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Ghana Becomes First ECOWAS Country to Initiate Government-Level Free Sanitary Pads Program for Schoolgirls, Pumps in $25 Million

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Ghana has officially launched a nationwide Free Sanitary Pads Program for schoolgirls, making it the first country in the ECOWAS region to provide such support on a national scale.

The initiative was announced by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Monday, December 15, 2025, during the inauguration of a new production line at Software Manufacturing Limited.

While many West African nations have similar initiatives, Ghana stands out with a strong government push via the Ghana Education Service (GES) distributing millions of free pads to schoolgirls nationwide to combat period poverty and boost attendance. Other countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo also have programs, often supported by NGOs (like ZanaAfrica in Kenya/West Africa region).

In a detailed post on Twitter/X the vice president explained that the government has earmarked over GH¢292 million (a little over $25 million) in the 2026 national budget to fund the programme, which aims to provide locally produced sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country.

The newly commissioned fourth production line at Software Manufacturing Limited increases the company’s annual output from 60 million to over 80 million packs, boosting domestic manufacturing capacity and creating additional employment opportunities.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang spoke of the program as a key intervention to support girls’ education, reduce absenteeism, and promote dignity, health, and well-being among students.

She praised Software Manufacturing Limited for its innovation and contribution to Ghana’s industrial development, noting that the expansion aligns with the government’s broader agenda of supporting local industry while ensuring access to essential health and hygiene products.

“Partnerships between government and local manufacturers are central to achieving inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable industrialisation,” the Vice President said. “This expanded facility will help meet national demand while reinforcing the policy of prioritising locally manufactured goods in public procurement.”

The free sanitary pads program is expected to strengthen menstrual hygiene management in schools and set a regional benchmark for other West African countries seeking to support girls’ education and well-being.

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Top 10 Questions on the Escalating US-Israel-Iran Conflict Answered

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Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – As the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its third day, marked by deadly airstrikes, missile barrages, and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, global audiences are flooded with breaking alerts, viral claims, and instant analysis.

In a special segment on Firstpost’s Vantage, veteran journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay addressed the most pressing viewer-submitted questions to cut through the noise and provide clear, concise answers.

Key points from the explainer:

1. What exactly is happening?
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases and allied interests across the Gulf.

2. Is this war going to get bigger?
It appears likely. The conflict shows no immediate signs of stopping.

3. When will it end?
No one knows. The situation remains highly unpredictable.

4. Will Russia, China, or NATO join the war?
No. Major powers are not expected to enter directly.

5. Will this go nuclear?
Highly unlikely. Nuclear escalation is not anticipated.

6. What role is the United Nations playing?
The UN has condemned the violence but is limited to diplomatic calls for restraint.

7. What does it mean for oil-importing countries like Ghana and other African nations?
It is not good news. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or Gulf supply routes could drive up crude and LNG prices, directly impacting energy costs, inflation, and household budgets in import-dependent economies.

8. Why is the US doing this at all?
The motivation remains unclear even to many Americans—43% disapprove of the strikes according to recent polls.

9. What should you do if you’re stuck in the region?
Do not panic. Follow official advisories, contact your embassy, and stay where you are.

10. Does anyone actually have an exit strategy?
It depends on decisions made by US President Donald Trump.

The segment reflects growing global anxiety over the conflict’s trajectory, with African governments—including Ghana—issuing shelter-in-place advisories, partial embassy evacuations, and travel warnings for nationals in the Gulf and Iran.

The potential for higher oil prices and disrupted shipping routes threatens to reverse recent single-digit inflation gains in oil-importing African countries.

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Ghana News

541 Last-Minute Appointments by Akufo-Addo Revoked, Agradaa Released and Other Trending Topics in Ghana (March 3, 2026)

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Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, delivering timely summaries of breaking news. Return often as we continue to add the latest stories.


541 Last-Minute Appointments Under Akufo-Addo Govt Revoked to Uphold Due Process – Kwakye Ofosu

The Ghanaian government has revoked 541 last-minute political and public-sector appointments made during the final weeks of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State at the Presidency, announced the decision on March 3, 2026, stating the move was necessary to “uphold due process, transparency, and the rule of law.” The affected positions spanned various ministries, agencies, boards, and state-owned enterprises. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the revocations were not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring appointments complied with established procedures and national interest. Affected individuals have been notified, and the government is now proceeding with fresh recruitment or reassignments where necessary.
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Prayer and Faith Sustained Me – Nana Agradaa Reflects After Leaving Prison

Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has spoken publicly for the first time since her release from prison on March 3, 2026, crediting “prayer and faith” for sustaining her through her 12-month sentence. Speaking to journalists shortly after walking free, she described the period as a “time of deep reflection and spiritual growth,” thanking God, her family, supporters, and legal team for standing by her. Agradaa, convicted in July 2025 for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence over a money-doubling scheme, had her original 15-year term reduced by the Amasaman High Court in February 2026. She expressed gratitude for the remission granted for good conduct and vowed to focus on positive ministry work moving forward.
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Teacher, Farmer Die in Shocking Incidents in Assin Fosu

Two separate but tragic incidents in Assin Fosu, Central Region, claimed the lives of a teacher and a farmer over the weekend of March 1–2, 2026. A 38-year-old teacher at Assin Fosu Methodist Basic School died after a motorbike accident on the Assin Fosu–Breman Asikuma road. Witnesses say he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a stationary vehicle. Separately, a 52-year-old farmer was electrocuted while attempting to repair a faulty electrical connection on his farm. Both bodies were conveyed to the morgue at Assin Fosu Government Hospital. Police have commenced investigations into both cases, urging caution on roads and around electrical installations.
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11 Foreigners Face Trial Over Counterfeit Dollar Operation in Ga South

Eleven foreign nationals have been arrested and are facing trial in the Ga South District Court for their alleged involvement in a large-scale counterfeit US dollar operation. Police in Accra, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout in Weija on March 2, 2026, recovering fake $100 bills with a street value of over GH¢2 million, printing equipment, and other paraphernalia. The suspects—nationals of Nigeria, Mali, and Niger—are charged with possession of counterfeit currency, conspiracy to commit crime, and money laundering. The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2026, for further hearing. Authorities say the operation targeted unsuspecting businesses and individuals in the Greater Accra Region.
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Nana Agradaa Released from Prison After Sentence Reduction

Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa or Mama Pat, was released from prison on March 3, 2026, after serving two-thirds of her revised 12-month sentence under Ghana’s standard remission rules for good conduct. Originally sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 15 years with hard labour for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence related to a money-doubling scheme promoted at her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, the Amasaman High Court on February 5, 2026, upheld the conviction but reduced the term to 12 months plus a GH¢2,400 fine (200 penalty units). Her lawyer confirmed the remission applied uniformly. The controversial media personality and former traditional priestess turned evangelist attracted significant public attention throughout the case.
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Barker-Vormawor Shares Alleged Recording of Attempted Bribe by Kan Dapaah, Citing Ofori-Atta

Oliver Barker-Vormawor has released what he claims is an audio recording of a conversation involving former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, allegedly offering a GH¢1 million bribe to halt FixTheCountry activism, with references to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. In a March 3, 2026, social media post, Barker-Vormawor said the recording was part of evidence he intended to present in his defamation case but was unable to due to procedural rulings. He stated the clip was made public “in the interest of transparency” and challenged Kan Dapaah to deny its authenticity. The release comes days after the High Court awarded Kan Dapaah GH¢5 million in damages plus costs for defamation. Police and authorities have not yet commented on the recording’s veracity or implications.
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March 6 Declared Statutory Public Holiday for Independence Day

The Ministry of Interior has officially declared Wednesday, March 6, 2026, a statutory public holiday to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day. In a notice issued March 2, 2026, the ministry reminded the public that all public offices, educational institutions, and selected private entities will be closed in observance of the day. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lead national celebrations, with events including the national parade, wreath-laying at the Black Star Square, and addresses reflecting on Ghana’s journey since independence. Citizens are encouraged to observe the holiday with patriotism and unity.
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Build a War Chest: Theo Acheampong Makes Case for Leveraging Gold to Boost Reserves

Economist and policy analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong has advocated for Ghana to aggressively leverage its gold reserves to build a stronger economic “war chest” capable of cushioning against external shocks. In a March 2, 2026, opinion piece, he argued that the government should allocate a larger portion of gold production to strategic reserves rather than immediate export, drawing lessons from countries like Singapore and Norway that use commodity wealth for stabilization funds. He noted that Ghana’s current gold-backed reserves strategy is promising but underutilized, and scaling it could provide fiscal buffers against oil price volatility, currency depreciation, and global crises. The call aligns with ongoing discussions on Ghana’s gold-for-oil barter and reserve-building policies.
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Are We Tying Down Growth? Finance Professor Flags Concerns on Gold Reserve Policy

A finance professor has raised concerns that Ghana’s emerging policy of tying a portion of gold production to domestic reserves and local currency support could inadvertently constrain economic growth if not carefully calibrated. In a March 2, 2026, interview on JoyNews, the academic,  Prof William Kwasi Preprah, warned that over-allocating gold to reserves instead of export earnings might reduce foreign exchange inflows, limit liquidity for private sector investment, and slow industrial expansion. While acknowledging the benefits of building buffers against currency volatility and external shocks, he urged a balanced approach with clear targets, transparency, and independent oversight to avoid stifling growth in manufacturing, infrastructure, and job creation.
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Government to Issue Long-Dated Domestic Bonds Following Expiration of DDEP Restrictions – Deputy Finance Minister

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has confirmed that the government plans to issue long-dated domestic bonds in the coming months now that restrictions from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) have expired. Speaking on March 2, 2026, he explained that the move will help lengthen the maturity profile of Ghana’s domestic debt, reduce rollover risks, and support fiscal consolidation. The issuance will target institutional investors, pension funds, and the public, with competitive yields expected. This follows successful completion of DDEP phases and aims to restore investor confidence while funding key development priorities.
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Ayawaso East Polls Open as Observer Koku Anyidoho Applauds Voting Arrangements

Voting has commenced smoothly in the Ayawaso East by-election today, March 3, 2026, with long queues reported at polling stations in the Greater Accra constituency. Domestic and international observers have commended the Electoral Commission for well-organized arrangements, including adequate security, timely opening of polls, and provision of materials. Anyidoho noted: “The process has been peaceful and transparent so far.” The by-election follows the death of the incumbent MP and is being contested by candidates from major parties. Results are expected later in the day or early next week.
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Koforidua High Court Convicts Woman for Manslaughter Over Acid Attack on Boyfriend

A Koforidua High Court has convicted a woman for manslaughter in connection with an acid attack on her boyfriend that led to his death. The incident occurred when the accused allegedly poured acid on the victim during a domestic dispute. The court, after trial, found her guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, citing lack of premeditation. Sentencing details were not immediately available, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and acid attacks in Ghana. The victim suffered severe burns and complications leading to death.
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Ghana News

Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

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Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.


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