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

The Central Bank, in its daily update, noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.11 and selling at GH¢15.12.

The British Pound is being bought at GH¢18.62 and sold at GH¢18.64.

The Euro trades at a buying price of GH¢15.72 and a selling price of GH¢15.73.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on January 24, 2025, at 8:40 AM show that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.10 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢19.60 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the Euro is trading at GH¢16.60 on the retail market.

The Bank of Ghana, in its efforts to curb the depreciation of the cedi, sold some dollars worth over 200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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 The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has given a month’s ul­timatum to owners of excavators and mining equipment operating along the banks of the Birim River to move their equipment out of the jurisdiction or get them confiscat­ed.

The order follows a report from managers of Ghana Water Compa­ny Limited indicating a rather high­er level of turbidity of raw water drawn from the Birim River to the Kyebi water treatment plant.

Managers of the Ghana Water Company Limited says if nothing was done about the level of turbid­ity in the Birim River, their plant may break down and can’t process raw water for mass consumption within the Kyebi township and its surroundings.

Residents of Kyebi in the last two months have complained about the density of chemicals emanating from their taps.

Some have also complained about the dirty nature of the water that flows from their taps coupled with the erratic nature of supply of water by the Ghana Water Compa­ny Limited to various homes and businesses in the last two months.

The consistent complaints by residents led to a discovery to the point that, many illegal miners had gone back to the Birim River, caus­ing serious devastation to the river and the environment.

In a press statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Okyenhene in consultation with the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has ordered for the remov­al of all mining equipment along the Birim River.

The statement signed by the State Secretary, Mr D.M. Ofori-At­ta, indicates that, a taskforce will be commissioned in earnest to commence the confiscation of all mining equipment working along the Birim River.

It says that, no miner is required to mine closer to any river body let alone mine within rivers.

According to the statement, the taskforce will begin to confiscate mining equipment effective Febru­ary 28, 2025.

Adding that, Nananom have a responsibility to protect their environment and water bodies if the State security agencies decline to do the same.

“The Council wishes to inform the general public that a task­force has been constituted to rid the Birim River of illegal miners operating along the Birim River. All owners of excavator machines are hereby ordered to remove them on or before February 28, 2025”, the statement said.

The statement continues that “please take note and notice is hereby given that the Council has ordered its taskforce to remove and confiscate excavators and other mining equipment without further recourse to their owners.”

BY TIMES REPORTER

The indispensable role of digitalisation, as the catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation has been at the forefront of the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The 4-day Summit, which has over 60 world leaders and several global economic giants participating, has been discussing issues of global interest, including stimulating economic growth to improve living standards, climate change, emerging technologies, among others.

During a special session on Africa, which discussed the potential of technology to transform the continent, the WEF reached a consensus that adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of things and digitising economies, are indispensable to the growth of Africa.

Digital Economy, the way to go

At a special roundtable, featuring President of Botswana, Duma Boko, the Secretary General of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, among other speakers, the forum agreed to the urgent need for a digital African economy, to accelerate Africa’s development and create more opportunities for Africa’s youthful population.

Botswana President

New Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, acknowledging that young Africans constitute majority  of Africa’s population,  called for a new approach  to development, adding that the adoption of digital technology, which he described as “the language of young people” in every aspect of African economies, is the way forward to addressing  “many challenges.”

AfCFTA Gen. Sec.

Speaking at the forum, the General Secretary of African Continental Fee Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, highlighted the importance and indispensability of digitalisation in Africa’s economy, and the need for digital trading on the continent.

As a step towards attaining this on the continent, he revealed that the Africa Digital Trade Protocol, is ready and will be adopted next month, by the continent’s heads of state.

“We have established the protocol on digital trade. The last instrument of that protocol will be adopted by our heads of state next month in Addis. The protocol on digital trade responds exactly to what the President has just said,” said the AfCFTA General Secretary, in response to comments by the President of Botswana.

The AfCFTA General Secretary acknowledged the cutting edge innovation’ of young Africans, and the ability to create entrepreneurship through Africa’s digital economy.

“By the year 2050, Africa will have the youngest workforce in the world. Those jobs will have to be created intra Africa. We will not be able to import jobs from somewhere else so Africa’s digital economy, we believe, is a very, very important aspect of intra Africa trade. And it actually addresses day-to-day challenges that all of us are battling with.”

As part of the call for Africa’s adoption of digital economy, the AfCFTA also raised concerns about lack of seamless payment systems in Africa, and called for urgent need for payment interoperability on the continent.

“The issue of payments for example. I live in Ghana. There is a direct flight to Nigeria. When I travel to Nigeria, I take my direct flight. But when I send money, it goes somewhere else. It should be the same that we have a seamless interoperable payment system in Africa to address this challenge of youth unemployment,” said.

“We are also, in the same protocol, have far reaching provisions on emerging technologies, on improving SMEs, which will create an environment where we will see more investment in digital public infrastructure.”

“Once we have come a long way, we do recognise that we have much work to be done. But I believe that in any endeavour, the starting point has got to be to write the laws. That is how the investors around will have the confidence to invest in digital technologies in Africa, to invest in youth entrepreneurship and finally to invest in trade finance.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

In his address to the World Economic Forum, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa also agreed that digital economy is the future of Africa.

“The digitization of the continent, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence, will enhance trade and development, and they are key enablers that we want to see fully developed,” the South African President said.

A digital African economy, with emerging technologies driving it, are projected to contribute around $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, which will yield transformative changes across various sectors.

A fully digitalised African economy reliant on  technologies, the World Economic Forum agreed, will  enhance agricultural productivity through precision farming, improve the efficiency and responsiveness of government services, expand access to quality healthcare, support environmental sustainability, and revolutionise education through personalised learning, to accelerate Africa’s development and fostering sustainable growth.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Government plans to repeal certain taxes

Development finance and economics expert, Dr. Eric Boakye Yiadom, has explained the need to broaden the tax net as a key strategy for driving economic growth.

Speaking to the B&FT, he said this is crucial – especially as government plans to repeal certain taxes as part of its reforms.

During the launch of his 2024 manifesto, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama vowed to rescind several taxes within his first 120 days in office.

These include the COVID-19 levy, E-Levy, 10 percent betting levy, emissions levy and import duties on vehicles and equipment for industrial and agricultural purposes. He argued that these taxes have placed undue burdens on Ghanaians and businesses.

Data show that the E-Levy generated approximately GH¢1.1billion in 2023, with projections of GH¢2.1billion for 2024. The emissions tax contributed GH¢522million in 2023 and is expected to reach GH¢1billion by 2025. Similarly, the COVID-19 levy is anticipated to generate GH¢3.97 billion in 2025, up from GH¢3.1billion for 2024, while the betting tax is projected to contribute about GH¢1.2billion.

The abolition of these levies is expected to create a significant revenue shortfall, which could severely affect key sectors of the economy, heighten fiscal pressures and force government to rely on increased borrowing. This, in turn, may expose the country to greater economic risks.

Dr. Boakye Yiadom believes that broadening the tax net by ensuring everyone contributes to direct taxes can help prevent economic crises if these levies are abolished.

“Government should have innovative means of trying to fill these gaps. Introducing new taxes will be difficult for the business environment, hence the need to find ways of bringing people who do not pay taxes into the tax bracket – especially businesses in the informal sector,” he said.

He noted that scrapping the E-Levy will encourage more electronic transactions, providing the Ghana Revenue Authority with better insights into the volume of business activities and enabling more accurate tax assessments.

“The Ghana Card is linked to mobile money and bank accounts, therefore it can be used as an identification system to identify defaulters,” he stressed.

The expert also recommended that government encourages more electronic transactions by introducing incentives in addition to the Credit Scoring System, a statistical tool that evaluates creditworthiness and determines the likelihood of default on credit obligations.

Another initiative proposed is leveraging the country’s natural resources, particularly in the mining sector, to boost economic growth.

According to a report by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the mining sector contributed GH¢11.55billion (US$980million) in 2023, an 81.1 percent increase from GH¢6.38billion in 2022 – making it the largest source of domestic tax revenue.

The sector contributed 22.7 percent of direct taxes, underscoring its vital role in the economy.

“Ghana is one of the leading countries in terms of mineral exploitation, especially gold. This government in its manifesto said it is going to properly regularise small-scale mining, indicating an expansion in number. Government should impose an appreciable amount of taxes or increase the taxes of these small-scale miners,” he explained.

Public-private partnership was also highlighted by Dr. Boakye Yiadom as a key strategic measure to help reduce the economic burden on government.

He explained that projects such as road construction and other infrastructure developments require significant government investment, resulting in substantial financial expenditure. Therefore, collaborating with the private sector can play an important role in contributing resources and expertise to this infrastructure.

Dr. Boakye Yiadom further proposed minimising tax waivers for foreign companies, calling for a more strategic approach.

He pointed out that many foreign firms granted tax exemptions often exploit these incentives to achieve their goals before relocating to other countries, leaving Ghana at a disadvantage.

To encourage Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), Dr. Boakye Yiadom suggested reducing Ghana’s corporate tax rate.

He noted that the country’s tax rate is higher than that of some other nations and lowering it could create a more favourable environment for both local and foreign companies.

This, he believes, will not only help retain foreign firms but also attract new investments, driving business growth in Ghana.

“FDIs are highly responsive to the stability of a country’s macroeconomy, including the inflation rate. With inflation expected to slow and potentially reach 10 percent by end of the year, maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment and reassuring foreign investors about their security will help foster an increase in foreign investments,” he concluded.

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MP for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A Plus

Outspoken Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, did not give room for any heckling by his colleagues when he stood up to make his first submission on the floor of Parliament since being sworn in on January 7, 2025.

The controversial ‘musician-turned-politician’ was called upon by the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrews Asiamah Amoako, to comment during a debate on a report on vetted ministerial nominees.

Then, A Plus told the Second Deputy Speaker that the Majority Chief Whip had directed him to comment on a particular appointment, but the report on that appointment was not ready at the time he was called to speak.

This drew some heckling from his colleagues, but A Plus clapped back at them.

“Mr. Speaker, the leadership informed me that I have to comment on honourable… not yet, so I will ask Mr. Speaker. The information that I had was that I have to comment on a different appointment, so I will ask if that is possible to be corrected. The information I have is what I am dealing with,” he said.

The Second Deputy Speaker sought to clarify A Plus’s statement: “The report you are to comment on is not ready. Is that what you want to say?”

A Plus responded: “Yes, Mr. Speaker.”

This prompted some heckling from his colleagues.

However, A Plus did not tolerate the interruptions, as he replied: “Relax, relax, you are not… Mr. Speaker, I am dealing with my whip, and she gave me information, and that is what I am working on. Sit down, relax, relax, relax.” A Plus told those heckling him.

The Second Deputy Speaker then called on other MPs to make their submission.

A Plus garnered 14,277 votes out of 36,026 total valid votes cast to win the Gomoa Central parliamentary seat in the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election.

He defeated the incumbent and New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Naana Eyiah Quansah, his closest competitor, who polled 11,637 votes.

🇬🇭WATCH: “Sit down, relax” – Kwame Asare Obeng [A-Plus] makes his submission on the floor of Parliament.#ElectionBureau#CitiVerify pic.twitter.com/nWX83PY28M

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 23, 2025

Also watch videos from Dzifa Gomashie’s vetting below:

KA

MobileMoney Ltd, (MML) as part of activities to crown its 15th anniversary celebrations has held awards event across the country to honour its high-performing Partners, Agents and Merchants who have been instrumental to the growth of MTN MoMo in Ghana.

Speaking at the National Awards night held in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney LTD, Shaibu Haruna, expressed his appreciation to the Bank of Ghana and its various partners for trusting and choosing to work with MobileMoney LTD to drive financial inclusion over the past 15 years.

He said, “After 15 years, we are happy to say that we have co-created and contributed significantly to Ghana’s FinTech industry through direct and indirect employment of Ghanaians. We continue to contribute significantly to government revenue, facilitate business growth and create digital entrepreneurs. Above all, the platform has brought dignity to many Ghanaians through the transformative power of financial inclusion.”

Highlighting the prospects for MoMo, Mr. Haruna said, “We continue to see significant opportunities in digital payments, cross-border payments, insurance, investment and e-commerce. These are opportunities that we can co-create and develop in the future. Our ambition for the next decade is to provide ‘financial freedom’ for every Ghanaian and this we hope to achieve through partnerships”, he concluded.

MobileMoney LTD presented awards to the following:

Partners

• FinTech Champion of the Decade: Archie Hesse – CEO of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) for his transformative influence on Ghana’s FinTech landscape.
• Overall Best FinTech Company of the Year and Government Partner of the Year- Hubtel
• FinTech Partner of the Year (B2B) – Nsano Ltd, for their exceptional business-to-business solutions.
• Most Innovative FinTech Partner award; – AppsNmobile, for their creative technological solutions that enhanced the MoMo experience. 
• Merchant FinTech Partner of the Year- BluPenguin for their exceptional service to merchants.
• Bank Partner of the Year (Lending): Letshego, for supporting MoMo’s lending services.
• Fintech Partner of the Year: Jumo, for their crucial role in enhancing mobile financial services.
• Remittance Partner of the Year: IT Consortium for their dedication to remittance solutions.
• Most Innovative Product of the Year- Agent Flex by Tyra and FAB for broadening MoMo’s utility and accessibility.

Organizations supporting MoMo to drive Financial Inclusion

• Government Partner of the Year-The Electricity Company of Ghana
• Corporate Partner of the Year -Keed Ghana Limited

MoMo Agents and Merchants Awards

South East & National

• Best Agent – I. K. Bediako
• Best Merchant – China Mall

Ashanti & Bono Ahafo & Bono East

• Best Agent – Osuani Boakye
• Best Merchant – China Mall

South West (Central/ Western/ Western North)

• Best Agent – Tahiru Issaka
• Best Merchant – De Jab Electronics

Northern Ghana

• Best Agent – Abdul Gafaru Banganim
• Best Merchant – Sparkles Pub and Restaurant

Award winners for the Agents and Merchant categories took home various prizes including e- cash and motorbikes.

MobileMoney LTD launched its 15th anniversary celebrations under the theme ‘Empowering Communities: Celebrating 15 Years of Progressive Financial and Digital Inclusion’.

Other activities undertaken as part of the celebrations included a customer promotion float, a stakeholder forum to discuss the impact of emerging technologies promoting financial inclusion, fraud education and awareness campaigns, digital finance training for SMEs and a cashless market/trade fair.

The MoMo@15 awards showcased the partnerships and innovations that have shaped MTN MoMo’s journey, setting the stage for the next decade of growth in the financial sector.

Since its inception in 2009, MTN MoMo has transformed the financial services landscape in Ghana, providing millions of people with access to convenient, secure, and affordable mobile money services. The platform has millions of users and continues to be an essential tool for financial transactions.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

 The Tarkwa District Court 2 has sentenced a hunter from Abo­so Nsuaem in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing mobiles and an amount of GH¢2,500.

Frederick Donkor, 18, who is popularly known as K2, was charged with unlawful entry, and stealing, pleaded guilty before the court presided over by Mr Isaac Osei Asare.

After the judgement, Mr Asare advised Donkor to stop engaging in unproductive life­styles that would affect his future and instead work on becoming a better person after severing his sentence.

Prosecuting, Police Sergeant Enoch Assan-Donkoh, said the complainant, was 21-year-old and a cocoa purchasing clerk, resided at Aboso Nsuaem.

He said on Tuesday Decem­ber 31, 2024, after close of work, locked his door and retired to bed.

It said Donkor decided to break into homes in the Aboso Nsuaem vicinity as he thought many people would be attending church because it was the last day of the year, on reaching the complainant’s house, he managed to open his door with a knife.

The prosecution noted that  Donkor sneaked into the room without the complainant noticing his presence, stole an amount of GH¢2,500, Jordan sneaker boot, Samsung Galaxy A21, Samsung Galaxy 8 edge and iP­hone X mobile phones all valued GH¢9,700.

According to Sergeant Assan-Donkoh, the complainant woke up the next morning and detected that the aforementioned items were stolen and made a report at the Wassa Aboso police station.

He said the police arrested Donkor while investigation was ongoing, and they retrieved the complainant’s mobile phones, but one was damaged.

It said Donkor also failed to provide the money and the Jordan sneaker boot, and after investigations he was put before court. —GNA

ChatGPT is working again after an outage saw the world’s best-known artificial intelligence (AI) tool taken offline.

Downdetector, which tracks website outages, showed more than 10,000 people reported the AI chatbot, which is made by OpenAI, was not working in the UK on Thursday.

Users attempting to access it were met with a message reading “the web server reported a bad gateway error”.

OpenAI said on its status page a fix was implemented at 15:09 GMT, and the firm was “monitoring the results”.

It has not yet publicly commented on the cause of the outage, which began at around 11:00 GMT on Thursday.

However, many people took to social media to highlight the problem and the disruption it caused them.

Some of those posting on X about the outage were able to see the funny side of the situation, however.

“ChatGPT is down again? During the work day? So you’re telling me I have to… THINK?!”, joked one user.

ChatGPT’s status page said at the time the app had been “experiencing elevated error rates” and the firm was “investigating”.

Since it exploded onto the scene in November 2022, ChatGPT sparked enormous global interest – and investment – in generative AI tools.

OpenAI boss Sam Altman said that, by December 2024, ChatGPT was used weekly by more than 300 million people worldwide.

Though many people use the free version of the chatbot, the firm charges up to $200 per month for its various membership tiers.

It comes after tech firms including OpenAI pledged a $500bn (£405bn) investment into AI infrastructure in the US.

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The Customs Staff Association (CSA) has expressed its commitment to supporting the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in addressing financial challenges and strengthening the integrity of Ghana’s customs systems.

“We are prepared to assist in tackling financial challenges and enhancing customs integrity. Together, we can achieve sustainable development that benefits all citizens,” the Association remarked in a statement congratulating the Minister following his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama.

The statement, dated 22nd January 2025 and signed by the Association’s National Secretary, Gift E. Kofi Tsamah, commended Dr Ato Forson for his unwavering dedication to public service.

The CSA emphasised the pivotal role of the Finance Ministry in steering Ghana towards economic stability and growth.

It expressed confidence in the Minister’s ability to implement critical reforms and lead the nation to greater economic resilience.

The Association underscored the significance of effective fiscal policies in enhancing revenue generation and ensuring the efficient operation of customs systems.

“We anticipate working closely with your office to advance policies that bolster the economy while improving customs efficiency,” the statement continued.

The CSA further lauded Dr Ato Forson’s extensive experience and dedication, describing him as an excellent choice for the role.

“Your vision and commitment to public service inspire confidence in a brighter, more prosperous future for all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin,

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a one-month ultimatum to miners operating along the Birim River to remove all excavators and other mining equipment or risk confiscation.

The directive, announced on January 22, 2025, follows concerns over the deteriorating quality of water drawn from the river, which serves as a resource for communities in the Eastern Region.

According to a news report, the decision comes in response to a report from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) indicating high turbidity levels in the raw water supplied to the Kyebi water treatment plant.

The company warned that if urgent action is not taken, the plant could cease operations, leaving Kyebi township and its surrounding areas without a reliable water supply.

Local residents have also voiced frustration over worsening water conditions, citing chemically tainted tap water, visible dirt, and erratic water delivery over the past two months. Investigations traced these issues to illegal mining activities along the Birim River, which have severely impacted the river’s ecosystem.

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, the Okyenhene, in collaboration with the council, mandated the removal of all mining machinery by February 28, 2025.

“The Council has constituted a Task Force to rid the Birim River of illegal mining activities. All owners of excavators and mining equipment are hereby directed to remove their machines on or before the 28th of February, 2025,” myjoyonline.com quoted the statement, signed by State Secretary Mr. D.M. Ofori-Atta, to have said.

The directive emphasized that mining activities along river bodies are strictly prohibited. It warned that any machinery left in the area beyond the deadline would be confiscated by the task force without further notice to the owners.

“Illegal mining near water bodies poses an existential threat to our environment and the livelihoods of communities. The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council will not hesitate to enforce this directive to ensure access to clean water for all.

“Please take note, and notice is hereby given that the Council has ordered its Task Force to remove and confiscate excavators and other mining equipment without further recourse to their owners.”

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

You can also watch as Ato Forson assures Ghanaians of reintroducing road tolls

Dr. Kofi Amoah is an entrepreneur

Businessman and entrepreneur Dr. Kofi Amoah, popularly known as Citizen Kofi, has urged Ghana’s leadership to take bold steps toward renegotiating its relationships with development partners to reset the country’s economy.

Dr. Amoah suggested that it is time for Ghana to demand fair compensation for its abundant natural resources, such as oil, gold, bauxite, and lithium, which have benefited international partners for decades.

“Can Ghana ask for a measly investment or forward payment of $100 to $150 billion from “our development partners” in oil, gold, bauxite, lithium etc.”

In a social media post on January 23, 2025, he pointed out that despite Ghana’s valuable contributions to the global economy through its resources, development partners have not shown the same level of commitment to providing the country with meaningful assistance.

Taking inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy, which emphasized the importance of reciprocal partnerships, Dr. Amoah likened Ghana’s situation to that of Saudi Arabia.

According to him, under Trump, the U.S. sought to strengthen its relationship with Saudi Arabia, calling for an increase in their pledged $600 billion investment to $1 trillion.

“Ghana has been good to her so-called “Development Partners” with her natural resources and they have profited immensely; it’s about time they showed some love and give something back at this time that Ghana needs existential help I hope and pray that our new, legacy-focused ‘Reset’ President would seriously consider this fair suggestion and have confidential discussions with “them” to help Ghana reset her economy and benefit from God’s gifts as God intended I’m suggesting this fair and reasonable approach, with respect, to President Mahama @JDMahama

for his kind consideration and action.

“For this approach to be taken seriously, our President must be seen by “them” as having the support and push by the people of Ghana. It is the right of the people of Ghana to benefit appropriately from her God-gifted natural resources as America, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China and all other countries do,” he said.

Dr. Amoah emphasized that Ghana should demand a fair share from its development partners to help propel the nation’s growth.

“Ghana can engage in this reasonable negotiation with these partners and help establish equitable relations in a manner that will promote Ghana’s development similar to how the Arab countries have successfully used their mono crop, OIL, to leapfrog into dizzying levels of growth and development.

“The raging fire in some parts of Africa where former colonial countries are being pushed out due to Africa’s present distaste for hegemony and resource exploitation can be, and must be, replaced with a new, fair and sensible joint venture alliance in which Africa can see factories built in Africa, employing her peoples to learn and process their abundant natural resources into finished products for the home and the export markets, an arrangement that foreign investors earn reasonable and appreciable returns and hence guarantee a continuous and mutually rewarding alliance,’ he added.

In the vein of the famous Akan proverb:

If you don’t have a parent to advise you, listen carefully when a wise parent is giving advice to his son

In the Age of Trump, Africa Also Needs New Sheriffs to Change Her Fortunes…

Can Ghana ask for a measly investment or forward… https://t.co/kWpmjSthlX

— CitizenKofi (@amoah_citizen) January 23, 2025

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

You can also watch as Ato Forson assures Ghanaians of reintroducing road tolls

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has issued a directive requesting detailed staff information recently added to government payrolls In a bid to curb payroll-related inefficiencies and uphold transparency within government institutions.

In a letter dated January 15 and addressed to all heads of government institutions, he stated the importance of ensuring the accuracy and integrity of payroll records under the John Mahama administration.

“You are kindly requested to submit the following details for each staff member added within the specified period,” the letter stated, listing required information such as the employee’s full name, designation, employee identification number (if applicable), date of appointment, and date added to the payroll.

The Chief of Staff stressed that the requested information is “critical to maintaining transparency and accountability in our payroll management processes,” urging institutions to submit their data no later than Friday, 31st January 2025.

Mr Debrah further assured institutions of the administration’s commitment to working collaboratively to resolve any discrepancies.

“Should you require further clarification or have any questions regarding this directive, please do not hesitate to contact us,” the letter stated.

This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to eliminating ghost names and ensuring that public funds are utilised efficiently.

The Chief of Staff expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all institutions, reaffirming the administration’s focus on good governance and financial discipline.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Tarkwa District Court 2, has sentenced a hunter from Aboso Nsuaem in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing mobiles and an amount of GH¢2,500.  

Frederick Donkor, 18, who is popularly known as K2, was charged with unlawful entry, stealing, and pleaded guilty before the court presided over by Mr Isaac Osei Asare.  

After the judgement, Mr Asare advised Donkor to stop engaging in unproductive lifestyles that would affect his future and instead work on becoming a better person after serving his sentence.  

Prosecuting, Police Sergeant Enoch Assan-Donkoh said the complainant, was 21 years old and a cocoa purchasing clerk, residing at Aboso Nsuaem.  

He said on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, the complainant after the close of work, locked his door and retired to bed.  

It said Donkor decided to break into homes in the Aboso Nsuaem vicinity as he thought many people would be attending church because it was the last day of the year, on reaching the complainant’s house, managed to open his door with a knife.  

The prosecution said Donkor sneaked into the room without the complainant noticing his presence and stole an amount of GH¢2,500, a Jordan sneaker boot, Samsung Galaxy A21, Samsung Galaxy 8 edge and iPhone X mobile phones all valued at GH¢9,700.  

According to Sergeant Assan-Donkoh, the complainant woke up the next morning and detected that the aforementioned items were stolen and made a report at the Wassa Aboso police station.  

He said the police arrested Donkor while the investigation was ongoing, and they retrieved the complainant’s mobile phones, but one was damaged.  

It said Donkor also failed to provide the money and the Jordan sneaker boot, and after investigations, he was put before the court.  

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Gospel musician Moses OK recently shared a heartfelt story about his journey during an interview with Roselyn Felli on Changes on Joy Prime, monitored by MyNewsGh.

The artist recounted how financial constraints forced him to drop out of school, a moment that marked a turning point in his life.

“My parents couldn’t afford my school fees,” Moses OK revealed. Despite this setback, his unwavering passion for the work of God became his guiding force.

“They wanted me to learn a trade, but because I wanted to become a man of God, I was adamant about following the path God had set for me.”

Determined to fulfil his calling, Moses OK persisted in his vision, even when faced with doubt and uncertainty from those around him.

He shared that while working on his first music project, he kept it a secret from his father due to concerns about his family’s lack of confidence in his aspirations.

“I called it ‘Secret Vision’ because, to them, they thought nothing good would come out of my life. But I had confidence that my God would not fail me,” he said.

Moses OK reflected on the faith that kept him going, even during difficult times.

“At that time, things hadn’t changed yet, but I knew the friend I was walking with, God would never fail me.”

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Ghanaians living abroad to unite and shape a brighter future for Ghana and their communities.

Addressing the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire, Bagbin emphasised the importance of unity and collective action in driving national progress.

“We must remain united in our diversity for one nation and common destiny,” a statement issued by the Office of the Speaker and copied to the Ghana News Agency, Accra on Thursday said.

It said Speaker Bagbin also urged the diaspora to stay actively involved in Ghana’s political landscape and hold leaders accountable.

According to the statement, the event was part of Parliament’s initiative to engage citizens at home and abroad, fostering an inclusive legislative process that reflected the needs of all Ghanaians.

The Bagbin according to the statement, stressed that such engagements would strengthen Parliament, making it more transparent and attuned to the people’s needs.

It said Nana Kyeremaa Abrfefi Koto, representing the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire, advocated the prompt implementation of the Representation of the People Amendment (ROPPA) to facilitate voting rights for Ghanaians abroad.

“… Speaker Bagbin reassured that the ninth Parliament will revisit the ROPPA Bill to ensure voting rights for Ghanaians abroad.

“We are committed to ensuring your inclusion in national decision-making,” it said.

The statement said the Speaker also called for constitutional reforms, emphasising the need to replace outdated governance systems with frameworks better suited to Ghana’s unique needs.

The gathering brought together various groups representing the diverse Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaker Bagbin’s meeting with the Ghanaian community served as an opportunity to discuss issues pertinent to diaspora and national unity.

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

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Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad

The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, has pledged to support the Mahama-led administration following his assumption of office.

According to him, while he is disappointed in Ghana’s stance on certain international issues under the previous government, Israel remains committed to supporting the new administration.

“The previous government was a friend of Israel. Nevertheless, there were two cases in the last two or three months where the government made decisions on the international stage that disappointed us.

“It has to do with Israeli security,” he said. “The outgoing government was very friendly, and we expect the new government not to be less friendly, but this should be reflected more positively in the international arena.”

Speaking to journalists on January 21, 2024, Ambassador Gilad highlighted Israel’s long-standing support in the field of agriculture and expressed interest in expanding cooperation into other sectors, including energy and cybersecurity.

“We met the president, vice president, and other ministers, and we are open for business. We would like to work closely with the government. Agriculture will still be our backbone, but we can also explore other areas like energy and cybersecurity, among others,” he added.

On the current situation in Israel, the ambassador described the events as traumatic.

“On October 7, Israel was attacked by thousands of terrorists. We were not ready, but we will learn. The Israeli Chief of Staff resigned.

“We lost 1,200 people, including soldiers and civilians, and more than 250 Israelis were kidnapped by Hamas. Since then, we have managed to secure the release of 161 prisoners, dead or alive, and 94 remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Three were released on January 20,” he detailed.

He further described the situation as painful, noting that many people have been injured and raped.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

You can also watch as Ato Forson assures Ghanaians of reintroducing road tolls

Timothy Nyame, General Secretary of PUWU

The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has reiterated its strong opposition to the privatization or diversification of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in any form.

This stance was reaffirmed in response to recent allegations made by the Executive Director of the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ben Boakye.

Boakye had accused workers and staff of ECG of being involved in illegal connections and other clandestine activities that tarnish the reputation of ECG and result in financial losses.

However, Timothy Nyame, General Secretary of PUWU, vehemently denied these allegations, stating that no member of PUWU or staff of ECG is involved in such illicit acts.

“Staff of ECG remain committed to their professional mandate to provide quality, reliable, and safe electricity to support the economic growth and development of Ghana,” Nyame emphasized.

This assertion underscores the union’s dedication to upholding the integrity and professionalism of ECG staff.

PUWU’s opposition to ECG privatization is rooted in concerns about the potential consequences of private control over the electricity sector. Workers from ECG have consistently opposed the privatization process, submitting proposals to the government that demonstrate the value of maintaining public control.

The union’s stance is also informed by its commitment to protecting the interests of its members and ensuring that the provision of essential services like electricity remains a public responsibility.

As an entity representing workers in the utility sector, PUWU remains resolute in its opposition to privatization and diversification initiatives that may compromise the public interest.

In conclusion, PUWU’s strong stance against ECG privatization and its denial of allegations made by Boakye demonstrate the union’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of its members, upholding professionalism, and ensuring that essential services remain a public responsibility.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

You can also watch as Ato Forson assures Ghanaians of reintroducing road tolls

Japan’s central bank has raised the cost of borrowing to its highest level in 17 years, as it tries to curb rising prices.

The move by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to raise its short-term policy rate to 0.5% comes just hours after the latest economic data showed prices rose last month at the fastest pace in 16 months.

The BOJ’s last interest rate hike in July, along with a weak jobs report from the US, caught investors around the world by surprise, which triggered a stock market selloff.

The bank’s governor, Kazuo Ueda, signalled this latest rate hike in advance in a bid to avoid another market shock.

According to official figures, core consumer prices in Japan increased by 3% in December.

Last year, the BOJ raised the cost of borrowing for the first since 2007.

The decision came as some of the country’s biggest corporations increased salaries for their workers to help them cope with the rising cost of living.

Wages in the country had flatlined since the late 1990s as prices rose very slowly or even fell causing policymakers to stick to an ultra-loose monetary policy until after the pandemic.

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A man believed to be in his late 30s has drowned in a pool at Dzita in the Anloga District of the Volta Region.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, January 20, at around 3:05 PM at “Meet Me There,” a hotel at Dzita, where the deceased and two female companions had checked in for leisure and decided to swim.

Dr. David Normanyo, the Assembly Member for the area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the three were swimming when the unfortunate incident occurred.

“The report I gathered indicates that the deceased, his wife, and his sister-in-law were lodging at the hotel for leisure. They were swimming in the pool when the incident occurred,” he said.

Dr. Normanyo stated that the deceased was quickly rushed to the hospital at Anloga after the incident but was pronounced dead on arrival, while the two women were saved.

He explained to the GNA that the deceased and the ladies were from Accra and had decided to spend time at the hotel for the first time.

“The families have been notified about the tragic incident, and we requested that the name of the deceased not be disclosed to avoid any unforeseen internal issues within the family until we complete the necessary investigations into the case.”

He added that the incident had been reported to the Anloga Police, and the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Keta Municipal Hospital morgue for examination and autopsy.

Dr. Normanyo said many residents were in a state of fear and shock, “since this was the first time in about 40 years such an incident had occurred in the area.”

He urged residents to remain calm while the police investigated the matter.

Meanwhile, watch as Finance Minister-designate, Ato Forson promises to scrap E-Levy in 120 days

You can also watch as Ato Forson assures Ghanaians of reintroducing road tolls