By Lawrencia Akoto Frempong

Tema, June 4, GNA – Mr James Enu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West, in collaboration with the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) and the Ghana Education

Service (GES), has donated mathematical sets to the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates towards this year’s examination.

The team also presented free sanitary pads to female students in some basic and senior high schools within the municipality to promote girl child education.

Mr Enu told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the donation was to equip the candidates ahead of the examination, while their visit was also to encourage the candidates to do their best in the BECE.

He noted that, with sponsorship from him, a mock examination was conducted for all the schools within the municipality under strict observation from him and some officials from the GES.

He said that the BECE was very crucial, as it is the first external exam that would set the foundation for their future; therefore, there is a need for them to do well in it.

The MP added that once they are able to build their confidence and do well in their exams, it would propel them into the next stage of their academic and career lives.

“We are doing all these things to support, motivate and encourage them to study hard and also get the necessary support and learning materials needed for their final preparations,” he said.

Mr Enu added that, as the MP for the constituency, he was very optimistic that the area would have good results, as they have provided the necessary support and materials for the candidates to study.

He noted that as part of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) manifesto led by President John Dramani Mahama, to embark on the distribution of sanitary pads, most basic and senior high schools within the municipality have received theirs to be distributed to the female students.

The MP added that this initiative by the president is set to bring some financial relief to parents and the ordinary Ghanaian, adding that the policy intervention would alleviate the burden on parents and improve the promotion of female education in the country.

He explained that some in-school teenage girls become distressed during their menses as their parents could not afford to purchase sanitary pads for them, which affects their academics.

The MP also bemoaned the rise in indiscipline among students in the schools, indicating that it was alarming and needed a national concerted and comprehensive plan to deal with such acts, noting that it was important to engage the youth in a skill training or work to prevent idleness at home and the temptation to engage in indiscipline acts.

Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, the Tema West Municipal Chief Executive, who accompanied the team, noted that the assembly was interested in the growth of the children, as they are the hearts of the municipality, and therefore, supporting them in their preparations towards the exams.

He said his outfit wished the candidates the best in their studies, reiterating that the BECE was a good steppingstone into their future.

He also encouraged them to put in their best, knowing that the assembly was behind them not only with the necessary materials but also in prayers and spirit so that they came out with flying colours.

GNA

Edited by Laudia Sawer/Kenneth Odeng Adade

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has given strong assurance that the Ghanaian Cedi will remain stable against major foreign currencies.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill on Wednesday, Dr. Forson said the government is taking key steps to support the Cedi. One major move is that the foreign currency earned from gold sales through the Ghana Gold Board will now go directly to the Bank of Ghana to build up reserves.

“For the first month alone, the Gold Board bought 11.4 tonnes of gold worth $1.2 billion. This money is already with the central bank and will help make the Cedi stronger,” Dr. Forson explained.

He added that the government is focused on keeping the Cedi strong, lowering the cost of living, and creating jobs.

“We want Ghanaians to be happy. Prices of goods are coming down. Inflation is falling. The Ghana Cedi is doing well, and this trend will continue,” he told Parliament.

Dr. Forson also rejected claims that the stable exchange rate is only because the government is not spending money.

The Finance Minister promised that the government, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will continue to work hard to keep the economy steady and improve the lives of citizens.

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Dr Mohammed Amin Adam is Ghana’s former Minister of Finance

Former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has sharply criticised the recently approved GH¢1 daily Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, describing it as an unjustifiable burden on already struggling Ghanaians.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on June 3, 2025, Dr Amin Adam distanced himself from the controversial levy, popularly referred to as the “Dumsor Levy” and urged the government to reconsider what he called a “regressive and insensitive” policy.

“Not long ago, they [the NDC] were celebrating the abolishment of taxes, but I’m sorry to say that all the taxes they abolished, when put together, did not even bring in GH¢5 billion. This government is now seeking to raise GH¢5.7 billion from this newly imposed levy,” he said.

“Mr. Speaker, during the budget debate, I indicated that despite the talk of abolishing taxes, this new administration was going to impose severe taxes on citizens and burden their already strained pockets,” the former minister added.

The levy, passed by Parliament under a certificate of urgency, imposes a GH¢1 charge per litre on all petroleum products.

According to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the tax measure is intended to raise funds to pay off energy sector debts, particularly obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and stabilize electricity supply.

However, Dr Amin Adam, who served as finance minister under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, described the policy as “lazy policymaking”, asserting that it shifts the cost of poor governance and energy sector mismanagement onto the backs of ordinary citizens.

He also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the levy’s design, implementation, and duration, warning that such approaches erode public trust and could deepen economic hardship.

“This levy is poorly timed and poorly targeted. It punishes the poor and working class while failing to address the root inefficiencies in the energy sector,” he added.

Dr Amin Adam called for a reassessment of government spending priorities and a more equitable fiscal strategy, one that cuts waste in the energy value chain and renegotiates expensive power purchase agreements, rather than imposing new taxes on the public.

The approval of the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill has sparked widespread backlash, with opposition parties, civil society organisations, and trade unions warning of potential protests and legal challenges. The Minority in Parliament boycotted the vote and has pledged to repeal the levy if elected in the upcoming general elections.

“The revenue from the 1 GhC Dumso levy is far bigger than all the taxes the NDC government abolished

– Dr Amin Anta, Former Finance Minister

pic.twitter.com/8dTQD0L0jk

— SOLOMON AMOAKO (@AmoakoKwam) June 4, 2025

SP/MA

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Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL), Accra West Region, has announced plans to prosecute individuals involved in illegal water connections, after uncovering nearly 1,500 cases across its 12 operational districts between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

In a statement, GWL revealed that over 800 persons failed to respond to a grace period it offered for offenders to voluntarily regularise their connections without facing legal consequences.

“Despite multiple reminders, more than 800 individuals have failed to heed the call,” the company said. “These illegal connections not only deprive the company of vital revenue but also contribute to water losses and service disruptions for law-abiding customers.”

As a result, GWL has resolved to initiate legal action, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, against the non-compliant users. “Illegal water connections and related infractions are acts of theft and criminality that threaten the sustainability of the Company,” GWL noted. “We will not allow the actions of a few to undermine the hard work of our staff or the rights of our loyal customers.”

The company is urging the public to report all instances of illegal connections in their communities and reiterated its commitment to equitable water distribution and improved service delivery.

For reports and enquiries, GWL provided the following numbers:

•Call Centre: 030 221 8240, 020 738 5088, 020 738 5089, 020 738 5090

• Toll-Free Line: 0800 40 000 (available on Telecel mobile and landlines only)

The utility provider reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding water infrastructure and delivering reliable service to all Ghanaians.

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.

Reduction in transport fares contributed to the inflation drop in May 2025

Inflation for May 2025 has dropped significantly to 18.4%, down from 21.2% recorded in April 2025.

This means that, on average, the prices of goods and services increased by 18.4% over the past year.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the decline in inflation is primarily due to a reduction in transportation fares and a fall in non-food inflation.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu speaking during a press briefing on June 4, 2025, attributed the drop to lower fuel prices at the pumps, which led to a subsequent reduction in transport fares.

“These were the main drivers of the decline in inflation for the month of May,” he said.

At the regional level, Dr Iddrisu noted that the Upper West Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 38.1%, while the Ahafo Region posted the lowest at 14.5%.

Since the beginning of the year, inflation has been on a downward trend, reflecting improvements in key economic indicators.

The latest figures for May 2025 marks the lowest inflation rate recorded since March 2022.

SSD/MA

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has addressed critics of his ministry over missing ECG containers recently traced to the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) in Tema.

In an interview with 3News and monitored by GhanaWeb, on May 26, 2025, the Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Richmond Rockson, confirmed that the containers were located at multiple terminals within the Tema Port.

The minister had earlier stated on multiple media platforms that 1,300 containers procured by the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) had reportedly gone missing under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

He suggested possible lapses in the procurement processes at the electricity distribution company, while calling for accountability over the misuse of state resources.

Speaking before a parliamentary committee on June 3, 2025, Jinapor acknowledged that there was some controversy surrounding the missing containers, rejecting claim that his outfit employed semantics in recent report on same ‘missing’ ECG containers.

“Let’s assume that they were not missing. So, what is the issue? What matters is that we have accounted for every single container. That is the focus,” he stated.

He explained that a committee was set up to investigate the matter and they reported that 1,300 containers could not be located.

The minister insisted that his responsibility was to ensure all containers are found, describing the event as a top priority to him.

“I am not interested in playing with words. Semantics will not resolve the problem. What will resolve the problem is finding each and every container,” he said.

Jinapor also raised concerns about broader financial irregularities, accusing officials under the previous administration of gross mismanagement.

He cited a case where only GH₵900 million was approved for spending, whereas GH₵8.3 billion was reportedly expended over two years.

“Who slept on the job? There has been clear abuse and misuse of state resources. This cannot be allowed to slide,” he said.

He urged the committee to shift focus from the blame game and direct their attention to those responsible for the financial breaches.

He insisted that individuals found culpable in further probe will be held accountable.

“The minister should not be faulted for trying to locate the containers. That’s my job. More importantly, those responsible for the reckless dissipation of public funds must be held liable,” he stated.

Background

A special committee comprising representatives from National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority traced the missing ECG containers to the GPHA in Tema.

According to the briefing on April 30, 2025, the containers were found at the following locations:

860 at Meridian Port Services

1,237 at GPHA Terminals

272 already evacuated by National Security

194 at Amaris Terminal

20 at ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal

The committee indicated that, further investigations revealed that 2,437 of the containers had exceeded the 60-day clearance period, resulting in significant demurrage charges.

Authorities are continuing efforts to address the backlog and prevent future lapses in the importation and clearance process.

MRA/VPO

Watch Wontumi appear unsteady after release from EOCO custody

Former Director of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the former Director of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, appears to have corroborated portions of a May 7, 2025, memo from the lawyers of the embattled NSB boss to the National Security Coordinator detailing operational expenditure of monies he and two others are being accused of allegedly misappropriating.

The prosecution witness, Edith Ruby Opokua Adumuah, who also doubles as the Director of Finance at the National Signals Bureau, in a witness statement dated June 2, 2025, said that she was indeed the custodian of all the cheque books of the bank accounts held by the bureau.

She further revealed that before any cheque payment was made on the main account, a request was made by the recipient unit through the head of administration, who then forwarded the request to the Director of BNC for approval after the necessary documents had been attached before certification by the internal audit unit for authorisation of payment.

Opokua Adumuah also said that the operational account of the BNC by standard procedure is managed by the Director of BNC (Kwabena Adu-Boahene) with the able supervision of the National Security Coordinator.

Indeed, lawyers for Adu-Boahene have persistently emphasised on the point that the Bureau of National Communications account functioned as a special operations account, while the BNC Communications Bureau account served as a special-purpose vehicle to carry out sensitive transactions.

Paragraph 8 of Opokua Adumuah’s statement actually said that before a cheque was signed on the operational account, Kwabena Adu-Boahene would always inform her either verbally or through a phone call before cheques were written.

She said that she would then forward it to both Adu-Boahene for his signature and to the National Security Coordinator, Joshua Kyeremeh.

In paragraph 14, witness Edith Ruby Opokua Adumuah confirmed that payments were indeed made to the Israeli company, ISC Holdings Limited, which delivered the cyber defense system for the National Signals Bureau.

“I know of ISC Holdings Limited. A1 (Kwabena Adu Boahene) gave me an invoice of Seven Million United States dollars (US$7,000,000.00) to transfer funds to ISC Holdings Limited. The invoice was dated September 1, 2020. BNC commenced paying for this invoice on October 15, 2020. We made payment to ISC Holding on the invoice from BNC’s ‘The Director BNC’ accountant at Fidelity Bank. I know that BNC paid as much as three million and one hundred and ten thousand united states dollars ($3,110,000.00) in respect of this invoice. I have copies of the invoice and the payments. I wish to tender them in evidence (INDEX EROA1). This transaction is from the transaction in respect of which A1, A2, A3 and A4 are being tried,” she said.

Her testimony brings to question the state’s claim that expenditure from the operational account of the National Signals Bureau, which is often clothed in secrecy, but subject to prior approval from the National Security Coordinator impugns wrongdoing on Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife.

It will be recalled that on a May 7, a leaked memo from Adu-Boahen detailed how some finances of the NSB were disbursed.

The document showed that GH₵8.3 million was disbursed in September 2024 to provide an unnamed opposition party with communications equipment for election collation, justified as ensuring “Stability of Nation/National Cohesion/Political Impartiality.”

The letter further indicated that GH₵960,000 was paid to the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament in 2020/2021 as “allowances” for enacting the National Signals Bureau Act, with an additional GH₵309,000 going to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee in 2024.

Election-related expenditures totaled over GH₵14 million, including GH₵7.2 million for the December 2020 polls and GH₵6.7 million for the December 2024 Election.

The documents also show GH₵5.1 million was spent on luxury vehicles (2024 Nissan Patrols and a Land Cruiser) for a “Special Aide to the President-Elect” in December 2024.

GA/AE

Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko has been elected as the inaugural Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

The election took place during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties held in Kigali, Rwanda, from June 2 to 4, 2025 .

Dr. Darko, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) since 2017, emerged as the top candidate in a competitive selection process that attracted 149 applicants from across Africa.

Dr. Darko is expected to leverage her vast experience to steer the AMA towards achieving its mandate of ensuring the availability of quality medical products across Africa

The AMA, established under a treaty adopted by the African Union in 2019, aims to enhance the capacity of state parties and regional economic communities to regulate medical products, thereby improving access to quality, safe, and effective medicines across Africa. With its headquarters in Kigali, the agency is poised to play a pivotal role in harmonizing medical regulations and combating the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit medical products.

Dr. Darko’s election has been met with widespread acclaim. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, congratulated her on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I congratulate Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for the incredibly successful campaign. President Mahama deserves full plaudits for his amazing support and leadership”

Dr. Darko is expected to leverage her vast experience to steer the AMA towards achieving its mandate of ensuring the availability of quality medical products across Africa.

Her appointment represents a significant step forward in the continent’s efforts to bolster its healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks.

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.

John Jinapor is the Minister of Energy and Green Transition

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has explained that the newly introduced Energy Sector Levy is not to pay the sector’s debts but instead to cater for liquid fuel.

According to him, the cost of the liquid fuel is not included in the electricity tariff structure, posing financing challenges to the government.

He also added that if the government decided to add this cost to electricity tariffs, the ordinary Ghanaian would be burdened.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM, he said, “Governance is about making decisions. It’s about optimising the situation and doing what we believe is the best decision. Nobody enjoys imposing taxes or levies on the people of Ghana.

“We’ve been working very hard since our time in office, but quickly, this is not actually to pay for legacy debt. What we are doing is that we’ve studied the system, we’ve done the analysis in the energy sector, and the basic truth and fact is that the liquid fuels that we buy currently are not part of the tariff structure. So, when you and I pay for electricity, even if ECG were to collect the money 100% today, none of that money would go into the procurement of liquid fuels.”

He noted that the government needs over $1 billion in 2025 alone to procure liquid fuels.

The minister added that this would have been averted if the government had increased gas consumption or production years ago.

“It takes, on average, about 18 months to 2 years to put a gas infrastructure in place. That is, even if you start today. And so this should have happened like yesterday. The finance minister has been helping a bit, though with much more difficulty in helping us to procure liquid fuels. So, what are the options available? Increase electricity tariffs, fall on the finance minister for non-existent money, or share the gains in the reduction of fuel prices,” he noted.

SSD/AE

The Executives of the Kwahu Professionals Network (KPN) have paid a courtesy call on Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, the Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, during the celebration of the revered Akwasidae festival at his palace in Abene.

The visit, which marked the formal introduction of the newly elected leadership of KPN, was also aimed at reinforcing ties between the professional body and the traditional authority.

Leading the delegation was KPN President Richard Nyarko Sarpong, accompanied by Secretary Felix Gyimah Darfour, Membership Director Augustine Attah Agyei, Finance Director Evans Nyarko Siaw, and co-opted members Doreen A. Pepera, responsible for Welfare, and Isaac Effah Abrokwah, in charge of Projects.

Their presence at the palace underscored the Network’s respect for traditional institutions and their commitment to rooting development in cultural values. The executives participated in the Akwasidae rites alongside Nananom and the people of Abene, affirming the organisation’s dedication to Kwahu’s heritage and identity.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III warmly welcomed the KPN leadership and expressed appreciation for their visit and their readiness to engage with traditional leadership. He commended the executives for their vision and encouraged them to work in unity, focus on impactful initiatives, and uphold the values that have historically advanced the Kwahu area.

“I encourage you to work diligently, stay united, and pursue initiatives that will bring sustainable progress to the area,” Daasebre said. He further called on the Network to fully support the upcoming Okwahu United @ 50 celebrations, describing it as a landmark occasion to strengthen Kwahu pride and cohesion.

In a reflective moment, Daasebre directed the Krontihene of Abene to offer prayers for the KPN executives and the Network’s wider membership.

The solemn invocation asked for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the leadership as they embark on their mandate to promote professional and community advancement.

Responding to the welcome and counsel, KPN executives reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration with traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

They pledged to champion initiatives in professional development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation across Kwahu and beyond.

The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Finance, has introduced the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, proposing a 1 cedi levy on every litre of petroleum product sold in the country. This bold fiscal intervention is aimed at stabilising Ghana’s ailing energy sector, with the funds expected to offset power sector debts, support infrastructure maintenance, and ensure continuous electricity supply.

However, the announcement has sparked heated national conversation. Citizens, economists, and energy experts are weighing the bill’s potential benefits against the immediate impact on household budgets and the already-burdened cost of living. Can this policy deliver the relief it promises, or will it deepen existing economic struggles?

What the Government Hopes to Achieve

Ghana’s energy sector is reeling from decades of underfunding, inefficiencies, and mounting debts, particularly to independent power producers (IPPs) and fuel suppliers. Power outages have become a recurring menace, hurting small businesses and undermining investor confidence.

The Finance Minister maintains that the new levy will generate dedicated revenue to address these systemic financial gaps and avoid further deterioration of electricity supply reliability. According to him, ‘stabilising the energy sector is critical to economic growth, job creation, and industrial expansion.’

Possible Gains from the Levy

1. A Lifeline for the Power Sector

The levy could inject much-needed funds into clearing legacy debts, enhancing the financial health of utility providers, and facilitating uninterrupted power generation and distribution.

2. Sustainable Energy Investment

Over time, the revenue could be channelled into renewable energy development and critical grid upgrades, positioning Ghana as a leader in West Africa’s energy transition.

3. Economic Productivity

A more reliable electricity supply could stimulate local manufacturing and reduce the cost of doing business, especially for SMEs affected by frequent blackouts and the high cost of generator use.

But at What Cost to Citizens?

1. Fuel Price Hikes & Inflation

An additional 1 cedi per litre will almost certainly push up fuel prices. This increase will ripple across sectors — transport, agriculture, and commerce — raising the cost of goods and services.

2. Hardship for the Poor and Working Class

Fuel levies are inherently regressive. Lower-income households, who spend a larger portion of their earnings on transport and food, will feel the pinch more acutely than affluent citizens.

3. Trust Deficit from Past Levies

Public scepticism is high, given past energy-related levies such as the Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy, and the Public Lighting Levy — all introduced under the Energy Sector Levies Act, 2015 (Act 899). These levies were designed to address sector inefficiencies, clear debts, and stabilise energy prices. However, reports of mismanagement and lack of transparency have eroded public trust.

4. Lack of Transparency and Oversight

Critics fear the new revenue stream could be mismanaged or diverted from its intended purpose, as has occurred in the past due to weak institutional oversight and political interference.

Policy Recommendations for Balance

If implemented, the following measures can improve public buy-in and ensure the policy’s long-term success:

Phase Out Obsolete Levies: The government should review and rationalise older levies to reduce the cumulative tax burden on fuel products.

Ring-Fence the Funds: The new levy should be placed in a special account with public disclosure on disbursement and impact metrics.

Protect the Poor: Introduce targeted interventions, such as transport subsidies for low-income earners, to cushion the economic blow.

Set a Time Limit: The levy should include a sunset clause with periodic performance reviews and a clear end goal.

Final Thoughts

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill represents a high-stakes balancing act for Ghana’s government. On the one hand, stabilising the power sector is indispensable for economic resilience and long-term growth. On the other hand, the levy’s regressive nature and timing, amid high inflation and job insecurity, could deepen public discontent.

Ultimately, the success of this policy will hinge on transparency, accountability, and the political will to use the proceeds solely for their intended purpose. Ghana’s energy future must not come at the expense of today’s vulnerable citizens.

About the Author:

Isaac Kwegyir Essel is an energy policy analyst with an MSc in Oil and Gas Accounting from Robert Gordon University (Scotland). He is a member of the Energy Institute (UK) and Engineers Australia. He writes on energy transition, geopolitics, and community development.

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The author, Isaac Kwegyir Essel, is an Energy Analyst & Member, Energy Institute (UK).

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.