The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s growing automotive industry, promising enhanced incentives for members of the Automobile Assemblers Association of Ghana.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana Automotive Summit held in Accra, Mr. Debrah highlighted the sector’s strategic importance in job creation, technology transfer, and industrial transformation.

“As government, we remain committed to providing the right incentives and policy environment to encourage the growth of local automobile assembling. This sector is vital to Ghana’s industrial future,” he said.

However, Mr. Debrah also urged stakeholders to prioritise open dialogue and constructive engagement to resolve existing challenges hampering progress.

“We must work collaboratively to address bottlenecks within the sector  whether they relate to regulation, supply chains, or infrastructure. A united approach is key,” he emphasised.

The Ghana Automotive Summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and manufacturers to discuss the sector’s outlook, investment opportunities, and policy directions.

The Automobile Assemblers Association of Ghana has in recent times called for more structured support to scale up local vehicle production, citing competition from imported vehicles and rising operational costs.

The government’s pledge is seen as a positive step toward positioning Ghana as a competitive automotive hub in West Africa.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama hails credit upgrade

President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the efforts of the government and the Bank of Ghana in elevating Ghana’s credit ratings.

According to him, the economy is rebounding as macroeconomic indicators continue to show signs of improvement from its state in the last few years.

His comments come after the global ratings agency, Fitch Ratings, upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook.

Speaking at the Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue, President Mahama said his leadership is committed to reviving the economy.

“On macroeconomics and fiscal governance, Ghana’s economic outlook is rebounding steadily. Our administration remains committed to restoring macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal management, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, and expenditure rationalisation.

Working in partnership with the Bank of Ghana, we are working to manage inflation, stabilising the cedi, and pursuing debt restructuring strategies to restore confidence and rebuild the fiscal space of the economy. These efforts are yielding fruit, and only yesterday, the Fitch Rating agency upgraded Ghana’s restricted default to B- with a Stable Outlook,” he said.

The president also noted that “we are also pursuing regulatory and institutional reforms that will reduce inefficiency and improve transparency, expand our fiscal space”.

SSD/AME

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), describing its performance as commendable despite a few logistical challenges.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday June 17, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, stated that the Council had fulfilled its responsibility of ensuring a smooth examination process for all candidates nationwide.

“I will say that on our part, we will pat ourselves on the back and say that we did a good job,” he said. “Usually, after examinations, what you expect as an examining body is that every candidate is provided the opportunity to write—in terms of questions, in terms of stationery. All of these things went to the candidates.”

Mr. Kapi acknowledged a few minor issues, including delays in the delivery of exam materials. In one instance, he noted, a vehicle broke down while transporting question papers, while in another case, the difficult terrain and long distance to a centre caused a delay.

He emphasised that the issues were quickly addressed. “On subsequent days, they decided to provide an extra vehicle, and so they were able to make it in good time,” he added.

Meanwhile, the last paper for the 2025 BECE is Arabic (Essay & Objective) and it will take place tomorrow Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Read also

Kwabre East MP condemns alleged detention of BECE candidates

The Ministry of Health has inaugurated the Pandemic Fund National Chairing Committee, a landmark initiative to bolster Ghana’s defences against future health crises.

Dubbed “Strengthening Systems for Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Ghana,” the program represents a proactive approach to mitigating the impact of national medical emergencies.

Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) outlined the fund’s objectives, emphasising collaboration, workforce resilience, and early threat detection.

Speaking to the panel on June 13, the FAO representative pressed the need for collective effort, stating, “Synergy, coordination, and collective action are key to achieving our shared goals.

”He pledged the organisation’s “unwavering support and commitment” to the initiative, revealing that the FAO’s allocated $4.28 million over three years will fund pandemic-related activities.
“So far, we have received the first tranche of funds for the next six months’ of operations,” he added.

The WHO representative took the stage and commended Ghana’s existing health workforce but stressed the need for deeper investments in the health workforce, laboratory systems and surveillance and early warning.

“Strengthening the health workforce means more than increasing numbers. It’s about building a trained, well-distributed, and motivated cadre of professionals.” he stated.

He called for “expansion of lab capacity, quality assurance, and real-time data integration” to enable swift responses.

He added that, “No preparedness effort is complete without strong surveillance systems,” which he described as “the eyes and ears of health systems.”

To him the committee is a “vital pillar of coordination, leadership, and accountability,” ensuring investments align with national priorities and include voices from “government, academia, civil society, and frontline workers.”

With Ghana recently completing its Joint External Evaluation (JEE), the WHO expressed optimism that the fund’s support would improve future scores.

“The next pandemic is not an ‘if’ but a ‘when,’” the WHO official noted, urging Ghana to leverage lessons from COVID-19 and other outbreaks.
The WHO, alongside the FAO, will serve as an implementing entity to help Ghana meet its health security goals.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, delivered his speech to wrap up the inauguration of the committee.

“Health emergencies do not wait; preparedness must be our default posture, not a reaction.” The Minister said. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic “challenged Ghana’s health systems but also exposed them”, giving us a unique opportunity to rebuild a “smarter and stronger” system. The established pandemic fund is part of this reformed system.

Mr. Akandoh painted the fund as an “instrument for change” enabling us to invest in “early monitoring systems, health infrastructure, workforce readiness and community engagement.” The goal, he said, is to ensure “that our systems anticipate rather than chase outbreaks.”

He further acknowledged the partners of the program. He mentioned the WHO, FAO, World Bank, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, Ministry of Environment, the Ghana Health Service, UNICEF and the civil society, thanking them for their “technical support and collaboration in securing Ghana’s successful proposal under the fund.

” All the members of the committee are from these diverse bodies, bringing in their dynamic skills and expertise to support this initiative.”

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.

play videoJustice Philip Bright Mensah suggests Ghanaian judges learn Chinese language to better the economy

Supreme Court judge nominee, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, has stirred controversy by suggesting that Ghanaian judges should learn the Chinese language to improve communication and strengthen economic ties between Ghana and China.

“One issue in Ghana is that if a public officer is accused, people tend to generalise and say the entire judiciary is corrupt without naming individuals. This perception is problematic. I can speak from personal experience as a former Director of the Judicial Training School,” he stated.

Justice Mensah believes that learning Chinese would help judges better understand the complexities of international trade and commerce, ultimately benefiting Ghana’s economy.

He shared an example from his experience, “In one instance, during training, someone came to me with a complaint about an individual who had allegedly taken money from him. We conducted inquiries, I was the Director of the Public Complaints Unit of the Judicial Service at the time and it turned out the allegation was false.”

He noted that such training would also enhance Ghana’s integration into the global economy, particularly in engagements with Chinese investors and partners.

“We need to address this issue. Often, when you listen to discussions on television or social media, instead of supporting the integrity of the judiciary, you hear claims of corruption. If you’re going to make such allegations, you must be bold enough to provide evidence. Otherwise, we end up talking about perceptions rather than facts,” he emphasised.

He concluded, “In addition to training, we need to raise public awareness. Furthermore, if a public officer engages in corrupt behaviour, that individual must be prosecuted.”

By encouraging judges to learn the Chinese language, Justice Mensah believes Ghana’s judiciary can more effectively engage with Chinese stakeholders, potentially paving the way for greater economic cooperation and development opportunities.

Watch the video below:

NAD/MA

A photo collage of Justice Philip Bright Mensah (L) and Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin

Justice Philip Bright Mensah, one of the seven Supreme Court nominees, took a subtle swipe at Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, during his vetting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, had questioned Justice Bright Mensah over a ruling he delivered at the Court of Appeal, which dismissed one of Afenyo-Markin’s appeals.

The Minority Leader argued that his client’s human rights had been violated, and described the dismissals at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as overly harsh.

“I consider it a missed opportunity for the judiciary to have exercised judicial leadership to protect fundamental human rights. Because, on the facts, it was obvious – the man had not been tried, he was not even on notice – yet he was affected by time constraints and could not apply.

“Equity would not operate in his favour in that instance. My Lord, in the present circumstances, how would you advise the courts approach interpretation with this in mind?” he asked.

Justice Bright Mensah began his response by expressing satisfaction that the Supreme Court upheld his decision by dismissing Afenyo-Markin’s challenge.

“I’m very happy that my decision was affirmed, and when you went to the Supreme Court, you were also overthrown,” the judge remarked with a chuckle.

Addressing the substance of the question, he added, “You see, judges do justice according to the law. We don’t do justice based on emotions. The court you approached was not a human rights court. You were not raising human rights issues. Equity follows the law.”

BAI/MA

Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak

 

The Ministry of Education has conveyed its condolences to the families of the seven Lawra Senior High School students who lost their lives in a tragic canoe accident in the Upper West Region.

A statement signed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, indicated that the bodies of the seven students who lost their lives, five girls and two boys, have since been retrieved by teams from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service.

According to him, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu has instructed the Director General of the Ghana Education Service to convene an urgent meeting with the Regional and District Directors of Education and the headmaster of the school, and to report back urgently.

“We share in the grief of the affected families and the entire school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this extremely difficult time. As the Ministry awaits a full report from the Ghana Police Service, we wish to assure Ghanaians that we will continue to do our best to ensure the safety and security of our students,” the statement stressed.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, when a group of students, during their regular jogging routine, attempted to use a canoe to cross to the opposite side of the river, and the canoe capsized.

Seven out of the 10 students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region lost their lives in the Dikpe River canoe accident, while three students survived.

FROM Eric Kombat, Lawra

IEA has opposed the government’s move to extend Tullow’s license

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has opposed the government’s move to extend the petroleum licenses of Tullow Oil and its partners beyond their original expiration date of 2036.

According to the institute, the extension reflects bad faith and a lack of transparency and accountability.

The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tullow to extend the validity of its drilling licenses to 2040.

In a statement released on June 16, 2025, the IEA noted, “The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has followed with keen interest recent reports that the Government of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the petroleum licenses of Tullow Oil and its partners until 2040. The IEA considers this decision to lack good faith, transparency, probity, and accountability, and to be starkly at odds with the government’s own commitment to reset and strengthen governance in the extractive sector.”

The IEA added that it opposes the extension due to ongoing tax and arbitration disputes between Ghana and Tullow.

It cited a $320 million Branch Profit Remittance Tax assessed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the period 2012–2016, following a comprehensive audit, which Tullow successfully challenged at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in London.

“It is a matter of public record that Tullow’s operational relationship with Ghana has been riddled with challenges, including a series of high-profile international arbitration disputes that cast a shadow of doubt over the existing Petroleum Agreement.

“In the ensuing proceedings under the terms of the Petroleum Agreement, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in London ruled in favour of Tullow. The ICC held that Tullow was not liable to pay the USD 320 million tax liability and further directed Ghana to pay substantial legal and arbitration-related costs, including GBP 1,946,589.44, USD 294,228.72, and USD 574,000.00 in tribunal and ICC fees, with interest accruing at 5% per annum until payment is made in full,” the statement detailed.

The IEA also highlighted an unresolved $387 million tax claim by the GRA, linked to disallowed interest deductions, which Tullow has once again referred to international arbitration.

It therefore called on the government to halt the license extension process immediately.

“The government must immediately halt efforts to extend the licenses of Tullow and its partners in the West Cape Three Points and Deepwater Tano blocks. Instead, the existing colonial-era contract should be thoroughly reviewed and restructured into a service contract, similar to those in Norway, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Oman, and Abu Dhabi, contracts which vest control in the state while leveraging private sector expertise. The current colonial contract will never inure to the benefit of Ghana and its citizens,” the institute said.

SSD/MA

The Volta Division of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Saturday, June 7, 2025, honoured several individuals and organisations for their investments in the healthcare system across the Volta and Oti regions in recent years.

The awards dinner, held under the theme “Improving Quality of Care for Clients – The Role of Private Sector Investments”, celebrated contributions in areas such as humanitarian services, community engagement, public health, health education, innovative healthcare solutions, and excellence in advocacy and partnerships.

Awards were also presented in recognition of achievements in pharmaceutical and biotechnology advancements, drug development and distribution, and overall excellence in healthcare delivery in the region.

Among the distinguished individual awardees was Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, a consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist, who was honoured for his instrumental role in renovating the maternity block of the Anloga Hospital, revamping three abandoned theatres, and donating an anaesthesia operating table, 50 plastic chairs, and other essential items.

Philanthropist Dzissah Futukpor was acknowledged for donating a building for use as the Klikor Health Centre and a storey building to serve as a staff bungalow. Another philanthropist, Felix Akakpo, received recognition for constructing a six-unit maternity block at Lente-Wute, a four-unit reproductive and child health block, and additional facilities.

The Korean Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) emerged as the overall winner among the organisations recognised for their critical contributions to healthcare delivery in the Volta and Oti regions.

Other notable award-winning institutions included Roche Ghana, Trafalgar Gate Pharmacy, the MTN Foundation, and the Volta Health Network.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr David Kofi Wuaku, a management consultant, underscored the importance of healthcare as not merely a social good but a fundamental pillar of national development.

“While the government has the primary responsibility to ensure access and equity in healthcare delivery, the truth is that no single entity—public or private—can do it alone,” he said.

Dr Wuaku emphasised the value of strategic partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps, mobilising resources, and fostering innovation. He noted that despite significant strides, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, shortages of critical medical supplies, and limited access to emergency and specialist care remain prevalent.

“These challenges are not insurmountable,” he added. “They are rather opportunities to think differently, collaborate intentionally, and harness the power of private sector investment as a strategic partner in transforming the health system.”

He maintained that the private sector’s involvement goes beyond financial contributions, offering innovation, partnership, and operational efficiency.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, spoke on the potential of medical tourism to attract foreign investment, retain skilled professionals, and expand local access to specialised care. He encouraged the GMA to collaborate with government and private entities to explore the sector for national benefit.

The Chairman of the Volta Division of the GMA, Dr (Med) Kwaku Appiagyei, called for stakeholder support for the association’s One District-One Doctor initiative and the C300 Cervical Cancer Screening Campaign, which aims to screen 300 women in Anloga, Adaklu District, and Likpe-Bakua.

“Together, we can make the Volta Region a medical tourism destination within our sub-region,” he concluded.

Ghana is fast-tracking the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses across Africa by moving beyond commodity-based trade towards value addition for its traditional exports such as gold, oil and cocoa.

Speaking during the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under AfCFTA by improving trade infrastructure, financing and market access.

 “Under our Market Expansion Programme, the National AfCFTA Coordination Office is providing firm-level support to over 2,000 MSMEs in Ghana. This includes sensitization, market readiness training programmes, training on AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin, trade finance and market access initiatives.

Ghana has also conducted targeted trade expeditions to East Africa, taking Ghanaian businesses to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda to explore real-time opportunities and negotiate supply contracts,” the Minister said in a speech read on her behalf by the Acting National Coordinator, National AfCFTA Coordination Office, Benjamin Kwaku Asiam.

 The Ghana IATF2025 Business Roadshow brought together government officials, the trade community, including businesses and investors, and executives from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The event focused on promoting intra-African trade under the theme: Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA.

 The Business Roadshow is one of five planned in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Algiers ahead of the fourth edition of the biennial Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025), scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025.

IATF is Africa’s premier trade and investment event, held by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and exchange trade and investment information within the continent’s single market.

 In his keynote address, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene noted that the IATF offers an unparalleled platform for the exchange of trade and investment information; and is a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships.

 “As we work to scale up intra-African trade, build regional value chains, and accelerate industrialisation, IATF serves as a key platform for connecting African businesses, investors, governments, and innovators. It is a catalyst for turning the promise of AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals signed, investments mobilised, and jobs created.

By establishing a large, integrated market, AfCFTA encourages countries to specialize and add value to products, attracting investment and creating jobs,” H.E. Mene said, adding that this supports economic diversification, poverty reduction, and Africa’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

 Afreximbank’s Group Chief Economist & Managing Director, Research, Dr. Yemi Kale described IATF as AfCFTA’s commercial marketplace, which brings to life Africa’s efforts to trade more with itself not only in raw materials, but also in value-added goods, services, and innovations.

 “One of the persistent barriers to intra-African trade is not tariffs or logistics alone—but also access to accurate, timely, and actionable market intelligence. Trade cannot flourish in the absence of information,” Dr Kale said, adding that IATF2025 provides a platform for addressing this.

He invited Ghanaian businesses and government agencies to participate in IATF2025, where over 2,000 exhibitors from Africa and beyond will showcase their products to more than 35,000 visitors and buyers from over 140 countries, with trade and investment deals projected to exceed US$44 billion.

Cumulatively, IATF has attracted over 4,500 exhibitors, more than 70,000 visitors, and facilitated over US$100 billion in deals.

The last edition held in Cairo attracted nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 65 countries generated US$43.7 billion in trade and investment deals.

The upcoming IATF2025 will be hosted by the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Speaking at the Business Roadshow, Algeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mourad Louhaidia welcomed visitors and exhibitors to Algiers, pledging his government’s commitment to facilitate a successful IATF2025 by mobilising transport and hospitality infrastructure and facilitating smooth entry for all participants into the country.

 “The Algerian embassy will fast track processing of visas for all participants from Ghana. We have set up a dedicated team at the embassy to handle all information requests and visa applications to participate in IATF2025,” H.E. Louhaidia added. IATF2025 will feature a trade exhibition, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme spotlighting cultural industries, a four-day Trade and Investment Forum, and the Africa Automotive Show.

Special Days will highlight countries, public and private sector entities, tourism, cultural attractions, and Global Africa Day celebrating ties with the African diaspora.

Additional activities include business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking, the AU Youth Start-Up programme, the Africa Research and Innovation Hub, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) to promote local trade and cultural exchanges.

 The IATF Virtual platform is also live, connecting exhibitors and visitors all yearround. Ghanaian IATF Ambassador and Chairman, Oakwood Green Africa, Gabriel Edgal said: “Long before borders were drawn, Africa thrived as a connected economy. Trade was a way of life. Value was created locally.

Progress moved through relationships and exchange. Across the world, we see increasing protectionism. Traditional aid partners are looking increasingly inward. The global economic tide is shifting, and everybody is focusing on themselves instead.

I believe this is a wake-up call — that we need to now be more deliberate about trading among ourselves, to create interconnected prosperity, to trade among ourselves, build with ourselves, and grow for ourselves. It is time for action”.

Ghana has been recognized as a leading example in AfCFTA implementation, with the government actively facilitating private sector participation through the National Coordination Office and initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative, which has seen Ghanaian companies successfully trade with neighbouring African countries.