms and workshops.

Young people will want to know whether the skills they acquire can lead to jobs, contracts, businesses and sustainable incomes.

For institutions such as Damongo Technical Institute and others participating in the programme, the opportunity is to prepare students for an economy that is becoming more digital, more technology-driven and increasingly focused on sustainability.

For Ghana, the bigger opportunity is to turn technical education into a stronger engine for youth employment, innovation and economic transformation.

The Green TVET Initiative has started that conversation.

Now the focus shifts to implementation — and whether the skills being taught today can create the jobs and businesses of tomorrow.

Global Pulse GH's recent report on vocational training for young persons with disabilities in Central Gonja also highlights the growing importance of practical skills and recognised TVET certification.

What green skill do you think Ghanaian young people should learn now to prepare for the jobs of the future? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Global Pulse GH Editorial Desk

This report was prepared from Ghana News Agency reporting and additional information from the International Labour Organization. Global Pulse GH will continue following developments in Ghana's TVET and youth-employment sector.

Ghana Drawn Against Nigeria in High-Stakes Beach Soccer AFCON Qualifier

 

Ghana and Nigeria are set for another West African football showdown, but this time the battle will be played on the sand — with a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations at stake.

The two countries have been paired in the second round of the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers, setting up a two-leg contest that could become one of the most closely watched ties in the qualification series.

The first leg is scheduled to take place between October 9 and 11, 2026, while the return leg will be played between October 16 and 18.

CAF is yet to announce the venues and exact kick-off times for the two matches.

Ghana and Nigeria Face a Familiar Rivalry

The draw has produced a heavyweight West African matchup between two countries with a long history of sporting rivalry.

For Ghana's Black Sharks, the tie represents an opportunity to secure a place at the continental finals in Senegal.

Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles, meanwhile, will be determined to return to the African championship after missing the 2024 edition.

That history adds another layer of pressure to an already important qualification battle.

The winner of the Ghana-Nigeria tie will advance to the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON finals, joining hosts Senegal and the other teams that successfully navigate the qualifying rounds.

Why This Qualification Is Bigger Than Beach Soccer

The stakes extend beyond the African championship.

The 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON in Senegal will also serve as the African qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

That means the teams competing in Senegal will have more than continental glory to chase.

According to CAF, the two finalists at the Beach Soccer AFCON will earn qualification for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

For Ghana, therefore, overcoming Nigeria could be the first major step towards returning to the global beach soccer stage.

Senegal Already Has a Place

Senegal, as tournament host and reigning continental champion, has already secured its place at the finals.

CAF says seven additional teams will qualify through the two-round qualification process to complete the eight-team tournament.

The finals are scheduled to take place in Senegal from November 7 to 15, 2026.

Senegal has been the dominant force in African beach soccer in recent years, winning the last five editions of the continental championship.

That makes qualification particularly important for Ghana and Nigeria, both of whom will be looking to challenge the continent's established beach soccer powers.

Nigeria Bring a Strong Beach Soccer Tradition

Nigeria are among the most successful teams in African beach soccer.

The Super Sand Eagles have won the continental championship twice and have a long record of appearances at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

However, their recent record has been less impressive.

CAF notes that Nigeria have been absent from the last three editions of the Beach Soccer AFCON, with their most recent continental appearance coming in 2018.

Their meeting with Ghana therefore represents an important opportunity to rebuild their status on the continental stage.

Ghana Have Home Support in Mind

Attention in Ghana has already turned towards where the crucial matches could be played.

Ghana News Agency reported that beach soccer enthusiasts in Keta are hoping the Ghana Football Association and relevant stakeholders will consider the coastal town as a possible venue for the qualifier.

The appeal is straightforward: Keta has an established beach soccer following and could provide the Black Sharks with strong home support if selected to host the first leg.

However, CAF has not yet announced the official venues.

The Dates Ghanaian Fans Should Remember

The qualification battle will be decided over two legs:

First leg: October 9–11, 2026

Second leg: October 16–18, 2026

The exact match dates, venues and kick-off times will be communicated by CAF and the relevant football authorities.

The winner of the two-legged Ghana-Nigeria contest will secure a place at the Beach Soccer AFCON finals in Senegal.

What Is at Stake for the Black Sharks?

For Ghana, the immediate objective is qualification.

But the bigger opportunity is to use the competition as a pathway towards the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

A successful campaign would also give Ghana's beach soccer programme greater visibility and provide another platform for players competing in the fast-growing discipline.

The Ghana-Nigeria tie therefore carries significance well beyond a single qualification fixture.

It is a test of Ghana's ability to compete with one of West Africa's traditional beach soccer powers — and an opportunity to put the Black Sharks back into the continental spotlight.

Another Ghana-Nigeria Battle to Watch

Ghana and Nigeria have competed against each other across football, boxing, athletics and other sporting disciplines for decades.

The latest contest may not have the profile of a Black Stars-Super Eagles match, but the stakes are still substantial.

Two matches will determine who continues the journey to Senegal.

For Ghana, the mission is simple: beat Nigeria, reach Senegal and keep the 2027 World Cup dream alive.

Also Read: Yapei United FC Seeks Buipewura’s Blessings Ahead of 2026 Season

Also Read: Ghana’s Black Queens Continue Their Fight for World Cup Qualification

Also Read: Fans React as Ghana Crash Out of the World Cup After Narrow Defeat to Colombia

What do you think of Ghana's chances against Nigeria? Can the Black Sharks qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON? Share your prediction in the comments.

Global Pulse GH Editorial Desk

Reported and fact-checked using CAF and Ghana News Agency reports. Global Pulse GH will continue monitoring the Ghana-Nigeria qualifier, including the confirmed venues, kick-off times and team developments.

Ghana’s Job Market Shows Fresh Signal as 3,629 Vacancies Surface

Ghana’s labour market recorded a sharp increase in advertised job vacancies in June 2026, with 3,629 positions advertised across selected print and online media, according to the latest Bank of Ghana data.

The figure represents a 45% year-on-year increase from the 2,502 vacancies recorded in June 2025, providing a fresh indication of stronger demand for labour and increased recruitment activity in the economy.

But there is an important distinction: the figure represents advertised vacancies, not confirmed new jobs or the number of people actually employed.

Job Advertisements Rise Again in June

The latest figures show that advertised vacancies also increased on a monthly basis.

In June 2026, employers advertised 3,629 vacancies, compared with 3,519 in May, representing a 3.1% month-on-month increase.

Compared with June 2025, however, the difference was much larger. The 3,629 vacancies recorded this year were 1,127 more than the 2,502 advertised during the same period last year.

The Bank of Ghana uses job advertisements in selected media as one of the indicators for assessing labour-market conditions and economic activity.

First-Half Job Figures Tell a Different Story

While June recorded a striking 45% year-on-year increase, the broader figures for the first half of 2026 show more moderate growth.

Between January and June 2026, a total of 19,474 job vacancies were advertised, compared with 18,604 during the corresponding period in 2025.

That represents a 4.7% increase over the first six months of the year.

The difference between the 4.7% first-half growth and June's 45% annual increase is significant.

It suggests that June was an unusually strong month for advertised recruitment activity, rather than indicating that Ghana's overall employment level suddenly increased by 45%.

What the Figures Mean for Job Seekers

For thousands of Ghanaians searching for work, the increase in advertised vacancies could be an encouraging development.

More vacancies generally indicate that employers are looking to fill more positions, although an advertisement does not guarantee that a position will ultimately be filled.

The figures also do not show how many applicants were successful, what sectors accounted for the vacancies or whether every advertised position remained available throughout the recruitment process.

For young people in particular, the question remains whether increased recruitment activity will translate into more sustainable employment opportunities.

That question has also featured prominently in discussions about employment opportunities for young people in northern Ghana. 

READ: Savannah youth are also demanding more sustainable employment opportunities.

A Signal From the Wider Economy

The rise in job advertisements comes at a time when several indicators are being watched closely for signs of improving economic activity.

For businesses, stronger recruitment can reflect increased demand for workers as companies expand operations, replace staff or prepare for higher levels of activity.

For workers, however, the quality of those opportunities matters just as much as the number of vacancies advertised.

A labour market with more advertised positions is more meaningful when those opportunities result in actual employment, better incomes and improved household economic security.

Global Pulse GH recently examined some of the broader indicators behind Ghana's economic recovery, including developments in inflation and the strength of the local currency. 

READ: Ghana’s broader economic recovery is also showing signs of improvement.

Why June’s 3,629 Figure Matters

The June figure is worth watching because it represents the strongest year-on-year increase in advertised vacancies highlighted in the latest data.

If recruitment activity remains elevated in the coming months, it could provide another indication that businesses and other employers are responding to improving economic conditions.

But the next few months will be important.

A sustained increase in advertised vacancies would provide stronger evidence of improving labour demand than a single month's jump.

For now, the data offer a positive signal on recruitment activity, while the 4.7% first-half increase provides a more balanced picture of the labour market.

Other economic indicators will also determine whether the improvement in business activity is translating into broader gains for households. 

READ: Ghana's inflation drops to 4.6% as prices ease.

What Comes Next?

The Bank of Ghana's labour-market indicator will remain an important figure to watch as Ghana's economic conditions evolve.

For job seekers, the latest numbers offer some encouragement, but the real test will be whether increased vacancies translate into actual hiring and more stable employment.

For businesses and policymakers, continued growth in labour demand could provide a useful indication of economic activity and confidence.

Global Pulse GH will continue tracking Ghana's jobs, economy and business indicators to bring you the figures behind the headlines.

What do you make of the latest job figures? Are you seeing more employment opportunities in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments.

GSPD Urges PWDs to Report Challenges at Health Facilities

BUIPE, Savannah Region — Persons with disabilities have been encouraged to speak up and report challenges they encounter at health facilities as efforts continue to improve the way healthcare services are delivered to people with disabilities.

The call was made during a meeting of the disability federation in Buipe on Saturday, August 29, 2026, where members were briefed on an engagement between the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and disability groups concerning the treatment and handling of persons with disabilities at healthcare facilities.

The GSPD Chairlady, Mrs. Issah Nafisah, told members that the engagement provided an opportunity to discuss how health facilities can better respond to the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities.

She also explained that members have channels through which they can report challenges or unforeseen circumstances they experience while seeking healthcare.

Members urged to report concerns

Mrs. Nafisah encouraged members not to remain silent when they encounter difficulties at health facilities.

She asked them to report such concerns to the Federation so they could be properly documented and followed up through the appropriate channels.

The call is intended to ensure that complaints involving persons with disabilities are not simply left unresolved, particularly where the affected person may face difficulties advocating for themselves.

The Federation's involvement could also provide members with an avenue to seek assistance when they encounter challenges that require further engagement with health authorities.

Holistic Medicare nurses commended

While concerns about healthcare experiences were discussed, the meeting also highlighted a positive example.

A member of the Federation commended nurses at Holistic GSPD Urges PWDs to Report Challenges at Health Facilities for what the member described as their good handling and treatment of persons with disabilities.

The commendation offered a reminder that the discussion is not only about identifying problems but also recognising health workers and facilities that provide supportive services to persons with disabilities.

Such positive experiences can provide useful examples of how healthcare providers can make services more accessible and responsive to the needs of PWDs.

Why reporting matters

For many persons with disabilities, accessing healthcare can involve challenges beyond the medical condition that brought them to a facility.

Communication difficulties, physical accessibility, mobility limitations and the way patients are treated can all affect the quality of their healthcare experience.

That makes effective complaint and reporting mechanisms important.

By encouraging members to report problems, the Federation can identify recurring concerns and raise them with relevant authorities for possible action.

The development also adds to broader efforts to improve support for persons with disabilities in Central Gonja, including recent interventions aimed at improving their livelihoods. Read also: Central Gonja Receives GH¢585,000 to Support Persons With Disabilities

Federation calls for continued engagement

The Chairlady urged members to make use of the available channels whenever they experience challenges in healthcare facilities.

She also asked members to continue bringing such matters to the attention of the Federation for further action.

The approach could help strengthen communication between persons with disabilities, the Federation and health authorities while ensuring that concerns raised at the community level receive appropriate attention.

For the disability community in Central Gonja, the message from the meeting was clear: healthcare challenges should be reported rather than ignored, while good service should also be recognised and encouraged.

Global Pulse GH will continue to follow developments concerning healthcare access, disability inclusion and social support initiatives in the Savannah Region.

Central Gonja Disability Groups Plan Vocational Training For Youths

BUIPE, Savannah Region — A planned vocational training programme could give young persons with disabilities in Central Gonja a new route into skills development, formal certification and self-employment.

The initiative was announced during a meeting of the disability federation held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, where members were briefed on plans involving the Disability Resource Centre and the Central Gonja District Assembly.

The Federation President told members that arrangements had been made to select interested young persons within the disability community for vocational training at the Resource Centre.

The programme is expected to combine practical skills training with support aimed at helping beneficiaries use their skills to establish their own businesses after completing the training.

Trainees to receive TVET certificates

A key feature of the planned programme is the opportunity for participants to obtain recognised vocational qualifications.

According to the Federation President, trainees who successfully complete their chosen programmes will receive TVET certificates.

Interested members have therefore been asked to submit their names and indicate the particular vocational areas they wish to learn.

The initiative comes against the wider need to create more practical economic opportunities for young people in the Savannah Region. Read also: Savannah Region Rising: Education and Infrastructure Drive Change in Northern Ghana

For persons with disabilities, access to vocational skills and recognised certification could provide a foundation for pursuing income-generating activities and becoming more economically independent.

From training to business

The plan is not limited to classroom or workshop training.

The Federation President explained that beneficiaries would also be equipped to start their own businesses based on the skills they acquire.

That aspect could make the programme particularly significant for young persons who may have limited access to formal employment opportunities.

The emphasis on skills and entrepreneurship also comes amid broader calls for more direct employment opportunities for young people across the region. Read also: Give Savannah Youth Direct Jobs — Call to YEA Boss Malik Basintale

If implemented as planned, the vocational programme could therefore give participants three important assets: a practical skill, formal certification and the foundation to pursue self-employment.

Accommodation challenge limits expansion

Despite the potential of the initiative, accommodation has emerged as a major challenge.

The Federation President said there are plans to eventually extend the training opportunity to persons with disabilities from other communities, but the lack of adequate accommodation has made that difficult.

For now, the programme will therefore be limited to interested beneficiaries within Buipe Township.

The restriction means persons with disabilities living outside Buipe may have to wait until the accommodation challenge is resolved before they can benefit from an expanded version of the programme.

The issue could become an important consideration for the Federation and the District Assembly as they assess how to broaden access to the training in the future.

A new opportunity for disability inclusion

The vocational initiative adds another dimension to ongoing efforts to support persons with disabilities in the district.

Recent disability-support interventions have included financial assistance aimed at helping beneficiaries improve their livelihoods. Read also: Central Gonja Receives GH¢585,000 to Support Persons With Disabilities

The proposed training programme takes a different approach by focusing on skills and long-term economic participation.

For the young people who eventually secure places, the opportunity could mean more than acquiring a trade. A recognised qualification combined with practical business skills could help beneficiaries build independent sources of income.

However, the number of people who can benefit initially will depend on the available training capacity and the accommodation constraints identified by the Federation.

Members asked to register interest

The Federation has encouraged members interested in the programme to submit their names and preferred vocational areas so that preparations for the training can proceed.

The initial focus on Buipe is expected to allow the programme to begin while discussions around accommodation and possible expansion continue.

For Central Gonja's disability community, the initiative presents an opportunity to turn the Disability Resource Centre into a practical platform for skills development, certification and livelihood creation.

The next question will be how quickly the training can begin, which vocational areas will be offered and whether additional support can eventually make the programme accessible to young persons with disabilities beyond Buipe.

Global Pulse GH will continue to follow developments on the vocational training initiative and other programmes affecting persons with disabilities across Central Gonja and the Savannah Region.