By Daniel Agbesi Latsu  

Kadjebi (O/R), May 27, GNA-The leadership of Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) in the Kadjebi District have reduced their lorry fares as directed by their National Office.  

The fare from Kadjebi to Accra is now GH¢120.00 instead of GH¢130.00 previously charged, Kadjebi-Ho is now GH¢70.00 instead of GH¢80.00 previously charged for hiring cars. 

The Kadjebi to Jasikan fare is GH¢13.00 instead of the previous GH¢15.00, and the Kadjebi to Hohoe fare is GH¢20.00 instead of the previously charged GH¢25.00 by smaller vehicles.  

Mr. Joseph Kwadwo Ofori, GPRTU Chairman for Kadjebi, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.  

Mr. Felix Agbodo, a Kadjebi to Ho Driver confirmed the fare reduction, when reached by the GNA.  

He stated that previously, they charged GH¢80.00 from Kadjebi to Ho, but now they charge GH¢70.00. 

Mrs. Sarah Fudzie, a Zoomlion Manager in Kadjebi, told the GNA that the hiring car she took from Ho to Hohoe on Monday, May 26, took GH¢50.00 instead of GH¢55.00 they previously charged. 

She noted that larger vehicles were now charging GH¢35.00 instead of the previous fare of GH¢40.00. 

She also mentioned that from Hohoe to Kadjebi, the fare is now GH¢20.00 instead of the GH¢25.00 that was previously changed. 

Mrs. Fudzie expressed her excitement about the fare reduction, saying she expect that prices would drop even further. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awuamah and Lydia Kukua Asamoah 

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and steering Ghana’s economy without further dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Commenting on President John Dramani Mahama’s recently outlined eight economic pillars, Mr. Nyarko stressed that the policy framework is both strong and adaptable, capable of incorporating additional national priorities, such as the fight against corruption.

In an interview with Joy FM, Mr Ampem Nyarko said, “I want to assure everyone that the eight points President Mahama listed can be expanded to include corruption and other key concerns. We’ve made strong statements in the past about our commitment to fighting corruption.

“So, I do not believe that its omission here suggests the President is any less committed. He has made that clear — and he stands by it.”

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the President’s focus on Public Financial Management (PFM) was itself a sign of the administration’s intent to address corruption.

“PFM, by its nature, speaks to our resolve to fight corruption. Yes, people expect the President to address everything, but if we tried to capture every issue, the list could easily grow to over a hundred points. What matters is that these pillars are expandable — they can evolve to reflect the concerns of our citizens,” he stated.

On the IMF programme, Mr. Nyarko reflected on the skepticism that greeted the government’s ability to implement it successfully, especially after inheriting missed targets related to inflation and the primary balance.

“When we assumed office, there were serious concerns that we wouldn’t be able to deliver on the IMF programme. Major targets — including inflation and the primary balance — had been missed. But this government showed a clear and consistent commitment to implementation,” the Deputy Finance Minister said.

10% U.S. tariff gives Ghana competitive trade edge – Ambassador Palmer

…..

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

The Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. is expected to reopen on Thursday, May 29, resuming full consular services after a temporary closure due to a major corruption scandal.

It was shut down on May 26 as part of a restructuring and systems overhaul after uncovering an IT breach which allowed a staff member to redirect applicants in a fraudulent scheme for personal benefits.

A statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Tuesday, May 27, said, “A team of seasoned diplomats led by an astute diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked to run the Mission to ensure a total systems overhaul, restore integrity in the Embassy’s operations and complete ongoing structural reforms.”

Additionally, “an Information Technology (IT) team has already been deployed to reconfigure the website and payment platforms to do away with all unofficial and unauthorised links associated with the IT system or the Embassy”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the “unfortunate circumstances which led to the closure of the Embassy have been brought to the attention of the Auditor-General and the Attorney-General of the Republic of Ghana for further action and appropriate sanctions”.

Background

An investigation uncovered that a local staff member, Mr Fred Kwarteng, had created an unauthorised link on the embassy website, diverting applicants to his company, where illegal fees were charged.

These fees, which were not approved under the Fees and Charges Act, ranged between US$29.75 and US$60 per applicant, according to a statement by Mr Ablakwa several days ago.

As part of the crackdown, all Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel posted at the embassy were recalled, and all locally recruited staff were suspended.

The embassy’s IT department was dissolved to halt further misconduct and restore integrity to its operations.

Below is the statement.

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.

Dr Riverson Oppong is the CEO of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies

As the first pricing window of June 2025 approaches, both commuters and drivers in Ghana can anticipate some welcome relief at the pumps, with petrol prices projected to drop significantly, potentially selling at GH¢12 per litre.

This is according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong.

In an interview on PM Express on Monday, May 26, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Oppong attributed the expected decline in fuel prices to the continued appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.

He indicated that if the cedi maintains its strength, consumers may enjoy further relief in the coming days.

“Believe me, in the next window, we are even foreseeing petrol selling for GH¢12. The forecast will be by Thursday if the cedi continues with its stability,” he said.

Dr Oppong further emphasised that the strengthening of the cedi is playing a major role in reducing fuel prices, particularly in the conversion of international petroleum prices from dollars to cedis.

“As far as the cedi is also a very big factor in the forex calculation, that’s converting from USD to cedi, we also have that affecting the pump price,” he noted.

While the expected drop in prices would bring much-needed relief to consumers, Dr Oppong noted that it could also pose a challenge to government revenue generation in the upstream petroleum sector.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Distinguished veteran journalist and renowned media trainer Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng is reported dead after months of ill health.

He died in London on Monday, May 26, where he had been seeking treatment since February.

A close friend and colleague, Media and Communication expert, Prof. Kwame Karikari, confirmed his death to MyJoyOnline.

Nana Gyan-Apenteng, a former editor and columnist of The Mirror weekly newspaper, was the Apagyahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region.

He was deputy editor of the erstwhile London-based West Africa magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Returning to Ghana in the 1990s, Nana Gyan-Apenteng worked with the Third World Network as head of the non-governmental organisation’s communication unit and editor of its monthly magazine, Africa Agenda. 

He served as media trainer and communication consultant for several corporate, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations including the telecoms giant MTN, some UN agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa, and STAR Ghana.

He was a graduate of Apam Secondary School and the University of Ghana, Legon.

Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng was a member and chairman of the National Media Commission from 2013 to 2018. He also served as president of the Ghana Association of Writers. He spent a part of his secondary schooling at Okuapeman.

He is survived by six children.

Burial and funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

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.

Tags:  

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.

Stocks open week low as market capitalisation sheds GH¢156 Million

Equities opened the week on a low note, with the benchmark Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index (GSE-CI) falling by 9.31 points to close at 6,344.23 on Monday, May 27, 2025, slightly reducing the index’s year-to-date return to 29.78%.

The pullback comes despite a surge in trade volumes and heightened activity across several counters.

Losses in heavyweights such as MTN Ghana (MTNGH), CAL Bank, and the gold-backed ETF GLD weighed on the broader market, pushing the GSE’s market capitalisation down by GH¢155.82 million to GH¢139.14 billion.

The market’s downward momentum came even as the GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) climbed 16.88 points to 3,192.14, extending its year-to-date gain to a robust 34.08%.

Trade volumes more than doubled from the previous session, rising 104% to 425,087 shares, while turnover surged by nearly 208% to GH¢1.25 million.

The volume spike was driven primarily by MTNGH, which led trading with 271,112 shares worth GH¢864,402.10 changing hands.

ETI, CAL, ACCESS, and ALLGH rounded out the top five most actively traded stocks by volume.

MTNGH fell by 2 pesewas to GH¢3.18, extending its year-to-date decline to 27.2%, while CAL Bank edged lower by 1 pesewa to GH¢0.59.

GLD saw the steepest drop of the session, shedding GH¢13.90 to close at GH¢359.72.

ACCESS Bank Ghana emerged as the sole gainer, rallying 10% to GH¢10.12 and pushing its year-to-date gain to an impressive 94.62%, underscoring its standout performance in what has otherwise been a mixed earnings and trading environment.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

play videoBlack Stars held their first training session in London

The Black Stars have officially kicked off preparations for their highly anticipated clash with Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup, holding their first training session in London on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The team opened camp on Sunday, with several foreign-based players linking up with the home-based contingent that departed Accra on Friday, May 23, 2025.

A total of 16 players took part in the initial session, with Barcelona youngster Abdul Aziz Issah joining the squad later in the evening to bolster the group.

The session featured key names such as goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, and Joseph Tetteh Anang, as well as defenders Gideon Mensah and Stephan Ambrosius.

Midfielders Abdul Salis Samed, Majeed Ashimeru, and Christopher Baah Bonsu were also present, alongside forwards Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Kwame Opoku.

Ghana will face arch-rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford.

The winner of that encounter will advance to the Unity Cup final, where they will meet the victor of the other semifinal between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, set for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Watch footage from the Black Stars’ opening training session below:

FKA/MA

Watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV:

Daniel Kwadwo Owusu is the Country Managing Partner, Deloitte

The Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, has urged the government to assure business leaders that the recent appreciation of the cedi is not temporary.

According to him, some businesses remain uncertain about the future of the cedi.

“There are also issues with high utility tariffs, high transportation costs, and the general cost of doing business,” he stated at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit and Expo on May 26, 2025.

Speaking on the topic “Transforming Business and Governance for Ghana’s Economic Reset”, Owusu advised the government to avoid short-term measures that fail to create lasting stability in the absence of fundamental reforms.

He noted that a strong currency is beneficial, but it does not automatically lead to lower prices if domestic cost pressures, such as transportation and energy, are not addressed.

He also called for diversification of the economy, noting that Ghana remains overly reliant on gold and cocoa.

“Diversification will make our economy less vulnerable to those big global price swings,” he said.

“Looking back at 2017, after the IMF bailout programme, the cedi recovered for a time and inflation fell to about 11.8%. Interestingly, just as is happening now, consumer prices didn’t drop significantly,” he added.

“They stayed relatively high because of the deeper structural issues in the economy that have not been addressed,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Owusu urged businesses to respond proactively to changes in the economy.

He expressed concern about certain companies quoting foreign exchange rates that differ from those of the Bank of Ghana, stating that this is not reflective of a true economic reset.

“I am speaking to CEOs because there cannot be an economic reset unless we transform as a people,” he concluded.

SSD/MA

Removal of E-Levy will boost financial inclusion – BoG

(From L-R) A photo collage of Mutawakilu Adam, Samuel Atta Akyea and Kwabena Adu-Boahene

Samuel Atta Akyea, the lawyer for embattled former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has given contradictory details on the alleged fraudulent GH¢1.3 million per month Ghana Water Limited (GWL) deal his client has been implicated in.

The state has claimed that the GH¢1.3 million monthly payment, which was the proceeds of an agreement for the National Security to provide internet service to Ghana Water Limited (GWL), was diverted to Adu-Boahene’s personal account.

The Acting Director of the GWL, Mutawakilu Adam, claimed in an interview on TV3 that the National Security approached the GWL to provide it with internet service at all of its offices.

However, speaking to the media after court proceedings on Monday, May 26, 2025, Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for the embattled NSB boss , indicated it was the GWL that approached the National Security to help monitor its water distribution system.

He said the company asked the National Security to help it monitor it with a system to police the supply of water, and not mere internet services, as asserted.

“It’s also got to do with Ghana Water Limited seeking help from National Security to give them all the surveillance and mechanisms so that we could police the sanctity of water in the realm.

“So that’s another National Security matter,” the former legislator said.

He further stated that there is more to this issue than has been asserted, adding that so far, his client has done no wrong.

“Well, at the moment, he’s very innocent by the terms of the Constitution until proven otherwise, and to prove it otherwise – but what is happening now? I’m afraid people don’t understand the issue deeper than what is being presented,” he said.

What the GWL boss said

The Acting Director of the GWL, Adam Mutawakilu, said that the payment of the GH¢1.3 million started in 2018 and was done in two instalments every month till the contract was suspended in April 2025.

Mutawakilu Adam indicated that the payment was deducted from the GWL accounts automatically every month.

“They (the Ghana Water Limited) used to go private to be able to connect internet to the head office and all these regions and then the districts. So, when government under Nana Addo secured this internet and fibre optic installation at that time, they decided that okay, why don’t we extend not only to Ghana Water but also to other government agencies. So, they will provide us with the internet and cybersecurity to all, but at the end of the month, Ghana Water is required to pay some amount for maintenance.

“So, this agreement was entered into in 2018, and it (the 1.3 million) is in two instalments. So, you pay within the month 650 (650,000) and another 650 (650,000), and it is by standing orders – it’s like LCs. Ghana Water Company instructed that this amount should be deducted… it was paid every month from 2018. It was stopped in April 2025,” he said.

He added that it was the Director-General of National Security who spearheaded the agreement and gave out the bank account details the payments should be made into.

However, it turned out that the account details, even though they looked like those of the National Security, were not.

“We had an agreement with National Security, and we have a liaison officer to National Security.

“So, to the best of the knowledge of Ghana Water Company, we were paying the money to National Security… not knowing, a similar account was opened, just like National Security in terms of name, and this money, this account was given to Ghana Water Limited to pay,” he said.

The GWL boss also disclosed that the said agreement – that is, the supposed agreement that was signed by the Ghana Water Company and the National Security – is nowhere to be found.

“I’ve looked for the agreement up to now. I haven’t got the agreement… Somebody offered to give me the agreement. I asked the NIB, they don’t have it,” he said.

BAI/VPO

Watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV:

Featured

Jemima Okang Addae

May – 27 – 2025 , 11:36

2 minutes read

Francis Tetteh Nutakor, a celebrated Ghanaian theatre director and producer, was named Comic Director of the Year at this year’s Ghana Comedy Awards.

This award recognises his exceptional contributions to comedy in 2024.

In the year under review, he directed a number of successful stage plays, including One Gallon, a socially relevant piece that skillfully blended humor with critical reflection; Our Day, a heartfelt production that struck an emotional chord with audiences; and Kavod UK, a culturally rich collaboration that showcased Ghanaian artistry on an international stage, for Nacee.

In addition to his theatrical work, Nutakor produced and directed several high-profile stand-up comedy specials in 2024. Sugar Mummy of Accra, a special for comedian Jacinta, humorously explored modern relationships in Ghana’s urban setting, while Standing Strong, a special for comedian Okokobioko, offered a powerful mix of comedy and motivation showcasing Nutakor’s ability to inspire as well as entertain through direction and production. He also directed Romanus Incomplete VI, the latest installment in a popular comedy series by Foster Romanus that remains a favorite among local audiences.

His influence extended even further with the organisation of Ghana’s first stand-up comedy festival, Comic and Comedy, held in July 2023 at the National Theatre. This groundbreaking event brought together veteran comedians like Fritz Baffour and Mikki Osei Berko with younger talents such as Foster Romanus, Clemento Suarez, Jacinta, OB Amponsah, Lekzy Decomic, Jeneral Ntatia, Afia Barcelona, Putogo, and Yaa Anima. The festival was designed to bridge generational gaps in comedy, celebrate the genre’s evolution, and spotlight emerging voices in the industry.

Nutakor is also an outspoken advocate for the development of Ghana’s theatre and creative sectors. He has consistently called for greater government support, citing challenges such as high taxation and insufficient infrastructure as major obstacles facing theatre practitioners.

His advocacy, along with his creative work, has positioned him as a key figure in shaping the future of Ghanaian entertainment. With his continued commitment to quality storytelling and cultural preservation, Francis Tetteh Nutakor stands out as a driving force in both comedy and the broader performing arts landscape.

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.

Featured

Jemima Okang Addae

May – 27 – 2025 , 11:15

2 minutes read

Cedi selling at GH¢10.40 to $1 on May 27

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¢10.39 and a selling price of GH¢10.40 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢14.09 and sold at GH¢14.11, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢11.82 and a selling price of GH¢11.83

However, checks by GhanaWeb Business on May 27, 2025, at 8:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢11.60, while the pound is selling at GH¢15.80 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢13.30 on the retail market.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

By Yussif Ibrahim

Kumasi, May 27, GNA – The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is taking steps to ensure commercial drivers in the metropolis adhere to new transport fares following a 15 per cent reduction by transport unions.

A statement issued by the public affairs directorate of the assembly and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, said it had come to its notice that some commercial drivers have refused to comply with the newly approved fares.

“It is important to note that any commercial driver who refuses to charge the approved reduced fare commits a criminal offence punishable by law,” the statement cautioned.

It said officers will be deployed on major roads within the city to enforce compliance following a meeting between the leadership of KMA and the Regional Head of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD).

The statement entreated the public to cooperate with officers who would be deployed on the roads as the KMA strived to restore order and sanity on the roads.

GNA

Yussif Ibrahim/Kenneth Odeng Adade

 The Ghacem Cement Foundation (GCF), in a continued show of commitment to national devel­opment, has donated 10,000 bags to selected Schools and Hospitals in the Northern Sector of the country.

This brings to a total of over 725,060 bags valued at GH¢58 million, as a support package to critical infrastructural projects in Ghana’s education and health sectors since its establishment in 2002.

At a ceremony held in Tamale on Monday, the Chairman of the Foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, reflected on the motivation behind the founda­tion’s creation more than two decades ago.

“At the time companies came, paid their taxes, made their profits, and left there was no conscience behind corporate social responsibility, But GHA­CEM broke that jinx. In 2002, they decided that beyond paying taxes and royalties, they had to

 give back to the very communi­ties that support their business,” he said.

He however expressed con­cern over the regional dispar­ities in donations, noting that while the southern regions kept applying for more cement, the Northern regions on the other hand bring in low request.

“It’s unacceptable that chil­dren are learning ABCs in sand, with no roof, in snake-infested structures we dare call class­rooms,” he said passionately and appealed to district leaders and citizens alike to act as ambassa­dors for equity, urging them to apply for support and advocate for underserved communities,” he said.

On his part, Dr Frank Huber, Managing Director of GHA­CEM, commended the foun­dation’s Council members and all stakeholders whose role had ensured the sustainability of the GCF over the years and reiterat­ed the company’s commitment to do more in adding its quota to Ghana’s development.

“Being a nation builder means more than just producing cement. It means treating workers fairly, producing responsibly, and giving back meaningfully. “Today’s em­ployees and customers ask deeper questions about purpose, ethics, sustainability,” Dr Huber said.

“And GHACEM is proud to lead with values that show we care not just about cement quali­ty, but about people and planet,” he said.

Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, a Council Member of the Founda­tion, said “Education and health are the foundation of opportu­nity. A country with an educated, healthy population is a country with a future.”

Mr Frank Antwi Agyapong, Head of the GCF Secretari­at, who doubles as the Lead Marketing & PR at Ghacem, stated “We’ve had a successful 2024/2025 with the GCF, ending this year on a very positive note. Looking ahead to 2025/2026, we encourage more institutions to apply.”

 BY TIMES REPOTER