GUTA President, Dir Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has commended the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his team for the measures put in place, which have led to the Cedi gaining strength against major trading currencies.

According to GUTA, this positive trend has brought a level of respite and renewed confidence in the economy.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, and Head of the Business and Economic Bureau, Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi, GUTA applauded the Governor for this achievement, adding that it has brought hope to the business community.

“We wish to highly commend the Governor and his team for efficiently managing the forex market to this extent. We believe that the fiscal discipline adopted by the Government has also contributed to this achievement.

“This has brought hope to the business community in recouping some of the capital lost over the past couple of years.

Importantly, it has also fostered positive speculation and predictability within the foreign exchange market, thereby eroding the notion that foreign currency is a store of value in the Ghanaian community.”

GUTA consequently encouraged the Government, especially the Central Bank, to continue with this laudable effort.

“These prudent measures, if sustained, will lead to full economic recovery, enhance business competitiveness, increase productivity, and alleviate the high cost of living in the country,” the statement added.

The Ghana Cedi started the week on a losing streak despite a massive gain in April 2025.

The local unit sold at GH¢14.60 to one American greenback in the retail market.

It, however, went for GH¢13.65 to one US dollar in the interbank market.

The local unit is currently among the top-performing currencies in Africa this year, recording over 7% appreciation since January 1, 2025. The CFA, used by Francophone West African countries is the best performing currency in Africa so far this year

All things being equal, the local unit would remain stable in May 2024.

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Inter Milan substitute Davide Frattesi struck an extra-time winner to send his side into the Champions League final following a barnstorming 4-3 victory over Barcelona after Francesco Acerbi had rescued them from the brink of elimination with a stunning equaliser deep in added time.

Frattesi’s goal and a string of stunning saves by goalkeeper Yann Sommer secured Inter a rip-roaring and record-equalling 7-6 aggregate victory in a semifinal for the ages, which finished with the Italian side reaching the Munich final.  They will later this month face either Paris St Germain or Arsenal, who meet on Wednesday.

It was a tale of two halves as Inter dominated the first 45 minutes and opened a two-goal lead thanks to a Lautaro Martinez goal on the counter in the 21st minute, before Hakan Calhanoglu extended the lead with a penalty right before the break.

However, Barca woke up in the second half with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo netting within six minutes to level the scoring and, even though Sommer worked his magic to help keep the hosts alive, the Catalans thought they had scored the winner through Raphinha who struck from close range in the 87th minute.

But as Inter made a desperate run for an equaliser, Denzel Dumfries found 37-year-old Acerbi inside the box, who fired a first-time effort into the net to score his first European goal in his 20th season and take the game to extra time.

In the 99th minute, Marcus Thuram made a brilliant run from the right and played the ball into the area for Frattesi, who set himself up before neatly guiding a curling shot into the bottom corner to send the delighted home fans into raptures.

Sommer made two world-class saves from teenager Lamine Yamal to secure the hard-fought win for Inter, who will bid to claim their fourth Champions League title and their first in 15 years after losing to Manchester City in the final two years ago.

“I’m lucky to have finished the game. I screamed so much that I saw everything black,” Frattesi told Sky Sport.

“I have to thank the physiotherapists because, in recent days, I was not well, I dedicate the victory to them. It’s incredible, I don’t know what to say. Tonight, the incredible happened.”

Barcelona, who were chasing a treble after winning the Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid in extra-time, will now have to focus on LaLiga, where on Sunday, they host their old rivals who are in second place and trail them by four points.

Source: Aljazeera

Arsenal star Declan Rice has showered praise on teammate Thomas Partey, highlighting the Ghanaian midfielder’s influence and composure in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 7, Rice emphasised Partey’s importance to the team, especially with the Gunners needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit following a narrow first-leg loss in Paris.

“Thomas brings calmness to the team,” Rice said. “He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, but I’m lucky to have him beside me. He allows me the freedom to move around the pitch.”

Partey missed the first leg due to suspension, and Arsenal felt his absence early on as PSG took control and found the net through Ousmane Dembélé in the fourth minute.

The 31-year-old, who joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020, is expected to return for the second leg—his presence seen as a key boost as Arsenal chase their first Champions League final since 2006. Talks are ongoing between the club and Partey’s representatives regarding a contract extension, with his current deal nearing its end.

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.

Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central

Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a board member of the Bank of Ghana, says Ghana’s recent fourth review with the IMF has yielded positive signs, though the road to economic recovery is far from over.

“The IMF is comfortable with our trajectory. We’ve met critical benchmarks and introduced bold reforms. That’s why we’re expecting the next tranche in June,” he said in a detailed interview on GHOne TV monitored by MyNewsGh.

Adongo admitted that the current administration inherited a massive arrears crisis, with previously undisclosed commitments swelling the public debt.

“We discovered over 45 billion in arrears—more than what the IMF had assumed. One agency alone had commitments exceeding 21 billion without financial clearance,” he revealed.

To address this, Adongo said the government has amended the Public Procurement Act, now empowering the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to deny procurement approvals without proper financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.

“We now have a procurement policeman. If you show up without clearance, you’re turned away. That’s how we’re controlling expenditure,” he stressed.

He added that reforms have also extended to state institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which can no longer make purchases without ministerial concurrence, even when spending from their own balance sheets.

Adongo further hinted at a possible overhaul of audit procedures for state-owned enterprises. “We’re asking how ECG’s auditors missed the biggest risk in its operations—procurement of imported items. We can’t afford rubber-stamp audits anymore,” he stated.

For Adongo, these policy changes mark a shift in accountability and control across the board. “We are finally plugging the loopholes and managing the country with discipline,” he concluded.

Kennedy Agyapong and Abronye DC

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for a ceasefire between Kennedy Agyapong and the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, following their recent altercation.

According to Wontumi, the internal dispute does not reflect well on the NPP, and as a result, he is advocating for mediation between the two parties.

Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV on May 4, 2025, he stated, “Kennedy, you are our elder brother. First of all, I plead with you, whatever has happened, please forgive, so that we can move past this issue.”

“In the same way, Chairman Abronye, I plead with you to also forgive and allow peace to prevail. It is not always that our elder siblings are right; sometimes, they are wrong. But because they are elders, we forgive them.”

“So I stand in the middle, pleading with all of you to forgive each other. The issue itself isn’t the problem rather, it’s how you react to it.”

Kennedy Agyapong had an altercation with Abronye DC during the party’s nationwide “Thank You Tour” on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Kennedy, who also contested as a presidential aspirant for the NPP, was part of the tour in Berekum in the Bono Region. The exchange occurred after Abronye addressed party supporters at the event.

While addressing the gathering, Abronye tackled critical issues he believed the party needed to resolve, including accusations against him.

He recounted claims that he had masterminded a politically motivated plot against a specific presidential candidate before the party’s internal elections last year.

He also faced criticism for his alleged allegiance to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate.

Abronye refuted all accusations and expressed his thoughts on what, in his opinion, led to the party’s loss of power.

“Arrogance is what has brought us here,” Abronye exclaimed.

He warned party leaders to desist from making statements that might give the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) an edge ahead of the 2028 elections.

He further cautioned against insults within the party while emphasising the need for genuine unity.

Although Abronye did not direct his remarks to a specific individual, Kennedy Agyapong, who later took his turn to speak, seemingly responded to Abronye with gestures and statements indirectly aimed at him.

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#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

18-year-old Ghanaian starlet Yassin Mohammed

Swedish giants Malmö FF have signed highly rated 18-year-old Ghanaian starlet Yassin Mohammed in a landmark move that adds an influential piece to the club’s long-term strategy for youth development.

The teenage striker, who remained with Malmö’s U19 side throughout an extended trial period, earned a permanent deal after showcasing standout form and edging out competition from other interested clubs.

Born and raised in Ghana, Mohammed impressed Malmö’s scouting team with his agility, positional awareness, and natural attacking instincts.

Final approval for the signing came after he consistently demonstrated versatility and strong performance during training sessions with the team.

“Yassin is a talented striker who our chief scout, Jeffrey Aubynn, discovered during a trip to Ghana,” said Malmö’s assistant sporting director, Ola Toivonen. “We believe he has excellent timing in his runs and possesses significant development potential within our system.”

The club announced that Mohammed will initially join the P19 (U19) squad, where he will continue his development under formal coaching and close supervision.

This move highlights Malmö’s continued focus on developing global talent, particularly from Africa—a region that has already produced several high-profile additions to the club’s roster through successful scouting missions.

Economist Samuel Worlanyo Mensah says the recent appreciation of the Ghana Cedi and reduction in fuel prices may not lead to a corresponding drop in the prices of goods due to the country’s manual approach to economic management.

Dr. Mensah stated that until Ghana adopts an automated economic analysis and decision-making system, such changes in macroeconomic indicators would not automatically reflect in the daily lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the structure of Ghana’s economy does not support seamless price adjustments in response to positive economic indicators.

“While the strengthening of the Cedi and the falling fuel prices are commendable developments, that alone cannot guarantee a reduction in the cost of living,” said Dr. Mensah, who is also a cleric.

He added: “We have not re-profiled the economy for automation, and there are manual dimensions involved in price reductions, especially in transport fares.”

Dr. Mensah explained that because the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) determines transport fares manually through consultations and calculations—rather than through automated pricing models—this process delays the expected fare reductions, even when fuel prices decrease.

He urged Ghanaians not to expect immediate reductions in the prices of goods and services, but rather to anticipate a period of stability. “Our expectations should be stability instead of reduction, because stability also leads to improvement in our standard of living,” he noted.

Meanwhile, some commuters in Nungua and Tema have expressed frustration that the reduction in pump prices has yet to translate into lower transport fares.

“I spend nearly GHC26 on transport daily, and this has not changed even though we hear fuel prices are decreasing. I am surprised we’re all quiet about it, but something must be done,” said Asare Nyako, a civil servant.

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO I), George Lumorvi, District Fire Commander for Central Tongu

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO I), George Lumorvi, the District Fire Commander for Central Tongu, has cautioned residents about a possible increase in the risk of domestic fires during the rainy season.

This increase, he explained, would primarily be caused by electrical faults linked to heavy rainfall and windstorms.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), ADO Lumorvi emphasized that the Ghana National Fire Service in the district is intensifying its Fire Safety Education campaigns across churches, schools, markets, and workplaces.

These efforts, he said, aim to sensitize the public on safety practices to prevent fire outbreaks.

“During the rainy season, we typically record an increase in domestic fire cases, mostly due to electrical faults triggered by thunderstorms, lightning, and falling trees that damage power lines,” he stated.

“We are advising the public to switch off electrical and electronic appliances when it starts to rain or when dark clouds form, to avoid electrical surges.”

He also warned residents against sheltering or parking under trees, which pose significant risks during storms, and advised individuals living in flood-prone areas to be prepared for possible evacuation to safer locations.

ADO Lumorvi, however, highlighted a number of challenges hampering the work of fire officers in the Central Tongu District.

He lamented the inadequate fuel support for operations, the absence of fire hydrants in the district, and the non-payment of utility bills, which has led to threats of disconnection. He also cited the lack of extrication tools for rescuing victims in road traffic accidents.

Other issues he mentioned include the poor maintenance of the fire tender, a shortage of essential equipment such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), breathing apparatus, communication tools (GOTA), office computers, and a lack of vehicles and motorbikes to reach remote communities for safety education.

Lumorvi called on the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address these logistical and resource constraints to enable the service to respond effectively to emergencies and enhance public safety.

“We are doing our best with the limited resources available, but government intervention is urgently needed to enhance our service delivery,” he stated.

He also appealed to residents to adhere strictly to fire safety protocols, refrain from making prank emergency calls, and ensure that homes and institutions are equipped with functional fire extinguishers—and that individuals are trained to use them confidently.

“We all have a role to play in preventing disasters. Let’s remain alert and committed to safety, especially during this challenging season,” he emphasized.

This move comes alongside Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy plan aimed at boosting economic growth

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the Accelerated Export Development Advisory Committee (AEDAC) as part of efforts to transform Ghana into an export-led economy.

The 19-member committee, chaired by the President, marks the fulfillment of his 2024 campaign promise to personally work with industry leaders to remove the bottlenecks and disincentives hindering the rapid expansion of Ghana’s export sector.

This initiative is intended to make Made-in-Ghana goods more available and appreciated across the African continent and in the international marketplace.

The move coincides with his 24-Hour Economy plan, aimed at boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities across the country.

President Mahama stated that under the AEDAC and the National Export Development Strategy, the goal is to increase Ghana’s non-traditional export earnings from $3.5 billion annually to at least $10 billion by 2030.

He noted that achieving this target would require prioritizing value addition and economic diversification.

He emphasized that Ghana’s current exports remain dominated by low-complexity raw materials, such as gold, cocoa, cashew, and timber, all largely exported in their raw state.

The President said the inauguration of the AEDAC represents a critical step in the country’s collective resolve to transform its economy through competitive exports, inclusive industrialization, and purposeful integration into regional and global markets.

He acknowledged that despite its significant potential, Ghana’s export sector is hampered by entrenched bottlenecks.

“Nearly 47 percent of Ghanaian exporters report facing serious trade obstacles, with non-tariff measures and procedural delays accounting for most of these challenges,” he stated.

He added: “Over 52 percent of the complaints relate to costly and time-consuming technical regulations, with multiple poorly coordinated agencies imposing requirements. An exporter may need up to 16 different documents just to obtain a certificate of origin.”

He noted that the Ghana Standards Authority, tasked with safeguarding product quality, is often under-resourced. At the same time, the absence of accredited local laboratories forces exporters to rely on foreign testing facilities, increasing costs and causing unnecessary delays.

He further explained that at the nation’s ports, overlapping inspections, prolonged clearance times, and informal fees create additional burdens for exporters.

According to the International Trade Centre, these inefficiencies cost Ghana up to $4.3 billion in lost export revenue each year.

In the fisheries sector, he said, repeated alerts from the European Union about illegal fishing, hydrocarbon, and heavy metal contamination have led to temporary bans on fish exports, resulting in significant reputational damage.

President Mahama also highlighted that Ghana ranks 110 out of 133 countries on the Global Economic Complexity Index.

“This must change. We will support our private sector partners to invest in agri-processing and light manufacturing,” he said.

He added that AEDAC would collaborate closely with the private sector, development partners, academia, and regional institutions to dismantle barriers, identify new export opportunities, and drive coordinated reform.

Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor for the 24-Hour Economy, stated that the AEDAC programme envisions a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive economy that optimizes asset utilization and creates value for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

He said the programme is built around three fundamental pillars: production transformation, market systems efficiency, and human capital development.

President John Dramani Mahama’s return to the presidency has been marked by a flurry of activity, reforms, and policy rollouts, as his administration races to fulfill key campaign promises.

In the first 120 days of his new term, Mahama has made significant strides in governance, economy, education, and social welfare, though several pledges remain in progress or yet to be initiated.

Key Promises Fulfilled

Among the major accomplishments is the swift nomination of a full cabinet, reflecting Mahama’s commitment to getting the machinery of government moving without delay.

In line with his pledge for prudent governance, the administration has also formed a leaner government, reducing the number of ministers and presidential staffers.

One of the most praised initiatives is the introduction of a Code of Conduct for appointees, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

In economic policy, Mahama has delivered on his pledge to convene a National Economic Dialogue, bringing together experts and stakeholders to shape a long-term recovery agenda.

Similarly, a National Education Dialogue was organized to realign policy direction in the education sector.

The administration has launched several social and environmental programs, including “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water”, which focus on reforestation and water resource protection. The No Fee Stress initiative has also been introduced to reduce the financial burden on basic school parents.

Mahama’s government has abolished the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy, providing immediate financial relief to citizens and businesses, with the Covid-19 Levy expected to be removed in the next budget.

Other notable fulfilled promises include:

• Launch of the One Million Coders Programme to build digital skills among youth

• Rollout of the Mahama Cares social protection framework

• Introduction of the Adwumawura Programme to promote job creation

• Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities

• Free sanitary pad initiative for schoolgirls

• Black Star Experience, a flagship tourism and cultural revival program

• Seed money for the Women’s Development Bank

• Establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Council

• Probing the Akosombo dam spillage, which affected thousands

• Restructuring of loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to ensure efficiency

Ongoing Efforts

Several key initiatives are underway but not yet complete. These include:

• Compensation for victims of the Akosombo flood, with funding already allocated in the national budget

• Investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, which is currently ongoing

  Yet to Be Fulfilled

  Despite the strong start, some promises remain unfulfilled:

  • Review of taxes on vehicles to ease the burden on drivers

  • Full commencement of the 24-hour economy, a signature Mahama campaign promise

    • New legislation to streamline government scholarship programs

    • Reforms to purge state security agencies of vigilante elements

    • Reopening of investigations into the 2020 election-related violence, including the Techiman South by-election and the Ayawaso West Wuogon shootings

      Review of the Customs Amendment Act 2020 to curb revenue leakages.

  • ConclusionMahama’s first 120 days have been defined by a proactive approach to governance, with over a dozen major promises already fulfilled or in progress.However, the success of his broader agenda will depend on how quickly his administration can deliver on the outstanding reforms, particularly in justice, security, and economic restructuring.As his government moves into its fifth month, all eyes remain on the presidency to see whether momentum will be sustained — and if the remaining pledges will be matched with action.

Here are 10 key points from the Code of Conduct for Mahama’s appointees

Governance expert and Director of Policy Engagements at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has warned against what he describes as a dangerous and irreparable conflict of interest embedded in the culture of accepting gifts by presidents.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Tuesday, he responded to President John Mahama’s recent launch of a code of conduct for appointees and revelations that he received two luxury vehicles as gifts during his presidency—gifts he reportedly declared and returned to the state pool.

For Dr. Asante, the gesture, even with good intentions, is not enough.

His warning comes as the debate over asset declaration, transparency, and conflict of interest continues to deepen.

While many applaud Mr. Mahama’s symbolic gesture of launching a code, others, like Dr. Asante, say symbols alone are not enough.

“It’s a no-no,” he said firmly. “These are high-value gifts. How are you going to determine whether the President gets influenced or not in those kinds of scenarios?”

He insisted that the mere act of accepting such gifts, regardless of what is later done with them, creates a conflict of interest so deep and so complex that “you can’t really cure” it.

“It’s very difficult to establish any benefit one way or the other,” Dr. Asante noted. “As much as possible, we should just avoid these kinds of gifts.”

His concern centres on the enormous power wielded by the presidency and the ease with which subtle favours can be exchanged under the guise of harmless gestures.

“The President has a lot of power to create these kinds of conflict of interest scenarios,” he explained. “And because of that, we must not give room for this kind of ambiguity.”

The President’s new code of conduct for appointees outlines ethical expectations and a framework for asset declaration, gift handling, and conduct in office.

But Dr. Asante sees troubling gaps, especially in how gift thresholds are being proposed.

Referring to the suggested GH¢200,000 ceiling for gifts before declaration, he called for a complete rethink.

“For me, the threshold and how we administer gift giving must be reviewed. We have to look at best practices from around the world,” he stressed. “This behaviour must change.”

He acknowledged that Ghana’s political and social culture makes such changes uncomfortable. Gift-giving is often seen as a cultural norm or a symbol of goodwill.

But when it comes to the presidency, the stakes are too high to let tradition take precedence over ethics.

“We are so used to doing these things that making this behaviour change will be very uncomfortable,” he admitted. “But if we are resetting the system, we cannot leave room for this.”

Dr. Asante also raised concerns about the sincerity and enforcement mechanisms behind codes of conduct issued during campaign seasons.

“We have seen documents and codes in the past. But what matters is enforcement. Will this code bind the appointees when they are in power? What happens when it is breached?” he questioned.

He argued that Ghana needs more than paper pledges. It needs a cultural shift backed by institutional reform.

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 fight broke out between some supporters of the Municipal Chief Executive nominee, Alfred Gaisie, and assembly members of the Korle Klottey Assembly in Accra after the assembly members failed to confirm him for the MCE position.

Alfred Gaisie secured 10 out of a total of 17 votes from the assembly members.

Supporters of the nominee, feeling betrayed by the outcome, clashed with assembly members in a chaotic confrontation that led to a physical altercation.

“John Mahama selected somebody who knows the constituency very well, who knows the dynamics and the plight of the people, and you come here and disgrace John Mahama, our regional minister and the MP. It is uncalled for,” a supporter stated.

Meanwhile, assembly members of the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly failed to confirm the President’s nominee, Alfredos Nii Anyetei, as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).

He polled only 5 out of 14 votes, falling short of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority for confirmation.

The outcome sparked anger among some residents and assembly members, who accused certain executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the municipality of betraying Alfredos.

“NDC Vice Chairman, assembly member, is the one engineering what is going on. I am saying with authority,” a resident fumed.

In contrast, proceedings were smooth at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, where Michael Kpakpo Allotey was unanimously confirmed as the Metropolitan Chief Executive. He secured a 100% endorsement from all assembly members present.

Frank Nkansah was also confirmed as the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma Central.

NDC’s 2024 election victory was from the soul of Ghana – Fifi Kwetey

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has commended the Bank of Ghana for its effective management of the foreign exchange market, which has contributed to the strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies since the beginning of the year.

In a press statement signed by GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng and Head of Business and Economic Bureau Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi, the association noted that the recent gains in the cedi’s value have brought relief and renewed confidence to the business community.

“We wish to highly commend the Governor and his team for efficiently managing the forex market to this extent,” the statement said, highlighting the role of the Central Bank’s prudent policies and the government’s fiscal discipline in achieving this stability.

GUTA acknowledged that the strengthening of the local currency has helped businesses recover some of the capital lost during the recent years of economic volatility. More importantly, the group said, it has helped shift perceptions that foreign currencies are a more reliable store of value, fostering renewed trust in the local economy.

“This has brought hope to the business community in recouping some of the lost capital during the last couple of years,” GUTA noted, adding that the current stability has also improved predictability in forex transactions, a key concern for importers and exporters alike.

The traders’ union encouraged the government and the Central Bank to maintain these economic measures, expressing optimism that sustained efforts would accelerate full economic recovery, enhance productivity, and help reduce the high cost of living.

“These prudent measures, if sustained, would lead to full economic recovery and make businesses competitive,” the statement concluded.

READ THE FULL GUTA PRESS STATEMENT HERE

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NDC’s 2024 election victory was from the soul of Ghana – Fifi Kwetey

Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, says Ghana recorded 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts in 2024.

This widespread damage resulted in an estimated cost of US$9.2 million, equivalent to over GH¢138 million for the sector.

The CEO made these remarks at the 24th edition of the Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, which was attended by the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecommunications companies in the country.

The forum, on the theme, “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development”, also saw the unveiling of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual.

This document is aimed at guiding and harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure across Ghana.

Dr Ashigbey emphasised the significant impact of these disruptions, extending beyond the direct financial cost to the telecommunications companies.

He highlighted the loss of revenue, reputational damage, and the extensive time spent on restoration efforts, which collectively amounted to over 432 days in 2024.

Dr Ashigbey noted the financial impact faced by the industry, stating that the average cost per fibre cut stood at approximately US$23,000.

He lamented the repeated instances of damage at the same locations, prolonging repair times and exacerbating the impact on businesses and essential services.

“This destruction costs the telecom companies, small businesses in effect, banking services, emergency communication, education delivery, among others,” he said.

He identified road construction as the primary cause of the fibre cuts, accounting for 20.68 per cent of the total.

“Other significant causes included theft and vandalism (13.98 per cent), often fuelled by the mistaken belief that copper is embedded in the fibre cables, as well as the activities of private developers,” he said.

The CEO also cited broken ports, drain construction, fire, farming, flooding, and accidental damage by utility companies like Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as contributing factors to the extensive fibre cuts.

Dr Ashigbey stressed the vulnerability of the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and called for collective action to protect it.

He acknowledged the support received from regulators and policymakers, including the NCA, the Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation.

However, he called for intensified collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders, particularly road agencies, utility companies, and assemblies, to ensure the protection of telecommunications infrastructure during development projects.

“Key recommendations included mandatory relocation of telecom data cables in new road constructions, strict enforcement of excavation permits, and the establishment of dedicated utility management units within road agencies,” he said.

Dr Ashigbey also called for decisive action against individuals and entities deliberately damaging the fibre optic network.

He pointed out that the funds spent on repairing fibre cuts could have been used to expand connectivity to underserved areas.

Dr Ashigbey appealed to stakeholders to prioritise the protection of Ghana’s digital backbone.

He urged the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation to champion legislation that consolidates existing laws and ensures the robust protection of telecommunications infrastructure.

He also called on the Ministers for the Interior and the Attorney General to support the implementation of such a law.

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.

The US Supreme Court temporarily allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his ban on transgender people serving in the military while legal challenges to the policy move forward.

Shortly after taking office in January, Trump signed a pair of executive orders that enabled the Pentagon to implement the ban.

But a lower federal court blocked the policy in March, ruling that the administration had failed to provide evidence that transgender troops posed a threat to military effectiveness.

In an emergency application to the court, the Trump administration argued that the lower court should show deference to the military’s judgement in matters of national defence.

The court’s three liberal justices objected to the stay, which arrived via an unsigned order on Tuesday.

Trump’s executive order declared that identifying as transgender “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honourable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle” and would hamper military preparedness.

In February, the Department of Defense announced it would begin discharging currently serving transgender personnel.

Seven servicemembers, including Commander Emily Schilling, a Navy fighter pilot, swiftly challenged the ban, along with a transgender individual seeking to enlist.

The plaintiffs argued that the ban “undermines military readiness, endangers our safety, and violates the United States Constitution”.”

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a devastating blow to transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation’s defense,” Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which are representing the plaintiffs, said in a joint statement.

“By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the Court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice,” it said.

In March, a federal judge in Washington state ordered a nationwide halt on the administration’s ban, saying the government failed to show it would enhance “unit cohesion, good order or discipline”.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals did not block the lower court’s ruling, keeping the injunction in place.

With the Supreme Court order, that pause will lift while the servicemembers’ lawsuit makes its way through lower courts.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the order “another massive victory in the Supreme Court”.

Early in his second term, Trump took a series of actions that have significantly impacted transgender individuals, whose gender identity does not correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth.

He signed an executive order declaring the US would only recognise two sexes – male and female.

The order has had far reaching implications for transgender Americans, especially those seeking to obtain official documentation.

The State Department announced in February that it would no longer allow applicants to choose “X” for their gender on their US passport, but instead must choose “male” or “female” based on their sex assigned at birth.

The passport policy is the subject of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a group of transgender and nonbinary individuals. In mid-April, a federal judge issued an injunction on the passport policy while the case proceeds.

The administration has also pushed for policies to restrict certain kinds of healthcare for minors who identify as transgender, and to prevent transgender women from playing on women’s sports teams.

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Xorlali Blog of Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Source: Xorlali Esther Kugbey

Agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, employing over 60% of the continent’s labour force and contributing significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) in many countries.

In Ghana, home to agritech startup Complete Farmer, agriculture makes up 54% of its GDP, accounts for over 40% of export earnings, and employs 52% of the labour force.

Despite its importance, the sector faces a myriad of challenges, from the adverse effects of climate change to infrastructure and technological gaps, and access to markets.

Complete Farmer, an eight-year-old startup, is bidding to improve financial outcomes for the millions of farmers in Africa by providing access to markets and technological inputs.

The origins of Complete Farmer 

For many people, the seeds for their future are planted in childhood. That was the case for Desmond Koney, Founder and CEO of Complete Farmer. The son of a farmer, he intended to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer, but his father’s death meant the farm was passed on to him.

In an interview with TechCrunch, Koney noted that his initial goal was to digitise the farm, but the business ended up going through multiple iterations before landing at its present state.

“This aspiration can be vague, as one must determine what business model works, what the product is, etc. We’ve had to make several adjustments to determine both.”

Today, the startup operates as a global marketplace linking farmers with international buyers while ensuring that the farmers have the inputs needed to give maximum yield.

Building an agricultural ecosystem  

While it styles itself as a marketplace, a look at its product offerings shows it is more an agricultural ecosystem than a marketplace.

The startup’s anchor offering is the grower platform, which serves as an entry point for farmers. Through the grower platform, farmers complete KYC processes and access agricultural information.

They are assigned agents who provide hands-on support and monitor their activities throughout the planting and harvest seasons. Furthermore, SMS and IVR-based alerts ensure that farmers receive timely information, even without direct access to smartphones.

A second feature is the marketplace, CF Buyer. CF Buyer allows international buyers, such as FMCGs and food processors, to source directly from local farmers. The platform matches orders to a group of farmers based on their skillset, ensuring that buyers receive quality produce. Pricing mechanisms include market price guidance, price floors and ceilings, and negotiations, allowing for fair transactions.

CF Storefront is another component of the platform that provides farmers with access to inputs and services via USSD and vendor listings. Farmers can place orders through a short code, which is then routed based on their needs. According to Teddy Appah-Dankyi, Chief Commercial Officer at Complete Farmer, this feature was developed in response to feedback from farmers, ensuring that it addresses their specific requirements.

In November 2024, the startup began beta testing a financial service product with 1,000 farmers. Appah-Dankyi notes that CF Transact is a fintech wallet designed to provide farmers with savings, credit access, and payments on the platform.

Farmers can fund their wallets from their mobile money accounts, allowing them to pay vendors on the platform. It’s also a long-term strategy by Complete Farmer to provide a store of value on which it can layer additional services.

“We implemented this product to rope farmers into the financial ecosystem because we realised that the only value they get from the traditional MoMo solution is just the movement of money, but CF Transact gives them access to credit, and they have a store of value they can save on top.”

Settlement to vendors isn’t automatic, and farmers must send a short code after each purchase confirming that they received value for their money. Only then is the money released to the vendor.

Merging technology and human inputs  

One of the biggest challenges to building technology products in Africa is user adoption. While smartphone penetration rates have soared in the last decade, more than half of the population still lacks access to smartphones.

Consequently, startups, especially those that intend to reach underserved populations, cannot rely solely on digital methods to deliver their products.

Two examples stand out. Moniepoint and TymeBank are two of the most valuable fintechs on the continent, but their success has not come from depending on digital platforms.

For Moniepoint, its ability to get its blue point-of-sale machines into the nooks and crannies of Nigeria has seen it quickly win market share, something it has now leveraged to build consumer-facing products. Similarly, TymeBank has seen success by combining a mobile app with physical touchpoints.

Complete Farmer is taking a similar route. The farmers it serves fall into two categories: commercial farmers with the resources to invest in technology and smallholder farmers who are often not tech savvy. For the second group, it depends on a network of over 200 agents to deliver services to them.

Agents perform a variety of functions. For example, each new farmer is assigned an agent who is responsible for ensuring that they get the right inputs to meet the standard Complete Farmer’s clients require. Since some farmers do not own smartphones, they also help with requesting input and relaying performance reports.

Its agents require some knowledge of agricultural practices, so the startup works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture in Ghana and agricultural colleges to recruit agents. Additionally, it provides a six-module training platform for aspiring agents.

“Overall, when they go through this, they are able to give the farmers hands-on support during the planting season and even during the harvest season. When it’s time to buy from the farmers, these agents are trained to do some quality inspections at the aggregation points before the commodities are bagged and shipped to our fulfilment centres.”

About 40,000 farmers have conducted some transactions on Complete Farmer, but Appah-Dankyi notes that only 12,000 are active. While this is a large number for less than 300 agents to manage, he adds that the startups benefit from the seasonal nature of agriculture in Ghana, as it allows agents to focus on a small set of farmers each season.

Growing pains and outlook 

Complete Farmer’s growth has attracted the attention of investors who have put in more than $10 million so far. But that growth hasn’t come without its hurdles.

According to Appah-Dankyi, one persistent challenge is competition from other buyers attempting to poach farmers the company has supported. While a few have been lured away, he maintains that the issue hasn’t reached a scale significant enough to cause concern.

“It is very evident that our pricing is better, and farmers gain more if they sell to us. It’s not a service where we just give you protocols and walk away. We are giving them inputs and credit. We are also giving them some level of insurance and financial literacy, so this has made the switching cost very high for the farmer.”

Volatile market prices present another significant challenge, one largely beyond the startup’s control. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war led to a global surplus of soybeans, making it difficult for Complete Farmer to offer competitive prices to its farmers.

According to Appah-Dankyi, expansion has been gradual because of the business’ asset-heavy nature, buyers’ strict requirements, crop availability in new regions, and farmers’ responses to the business model.

Now present in Ghana and Togo, it is planning to expand into Côte d’Ivoire this year and increase the type of crops its farmers can produce.

Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee

Samuel A. Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has clarified that the widespread introduction of Ghana’s chip-embedded passport is not a recent government initiative, as some have suggested, but rather the result of years of careful planning, procurement, and implementation during the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

In a press statement dated May 6, 2025, Jinapor outlined the policy actions and timelines that culminated in the successful creation and rollout of the chip-embedded biometric passport program.

He described subsequent attempts to relaunch the initiative as “unnecessary” and a misrepresentation of the facts.

“Every essential aspect of the chip-embedded passport programme—from policy formulation to contract execution and logistical delivery—was meticulously completed by the Akufo-Addo Government before it handed over on 7th January 2025,” he emphasized.

Jinapor noted that the initiative was inspired by the 2013 ICAO TRIP Strategy, which promoted the adoption of electronic travel documents. While preliminary discussions began under earlier administrations, he asserted that it was the Akufo-Addo government that prioritized the program in 2017 as part of its broader digitalization agenda.

He detailed how 25th Century Technology Limited and Buck Press Limited were selected through a competitive procurement process to execute the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The two firms subsequently formed Biometric Travel Solutions Limited. This arrangement, Jinapor noted, helped minimize the financial burden on the state.

High-ranking officials received the first batch of chip-embedded passports, which were formally launched by then-President Akufo-Addo on December 2, 2024. At the time, the project had already secured 50,000 passport booklets, with an additional 200,000 on order, laying the groundwork for a smooth nationwide rollout.

“It is, therefore, through the hard work and dedication of the Akufo-Addo Government that Ghana is now issuing electronic chip-embedded passports,” Jinapor stated.

The former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources urged the current administration to “focus on effective distribution and roll-out” instead of seeking credit for the initiative.

He criticized what he described as the current government’s “alleged re-launch,” calling it “an unnecessary burden on the public purse” and a betrayal of institutional integrity.

Jinapor concluded by affirming the Minority Caucus of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s commitment to protecting the public interest and ensuring the historical record is set straight.

KA

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below

GFL General Secretary Abraham Koomson

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has clarified that the Trades Union Congress (TUC) no longer holds the legal status as the sole mouthpiece of organised labour in Ghana, following legislative changes made in 2003.

Speaking on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ghana Yensom morning show on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, GFL General Secretary Abraham Koomson explained that the Industrial Relations Act of 1965 (Act 299), which designated the TUC as the accredited representative of the labour movement, was repealed and replaced with the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

He noted that the original law was inconsistent with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which promote freedom of association, and conflicted with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Koomson pointed out that the Labour Act of 2003 replaced the TUC’s monopoly with a broader concept of “Organised Labour.”

However, the new law did not provide a legal definition for Organised Labour, leaving a vacuum that the TUC, according to him, has continued to exploit by positioning itself as the sole representative of Ghanaian workers.

“By law, the TUC is just one of many labour unions in the country. It is not the embodiment of Organised Labour,” Koomson emphasised.

He added that the GFL challenged the TUC’s position in court in 2013, resulting in a consent judgment in 2016 that reaffirmed the need for a more inclusive structure for organised labour.

He further criticised the government for failing to provide a clear definition and institutional framework for Organised Labour, a gap that has enabled the TUC to continue assuming a central role.

Koomson stressed that this stance violates ILO conventions and Ghana’s constitution, both of which safeguard workers’ rights to freely associate.

Responding to these claims on the same programme, the President of the TUC, Bernard Owusu, dismissed Koomson’s assertions and urged the public to disregard them.

He insisted that the TUC has no issues with the GFL but accused Mr. Koomson of trying to sow division within the labour movement.

“He’s just being a destructive element,” Mr. Owusu said, reiterating that the TUC remains committed to protecting the interests of all Ghanaian workers.

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May – 07 – 2025 , 00:14

2 minutes read

Declan Rice says Arsenal need “big balls” and “magic moments” if they are to overturn their semi-final deficit against Paris St-Germain and reach the Champions League final.

Mikel Arteta’s side face the French champions in Paris on Wednesday (20:00 BST) after losing the first leg 1-0 courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s early strike at Emirates Stadium last week.

Arsenal are attempting to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

“We need to have big balls and we need to go out there on the biggest stage and show that we’re ready to play at this level,” said Rice.

He added: “It’s a semi-final, it’s 90 minutes away from a final – I think that tells you everything you need to know.

“I think the manager spoke to us – us as a group of players know what we can achieve tomorrow night and it’s a game of football.

“We can go out there and we can achieve something great for this club, and that’s what we want to do. We obviously know we’re 1-0 down, but we have full belief, full positivity that we’re going to go out there and win tomorrow night.”

Arsenal struggled to contain PSG in the early stages of the first leg but Rice said, after Arteta made changes, he and his team-mates are full of confidence that they can get a result.

“You felt in the first leg that there was a lot of movement in midfield. They [PSG] run around so much and create a lot of space for each other,” he said.

“The way they move between the lines was really, really smart. But once we worked out how we could beat them, obviously we missed a few chances, but in terms of how we were driving with the ball, giving our winners one-on-one opportunities, chances started to open up.

“I think tomorrow night we need to do the same.”

Rice has played a big part in Arsenal reaching this stage of the competition.

The England international scored two free-kicks in the 3-0 quarter-final first-leg victory over Real Madrid and received the player of the match award in both ties.

He said manager Arteta speaks regularly to his players about producing in high-pressure situations.

“He always talks about having someone deliver a magic moment,” Rice said.

“I think in that game against Madrid, obviously, I was able to produce two free-kicks, which were incredible.

“But tomorrow night, a semi-final is set up for someone else to maybe get that magic moment.

“Hopefully it’s me again, but you’re going to need a moment of magic to win a game, and as a team we’re going to need that.

“So tomorrow night hopefully, we can deliver something special.”

‘We are here to make history’

The Champions League is Arsenal’s last chance to win a trophy this season, now that Liverpool have secured the Premier League title.

Arsenal lost to Bournemouth in the Premier League at the weekend but Arteta says his team have “huge enthusiasm and huge energy” that they can progress to the European final.

“We are a win away from being in the Champions League final and in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, against a great opponent – it doesn’t get much better than that,” he said.

“We are here to make history – we have a big opportunity tomorrow.

“We bring a result [from the first leg] that gives us so much clarity about what we have to do. A lot of learning from the first leg as well and how small the margins are between the two teams.

“The result, in my opinion, should have been very different to that one. So tomorrow, another opportunity to prove that and the right to be in the final.”

When asked if this game was his biggest since he became Arsenal manager in 2019, Arteta said it is “one of the most beautiful, for sure”.

“I mean, again, one win away from being in the final,” he added.

“Let’s not do the talking – let’s do that tomorrow on that pitch at 9pm when the game starts to show [our] best, best, best, best version and win the game.”

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.

In reaction to the Ghana Police Service’s call seeking the Speaker of Parliament to release the Minority Leader for questioning, the Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a strongly worded statement suggesting that the Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, needs psychological attention more than an arrest.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and signed by the PRO, Mr. Richard E. A. Sarpong, commonly called Father Casford, the Cadres highlighted that, judging from the viral video capturing the altercation between the Minority Leader and the Police Officer during the recent ‘Save the Judiciary’ demonstration, they are taken aback and find Afenyo-Markin’s petition to the IGP alleging assault by a Police Officer as disturbing.

Stemming from this and other attention seeking stunts from the Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the statement avers that the “the Minority leader needs psyche and attention deficit assessment”, stressed the release.

Below is the full statement:

Press Release

To All Media Houses

The Gallant Cadres of NDC

0208573712

0243179445

0542002741

Minority Leader Afenyo Markins Needs Psychological Care Rather Than Arrest

In a vivid demonstration of Ghana’s democratic maturity, the recent “Save the Judiciary” protest highlighted the John Dramani Mahama’s administration commitment to freedom of expression and assembly. Under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, the government facilitated the peaceful demonstration by citizens , allowing opposition members to voice their concerns over the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

However, the event took an unexpected turn when Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was allegedly involved in an altercation with a police officer. Video footage from the protest appears to show the lawmaker in a physical confrontation with the officer, prompting the Ghana Police Service to request the Speaker of Parliament to release Hon. Afenyo-Markin to assist with investigations into the incident. Clearly, the Minority leader needs psyche and attention deficit assessment. The pronouncement of Afenyo-Markin from the Ministerial vetting through to press conferences elaborate

big time attention seeker, too pompous. The continuous exhibition of arrogance by quite a number of these people in this Corrupt, arrogant Akuffo Addo and Bawumia Government is worrying.

In response, Hon. Afenyo-Markin filed a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that he was the victim of an unprovoked assault by the Police Officer, identified as Constable Forson. He described the act as “reprehensible and disgraceful,” in his approach to repaint the true picture.

This incident underscores the contrasting approaches to democratic engagement between the current administration of John Mahama and the NPP opposition. While the Mahama government has demonstrated a commitment to upholding democratic principles, facilitating peaceful protests and ensuring the safety of its citizens, the alleged actions of the opposition leader raise questions about their adherence to these same principles.

As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, the Mahama administration’s dedication to upholding the rights of its citizens serves as a beacon of hope and a model for governance in the region. As proud Ghanians and Galant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress, we gladly say *Mahama, Twasooooo!!!!!*

Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford. The PRO, 0208573712

Ohemaa Akosua Borngreat, Deputy PRO, 0243179445

Mr F Kadan, Secretary. 0242776044

Carrick Kpeglo, Chairman. 0542002741