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Beatrice Laryea

Jun – 06 – 2025 , 14:02

2 minutes read

Ghana’s former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been placed on Interpol’s red notice list for allegedly using public office for personal gain.

This comes after Ghanaian prosecutors declared him a wanted person as well as a fugitive from justice, as he was outside the country, over his alleged involvement in several corruption cases when he was in government.

A red notice is not an arrest warrant but a request to police worldwide to detain someone pending extradition.

Ofori-Atta, who is said to be out of the country for medical reasons, has not commented on the allegations, but he has said he has been unlawfully treated.

The AFP news agency is quoting Frank Davies, on Ofori-Atta’s legal team, criticising the prosecutor’s approach.

“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” Mr Davies told AFP.

“The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment.”

The 65-year-old has been accused of causing financial losses to the state.

The allegations include questions over procurement procedures in the building of a controversial national cathedral, which remains a hole in the ground despite the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money.

Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had offered to represent him but the state prosecutor said they could not respond to criminal charges on behalf of their client.

In February, Ofori-Atta appealed to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to remove his name from the wanted list and provided a definite return date in May.

State prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng accepted Ofori-Atta’s assurance and subsequently took his name off the wanted list.

But in March Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit, claiming unlawful treatment and requesting removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.

Early this month, Ofori-Atta was re-declared a wanted person and a fugitive from justice after failing to appear before an investigative panel.

Agyebeng subsequently formally initiated the Red Notice request, seeking international help in tracking down the former official, local media reported.

“We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations,” Agyebeng said.

In the Red Notice released on late Thursday, Interpol said Ofori-Atta is wanted on charges of “using public office for profit”.

He was finance minister from January 2017 to February 2024, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power.

The NPP lost last December’s elections to the National Democratic Congress.

President John Mahama, who was inaugurated in January, went on to establish an investigative committee known as Operation Recover All Loot.

The committee has received over 200 complaints of corruption, amounting to more than $20bn in recoverable funds.

Mahama has directed the attorney general and minister of justice to launch investigations into these allegations, stating that Ghana will no longer be a safe haven for corruption.

However, some Ghanaians have criticised him for discontinuing cases against his former allies on trial.

By Regina Atule 

Damongo (S/R), June 05, GNA – Christian child relief organisation World Vision Ghana has launched a three-year multi-sectoral campaign dubbed “ENOUGH: Ending Child Hunger and Malnutrition” in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region. 

The campaign seeks to complement the efforts of government and other actors towards ending child hunger and malnutrition in the country. 

Mr. Rexford Bugre, Northern Regional Operations Manager, World Vision Ghana, speaking during the launch at Damongo, said it further sought to drive a policy change that would support children and ensure they had enough food and nutrition. 

He said the organisation had implemented several interventions including the provision of boreholes, mechanised water systems, and latrines for households and institutions in some communities. 

He called for stakeholders’ support to successfully implement the project. 

Madam Barbara Asare, Campaign Coordinator at World Vision Ghana, said the project would ensure children were visible and heard in hunger, nutrition and food security related policies at all levels as well as more children enjoying better food security, nutrition and resilience, through prioritized services.  

She called on the government and stakeholders to provide enough funding for the implementation of nutritional policies and scale up the school feeding programme to cover the most vulnerable and deprived communities. 

GNA 

Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Benjamin Mensah 

Dr Mohammed Amin Adam is the former Minister of Finance

A former Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for the Karaga constituency, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has dismissed claims that the current substantial energy sector debt originated from the New Patriotic Party government.

While defending the record of the Akufo-Addo administration in the energy sector, he asserted that it ensured a consistent power supply for Ghanaians despite inheriting numerous challenges.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Dr Amin Adam said the root of Ghana’s energy challenges lies in the “take-or-pay” contracts signed between the Mahama administration and certain power producers between 2012 to 2016.

“We kept the lights on. Despite the challenges, we ensured a stable power supply. If the current government cannot maintain this, they should step aside. They speak of energy sector debts but na who cause am? Were they not the ones who signed the take-or-pay contracts? Did they account for excess capacity in the tariffs when they signed those agreements? They did not,” the former finance minister said.

Addressing the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Dr Amin Adam questioned the rationale behind imposing a new tax when the government already benefits from enhanced revenue through the Energy Sector Recovery Levy.

He described the proposed levy, colloquially termed the “Dumsor Levy,” as an exploitative and disingenuous attempt to burden Ghanaians with additional taxes, especially after the current administration repealed some levies introduced by its predecessor.

“At the end of 2024, we terminated the ESLA PLC program, meaning the government now receives the full revenue from all levies collected.

“Previously, out of GH₵6 billion collected, only GH₵1 billion was available to the government. Now, with access to the entire GH₵6 billion, what justification is there for imposing new taxes on Ghanaians? There is none. This is exploitative,” he stated.

The Dumsor Levy was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, under a certificate of urgency.

Titled the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the legislation proposes an increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to raise additional revenue.

The funds are intended to address energy sector arrears, reduce legacy debts, and ensure a stable power supply nationwide.

The bill received its first reading in Parliament and has been referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration and reporting.

Ghana’s energy sector debt stood at $3.1billion at the end of 2024.

SA/AE

Watch drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, Ghanaian citizens will no longer require traditional visas to travel to Morocco, following a new bilateral agreement between the two countries.

Announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post, the policy takes “immediate effect” and replaces the previous visa system with a streamlined online travel authorisation.

The new authorisation can be obtained within 24 hours and eliminates the need for embassy appointments, making travel between the two nations faster and easier.

“This is one of the significant agreements reached yesterday with the Foreign Minister of Morocco, H.E. Nasser Bourita, during my two-day working visit,” Ablakwa stated.

With existing direct flights between Ghana and Morocco—and more expected to follow in light of this development—officials anticipate the visa waiver will significantly boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

“The borders in Africa must not be allowed to divide us — they can be bridges of connectivity,” Ablakwa said.

Read also

Hajj fares will drop next year if cedi remains strong – Mahama

For decades, the people of Matse-Nkuase lived with a painful reality: the only water they could access was from a brown, stagnant source shared with animals. It caused disease. It stole hours from each day. It broke spirits.

But all of that changed in a moment of pure joy, when a tap was turned and for the first time, clean, safe water gushed out in the heart of the village.

This transformation came through the dedication of Volunteers for International Medical Aid (VIMA) and its partners in California, USA, who commissioned a fully mechanised submersible borehole water system for the underserved rural community — a project now hailed as a turning point in the community’s history.

Until recently, the people of Matse-Nkuase had no voice. No visibility. No hope of change. The sick kept getting sicker. Children walked miles to fetch dirty water. Schoolgirls missed classes during their menstrual cycles due to lack of sanitation. But their cries were not in vain.

“What we saw here three years ago broke our hearts,” said Christopher Webu, VIMA’s Country Projects Manager. “No toilets, no clean water, children going barefoot to school. It wasn’t just poverty — it was neglect. And we knew we couldn’t walk away.”

That conviction inspired VIMA’s founder, Mr. Francis Agbemafle, to rally support from across the world — tapping into the kindness of families in California, including CJ Portz, his parents Dr. Steve and Susie Portz, and relatives Andrea and Noelle Portz — who raised the funds needed to drill and install the water system.

“This is not just infrastructure,” Mr. Agbemafle said during the emotional commissioning ceremony. “This water is the beginning of health, dignity, and a future filled with possibility. It is proof that even in forgotten places, people still matter.”

The project includes a mechanized borehole, a submersible pump, a 5-foot concrete tower, a poly tank, and full electrical installation — bringing safe, consistent water to hundreds of residents.

As the first clean droplets hit the villagers’ palms, cheers erupted. Women ululated. Elders wept. For them, this was not just water — it was freedom.

The spirit of giving didn’t stop there. Touched by what they saw, two visiting volunteers from the U.S., Brian Asher and Zarah Rezapour, pledged to fund the construction of an 8-unit modern toilet facility for the community — another vital need long out of reach.

They also funded a $6,000 propane tank project for the VIMA home kitchen, ensuring safer cooking and better nutrition for the children and volunteers served by the organization.

Village Chief Togbey Setorwu Kofi Amponsah expressed deep gratitude on behalf of his people, calling VIMA a “beacon of hope” for the community.

“For years, we felt invisible. But today, we are seen. Today, we matter. Today, our children will drink clean water.”

The headmaster of the local school, Mr. Jude Agboyo, praised VIMA not just for the borehole, but for years of quiet, consistent support donating school supplies, clothes, and shoes to students who once came to class with nothing.

Mr. Agbemafle used the occasion to encourage women, the silent laborers of the home, to keep going. Drawing inspiration from his late mother, he reminded them that every act of sacrifice has the power to change the destiny of their children.

In places like Matse-Nkuase, development is often slow, and dreams are even slower. But this borehole, built not by government but by goodwill, now stands as a symbol of what’s possible when compassion meets action.

One village now has clean water. One village has hope. And one village will never be forgotten again.

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 government has placed a GH¢1 levy on every litre of fuel purchased

The Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG) has expressed strong backing for the government’s GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy, regarding it as a significant and timely solution to tackle the escalating debt in Ghana’s energy sector.

The Chief Executive of the IPGG, Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, stated on Thursday, June 5, 2025, that the levy is crucial for stabilising the energy sector’s finances.

He blamed the sector’s current financial woes, which impact power producers and fuel suppliers, on the mismanagement of previous energy sector levies.

Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor added that the policy intervention is both necessary and timely, given the sector’s unstable financial state.

He emphasised that the current debt accumulation was avoidable and resulted from the mismanagement of previous energy sector levies, bond proceeds, and loans, affecting power producers, fuel suppliers, and system reliability.

The IPGG’s support comes after Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GH¢1 per litre fuel increase.

This move is expected to generate GH¢15.7 billion annually to settle energy sector debts and ensure a consistent power supply.

DR/AE

Dr Domfe believes credit should be given to Ken Ofori-Atta for the stability of the economy

Development economist and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the College of Humanities, of the University of Ghana, Dr George Domfe, has emphasised that former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is responsible for Ghana’s current economic recovery trajectory.

According to the founding president of Africa Policy Lens (APL), the decision to undertake a debt restructuring program in the face of the economic challenges Ghana faced due to extraneous factors is largely responsible for the recovery the economy is seeing.

“One reason to praise Ken Ofori-Atta is the debt restructuring program! As a result of this, the outflows of foreign currencies to honour the country’s external interest payments and amortisation have gone down drastically! Such are the good things the former finance minister did to save the future. Ghanaians should celebrate him for these efforts.

“Without the DDEP and other equally important policies introduced by the then finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, the current performance of the economy would not have been possible. IMF program has helped with the current BOG reserves, which has provided the space for the BOG to intervene in the forex market with almost $1 billion in 2 months,” he said.

He added that; “Indeed, as part of the program, Ghana was supposed to build its reserves. The current Ghana’s exchange rate regime is a Managed Floating Exchange Rate Regime. Under such a regime, the central bank intervenes in the local forex market periodically to protect the local currency. This is exactly what BOG is doing now, significantly because of which the cedi is performing extraordinarily well.

“You cannot give what you don’t have, therefore, the Bank of Ghana is currently giving out more to protect the cedi because it has more reserves, reserves which were increased by Ken Ofori-Atta through his policy interventions.”

On whether the Bank of Ghana and the finance ministry could have injected more than enough dollars into the economy, this is what Dr Domfe said; “Of course, the previous administration could have done same, but the external environment wasn’t conducive as it is now. Indeed, Dr Ernest Addison once mentioned that he could bring the cedi/dollar rate to GH¢10, but such an intervention at the time wasn’t necessary.

“Today, there is a lower demand for foreign currencies as a result of: (A) a fall in the global crude prices (and therefore BDCs are importing refined oil with far less amount of foreign currencies) (B) government’s refusal to pay contractors (C) government not honouring statutory payments. Again, inflows from gold exports and remittances have gone up to improve the supply of foreign currencies. Therefore, when BOG pumps in a whopping $1 billion within 2 months, it is not anything surprise to see the cedi performing so well,” Dr Domfe explained further.

He further noted that the agreement with the bondholders has greatly impacted Ghana’s debt, a reduction of 37 percent in the nominal value of Ghana’s debt, equivalent to USD5 billion, as well as a debt service savings of US$4.3 billion during the IMF program. Interest on bonded debt has also declined from an average of 8 percent to less than 5 percent.

Dr George Domfe further noted that with this significant achievement, the country is poised for a brighter future, enabling the government to shift focus towards sustainable economic growth and development, describing it as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to economic recovery and setting the stage for improved fiscal management and sustainable growth.

Dada Joe is being linked to a 20-year jail term over his arrest

Following reports that Ghanaian business mogul, Joseph Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe, has been arrested for defrauding individuals of approximately $2.9 million, new details have emerged from his arrest.

On May 27, 2025, social media reports claimed that Dada Joe had been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with suspected fraudulent activities.

In the aftermath of his arrest, several people close to the businessman, including his cousin, Showboy, and best friend have gone to social media to detail the reason for his arrest.

Dada Joe’s best friend, Big Baby T, has admonished people, through a series of posts, to desist from making a mockery of Dada Joe’s arrest.

“I find it interesting how folks are excited and busily spreading news about the mishap that has befallen our brother, and yet these same people failed to put the same keenness and enthusiasm in reporting or sharing his philanthropic contributions,” he said.

Big Baby T also noted that people spreading false news about the business mogul’s arrest would pay for their actions.

“It says a lot about us as a people. If you’re ready to spread falsehood, be ready to pay punitive damages… For those creating animosity, I never respond to hate! I respond only to love. I haven’t addressed the elephant in the room because our brother will address it in due time,” he added.

Meanwhile, an FBI document sighted by GhanaWeb regarding Dada Joe’s arrest indicates that the business mogul might spend not less than 20 years in prison based on the charges levelled against him should he be convicted.

In the documents, Dada Joe is accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

He has also been slapped with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, which also has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

JHM/AE

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

Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has emphasised Ghana’s rising global competitiveness in entrepreneurship, stating it reflected the country’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.

Addressing the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, USA, she stated that entrepreneurship served as a dynamic driver of opportunity, wealth generation, and national pride, reinforcing its importance in inclusive economic development.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare is leading Ghana’s delegation, which includes Dr Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, and Mr Abdul Razak Baba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

Other senior ministry officials are also attending the Congress, held under the theme “The Bold Transforms the World.”

The event is focused on how nations can harness entrepreneurship to drive inclusive transformation.

Delegates from Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Chile, Brazil and development partners such as the European Union (EU) Development Centre are participating in the event.

The Minister said the Government was implementing key initiatives to formalise and strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through innovation.

Central among these is the GHS 100 million Adwumawura Programme, launched in April 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, to establish 10,000 youth-led businesses annually, targeting 40,000 within four years.

The programme supports persons aged 18 to 35, including marginalised groups, with business development training, startup capital, mentorship, and access to both local and international markets.

She also mentioned the 1,000,000 Coders initiative, which aims to train one million Ghanaians in digital and coding skills under the Reset Ghana Agenda.

The Minister highlighted other support mechanisms such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which offers training, funding, and mentorship in key sectors including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

She cited the Ghana Economic Transformation Project, which provides grants and enterprise support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and the revitalised National Apprenticeship Programme, designed to offer vocational training and promote self-employment.

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and the World Bank, is also implementing programmes such as BizBox, Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E), Agriculture to Agribusiness to Entrepreneurship (AA2E), and MSME Business Acceleration (MBA).

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Ministry’s expanded mandate to include agribusiness was attracting investment into land banks, agro-processing zones, and special economic zones.

She added that contract farming and partnerships with local and international investors were strengthening agricultural value chains to support industrial transformation, job creation, and rural development.

“Let us all be bold in our pursuit of innovation. Together, we can break barriers, empower our youth, and transform the world through entrepreneurship,” the Minister said.

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 new tax was introduced by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

A political aide to the leader of the Movement for Change has described the newly introduced GH¢1 tax on fuel products as a step in the right direction, but one introduced at the wrong time.

Nana Yaw Sarpong believes that although the policy may support government revenue and sectoral stability, its implementation lacks the necessary sensitivity to current economic conditions.

“I have stated that the only problem I have with this implementation of the GH¢1 on fuel litres is two. Firstly, the timing was very poor,” he stated on Angel Morning Show on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

He added: “Though I’m yet to hear from the finance minister, Ato Forson, on the timing, why this time I feel that the timing was very poor. We could have worked around a certain time”.

Sarpong argued that the Ghanaian economy is only beginning to show signs of recovery, and as such, the tax could have been introduced more strategically.

“You know, Ghanaians have started being relieved a little bit as things begin to turn around, so the timing should have had a critical touch,” he stressed.

Beyond timing, Sarpong also questioned the amount being charged, suggesting that the rollout should have been done in phases.

“Secondly, I feel that we could have started from a lesser figure, maybe GH¢30p, GH¢50p, and then it rolls up,” he said, indicating that a gradual approach would have softened the burden on the public.

He further pointed out that while financial interventions and taxes might be necessary to support the energy sector, the government must not lose sight of the broader infrastructure gaps.

“What they should also be dealing with now is the infrastructure deficit within that sector,” he emphasised.

According to him, long-term sustainability of the energy sector depends not only on raising funds through taxation, but also investing in critical infrastructure to reduce recurring challenges.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government over its recent decision to increase the Energy Sector Levy by GH₵1 per litre of fuel, describing it as a betrayal, particularly following an agreed 15% reduction in transport fares.

According to the Union, the timing of the levy hike is deeply troubling, especially as it comes just days after drivers across the country implemented the fare cut.

The GPRTU has since issued a warning that it may stage a nationwide strike should the government fail to address the issue by 10 June 2025.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, 5 June, the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, condemned the lack of transparency in the government’s dealings.

He said the authorities failed to disclose their intentions during fare negotiation meetings, which, in his view, was highly deceptive.

“They knew very well that they had this under their sleeves, and yet we sat with them, engaged in talks about the 15% fare reduction, and reached a consensus,” Mr Imoro lamented.

“It is extremely painful because had we known this was coming, we would have taken a different stance. The reduction wouldn’t have been as deep.”

Mr Imoro further criticised the absence of consultation, especially given the central role drivers play in fuel consumption.

He insisted the levy increase not only erodes the impact of the fare reduction but also worsens the financial burden on drivers.

“We are major players in the fuel sector, and it is only fair that government engages us before taking such decisions,” he said.

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.

This policy is not just regulatory housekeeping. It is a bold signal of intent to reshape Ghana’s capital markets, so they serve not only institutional investors but also the country’s next generation of innovators. It’s also a timely intervention amid a sharp downturn in global VC activity. According to Pitchbook, venture capital deals in Africa have declined by more than 50% over the past three years, driven by macroeconomic volatility and tighter capital markets. Partech Africa’s Tech VC Report confirms the trend, showing that equity funding in Africa fell from $4.9 billion in 2022 to $2.2 billion in 2023.

In this context, Ghana’s reform is both urgent and strategic. For decades, African startups have been disproportionately reliant on foreign capital; often expensive, risk-averse, and disconnected from local realities. An ongoing IFC study shows that entrepreneurs strongly prefer equity investments from investors with regional experience. Yet only 20% of African startups receive financing from local sources. 2023 was a difficult year for Africa’s tech ecosystem as Investor withdrawal was widespread, and the number of investors participating in African startup funding rounds fell by nearly 50% compared to 2022, especially from institutional investors who typically lead the larger deals. Domestic institutions like pension funds and insurance companies must now step up to fill the widening gap.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, continues to appreciate on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢10.24 and a selling price of GH¢10.25 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢13.92 and sold at GH¢13.93, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢11.72 and a selling price of GH¢11.73.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on June 6, 2025, at 9:50 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢11.95, while the pound is selling at GH¢16.30 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢14.20 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has announced that Ghana is expected to receive $360 million from the IMF in June 2025 to further stabilise the cedi.

SA

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Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd)

Renowned Ghanaian development expert and political analyst, Richard Kasu, has expressed absolute confidence in the newly appointed Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd), to excel in his new role.

On May 14, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan (Rtd) as the new Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In an official statement released by the President’s spokesman and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, he described the Commissioner as a well-respected, dedicated, principled, and patriotic officer.

He further stated that Brig. Gen. Annan is tasked with “resetting the Customs Division and supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority to meet its targets as we work towards fixing the economy.”

Commenting on President Mahama’s decision, Richard Kasu noted that Brig. Gen. Annan brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished track record in national security and border control, positioning him as an ideal leader to drive forward the government’s commitment to combating illicit trade and organized crime, and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.

Richard Kasu, a renowned researcher, also expressed his heartfelt congratulations and support for the Commissioner’s appointment, stating, “Illicit trade deprives the government of significant revenue, stifles innovation, and deters investment. Brigadier General Annan’s appointment marks a bold and timely step toward a customs administration that is agile, vigilant, and uncompromising in its duty to safeguard the nation’s economic future.”

He opined that Brig. Gen. Annan’s appointment signals a renewed national focus on tackling illicit trade and organized crime, a pervasive challenge that not only undermines legitimate commerce but also deprives the country of critical revenue and poses a threat to consumer safety. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Ghana seeks to address the growing economic impact of illegal activities, including cocoa smuggling, illegal gold mining, smuggled pharmaceutical products, tax evasion, and the illicit trade in tobacco products, which continue to erode the country’s economic potential.

Brig. Gen. Annan succeeds Brig. Gen. Ziblim Ayorrogo, the immediate past Commissioner of Customs, under whose leadership the service achieved impressive strides, including a remarkable revenue performance of GH¢152.977 billion, surpassing the 2024 fiscal year target of GH¢145.998 billion.

During his predecessor’s tenure, the Customs Division recorded various enforcement actions against smuggled products, ranging from pharmaceuticals and cigarettes to basic household goods. The new Commissioner commended his predecessor’s leadership and affirmed that the Customs Division will continue to build upon the strong foundation established during his tenure.

The Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has issued an urgent call for sweeping environmental reforms, declaring that Ghana stands on the brink of ecological collapse.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show on Friday, June 6, she reiterated the immediate revocation of the current Legislative Instrument (LI) governing natural resource protection, describing it as “not fit for purpose.”

“The situation is dire, and we need robust action,” Serwah said. “We need the whole LI revoked, and then there are other demands. We had asked for a state of emergency.”

Her comments come after Joy News investigations uncovered the construction of a fuel supply point in a protected forest reserve in the Akomfre community, sparking outrage among environmental advocates and state officials.

According to official sources, the unauthorised fuel depot was being set up to supply earth-moving machinery actively involved in the indiscriminate destruction of forest cover in the area, reportedly in a desperate search for gold.

She criticised what she termed a scattergun approach to enforcement, where authorities move from one hotspot to another without a coherent long-term strategy.

“We cannot today go to one forest reserve, find some fuel station there and arrest people. Tomorrow run to another forest reserve. The situation is dire, and we need to have robust action taken,” she said.

Serwah called for a targeted state of emergency to be declared over all forest reserves and water bodies, accompanied by a clear order for all persons to vacate these zones.

“Ask everybody to leave our forest reserves and water bodies so that when the military comes there and finds you, there is no excuse whatsoever — you were asked to leave, and you chose to remain,” she said.

She also called for a depoliticised national response, insisting that environmental protection should not be subject to political interests or interference.

“What we need is political will. No political interference. Nobody is saying we go in Rambo-style and clear everything in a day. But we need to have a proper plan,” she emphasised.

Serwah declared that “there is a complete rake of compliance” across institutions charged with protecting the nation’s natural resources.

She accused duty bearers of failing to enforce existing laws and regulations, thereby enabling the destruction of forests, water bodies, and farmlands to continue with impunity.

“There is a complete rake of compliance. Duty bearers are failing to enforce laws and regulations. If we decide today to deploy the armed forces, declare a state of emergency, and ensure there’s no political interference — it doesn’t matter where the axe falls — we can bring this crisis under control.”

Otherwise, she warned, the country would continue on a destructive path.

“If we continue as we are, I’m afraid we’ll be here until the house burns completely. We are on the verge of catastrophe. Our water bodies are being poisoned, our food is being compromised, our forest reserves are being completely destroyed — and now existential terrorists are taking over parts of our reserves,” she concluded.

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

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 central African nation of Chad says it is suspending all visas to US citizens as a matter of “reciprocity”, after learning that it is one of a dozen countries whose nationals are banned from travelling to the US.

“Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride,” continued President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in a Facebook post (in French) on Thursday.

Africa is the continent worst affected by the travel ban announced by US President Donald Trump, with seven of the 12 countries on the list.

It is set to come into effect on Monday.

The order prohibits people from Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan – as well as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran and Yemen – from entering the US.

In addition, there will be travel restrictions on nationals of Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – they will no longer be able to travel to the US on certain visas.

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X.

The US president said the list could be revised if “material improvements” were made and additional countries could be added as “threats emerge around the world”.

The White House said these “common-sense restrictions” would “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors”.

Somalia was quick to react to the travel ban, immediately pledging to work with the US to address any security issues.

In a statement, Somali ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan Abdi, said his country “values its longstanding relationship” with America.

Chad did not disguise its dismay, and in addition to the president’s stern words, its Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul told the AFP news agency his government was “surprised by this announcement and even more by the terrorism-related reason [which] completely disregards Chad’s commitment and results in this area”.

The African Union said it was “concerned about the potential negative impact” of the measures and called on the US to adopt “a more consultative approach… with the countries concerned”.

BBC Tigrinya has spoken to several Eritreans who are alarmed by the ban.

“As Eritreans, we’ve already suffered under our regime at home and now we’re facing the same hardship under Trump’s immigration policies. We’ve endured so much pain,” one man told the BBC on condition of anonymity.

Eritrea is a one-party state where President Isaias Afwerki has been in power since it won independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a bitter 30-year struggle.

Young Eritreans are subject to compulsory military service, prompting many thousands to flee the country and seek refuge elsewhere.

Another Eritrean woman said she worried that she and her children would no longer be able to join her husband who is already living in the US.

“We’ve waited so long and done everything legally, but now we’re left in limbo. No-one is giving us clear answers,” she told the BBC.

In a video posted to his Truth Social website, Trump said the recent alleged terror attack in Boulder, Colorado “underscored the extreme dangers” posed by foreign nationals who had not been “properly vetted”.

However, the suspect in that attack is an Egyptian national and Egypt is not one of the affected countries.

According to the White House explanation of the travel ban, countries such as Libya, Somalia and Sudan lack competent authorities to issue passports or civil documents and conduct “appropriate screening measures”.

All three are currently embroiled in civil wars.

In addition, the White House said: “A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia’s territory” and there was a “historical terrorist presence within Libya’s territory”.

The other African countries affected had high rates of people overstaying their visas, ranging from 15% in Togo to 70% for some types of visa for nationals of Equatorial Guinea.

The ban takes effect on 9 June, a cushion that avoids the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice eight years ago.

Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said.

There will be exemptions for dual nationals and athletes in major sporting events such as the 2026 men’s football World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The travel ban fulfils a promise Trump made during his 2024 election campaign but is likely to be challenged in court.

He signed a similar order in 2017, during his first term in office.

It featured some of the same countries as his latest order, including Libya, Somalia and Iran.

Critics called that a “Muslim ban” as the seven countries initially listed were Muslim majority.

The White House revised the policy, ultimately adding two non-Muslim majority countries, North Korea and Venezuela.

This was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

President Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience”.