The Minority in Parliament has called on the Business Committee of Parliament to schedule the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to appear before the House next week to repeal the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, commonly referred to as the Dumsor Levy, following its indefinite postponement.

Although the government suspended the implementation of the levy, the Minority Leader is pushing for its repeal.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 20, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the law should be repealed using the same certificate of urgency under which it was initially passed.

“The right thing to do is to repeal the law. The Majority Leader should programme the Finance Minister to appear before us next week to repeal this law under the same certificate of urgency.

“It is very important, they should have Ghanaians understand that indeed what the Minority said that it was wrong to have a ‘dumsor’ levy, you have at least listened for the first time,” he said.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), on June 13, 2025, issued a directive suspending the implementation of the levy, which was set to take effect on June 16. The levy was expected to impose extra charges on petroleum products support power sector stability and help address legacy debts.

File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]

An economist, Professor Patrick Asuming, has noted that despite positive signs of recovery in Ghana’s economic indicators, many Ghanaians are yet to feel the impact in their daily lives.

According to him, although the exchange rate and inflation have eased in recent months, the prices of goods and services have remained largely unchanged.

He lamented the high cost of living, pointing out that prices continue to rise despite a slowdown in the rate of inflation.

“We still have to understand that prices are climbing. Yes, the rate of increase has slowed, from around 18% to about 10%, but prices haven’t declined. Things are still getting more expensive. We shouldn’t expect that the decline in inflation means that prices are coming down anytime soon,” he was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com.

Professsor Asuming also noted that tariffs and production costs have increased, explaining that while the monetary side of the economy is showing signs of recovery, wages have remained stagnant.

“These tariffs keep going up, and it’s a big element of the cost. Wages are not increasing either, and the domestic cost of production is rising. It seems to me that the financial and monetary side of the economy has performed better, but the real sector is still lagging behind,” he said.

He further acknowledged that despite improvements in Treasury bill rates, it does not necessarily mean the economy is healthy.

“The government has been very quick to try and put its finances in order. We’ve done well on the financial side, but that doesn’t mean the broader economy is healthy,” he added.

SSD/MA

Bernard Ahiafor, Justice Ackaah-Boafo and Afenyo-Markin

A hilarious moment unfolded during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo on Friday, June 20, 2025, as the nominee and some members of the vetting committee fumbled their lines while attempting to recite the national pledge.

The light-hearted exchange began after Justice Ackaah-Boafo, during his submission, encouraged citizens to embrace patriotism. In response, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin asked the nominee to recite the national pledge.

Somewhat embarrassed, Justice Ackaah-Boafo admitted, “Mr. Chair, I am not sure I am able to recite it,” prompting laughter around the table.

Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor jumped to the nominee’s defense, saying, “He’s right to say he cannot recite it; why insist on it?”

Afenyo-Markin then clarified that he simply wanted the nominee to share any part of the pledge he could recall. Taking up the challenge, the Justice managed the opening line but quickly stalled.

In an effort to assist, Afenyo-Markin began reciting the pledge line by line for the Justice to repeat, only to stumble himself midway.

Noticing the slip, Ahiafor teased, “But you are struggling too.”

With a grin, Afenyo-Markin replied, “At least I made an attempt.”

Ahiafor quipped in return, “That’s exactly why I didn’t try, I didn’t want to struggle!”

Their humorous banter drew laughter across the room, providing a rare light-hearted moment in what is typically a serious and formal vetting process.

ID/MA

Treasury bills were undersubscribed in last week’s auction

The government is expected to raise GH¢4.551 billion from the 91-day, 182-day, and 365-day treasury bills on June 20, 2025.

The latest auction results from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) show that the government fell short of its treasury bills target by GH¢393 million, reflecting a 5.19% undersubscription.

The government had aimed to raise GH¢7.58 billion but received total bids of GH¢7.19 billion, marking a sharp drop compared to the selective acceptance recorded in previous auctions.

In this round, the government accepted nearly all available bids, particularly in the shorter tenors, likely in response to upcoming high maturities.

All GH¢6.02 billion tendered for the 91-day bill was accepted, along with the full GH¢995 million for the 182-day bill.

For the 364-day bill, GH¢173 million out of GH¢204 million in bids was accepted.

Meanwhile, interest rates continued to decline across the curve.

The 91-day rate dropped by 9 basis points to 14.70%, the 182-day rate fell by 21 basis points to 15.25%, and the 364-day rate eased by 6 basis points to 15.74%.

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah

Former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has backed the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana’s assertion that the illegal mining menace, locally known as galamsey, is largely driven by Ghanaian complicity rather than the actions of Chinese nationals.

He agreed with the ambassador’s claim that the galamsey crisis is not China’s problem, but rather a failure on Ghana’s part.

Professor Agyeman-Duah’s comments come amid growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining in Ghana.

Speaking on the JoyNews Desk programme on June 19, 2025, the professor described the ambassador’s remarks as “both valid and timely,” noting that it was not the first time such concerns had been raised by the Chinese envoy.

He cited the ambassador’s claim that many Chinese nationals involved in galamsey operations are flown into Ghana, land at Kotoka International Airport, and are then transported by bus directly to mining sites.

Professor Agyeman-Duah stressed that the galamsey crisis is a national issue requiring collective effort.

He pointed out that many of the foreign nationals involved “come from rural backgrounds and lack advanced education or sophistication,” implying the presence of a well-organized recruitment and operational network.

He urged Ghanaians to take responsibility for their actions and commit to finding sustainable solutions to the problem.

According to a myjoyonline.com report dated June 20, 2025, the professor stated, “This suggests there must be official collusion or systemic failure enabling these foreign nationals to enter the country in large numbers and be shepherded directly to illegal mining operations.”

“In that respect, the ambassador is absolutely right, the problem is us, not the Chinese,” he emphasised.

The galamsey crisis poses serious threats to Ghana’s environment, economy, and national security. Professor Agyeman-Duah called on the government to intensify its efforts by tightening immigration controls and dismantling the networks facilitating the entry and movement of illegal foreign miners.

Expressing concern over the lack of progress in the fight against galamsey, he lamented that despite political promises and legislative actions, the crisis has worsened six months into the current administration’s tenure.

He cited recent reports of official complicity, referencing the case involving Dr Bissue, allegedly confronted by a senior police officer, as well as investigative journalism exposing the involvement of senior political party officials in illegal mining.

He also criticised the ineffectiveness of regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission and the Gold Board, stating, “We arrest illegal miners and seize gold, yet transparency and accountability remain woefully absent.”

Calling for decisive leadership, Professor Agyeman-Duah urged the government to abandon half-measures and take bold, courageous action.

“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of our approach to combating galamsey. The government must be bold, courageous, and unwavering,” he stressed.

He warned that the previous government’s failure to effectively address galamsey significantly eroded public trust and contributed to its electoral defeat.

He also urged the current administration not to repeat the same mistakes.

NAD/MA

Meanwhile, watch as victims of the June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:

By Hannah Awadzi 

Accra, June 20, GNA– Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and non-disclosure agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Limited (SLCB). 

The MOU and agreement aim at providing technical support, strengthening banking capabilities and accelerating financial sector development in Sierra Leone and beyond. 

A formal signing ceremony at the headquarters of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC (RBGH) at Ridge in Accra was attended by key leadership of both institutions, including the Board Chairman of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Mr. Jonathan Prince Cann, and the Board Chairman of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Mr. Nyake I. Amara.  

Also present were the Managing Directors of the two institutions, Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku and Mr. Yusufu Abdul Silla, respectively, and Senior Management of the two institutions. 

A statement issued by the Republic bank Ghana (PLC) copied to the Ghana News Agency said the strategic partnership marks yet another significant step forward in Republic Bank’s mission to support peer African institutions through capacity building, operational guidance, and product innovation.  

The agreement will have Republic Bank provide technical assistance to SLCB in areas including mortgage financing, credit card services, corporate and institutional banking, trade financing, investment banking, custody and trust services, and asset management. 

 Mr. Jonathan Prince Cann said: “This partnership is a timely response to the growing need for African banks to collaborate more deliberately in shaping a resilient, inclusive financial future for the continent. 

 “The knowledge we share today will have a ripple effect on generations to come, and on behalf of the RBGH Board, we are poised and committed to lead this agenda of capacity building.” 

Mr. Nyake I. Amara, the Board Chairman of SLCB, expressed confidence in the long-term impact of the partnership: “This alliance with Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC is rooted in shared purpose and mutual benefit. Our staff, our customers, and our country will gain significantly from the transfer of technical knowledge, proven expertise, and collaborative innovation, opening more doors for both institutions.” 

Mr. Abdulai Yusufu Silla, Managing Director of SLCB added that, “This partnership opens new doors for SLCB to modernize our offerings, enrich the skills of our people, and deliver world-class services to our customers not just in Sierra Leone but in West Africa and Africa as a whole. We have not been able to attract huge funds to develop the country, because we 

didn’t have the capacity and skills, so this partnership is a bold step toward our transformation journey.” 

Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, referencing the bank’s successful technical support engagement with the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), said: “When African banks share expertise, the outcome is institutional transformation and customer empowerment. We believe that this partnership with SLCB will yield similar, if not greater results, enhancing financial access and stability not only in Sierra Leone but across the region. 

“The signing of this MOU was borne from a place of trust and a corporate desire to have a robust institution whose operations meet global standards. It affirms the growing role of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC as a technical support hub within the Republic Financial Holdings Limited Group and underlines its commitment to regional integration and leadership in banking innovation.”  

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

Garage Bar is expected to close its doors on June 29, 2025

Social media has been flooded with mixed reactions from nightlife enthusiasts following the announcement of the closure of Garage Lounge and Sans Frontiers on June 29, 2025.

In a statement posted on its Instagram page on June 19, 2025, Garage, the popular East Legon-based bar, announced that, after five and a half years of operation, it will be closing its doors.

This comes amid the recent raids by the FBI to arrest some businessmen for a $100 million fraud.

Located in the heart of East Legon, Garage Lounge rose to fame as one of Accra’s go-to nightlife destinations, known for its vibrant atmosphere, music, and diverse crowd. It quickly became a staple for weekend entertainment and major events.

In the statement that announced their end of operations, the team expressed gratitude to their loyal patrons, performers, and staff for their unwavering support over the years.

The club described its journey as more than just a business, calling it a movement that helped shape Accra’s nightlife culture.

“After 5 & ½ incredible years, Garage is closing its doors for the final time. What started as a bold idea turned into a movement, a place where Accra came alive with music, flavour, culture, and unforgettable memories. We’ve hosted thousands of nights, countless cheers, and built a community we’ll never forget.

“To everyone who ever danced, drank, celebrated, worked, performed, or found themselves at Garage, thank you. You made it what it was. This isn’t goodbye forever — just the end of this chapter. Our final night will be Sunday, June 29, 2025. Join us one last time. We came. We saw. We conquered,” the statement read.

But although reasons were not given for the closure, scores of patrons have taken to social media to share their reactions.

Some expressed shock and disappointment, while others took the opportunity to celebrate the club’s legacy and reflect on the memorable nights spent there.

Music executive, brand influencer, and entrepreneur David Mensah also shared his thoughts, applauding the Garage team for crafting a unique experience.

“You all truly made the nightlife unforgettable, with an amazing atmosphere, lively energy, and fantastic music. It’s always a pleasure to be at Garage, whether for collaboration or simply to have a great time! Will miss my stage seat,” he wrote on Instagram.

Another social media user praised Garage for its influence on Ghana’s nightlife and hospitality scene, vowing to be present for the final party.

“Y’all really played a major role, or were the main role, in the nightlife & hospitality industry. 29th diɛr, we dey detty body,” the user posted.

A user named Browniehen, believed to be a bartender and bottle host based in New York, also shared her fond memories of Garage Lounge.

“So happy I got a chance to visit Garage. Some of the most memorable nights were there,” she wrote.

See the reactions below

I hear say m GARAGE was an FBI decoy designed to hunt down the big boys in Accra and they closed it down once it served its intended use.

— Asumadu (@asumadulive) June 20, 2025

Oh them come carry the owner go?

— DR. NOËL, SNEAKER PLUG (@footwear_rack) June 19, 2025

Accra’s nightlife scene has lost a crown jewel with the closure of @garage_ghana , one of the city’s most vibrant open-air bars. For five years, this place was the go-to for crazy vibes and next-level parties.

Garage was actually a place where DJs, MCs, and artists came to… https://t.co/V7zeP8ww2s pic.twitter.com/e3OEud64Db

— DJ LORD OTB (@DjlordOTB) June 19, 2025

Incredible timing https://t.co/xianiK2oQY pic.twitter.com/ejlQmCEqpW

— rondo. (@Koffy_9) June 19, 2025

Ain’t nothing like leaving when the applause is loudest https://t.co/DCrHeI44Nl

— Fui T. (@blackstarsfan) June 20, 2025

I’ll never forget all the fun I had here, especially that unforgettable date over 5 years ago and December 2020🥹. Thank you for the memories! https://t.co/jIY9ojS9WI

— Reina Bey (@Boa_HeMaa) June 19, 2025

The way i crave getting investment into Accra’s night life is so strong, my friends know it. However, if I’m not part of the daily management, I’m not convincing anyone to invest with me. https://t.co/1oasLBkeN7

— K. T. Samuel (@KT_Samuel) June 19, 2025

Edey roll dey come 😂😂😂🔥🔥 https://t.co/gtrZzpkGUM pic.twitter.com/mEBg3ki4MR

— Robert (@ghansah_robert) June 19, 2025

https://t.co/UPGxMtMxsr pic.twitter.com/Zd17D5eceK

— Likem (@likemho) June 19, 2025

Pure coincidence? 🤔 https://t.co/4KPLADhIyS

— Amerley (@Naa_Amerley) June 19, 2025

After an incredible journey, the time has come for us to say goodbye.

Thank you for the memories, the music, and the magic.

Garage is officially closing its doors.

With love,

The Garage Team ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hENIjhd4ZE

— Garage (@garage_ghana) June 19, 2025

Don’t close yet till I pass through this December 😒😬😬

— 🔱Og🦉ThatStoic🖖🏾 (@Lechiboroni) June 19, 2025

AK/MA

THE MINISTER for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a new insurance package for firefighters during the passing-out parade of Course 55 of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), held today, Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown.

In his address, the Minister stated that to boost morale and provide security for all Fire Service Personnel, the government has introduced a new insurance scheme. This insurance affords firefighters who suffer non-permanent injuries in the line of duty a chance of receiving GHȻ 50,000.00, while permanent injuries will get GHȻ100,000.00, and the same amount will be paid in the event of the death of an officer while on duty. Natural deaths while in service will also attract a GHȻ 50,000.00 benefit.

He further emphasized that the insurance initiative is just the beginning of efforts by the government to improve firefighter welfare, emphasizing that more support in terms of logistics and resources is in the pipeline to help retool the service.

The Minister congratulated the 1,658 recruits, made up of 843 men and 815 women, for completing their 8-month-long training in basic firefighting. He praised their resilience and discipline and urged them to serve the nation with integrity and dedication.

He revealed that the GNFS recorded 2,261 fire incidents in the first quarter of 2025, slightly lower than the 2,313 cases reported during the same period last year. Although this shows a 2.3% reduction, he described the figure as alarming and called for stronger public commitment to fire prevention.

He also raised concerns about the increasing number of prank calls made to the Fire Service’s emergency lines. He warned that such calls waste time and resources, delay responses to real emergencies, and can cost lives. He appealed to the public, especially the youth, to treat emergency numbers with seriousness and responsibility.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

One hundred and eighty-six cadet officers enrolled with the Narcotic Con­trol Commission (NACOC) who were trained in mandatory Basic Narcotic Cadet Programme have graduated.

The officers made up of 72 fe­males and 114 males were graduat­ed at a parade held at the Leader­ship Training School, Eastern Naval Command at Tema on Wednesday.

They underwent a six and a half months training in areas such as, pharmacology of drugs, financial investigations, profiling of passengers, documents fraud and intelligence cycle.

Speaking at the function, the Minister of The Interior, Mr Mubarak Mohammed Munta­ka, stated that the fight against illicit drugs was not merely a professional duty, “at best it is a moral obligation to protect our communities, our families and future”.

He said the occasion, therefore, marked an important feat in the country’s collective effort to com­bat the menace of illicit drugs and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the citizenry.

He lauded the new zeal and drive by NACOC to fight the use and trafficking of illicit drugs and was confident that NACOC would continue the relentless effort.

He further commended the Flag Officer Commanding of the training school, Commodore Solo­mon Asiedu-Larbi and his team for their commitment to excellence.

“Your institution has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the country, and this ceremony is a testament to the high standards you uphold,” he said.

He stressed that recent increase in the seizure of illicit narcotic drugs and the arrest of suspected drug traffickers was an indication of government’s renewed fight against illicit drugs hence making Ghana unattractive to illicit drugs trafficking syndicates.

He urged NACOC to adopt diverse approaches, saying that, enforcement alone was not enough.

“We must enhance rehabili­tation efforts and international cooperation to tackle this menace at its roots.”

The Overall Best and Best in Academics awards went to Cadet Yamyolia Nahajat Anan­ga Wuntima, Best in Drill and Best in Physical Training (male) awards were won by Cadet Law­rence Edem Mensah, Best in Physical Training (female) and Best in Shooting were awarded to Cadets, Margaret Kudiabor and Richard Kobetta

 FROM IAN MOTEY, TEMA

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has halted monthly satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House resulting in monthly savings of GH¢120,000.

Speaking in an interview on GTV on Friday, June 20, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Ofosu Kwakye disclosed that the government has been spending GH¢120,000 monthly on satellite subscriptions.

He explained that this expense was unnecessary and could be used to improve basic infrastructure in underprivileged communities.

“when we came to this very place, the Jubilee House, there were subscriptions to satellite television, in addition to the local channels that we watch. When we took stock of how much it costs to pay for the satellite subscription, we noticed that in a month, we spent 120,000 Ghana Cedis just paying for subscriptions to satellite television, satellite channels in this house. President Mahama has cancelled all of that,” he said.

According to him the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration’s excessive spending at the presidency consumed huge sums of money.

He criticised the previous government on spending on luxury items while basic services in rural areas suffered.

“There are communities in AEK that whose water problems you can resolve with 1,000 Ghana Cedis. And I have done that as MP. 1,000 Ghana Cedis, because perhaps a pump is poor, so you need to replace a part,” he stated.

He added that, “Because of that, a community of about 100 people goes without water for four months. Yet, here we were, sitting in this house, with a government that used to pay 120,000 Ghana Cedis every month just for satellite television subscriptions, President Mahama has cut that.”

President John Dramani Mahama Saves GH₵120K Monthly by Cancelling Inherited Satellite Subscriptions at the Presidency #GTVBreakfast#NewsFlash#GTVNews pic.twitter.com/7nM16zVJtQ

— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) June 20, 2025

SP/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Athens, Jun. 20, (dpa/GNA) – The Greek coastguard has rescued hundreds of migrants from distress at sea south of the island of Crete in several operations, local radio reported on Friday.

About 700 people were rescued from boats coming from Libya, Greek radio ERTnews cited the coastguard saying.

The boats were reportedly drifting in international waters, unable to manoeuvre.

Many migrants rescued on Friday morning underwent medical examinations as their identities were being verified. They will then be taken to registration camps on the mainland, according to local reporters.

Four cargo ships also took part in the rescue operation.

Over the past weeks, higher numbers of migrants have been arriving on Cretan shores.

On Thursday, about 400 migrants were rescued off the island of Gavdos, also south of Crete, in three different operations.

Those rescued said that they had set sail for Crete from the Libyan port of Tobruk.

The migrants come from North African and Middle Eastern countries, Greek radio reported, again citing the coastguard.

According to the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR), 3,430 migrants have arrived on Crete since the beginning of the year up to May 11. With the new arrivals, a total of around 6,500 migrants had now arrived on the island, according to Greek media.

The government in Athens is calling for a fairer distribution of the refugee burden within the EU and is resisting plans in Germany to send refugees back to Greece if they have already been granted asylum there.

GNA

PDC

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), acting on a court order, has destroyed 3.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately $350 million. The drugs were intercepted in a tipper truck en route from Cape Coast to Accra in March this year.

The destruction exercise took place on Wednesday, June 4, following a series of confirmatory tests conducted in the presence of the trial judge, state attorneys, officers from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

In addition to the cocaine, other confiscated narcotic and pharmaceutical substances seized by NACOC were also destroyed at the Bundase Military Base.

Addressing journalists during the operation, the Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
“We did this today in your presence to show our commitment to end the menace. I will urge those involved to desist. We will not stand by and watch them bring in illicit drugs to destroy our future leaders.”

He further disclosed that special operations will begin next month to clamp down on drug dealers across the country.
“I hope you all can assist us so that we can bring them to the public view and name and shame them. This cannot continue in our country,” Brigadier General Mantey emphasised.