Category: English

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Finance has organized a two-day stakeholder consultation as part of preparations for the 2026 Annual Budget, scheduled for presentation in November 2025. The engagement sought to solicit inputs from key sectors of the economy and deepen citizens’ participation in the national budget process.

The consultations brought together representatives from banking and non-banking financial institutions, think tanks, professional bodies, trade organizations, social partners, and other organized groups. Also in attendance were civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), academia, and various associations.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous engagement with citizens throughout the budget process. He cited the Ministry’s visit to Makola Market prior to the presentation of the 2025 Budget in March as an example of efforts to gather firsthand feedback on how government policies affect ordinary Ghanaians.

“Today’s engagement provides an avenue for the government to listen to your perspectives, your proposals, and your expectations as we shape the 2026 Budget. The insights gathered from stakeholders such as yourselves will guide us in designing policies that promote growth, equity, and resilience,” he emphasized.

Mr. Ampem highlighted several strategic policy measures implemented by the government that have yielded positive results for the economy. These include achieving a primary balance surplus of 1.4% of GDP, reducing the overall fiscal deficit to 1.5%, and bringing public debt down significantly to 44.9% of GDP.

“The recent successful staff-level agreement with the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility and the credit rating upgrade by Moody’s reaffirm international confidence in Ghana’s economic direction,” he said. He noted that these gains serve as the foundation for sustained economic recovery and shared prosperity.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to sustain the momentum of economic recovery while building a resilient economy that creates opportunities for all. “Our focus areas include economic stabilization and fiscal discipline, infrastructure and social development, social protection, education and youth empowerment, as well as employment creation,” he added.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed that input from the consultations would play a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions in the 2026 Budget. The Minister for Finance is required under Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to prepare the annual budget in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on all stakeholders to rally behind the newly launched Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), describing it as a defining step toward building a modern, connected, and resilient nation.

Speaking at the launch of the infrastructure plan in Mr. Nyarko Ampem reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the GIP becomes the cornerstone of Ghana’s infrastructure transformation agenda.

“This launch is a milestone that marks a decisive step toward transforming our nation’s infrastructure landscape and accelerating Ghana’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

He noted that the Ghana Infrastructure Plan is a practical expression of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for continuity and long-term national development that transcends political cycles. He said the Plan not only sets a clear roadmap for infrastructure investment but also strengthens coordination and accountability across government and private sector actors.

He explained that the Ministry of Finance is particularly focused on three imperatives essential for success, collaborative financing, effective coordination, and strategic communication. According to him, these pillars will ensure that the Plan does not merely remain a policy document but becomes a living framework that drives real transformation.

“We at the Ministry of Finance stand ready to co-lead in all fronts. Infrastructure financing is a foremost priority of President Mahama’s government. Through the Big Push Initiative, we have allocated GH¢13.9 billion — part of a US$10 billion medium-term programmed financing — to accelerate infrastructure expansion,” he announced.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that government is strengthening the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to serve as a key vehicle for blended financing, while also reforming the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to attract more private capital into major infrastructure projects.

Mr. Nyarko Ampem emphasised that beyond technical soundness, the success of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan would depend heavily on strategic communication and public engagement. “This Plan represents a grand national vision,” he said. “We must communicate it effectively to inspire collective ownership and attract private sector partnerships for its implementation.”

He reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s readiness to partner the NDPC, Parliament, and the private sector to execute the Plan effectively, stressing that its full implementation would mark a turning point in Ghana’s economic renewal.

The Ghana Infrastructure Plan, prepared by the National Development Planning Commission, provides a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development over the next three decades, focusing on transport, energy, water, sanitation, digitalization, and housing. It is designed to promote inclusive growth, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term resilience for Ghana’s economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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On 18 and 19 September, Minister Qin Zhanpeng met separately in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, with Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police, Baldwin Matibe Tshitereke, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs , and Nakedi Grace Kekana, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Minister Qin stated that China stands ready to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance practical cooperation with Limpopo Province. Chinese citizens and enterprises have made positive contributions to advancing the province’s economic growth and employment. The Chinese government consistently requires its citizens and enterprises to comply with local laws and regulations and fulfil their social responsibilities. China hopes South Africa will give priority to preserving the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and provide a favourable business environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the province.

The South African side provided an overview of the safety situation and socio-economic development in Limpopo Province. They said they take China’s concerns seriously, will work more closely with China, and welcome more Chinese citizens and companies to invest in Limpopo.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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On October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met with Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation H.E. Samwel William Shelukindo in Dar es Salaam. DCM and Minister Wang Yong was present. The two sides had an in-depth discussion on China-Tanzania relations and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the near future.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO – Report:

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On October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H . E . Cheng Mingjian met with Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Dar es Salaam. DCM and Minister Wang Yong was present. Both sides spoke highly of China-Tanzania relations, and expressed their willingness to further promote high-level exchanges and interactions at various levels, expand cooperation in economic and other wide-ranging sectors, and contribute to closer relations beteen the two countries.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO – Report:

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Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has scaled up activities in Mueda town, Mozambique and the district following yet another wave of displacement after repeated violent incursions of a non-state armed group in Mocímboa da Praia and other areas of northern Mozambique. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 92,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Cabo Delgado and the neighbouring Nampula province since late September, including about 23,000 people who have arrived in Mueda. 

MSF teams have strengthened activities in three camps for displaced people (Eduardo Mondlane, Nandimba and Lianda) in Mueda, where we have run a medical project since 2021. We have also started activities in Nanili, a community near the border between Mueda and Mocímboa da Praia districts, to address the increased needs following recent arrivals. MSF health promoters and community health workers are sensitising communities on hygiene and disease prevention and ensuring that the referral system for medical care remains functional. 

Between 3 and 15 October, MSF teams visited 970 families across the three camps in Mueda, referring 315 people in need of medical care to Mueda District Hospital or the nearest health centre. MSF teams also ran more than 400 group sensitisation sessions, which were attended by over 4,500 people.

Many of those now arriving in Mueda have been forced to flee their homes several times during the eight years of conflict in Cabo Delgado, where hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced. Several have previously lived in these same camps. Often, people decide to flee because they no longer feel protected or safe in their communities. One family of five told MSF they walked nearly 100 kilometres to the interior of the province from the coastal town of Mocímboa da Praia after hearing widespread rumours of an impending attack. 

“We had no money, so we came here on foot. It took us about three days. This is the second time we’ve come to [seek refuge in] Mueda,” recounts Saidia Albino, who has settled in Eduardo Mondlane displacement camp with his wife and three children. “The first time we left because the fighting was getting worse in Mocímboa da Praia [in 2022], and now the war has started again. Everyone was leaving; there was no reason to stay. For now, if I can find work, it’s better to try to build a life here.” 

In response to the psychological impact of repeated displacement and prolonged insecurity, MSF is also conducting mental health and psychosocial support activities in Mueda, complementing ongoing community-based interventions. Anxiety, psychosomatic and post-traumatic symptoms are the most frequently reported conditions in the camps. So far, MSF teams have conducted 65 mental health group sessions with over 600 participants.

Living conditions in the camps are also deteriorating, particularly due to limited access to safe water and sanitation. The situation is expected to worsen with the imminent onset of the rainy season and an increased risk of waterborne diseases. “Even if we don’t see many acute medical emergencies at the moment, health needs persist. The local health system is unable to cope with the continuous arrival of people seeking safety, which puts pressure on already stretched resources,” says Pedro Basílio, MSF outreach supervisor.

In recent months, Cabo Delgado has experienced an upsurge of violence, with attacks and armed incursions taking place in several districts such as Mocímboa da Praia, Balama, Montepuez and Chiúre, as well as in the neighbouring provinces of Nampula and Niassa.

In late September, MSF was forced to temporarily suspend activities in Mocímboa da Praia town due to insecurity. In addition to Mueda, MSF teams continue to run medical projects in Palma and Macomia, which have not been spared by the ongoing surge in violence.  MSF teams are also assessing the areas of Mueda and Mocímboa da Praia districts, where significant pockets of displaced people have recently arrived.

– on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO – Report:

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South Africa welcomes the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 22 October 2025 on Israel’s obligations as a United Nations Member State and as an occupying Power, with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court’s Advisory Opinion authoritatively interpreted and reaffirmed Israel’s already existing obligations under binding international law.

The ICJ’s findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate and respect the mandates of independent and impartial international and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel’s binding obligations under international law to respect and protect the privileges and immunities of United Nations and entities, including their premises and personnel.

South Africa notes in particular that the Court recalled Israel’s obligation not to use starvation of the Palestinian civilian population as a method of warfare. The Court further states Israel’s responsibility as an occupying Power to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.

The Court referred to the United Nation’s indispensable role, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), other humanitarian actors and third States, in providing humanitarian relief in Gaza. The Court observed that Israel had not substantiated its allegations concerning UNRWA’s impartiality and referred to the immediate actions undertaken by the United Nations to address Israel’s concerns. Israel was therefore not permitted to take unilateral action against UNRWA, in violation of its UN Charter obligations to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to render it every assistance.

Consequently, any arbitrary restrictions or curtailment by Israel that impedes such relief operations are inconsistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law. As an occupying Power, Israel is prohibited from extending its domestic laws, such as the one banning UNRWA, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

This accords with South Africa’s submissions to the Court that Israel may not deny the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Importantly, the Court recalled the prohibition on the forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the right of Palestinian detainees as protected persons under international humanitarian law to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Further, the Court underscored that Israel must respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – an obligation which persists even in cases of armed conflict.

Overall, the Court anchored its findings in the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, affirming that humanitarian and UN operations are essential to upholding this right.

South Africa reiterates that it remains imperative that all parties to the conflict must uphold their commitments under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, without exception and at all times.

As confirmed by the Court, South Africa maintains that the cornerstone of lasting regional peace and stability lies in the full realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, through a just and inclusive process.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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At the invitation of the Government of Seychelles, Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, will visit the Republic of Seychelles from 26–27 October 2025 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President-elect of the Republic of Seychelles, on behalf of the Government of India.

2.​ During the visit, Hon’ble Vice President will convey India’s warm felicitations to H.E. Dr. Herminie and reaffirm the close, longstanding, and time-tested ties between the two countries.

3.​ Seychelles is an important partner under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and in our commitment to the Global South. The visit underscores India’s deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles.

– on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.