Since being sworn in on February 25, 2025, as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiamah has embarked on an ambitious and strategic overhaul of Ghana’s financial landscape.

The policies implemented under his leadership have brought about a significant shift towards stability, transparency, and innovation in the monetary and banking sectors.

Dr. Asiamah introduced a clear and proactive monetary framework, prioritizing a recalibrated, data-driven monetary policy that leverages advanced analytics to enhance inflation control.

He moved away from the previous reliance on differentiated cash reserve requirements, opting instead for more precise open market operations.

This change has resulted in a more transparent, predictable, and responsive policy regime.

Under his guidance, inflation has been tamed, and the Cedi has strengthened. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28% in March.

By May, headline inflation had decreased from 23.5% to 21.2%, while the Cedi appreciated nearly 19%, reversing the depreciation trends of previous years.

These early successes have garnered high praise for Dr. Asiamah, with President Mahama commending his team for “stabilizing the economy, rebuilding public trust, and restoring investor confidence.”

Governor Asiamah spearheaded reforms to curb currency speculation and stabilize the foreign exchange (forex) market by implementing the Exchange Rate Stability and Forex Reform.

His renewed focus includes a proposed overhaul of the Foreign Exchange Act (2006), deeper integration into PAPSS, and the strategic use of reserves, including gold, to support the Cedi.

Under Dr. Asiamah’s leadership, the Cedi has undergone a remarkable transformation. With a broad appreciation of approximately 19% year-to-date, this improvement is grounded in policy discipline and sound economic fundamentals.

The Cedi has stabilized around GH¢10–US$10.5, avoiding both sharp depreciation and overheating, while maintaining a credible forex framework with careful oversight and disinflationary momentum. Improved import cost dynamics and a better price outlook have contributed to this stability.

Many observers view the strategy as successful, as it has rebuilt trust in the Cedi, reduced forex volatility, and supported Ghana’s broader economic recovery.

During this period, Dr. Asiamah’s administration introduced strengthened prudential regulations and improved risk management protocols.

The regime also championed a regulatory framework for fintech and digital banking, addressed cybersecurity challenges, and fostered public-private partnerships to broaden financial inclusion, all aimed at positioning Ghana as a regional fintech hub.

Dr. Asiamah’s administration focused on restoring the institutional credibility of the Bank of Ghana, emphasizing transparency by pledging to publish MPC vote outcomes and provide clear rationales for policy decisions, thereby eliminating the opacity that previously clouded decision-making.

In boosting reserves through the Gold Sector Reform, he supported the establishment of the Gold Board, aimed at streamlining gold trade and strengthening foreign reserves. This initiative aligns mining exports with broader economic objectives.

Cumulatively, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiamah’s early stewardship of the Bank of Ghana reflects bold ambition tempered by pragmatic realism.

He combines policy discipline with institutional reform, reinforcing trust and positioning Ghana for sustainable economic recovery.

With inflation cooling, the Cedi firming, and transparency becoming the norm, his leadership inspires cautious optimism.

However, the pressing question on the minds of many Ghanaians is whether Dr. Asiamah can continue on this path and lead Ghana into an era of economic stability.

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.

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.

A High Court sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital in Nigeria on Thursday, June 26, sentenced a gospel singer, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu.

The 24-year-old who was a serving corps member, was said to have been murdered by the 31-year-old convict, when she visited him at his residence in Papaladna village of Karshi Development Area, under the Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.

Delivering his judgement, the presiding judge, Justice Simon Aboki said the prosecuting counsel proved their case beyond every reasonable doubt that the convict killed the victim at his residence.

The judgment posited that the defendant’s claim that he became unconscious after having a good time with his girlfriend, and was unconscious when he wrote his confessional statement did not hold water.

He, therefore, found Ajayi guilty of the offence, after several months of trial.

Justice Aboki noted that Ajayi was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes a death penalty for persons guilty of such an offence.

“The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Aboki ruled.

Meanwhile, in an interview shortly after the court session at the last adjourned date of May 20, 2025, the prosecuting counsel, Raymond Umaru, urged the court to establish its principles of law in the matter and convict the defendant.

He noted that based on the evidence available on the matter including that of Exhibit L which was about the confessional statement of the defendant, which he admitted in court without any objections, the court should impose the maximum mandatory sentence provided by law on the defendant.

“Our submission is that Exhibit L is evidence before the court and it is consistent with other facts established by the other witnesses.

“So, we are just urging the court to look at those evidences together, particularly Exhibit L and see that it is corroborated by the other evidences,” he said.

On his part, counsel for the defendant, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, said, “The matter borders on three exhibits namely, Exhibit L which is the purported confessional statement; Exhibit N_1 which is the matchet and Exhibit N_2 which are those small knives.

He added, “We are simply telling the court that though they have been admitted, there is something called probative value. Don’t attach probative value to those exhibits.

“Our prayer to the court is that the judge, based on the evidence before him, should discharge and acquit the defendant.”

Background

In January 2025, Ajayi confessed to murdering Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after she allegedly cheated on him.

Speaking to local TV station, Ajayi expressed no regret and remorse for his actions citing alleged infidelity by his girlfriend, his reason for committing the heinous crime.

Ajayi, who was caught with the severed body parts of the deceased, has been remanded in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the state capital.

“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind.

“She was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided.

“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal, that is what I thought. If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through. That is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible,” he said in an interview with Channels TV.

Kumasi, June 27, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has visited legendary highlife musician Agya Koo Nimo in Kumasi, reaffirming government’s commitment to honouring Ghana’s cultural trailblazers. 

The visit aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of elderly citizens, particularly those who have significantly contributed to the nation’s creative legacy. 

Madam Gomashie praised Agya Koo Nimo’s role in shaping Ghana’s musical heritage and reaffirmed the Government’s support for ageing creatives.  

“This is not just a symbolic visit, it is a statement of care, recognition, and responsibility,” she said during the visit on Wednesday. 

“We do not know the hour of our birth, nor the moment we depart this life. Therefore, while we are still planning a formal celebration to honour the trailblazers and elders in the sector -those on whose shoulders we stand – it feels only proper that we come here today.” 

Describing the veteran musician as a “revered chief” in Ghana’s cultural landscape, she presented him with a hamper and an undisclosed amount of money to support musicians who performed in his honour. 

Addressing the broader issue of underappreciation, Madam Gomashie remarked: “When a footballer scores, headlines follow. But creatives often give so much with little recognition. That must change, and it starts now.” 

The visits marked the beginning of a sustained effort to amplify the contributions of Ghanaian cultural legends, she noted. 

In response, Agya Koo Nimo expressed profound gratitude to President Mahama and the Ministry for the support, stating: “This is not just for me, it is for all musicians.” 

He appealed for the establishment of a national museum for the creative arts, to preserve the works of Ghanaian artists. 

The music legend proposed that Ghanaian music be featured at tourist sites to enhance visitor experience and promote local artistry. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe 

Ghana’s engagement with the international community is crucial for our economic development and cultural exchange, and there is no doubt that ambassadors play an important role in fostering smooth diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Doris Adzo Denyo Brese is one of such diplomatic forces championing Ghana’s interests on the global stage.

Ambassador Brese has emerged as a key personality in this regard, actively championing Ghana’s interests on the global stage. With over 28 years of experience, Ambassador Doris has built a reputation as a top career diplomat.

Currently, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Czech Republic, Madam Brese, has ensured the deepening of ties between the two countries.

She also has concurrent accreditation to other countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, North Macedonia and Poland, where she provides consular services to Ghanaian citizens residing in these countries.

Having served in Ghana Missions ’in Ottawa, Belgrade and The Hague, among others, over the years, Ambassador Brese’s influence and impact continues to grow in the international diplomatic landscape.

She has, over the years, built strong relationships with key stakeholders and has advocated for Ghana’s interests abroad.

For example, Ambassador Brese recently facilitated a historic visit of Czech President Petr Pavel, the first time in over six decades that a Czech head of state has visited a West African nation.

Before that she was instrumental in the visit of the Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in 2023, which was the first visit by a Czech Prime Minister to Ghana ever in history.

A remarkable feat was achieved during her tenure, further echoing the crucial role Ambassador Brese has played in strengthening bilateral ties in areas of economic partnership, trade, and investment.

According to Ambassador Brese, deepening cultural ties between nations not only fosters goodwill but also creates an environment of trust—an essential ingredient for expanding trade and investment.

When people understand each other’s values, customs, and ways of doing business, it breaks down barriers, reduces miscommunication, and opens doors to new markets.

Ambassador Brese’s dedication and leadership offer a powerful example for young people aspiring to careers in diplomacy and public service.

Her unwavering commitment to prioritising Ghana’s interests, promoting equitable international partnerships, and advancing national development demonstrates the impact that principled, strategic diplomacy can have.

By championing Ghana on the global stage with integrity and vision, she inspires the next generation to pursue excellence, serve with purpose, and believe in their ability to shape a stronger, more respected Ghana.

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA) under the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) to immediately cease its ongoing strike.

The Commission has declared the industrial action unlawful.

The Commission issued this directive in an official statement on Friday, June 27, following a hearing held the previous day, June 26, 2025.

The meeting brought together representatives from both the striking union and relevant government institutions to address the industrial dispute.

During the proceedings, the National Union’s delegation included its Deputy General Secretary and Divisional Chairman.

The responding parties comprised officials from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the NIA management.

The NLC confirmed having received formal notification of the strike action from the Divisional Union.

The Commission specifically sought clarification regarding the authorization of the strike, to which the National Union confirmed the industrial action had been declared by the Divisional Union.

This development comes as the strike continues to disrupt national identification services across the country. The NLC’s ruling emphasizes the need for proper channels in resolving labor disputes in accordance with Ghana’s labor laws.

The Commission, however, ruled that the strike was procedurally flawed, as local or divisional unions do not have the legal mandate to declare industrial action. The National Union admitted to the error and apologised.

Although the union claimed it had initiated steps to end the strike, the Commission ruled that those measures were insufficient and reiterated that the strike must be halted immediately.

The Commission has scheduled a follow-up meeting for all parties on July 1 to receive updates on compliance with its directives and the progress of negotiations.

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.

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.

Mahama Ayariga is the Majority Leader

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has justified the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) recent approval of a 2.45% increase in electricity tariffs, arguing that the move is necessary to prevent the collapse of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) amid mounting debts.

Addressing Parliament on Friday, June 27, 2025, he noted that although macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, fuel prices, and the exchange rate have remained relatively stable, ECG’s financial troubles require urgent attention.

“Last year, efforts were made to prevent the PURC from adjusting the tariff, and as a result, there was no adjustment for the entire period. ECG is accumulating huge debts, and these debts must be paid. If we do not adjust the tariff to enable ECG to meet its obligations, the company will collapse. They won’t be able to purchase the inputs needed to keep the generators running, and we are going to experience power outages,” he stated.

He further assured the House that the Minister of Energy and Green Transition is expected to appear before Parliament next week to elaborate on the tariff review process.

“The bills must be paid. So, if the PURC is performing its mandate, I do not think there is a basis for claiming that just because the economy has improved, ECG’s debts will magically disappear. Consumers will have to pay part of these costs,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has criticised the PURC’s decision to increase electricity tariffs by 2.45%, effective July 1, 2025.

At a press conference in Parliament on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, questioned the justification for the increment.

“There is no justification for this increase. About 70% of our power generation relies on fuel and gas, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), and Light Crude Oil (LCO). Most generators are dual-cycle, so if HFO and LCO prices rise, we can switch to gas. The price of gas has not gone up,” he argued.

The 2.45% increase, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, has triggered mixed reactions, with consumer groups, industry players, and civil society organisations divided over the timing and necessity of the increment.

JKB/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Ghanaian musician Wan-O, known for regularly selling his music CDs at the Accra Mall, has addressed claims that he has been selling the same songs for years.

In an interview with GhanaWeb on June 27, 2025, Wan-O explained that since he began selling CDs at the mall about a decade ago, he has released three different albums.

He dismissed suggestions that he has been repeating the same music just to make sales from passersby.

“People say I am selling the same song, but it’s not the same song. I’ve released three different albums since I started selling my CDs at the mall. I didn’t release them just because I wanted to sell CDs; I released them as part of my career plans,” he said.

Wan-O further noted that the money he earns from selling CDs is used to finance his music career.

According to him, he is not relying solely on CD sales to grow his brand but is also actively promoting his work online and paying influencers to help push his music.

“The CDs I sell are what I use to finance my career. My career is more than just standing in one place selling CDs. I pay influencers, I market my songs online. I’m not here trying to get famous overnight. I’m building something real,” he added.

AK/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Ghana is at a critical climate crossroads—and unless bold policy and financing decisions are taken now, the cost of inaction could overwhelm the country’s economy, environment, and future generations.

This was the urgent call at the National Civil Society–Government Dialogue on Development Financing and Food System Reform, hosted by ActionAid Ghana on Friday, June 20 at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra.

The event brought together high-level policymakers, climate and energy experts, civil society leaders, and development partners to confront the intersecting crises of climate change, unsustainable debt, and an energy system in need of transformation.

Held under the theme: “Reviewing Development Financing for People and Planet,” the dialogue aimed to chart bold pathways for Ghana’s climate-resilient future—one anchored in justice, green energy, and people-centred policy.

Climate Impacts Rising; Green Solutions Lagging

Ghana’s vulnerability to climate change is deepening by the year. From extreme rainfall and deadly floods to unpredictable growing seasons and infrastructure collapse, the climate emergency is no longer a future threat—it is a lived reality.

According to Denis Gyeyir of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), climate-related impacts are already costing Ghana:

• 45,000 people displaced by flooding annually
• $3.9 billion in projected transport sector losses
• Up to 40% income loss for poor households by 2050
• A climate financing gap of over $15 billion by 2030

“These numbers are not abstract. They reflect broken lives, rising poverty, and economic collapse if we do not act,” Gyeyir said.

Green Energy Must Be the Foundation of Ghana’s Recovery

Speaking at the dialogue, Dr. Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Power (Alternative Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, outlined the urgent need for Ghana to shift from fossil fuel dependency to a just and inclusive green energy future.

“Ghana must lead its own green transition—not as a burden but as an opportunity to create jobs, expand energy access, and strengthen climate resilience,” Dr. Sogbadji said.

Key government interventions shared included:

• Development of green hydrogen in collaboration with ECOWAS
• Elimination of import taxes on electric vehicles to promote green public transport
• Construction of 33 new solar mini-grids, expanding on the 8 currently in operation
• Creation of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund
• Establishment of a Renewable Energy Authority and elevation of the Renewable Energy Unit to a full Directorate

Dr. Sogbadji acknowledged challenges—including limited battery storage technology and resistance from global fossil fuel markets—but emphasized the need for homegrown leadership in green energy innovation.

Green Growth Can’t Wait: Civil Society Demands Climate Financing Reform

John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, challenged government and civil society actors alike to urgently rethink how Ghana mobilizes and uses resources in a warming world.

“Development financing must work for people and the planet—not just creditors and corporations. Our current model—fuelled by debt, donor dependency, and extractive investments—is failing us,” Nkaw asserted.

Nkaw called for:

• Scaling up domestic resource mobilisation for climate investments
• Ending illicit financial flows and curbing corporate tax avoidance
• Prioritising gender-just and community-led energy solutions
• Creating partnerships that are flexible, accountable, and long-term

Energy Justice is Climate Justice

The dialogue underscored a critical reality: Ghana cannot address its food security, energy access, or climate resilience goals without confronting structural inequalities in global and domestic finance.

Wilberforce Laate of CIKOD advocated agroecology as a key pillar of green development. “We cannot talk about green energy without talking about how we grow our food. Agroecology is not only sustainable—it is debt-free, localised, and climate-resilient,” he said.

A Call to Action: From Policy to People Power

Participants across sectors committed to advancing a unified green transition agenda focused on:

• Investing in clean energy infrastructure and public transport
• Creating green jobs for youth, women, and rural communities
• Integrating green budgeting across ministries and local authorities
• Removing policy bottlenecks that limit access to global climate finance
• Ensuring that all green energy interventions are pro-poor, pro-people, and pro-planet

The message was clear: Ghana’s climate future must be people-powered.

“We are not just talking about energy or environment. We are talking about sovereignty, survival, and social justice,” said one grassroots activist during the plenary.

As climate change accelerates and global financial systems remain skewed against developing countries, ActionAid Ghana’s dialogue serves as a timely wake-up call—and a blueprint for bold action.

It is now up to policymakers, civil society, and communities to ensure that the transition to green energy is not only fast—but fair. The cost of delay is too high. The time to act is now.

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.

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.

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

The Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, is actively collaborating with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in investigations into the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) deal.

Anthony Sarpong, who assumed office in March 2025, has been providing critical insights into an audit conducted by his former firm, KPMG, on SML’s operations after being invited to the OSP on Friday June 27, 2025.

The KPMG report which sought to audit the terms of the controversial contract, was commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2024 following a Fourth Estate exposé which uncovered procurement breaches, weak oversight, and questionable financial practices.

The final audit however discredited SML’s claims of significantly boosting petroleum revenue, revealing that its systems were not integrated with the main national revenue monitoring platforms, including the Electronic Revenue Data Management System (ERDMS) and Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

Earlier this week on June 24, 2025, the OSP arrested and later granted bail to three former GRA officials linked to the scandal including; former Commissioner-General Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner of Customs Isaac Crentsil (now an SML executive), and former GRA Technical Advisor Christian Tetteh Sottie, now SML’s Managing Director.

The OSP’s action was also taken on SML CEO Evans Adusei, former GRA Deputy Commissioner Philip Jude Mensah, and two Public Procurement Authority (PPA) officials, Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, who were all allegedly involved in the rejected procurement processes surrounding the deal.

The investigation by the The Fourth Estate previously reported that SML, with no proven track record in revenue assurance, was awarded contracts worth over $100 million annually, receiving payments even after a 2024 presidential freeze.

By the end of 2023, SML had received over $141 million in total.

SML had also claimed to have saved the country over GH¢3 billion in revenue leakages but later withdrew the statements after failing to provide evidence.

Additionally, SML’s meters were not used for official tax assessments and were deemed less reliable than those certified by the Ghana Standards Authority.

Although parts of SML’s operations remain suspended, the company resumed downstream activities in mid-2024, despite strong public opposition and criticism from then-opposition leader John Dramani Mahama, who promised to cancel the deal if elected.

Meanwhile, investigations into the scandal are still ongoing.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

By Eric Appah Marfo

Accra, June 27, GNA – Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior, has expressed concern over the continued abuse of the Ghana National Fire Service’s (GNFS) emergency lines through prank calls. 

He therefore called for nationwide education and stringent enforcement to curb the practice. 

Alhaji Muntaka said this at the graduation parade of Cadet Course 24 of the GNFS at the Fire Academy and Training School in Accra on Friday, attended by 578 graduating cadets. 

“In the first quarter of 2025 alone, we recorded over 131,862 prank calls, averaging more than 40,000 a month. While this marks a 31.52 per cent reduction from the previous year’s 192,545, it remains unacceptably high and dangerous,” he said. 

Alhaji Muntaka cautioned the public that such calls not only wasted critical resources but could delay response to genuine emergencies, potentially leading to loss of life and property. 

He called for increased community-based education in churches, mosques, schools, and homes, stressing the importance of building a culture of responsible communication. 

“The day the real wolf comes, and no help arrives, we will all be to blame. We must act now,” he stated, invoking the classic tale of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” 

The Minister appealed to the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation to take steps towards tracking and prosecuting individuals who abused emergency lines. 

“…Such false calls will not just waste our time and energy, but it denies rapid response when incidents are happening elsewhere,” he said. 

Alhaji Muntaka commended the Ghana National Fire Service for its proactive public education campaigns and outreach programmes, which he credited to the recorded drop in prank calls. 

He lauded the Service for its increasing operational impact, citing property worth GH¢150 million saved in the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than triple the GH¢45 million saved in the same period last year. 

The Minister urged the GNFS to continue pushing boundaries in public safety and digital transformation, while urging the public to treat the Service with the respect and urgency it deserved. 

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, traditional leaders from the Okyeman Traditional Council, and former leadership of the GNFS attended. 

Also present were heads of sister security agencies including the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Armed Forces. 

Awards were presented to outstanding cadets, while the Minister took the opportunity to advise all graduates to remain vigilant, responsible, and mission-focused in their new roles. 

The Officer Cadet Training Programme emphasised leadership, fire safety, rescue operations, public administration, ethics, and emergency response, preparing graduates for diverse challenges in modern fire service operations. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe 

The graduands with officials of Norsaac in Tamale

Norsaac, an organisation dedicated to championing an improved quality of life for empowered women, youth, and marginalised groups, with support from Tools for Self Alliance, has successfully graduated thirty (30) youth artisans in Tamale, in the Northern Region.

This follows the completion of intensive training for a dedicated group of 30 young individuals in tailoring, tile laying, and construction.

These youth artisans underwent upgraded skills training in their respective crafts and upon finishing the programme, they received toolkits, grants, and mentorship to enhance their businesses and increase their incomes.

Madam Hafsatu Sey Sumani, Head of Programme Policy and Influencing at Norsaac, noted that the project aligns with Norsaac’s vision to support young people with artisanal skills who require upgraded training, technical assistance, and financial support to generate meaningful incomes from their existing skills.

She expressed optimism that the project would empower the youth, particularly young women, to engage in productive activities that create livelihoods for themselves and enable them to train other women in their communities.

“I believe that if the beneficiaries also train young people from their communities, it will help reduce the Kayayei issue in the region, especially among girls aged 10-15 years,” Madam Sumani stated.

She assured that Norsaac remains committed to supporting young people with skills development to help them become impactful leaders in society.

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale

File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu-Aboagye, has indicated that the recent increase in electricity tariffs will not necessarily lead to a rise in the prices of goods and services.

He explained that the rate of increase is not significant enough to impact pricing structures.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recently announced a 2.45% increase in electricity tariffs across all consumer categories, effective July 1, 2025.

Badu-Aboagye stated, “What we are looking at is that if there is a further improvement in the key variables, we expect tariffs for businesses to eventually be reduced.”

He added, “Electricity costs per kilowatt hour in Ghana are already quite high, so an additional 2.45% increase will certainly raise production costs. However, I don’t believe this will result in a significant rise in prices.”

The PURC’s announcement is part of its routine quarterly review of electricity and water tariffs.

However, some Civil Society Organisations have called on the PURC to suspend the increment, arguing that current macroeconomic indicators remain favourable and do not justify the increase.

SSD/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Ministry of Health has inaugurated the Pandemic Fund National Steering Committee as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s resilience against future health emergencies.

The 13-member National Steering Committee has representatives from key sectors such as health, agriculture, finance, gender, environment, civil society, and international development partners.

The committee will oversee the implementation of Ghana’s Pandemic Fund Project in collaboration with key international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The initiative is under the global Pandemic Fund, which aims to boost pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response in low-and middle-income countries.

Speaking at the inauguration in Accra, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stressed the critical importance of readiness amid growing health threats noting that the COVID-19 pandemic challenged Ghana’s health systems but also exposed them, giving the country a unique opportunity to rebuild a smarter and stronger system.

He said the established pandemic fund which forms part of the reformed system was an “instrument for change” to enable Ghana to invest in “early monitoring systems, health infrastructure, workforce readiness and community engagement.”

The goal, he said, is to ensure “that our systems anticipate rather than chase outbreaks.”

Dr Akandoh charged the newly sworn-in committee to prioritise strengthening Ghana’s health infrastructure, particularly laboratories and surveillance systems, over spending heavily on workshops and meetings.

“This is a call to duty, and everybody must be part of the resetting agenda, we have funds, and a greater proportion goes into workshops and meetings. I hope this will not be business as usual. I will vehemently oppose it if we continue that trend,” he stated.

Strengthening systems

In a speech read on behalf of the WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, commended the Government of Ghana for its leadership and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment as an implementing partner.

He said the fund which comes at a critical time represents more than a financial investment.

“It is a strategic commitment to protect the health of every Ghanaian by strengthening systems before the next emergency. WHO is proud to support Ghana in this vital endeavour”, he said.

Dr Braka said “no preparedness effort is complete without strong surveillance systems,” which he described as “the eyes and ears of health systems.

“Vital pillar of coordination, leadership, and accountability,” ensuring investments align with national priorities and include voices from “government, academia, civil society, and frontline workers.”

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in health systems around the world—laying bare the urgent need for stronger investments in pandemic preparedness and response.

For Ghana, it served as both a wake-up call and a powerful opportunity: a call to reimagine and rebuild a more resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system that can detect and address emerging health threats before they escalate into crises.

Ghana is only one of six countries in Africa to be awarded Pandemic Fund Grant under the second call for proposals. The country’s successful application—developed by a multidisciplinary technical team under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service—was supported by technical assistance from WHO. The total award of $16.3 million will be implemented over three years and represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s health future.

Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire’s deputy energy ministers signing the MoU on June 27, 2025

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have taken major steps toward the implementation of their 330kV interconnection project with the official adoption and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish two key governance structures.

According to Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, the new governance frameworks, comprising the Joint Technical Steering Committee and the Joint Interstate Committee, will play pivotal roles in overseeing and guiding the cross-border energy initiative.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra on Friday, June 27, 2025, Mensah emphasised that the project reflects the deepening cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and their shared commitment to building a resilient and integrated regional energy system.

He noted that the project aligns with the broader objectives of the ECOWAS Energy Policy and the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Master Plan.

“The Government of Ghana fully supports the operation of this cooperation framework. We are prepared to offer our expertise, resources, and institutional backing to guarantee the project’s prompt and successful implementation,” he stated.

The Joint Technical Steering Committee, to be co-chaired by the Chief Executives of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Côte d’Ivoire’s CI-Energies, will be responsible for the technical execution of the project.

Meanwhile, the Joint Interstate Committee, co-chaired by the Energy Ministers of both countries, will provide political and strategic direction.

“These institutional mechanisms will ensure effective coordination, accountability, and transparency as we move into the next phase of implementation,” he noted.

He further acknowledged the crucial role of development partners, particularly the World Bank, for its financial support, as well as the WAPP Secretariat for its leadership in the feasibility studies and coordination efforts.

As both nations move into the next phase of implementation, this agreement marks a major milestone in strengthening regional energy collaboration and laying the groundwork for a more stable and integrated power grid across West Africa.

SP/MA

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The Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh has disclosed that the 24-hour initiative would be launched on Wednesday July 2, 2025.

He stated that the programme is designed to transform production with agriculture as its main anchor to develop the nations value chain “so that we are able to achieve greater productivity.”

He went on to say that the programme is made up of three angles that is Production transformation, Supply chain and market efficiency and human development.

This was made known when the 24-hour economy office at the Presidency paid a courtesy call to the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

The delegation led by its Presidential Advi…
[8:56 AM, 6/27/2025] Edem: 24-hour Economy: ‘Show Ghana’ to attract tourists and boost income

The Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh has disclosed that the 24-hour initiative would be launched on Wednesday July 2, 2025.

This was disclosed when the 24-hour economy office at the Presidency paid a courtesy call to the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

He stated that the programme is designed to transform production with agriculture as its main anchor to develop the nations value chain “so that we are able to achieve greater productivity.”

Mr.Tanoh further revealed that there’s also a component dubbed “Show Ghana”.

He said this component will be included to highlight Ghana’s vibrant culture to the diaspora, adding that the goal is to bring in more tourists and boost income through tourism.

Mr. Tanoh noted that to make this initiative work, the three angles will be supported by some subgroups “Grow 24 which is the agricultural component, Make 24 which is the manufacturing component, Connect 24 which is the Supply chain component, Aspire 24 which is the Mindset change, that’s resetting the Ghanaian.”

The Speaker in his remarks stated that there are lots of opportunities interms of employment.

He emphasized that the 24-hour economy office needs to work hard to get Parliament to approve a Bill.

This would ensure the policy continues to be implemented, even if there’s a change in government, he added.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme