Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that Ghana imports excavators worth $6.2 billion.

He stated that excavators rank as the third most valuable item imported into the country, despite their widespread misuse, which contributes to the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies.

To help curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the government intends to restrict the importation of excavators.

“We believe the time has come to restrict the import of excavators in this country. It makes no sense that the third most valuable item we import worth $6.2 billion is excavators, which are primarily used to destroy our forest reserves and water bodies, ultimately endangering our lives,” Armah-Kofi Buah said.

“This must stop, and I believe efforts are already underway,” he stressed.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, April 3, 2024, the lands minister emphasised that the policy will not hinder legitimate businesses or construction firms.

Instead, it targets individuals and groups who use excavators for illegal and environmentally destructive activities.

SA/MA

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The Energy Commission (EC) has reported a marked improvement in adherence to wiring regulations and standards following the introduction of the Installation Completion Certificate Mobile App (ICCAPP), a new digital platform designed to modernise documentation and inspection processes within Ghana’s electrical industry.

The ICCAPP, developed by the Energy Commission, enables electricians to input wiring details, inspectors to review and approve installations, and clients to access digitally generated certificates. This shift from a paper-based system to a digital platform is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve compliance monitoring.

Speaking at the 22nd graduation ceremony for certified electricians in Tamale, held under the theme “Enhancing Electrical Safety and Compliance Through Technology”, the Manager of Electrical and Natural Gas at the Energy Commission, Adolf Nii Ashong, highlighted the Commission’s recent technological innovations. These include the mandatory use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), advanced multifunctional testing instruments, expanded online training platforms, web-based portals for registration and administration, and the Certified Electrician GH mobile app.

He stated that with the implementation of these new technologies and training programmes, Ghana continues to make significant progress towards a safer and more technologically advanced electrical industry.

The Northern Sector celebrated the graduation of 258 electrical wiring professionals, including 12 women—marking another milestone in the nation’s efforts to enhance electrical safety and compliance. Among the graduates, 153 were certified for domestic wiring, 85 for commercial wiring, 9 for industrial wiring, and 11 as inspectors. Since the passage of the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), over 17,000 electricians have been certified nationwide.

Mr Ashong revealed that the ICCAPP, piloted in November 2024, has already seen approximately 21,000 practitioners adopt the system. The full implementation is scheduled for June 2025, after which paper-based Installation Completion Certificates will no longer be accepted for connections to the national grid. He urged facility owners to verify the credentials of electricians before engaging their services and cautioned against fraudulent activities, reminding the public that certified electricians operate independently from the Energy Commission.

The Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John, commended the Energy Commission for organising the certification examination and awards ceremony. He acknowledged the critical role certified electricians play in enhancing electrical safety. He also stressed the importance of continuous learning and embracing new technologies, urging electricians to adopt innovations such as smart grids, mobile training apps, and automated compliance tools.

The Minister further called for expanded access to technology-driven training programmes, particularly in the Northern Sector, and encouraged stronger collaboration between industry, government, and training institutions to improve electrical safety nationwide.

Northern Regional Sector Manager at the Energy Commission, John Nilimor Bukari, praised the growing participation of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of electrical wiring. The November/December 2024 certification examinations recorded a milestone in female participation, with over 100 women nationwide sitting for the exam. 

The Tamale centre alone saw 12 female candidates, all of whom passed and earned certification. He encouraged more women to enter the evolving electrical trade and expressed gratitude to NGOs for supporting female involvement in the sector.

The best graduating female certified electrician, Ms Abatoomkware Lawrencia, expressed her appreciation to the Alinea Foundation and the Energy Commission for the opportunity to undergo training. 

She remarked that her certification is proof that women can excel in the electrical field and urged her peers to pursue their aspirations without fear or intimidation.

The Australian High Commission in Ghana has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s clean energy transition and sustainable mining sector through strategic partnerships, funding, and technology transfer.

Speaking at a high-level climate symposium at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Australian High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones, emphasised that Australia is well-positioned to support Ghana in unlocking the full potential of its renewable energy and critical mineral resources.

“Africa is at the center of the global energy transition, and Australia is eager to strengthen partnerships with Ghana to build a more sustainable future. From renewable energy innovation to responsible mining, Australia is sharing its expertise and investing in Africa’s green economy,” Owen-Jones stated.

The symposium, themed “The Future of Africa-Australia Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Partnerships”, was organised by the Australian High Commission in partnership with GCTU.

The event brought together academics, policymakers, private sector leaders, and climate experts to discuss sustainable energy solutions and the role of critical minerals such as lithium, bauxite, and rare earth elements in powering the global transition to renewable energy.

Africa is home to vast renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydro, yet access to electricity remains a major challenge, with over 600 million people on the continent lacking reliable power. At the same time, Ghana is rich in critical minerals essential for the clean energy revolution—including bauxite, which is processed into aluminum for solar panels and electric vehicle components.

Australia, one of the world’s largest producers of lithium and a leader in sustainable mining, is supporting Ghana to adopt best practices in critical mineral extraction, ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term economic benefits.

Owen-Jones highlighted Australia’s Direct Aid Programme (DAP), which funds community-led climate resilience projects in Ghana, including initiatives that support responsible mining, empower women in renewable energy, and provide clean cooking solutions in rural areas.

Australia’s US$60 billion climate finance strategy also aims to drive investment in hydrogen technology, sustainable mining, and green infrastructure across Africa.

As Ghana positions itself as a hub for Africa’s clean energy and minerals industry, it is expected that Australia’s expertise and investments will be crucial in ensuring that development is both sustainable and inclusive.

By Francis Ntow

Accra, April 4, GNA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the United States of America (USA) to resolve trade tensions with global partners to prevent further slowdown in economic growth.

On April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed export tariffs ranging from 10 to 50 per cent on Ghana and over 180 countries, citing a national emergency caused by foreign trade and economic practices.

Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of IMF, cautioned that the decision could significantly impact the global outlook amidst sluggish growth.

“We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty,” she said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

She noted that the Fund was evaluating the macroeconomic implications of the tariffs and added, “It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy.”

The IMF will release the findings in the World Economic Outlook during its Spring Meetings with the World Bank later this month.

GNA

KAS

Executive Chairman of AIDEC Digital, Ambrose Yenneh

The domestic technology sector has set its sights on capturing a larger share of the lucrative global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) market with the launch of AIDEC Digital’s state-of-the-art BPO center in Accra this week.

The facility, which offers services ranging from call center operations to artificial intelligence solutions, represents a strategic move to position Ghana as a competitive player in an industry valued at US$321 billion globally and projected to reach US$525 billion by 2030.

“We are building a hub of innovation and a gateway to global opportunities,” Ambrose Yennah, Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDEC Group of Companies, during the opening ceremony.

The development comes at a critical time for Africa’s digital economy. The continent currently accounts for merely two percent of the global BPO market, with South Africa, Egypt and Morocco dominating approximately 87 percent of Africa’s share.

Industry experts believe Ghana has the potential to significantly increase its participation in this sector.

“Ghana is a favorable destination for BPO due to our political stability, English as the first language, high percentage of university graduates, and strategic location in Africa,” David Gowu, CEO of Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana (BOSAG) noted.

Mr. Gowu highlighted that over 20 percent – approximately 500,000 annually – of Ghana’s young people are university graduates, exceeding the sub-Saharan African average of about 12 percent.

“These are the inputs required for companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM to make a decision to move to our country or give businesses to companies like AIDEC to support them,” he stating, adding that he was optimistic this would improve the employment prospects of young people as only approximately 10 percent of them are employed in the first year.

The new center is expected to play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge despite the country’s relatively high education levels. BOSAG has set an ambitious five-year target of creating one million jobs in the BPO sector.

The AIDEC Digital Hub offers a comprehensive suite of services including inbound and outbound call center operations, data entry and processing, AI and business intelligence solutions, e-learning, IT training, and software development support. The company has secured authorisation from Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority and implemented robust security measures to meet international standards.

AIDEC’s launch represents the latest development in the company’s evolution since 2020, which has included establishing Ghana’s first AI Center of Excellence and developing various digital platforms. The BPO center is seen as the culmination of a strategic roadmap to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

Dignitaries and participant present at the launch of AIDEC Digital’s BPO Centre

Industry stakeholders stressed that collaboration, rather than competition, will be key to the sector’s growth.

“This is not about competition; it is about collaboration. We need to work together to push this conversation forward and help businesses understand the potential of the BPO industry,” Kafui Amanfu, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) said.

The launch also highlighted a shift in global outsourcing trends, with companies increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations like India and the Philippines. These countries have collectively used BPOs to create jobs, enhance workforce skills, and generate foreign income of more than US$50 million annually.

“In 2012, I was working for Ericsson, and I had a team of over 60 young people in Ghana. Then the company made a decision to move all the technical services to India because the argument was that Ghana could not produce enough talent. I’m happy to stand here 13 years after that, knowing we are now going to reclaim all these businesses back to Ghana,” Mr. Gowu recalled.

International organisations are also supporting Ghana’s BPO ambitions. Isaac Newton Acquah, National Project Coordinator for Ghana’s Tech Sector at the International Trade Centre, noted that his organisation is working with AIDEC and other local companies to transform the sector.

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats, but growing youth unemployment is probably the next biggest threat. The IT/BPO sector is one that can really make a difference in that space,” Mr. Acquah stated.

Industry observers noted that success in this sector will require addressing challenges including reliable internet connectivity, stable power supply, and continued investment in digital skills development.

However, the establishment of BOSAG in November 2024 represents a strategic move to coordinate industry efforts and lobby for supportive government policies.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over newly announced U.S. tariff measures, warning that they could threaten an already fragile global economic outlook.

In a statement issued Thursday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the institution is still analyzing the full macroeconomic impact of the tariffs, which were unveiled by the U.S. government on Wednesday.

However, she emphasized that the measures “clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth.”

“It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy,” Georgieva cautioned, urging the United States and its trading partners to seek a constructive resolution to ongoing trade tensions. “We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty.”

Georgieva added that the IMF’s assessment of the tariffs’ impact will be published in its upcoming World Economic Outlook, set to be released during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings later this month.

The warning from the IMF adds to growing concerns among economists and global leaders about the resurgence of protectionist policies and their potential to disrupt global supply chains, increase inflationary pressures, and slow down recovery in emerging markets.

The Trump administration has fired Gen Timothy Haugh – the head of both the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command – the BBC’s US partner CBS has reported.

It is not clear why he was removed, but it comes after a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer on Wednesday. Ms Loomer reportedly urged Trump to fire specific employees whom she suspected lacked support for his agenda.

She posted on X that Gen Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble, who US media reported was also let go, “have been disloyal to President Trump. That is why they have been fired.”

Before their firings were reported, Trump told reporters he would get rid of any staff deemed to be disloyal.

“We’re always going to let go of people – people we don’t like or people that take advantage of, or people that may have loyalties to someone else,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump made the comments as reports emerged of the firings of at least three other officials at the White House National Security Council (NSC), following the reported meeting with Ms Loomer. The president did not confirm names.

The National Security Agency (NSA) referred the BBC to the Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs for a comment on the firings.

The White House previously told the BBC that the NSC “won’t comment on personnel” matters.

The top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees – Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, and Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – disclosed Gen Haugh’s firing to CBS.

Himes said in a statement that he was “deeply disturbed” by the decision, CBS reported.

“I have known General Haugh to be an honest and forthright leader who followed the law and put national security first — I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this Administration,” Himes said.

Those fired from the NSC on Thursday included Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs; and David Feith, a senior director overseeing technology and national security, CBS reported.

It was not clear if Gen Haugh and Ms Noble’s removals were connected to those at the NSC.

The firings follow a major controversy involving the NSC last month when senior officials inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal messaging thread about military strikes in Yemen.

Gen Haugh, who was not on the Signal chat, testified on Capitol Hill last week about the leak.

The extent to which that controversy played a role in the firings is unclear.

Trump has so far stood by top officials involved in the incident, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who took responsibility for the Atlantic magazine reporter being added to the Signal chat, and said it was an accident.

According to CBS, a source familiar with the situation said the Signal incident “opened the door” to looking into staff members believed not to be sufficiently aligned with Trump, while Ms Loomer’s visit sealed the fate for those who were terminated.

The administration has been looking at outside meetings held by national security staff, reprimanding some for meeting people not believed to be aligned with the president, according to the source.

Aboard Air Force One en route to Miami, Florida, on Thursday, Trump praised Ms Loomer and confirmed he had met with her, calling her a “great patriot” and a “very strong person”.

“She makes recommendations… sometimes I listen to those recommendations,” he said. “I listen to everybody and then I make a decision.”

In a phone call with the BBC, Ms Loomer said it would be “inappropriate” to divulge details of her meeting with Trump on Wednesday.

“It was a confidential meeting,” she said. “It’s a shame that there are still leakers at the White House who leaked this information.”

She texted a statement that said: “It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings.

“I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America and our national security.”

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who posted information in the chat, is now the subject of an internal review into his use of Signal and whether he complied with his department’s policies, the Pentagon’s office of the acting inspector general said on Thursday.

Inspector general offices routinely conduct independent investigations and audits of federal agencies, and look into possible security breaches.

Upon returning to the White House in January, Trump removed many of the government’s inspectors general and has installed acting heads of the watchdogs at the defence, commerce, labour and health departments.

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US President, Donald Trump

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has expressed deep concern over the recent 10% tariff increase imposed by the United States on imports from Ghana, describing the decision as a violation of global trade norms and a threat to the country’s economic stability.

In a strongly worded statement released by the association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the group accused the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, of disregarding the protocols and principles upheld by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“This decision represents a blatant disregard for WTO protocols and must be strongly condemned,” the statement read.

The association warned that the new tariff policy could have serious implications for Ghana’s economy, especially for businesses involved in exports to the U.S. market.

Among the major concerns raised were the following:

• Decline in Export Competitiveness: The higher tariffs are expected to make Ghanaian goods less attractive in the U.S. market, potentially reducing demand and revenue for exporters.

• Job Losses and Increased Inequality: A drop in export activity could force companies to downsize, leading to job cuts and widening income inequality.

• Financial Instability: The association fears that declining exports could create economic uncertainty, possibly triggering an increase in interest rates as banks adjust to market pressures.

• Worsening Trade Deficit: With exports likely to fall and imports remaining steady, Ghana’s trade balance could suffer, exacerbating the national economic outlook.

• Slower Economic Growth: The cumulative effects of these challenges could significantly impact Ghana’s GDP growth and long-term development goals.

The association has however called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agribusiness, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to immediately engage stakeholders in high-level discussions to assess the full implications of the U.S. decision.

It also urged the Ghanaian government to consider diplomatic engagement with the United States to appeal for a reversal of the policy and to implement support mechanisms for affected businesses.

MA

Ghana’s local currency, the Ghana cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.52 and a selling price of GH¢15.53 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.34 and sold at GH¢20.36, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢17.13 and a selling price of GH¢17.14.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 4, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.00 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.90 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.50 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

In a bid to boost local trade and industrial development, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that any government procurement from outside Ghana will now require special approval from the Office of the President.

In line with this initiative, a list of items required by all public sector agencies will be published and must be procured locally.

The Finance Minister made this known during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

He stated, “To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally. This will ensure that government procurement serves as a tool to develop our industries.”

“Going forward, any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President,” he added.

To reinforce his point, Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that no country can develop without a strong industrial base, hence the move to implement this policy to promote local production of goods.

This policy, he noted, will lead to the growth and expansion of local businesses and help strengthen Ghana’s economy.

SA/MA

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The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has informed the general public that the 1% levy imposed on Electronic Transfers (E-Levy) has been abolished effective 2nd April 2025.

In this regard:

• Charging entities are mandated to stop all E-Levy deductions across all platforms effective Wednesday, 2nd April 2025.
• The public is advised to report any E-Levy deductions made on or after 2nd April 2025 to the relevant Charging Entity for a refund.
• Charging Entities are mandated to process these refunds promptly.

To ensure a smooth transition and full compliance, the GRA is collaborating closely with all Charging Entities to implement the amendment.

56-day bill auction raises GH¢1.53 billion

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has raised GH¢1.534 billion from the issuance of its 56-day bills, auctioned on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

The short-term securities, issued as part of the Central Bank’s Open Market Operations (OMO), were sold at an interest rate of 27.7%, a 0.7 percentage point increase from the previous auction rate of 27%.

The marginal hike follows the 100 basis point (1%) increase in the Central Bank’s monetary policy rate, which moved from 27% to 28% on March 28, 2025.

Details on the total bids submitted by commercial banks and the Central Bank’s target issuance amount were not disclosed in the auction results published by the BoG.

BoG bills serve as a key monetary policy tool, enabling the Central Bank to manage liquidity in the financial system by absorbing excess cash from commercial banks.

Proceeds from these auctions are typically used to finance short-term government obligations and support broader monetary policy objectives.

The interest rate on BoG bills is closely watched by financial markets, as it influences broader interest rate movements in the economy and signals the Central Bank’s stance on inflation and liquidity conditions.

SP/MA