The former finance minister Mohammed Amin Adam has strongly criticised the decision by the John Mahama-led government to increase levies on petroleum products and a new tax on petrol in particular, describing it as exploitative and a betrayal of public trust. Speaking on the floor of Parliament during a heated debate on the proposed petroleum tax increments, the former minister said the move would unjustly deprive Ghanaians of the benefits they deserve from recent economic gains, particularly the strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi. “The government is clawing back benefits that should accrue to the people. What crime have Ghanaians committed…
Author: qwezink
Growing up, the story of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans was one that I read and watched as a movie over and over again. It was a wistful story filled with love, betrayal, revenge and destruction. Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, Odyssey and Paris etched their names in history, forever to be remembered. “Beware of the Greeks and their gifts.” The ancient adage, born from the myth of the Trojan Horse, presented as a gift to the people of Troy, warns us that not all gifts are beneficial ones—some are snares. In the life of modern Ghanaian politics, this…
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has challenged Fitch Ratings over its recent downgrade of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). It follows Fitch’s assessment which suggested that Ghana’s sovereign loan is a non-performing asset. In a statement issued on June 6, the APRM described the move as both “legally incongruent and analytically flawed,” arguing that Fitch’s interpretation disregards the unique legal framework underpinning Afreximbank’s sovereign lending operations. Fitch had lowered Afreximbank’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating from ‘BBB’ to ‘BBB-’ with a negative outlook. The decision cited a 7.1% estimated non-performing loan ratio, with Ghana, South Sudan and Zambia accounting…
The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Group, Daniel Fahene Acquaye is encouraging young people to expand their view on agriculture. He wants the youth to see agriculture beyond the conventional focus on farming and to tap into emerging non-traditional opportunities across the sector. Speaking on the second week of the Citi Business Festival 2025 on-air Series, Mr. Acquaye pointed to the vast, often-overlooked potential within agribusiness – from agritech innovation and logistics to marketing and value chain coordination. He noted that as digital tools and global market access increasingly redefine the agricultural landscape, the sector is becoming a viable avenue…
Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has strongly criticised the newly introduced Energy Sector Levy, arguing that it unfairly denies Ghanaians the benefits of the recent appreciation of the cedi. The MP expressed concern over what she described as the government’s decision to impose new taxes despite campaign promises to ease the tax burden. Speaking to Joy FM on Monday, June 9, Abena Osei-Asare said, “Why should you refuse or prevent Ghanaians from enjoying a windfall that they ought to enjoy just because you feel there has been a reduction or appreciation in…
Three key unions in tertiary education — the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) — have jointly threatened a nationwide strike if government fails to pay their book and research allowances by June 13, 2025. In a statement issued on Monday, June 9, the three unions expressed frustration over what they described as the “undue delay” in releasing the exchange rate required to compute their book and research allowances. They warned that the delay has created “significant uncertainty and frustration” among members,…
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revised the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy following stiff resistance from oil marketing companies. Originally scheduled to take effect on Monday June 9, the new GHC1-per-litre levy faced rejection from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), who raised concerns over its timing and potential impact on fuel prices and consumer burden. In an interaction with Citi News, the GRA confirmed that after discussions “in the spirit of cordiality and partnership,” a new implementation date of June 16 has been agreed upon. “The Association has concerns with the…
First Lady and founder of the Lordina Foundation, Lordina Mahama, has urged persons living with chronic non-communicable diseases to take full advantage of the Mahama Cares health programme when it becomes operational. Speaking on Saturday, June 7, during the third edition of a free health screening for over 145 retired Assemblies of God ministers and their spouses in Accra, she explained that Mahama Cares, officially known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, was designed to fill health service gaps not fully addressed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to her, the initiative will provide consistent care, particularly for…
Ibrahim Adjei, former Assistant Secretary to ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has accused the government of mishandling the ongoing Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) strike, warning that its failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with health workers risks pushing the country into a deeper healthcare crisis. According to him, the administration’s posture shows signs of “losing control,” urging immediate intervention through honest negotiations. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 9, Adjei slammed the government for what he described as an “intransigent attitude” in dealing with the striking nurses and midwives. “We have a social…
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, exchanged a light-hearted moment during the final funeral rites of the late Mamponghene and Krontihene of Asanteman, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II. In a viral clip, shared on X from the event, Dr. Bawumia is heard playfully telling Dr. Bryan Acheampong, “You want to worry me,” hinting at a possible fierce internal contest for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s flagbearer slot. Dr. Bawumia, who led the party into the 2024 presidential elections, is widely expected to seek re-election as the NPP’s presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Bryan…