By Emelia B. Addae

Kade (E/R), June 9, GNA – The Kwaebibirem Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified civic and environmental awareness among schoolchildren as part of its activities marking Citizenship Week and World Environment Day 2025.

The Commission visited four basic schools, Tsumwusu M/A Basic School, Pramkuma M/A Basic School, Vision of Christ Academy Kwarmang, and Kwarmang M/A Basic School.

The team, led by Assistant Civic Education Officer Mr. Edward Opare and supported by National Service Personnel Mr. Elisha Nartey, engaged students on the theme: “Ghana’s Future, The Role of the Ghanaian Child.”

Mr. Opare underscored the importance of environmental protection, particularly in the fight against illegal mining, cautioning students that such activities “degrade the environment and affect their learning adversely.”

He also emphasized the need to embody national values: “Be honest, hardworking, patriotic and respectful,” he urged, calling these traits essential for national development.

This civic engagement continued, when the NCCE marked World Environment Day with a tree planting exercise at Subi Presby Basic School later week.

Led by Kwaebibirem Municipal Director, Mrs. Gertrude Adwoa Defoe, the programme focused on the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”

Students and school authorities planted five tree seedlings, including coconut and palm varieties, on the school compound.

Mrs. Defoe educated students on alternatives to plastic use and the benefits of proper waste segregation.

“Green vegetation is vital to humanity,” she stated. “We must take personal responsibility in preserving it.”

She further announced that 29 additional schools in the municipality would benefit from similar environmental activities.

Students actively contributed by identifying the benefits of trees, including fresh air, food, erosion control, medicinal value, and environmental beautification.

Headmistress of Subi Presby Basic, Mrs. Gladys Fiadogbey, praised the initiative, describing it as “a wonderful opportunity for our students to actively participate in environmental preservation.”

GNA

Edited by D.I. Laary/Christian Akorlie

Olam Agri, a global food and agribusiness leader, has been triple-crowned at this year’s Ghana Business League Awards (GBLA) in Accra, recognizing the company’s commitment to workplace and employee wellbeing, corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives, and leadership excellence.

The company received awards in three categories: The Employee/Workplace Wellbeing Award, the Business Leader of the Year – CSR and Sustainability Initiatives, and the Outstanding CEO of the Year Award, which was presented to the Country Head, Mr. Baibhav Biswas.

The Ghana Business League Awards is a prestigious recognition programme that celebrates businesses and individuals making remarkable contributions to Ghana’s economic and corporate sectors. Launched in 2023, the awards ceremony brings together corporate institutions and industries for networking opportunities while recognising their outstanding achievements and significant impacts on Ghanaian society.

This year’s ceremony was held under the theme “From Vision to Success”, and Olam Agri’s recognition underpins the company’s commitment to excellence and the positive impact it has on the Ghanaian business environment.

The Employee/Workplace Wellbeing Award acknowledges Olam Agri’s dedication to cultivating a positive and enabling work environment that prioritises the health, safety, and holistic well-being of its employees.

The Business Leader of the Year – CSR and Sustainability Initiatives award honours Olam Agri’s deep-seated commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices within its Ghanaian operations. It recognises the company’s impactful initiatives that champion environmental stewardship, foster social development, and generate long-term value for all stakeholders of its business operations.

The Outstanding CEO of the Year award celebrates the exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and profound contributions of Olam Agri’s CEO in driving the company’s success and nurturing a culture of innovation and growth throughout its operations in Ghana. The Country head, Baibhav Biswas, was the proud recipient of this recognition.

“These awards and nominations are a direct reflection of the hard work of our entire team in Ghana. We are deeply honoured to be recognised by the Ghana Business League and remain steadfast in our resolve to continue contributing positively to the Ghanaian economy and the communities we operate in.” Baibhav Biswas said.

Olam Agri has established a significant and enduring presence in Ghana, operating across diverse sectors and making substantial contributions to employment, economic advancement, and community development. These recent awards and prestigious nominations further solidify Olam Agri’s position as a leading and responsible corporate citizen in Ghana.

The First Lady and founder of the Lordina Foundation, Lordina Mahama, has called on individuals living with chronic non-communicable diseases to fully utilise the upcoming MahamaCares health programme.

Speaking at the third edition of a free health screening event in Accra on Saturday, 7 June, she underscored the initiative’s potential to bridge existing gaps in healthcare delivery not adequately addressed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The MahamaCares programme, officially known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, is expected to deliver sustained care for chronic illnesses with a strong emphasis on preventive health.

Mrs Mahama stated that the scheme would operate primarily at the community level, aiming to ensure early detection and regular management of long-term conditions that require ongoing medical attention.

The event, hosted at the Ringway Gospel Centre, catered to over 145 retired Assemblies of God ministers and their spouses.

It featured medical specialists, including urologists, gynaecologists, dietitians, and general practitioners, who conducted various screenings such as blood sugar tests, cancer checks, and prostate examinations. Participants also received medications and lifestyle counselling based on their test results.

Mrs Mahama noted that this third round of health screening built upon the achievements of previous editions held in November 2024 and March 2025.

She reiterated her foundation’s commitment to improving the welfare of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others, stressing the importance of heeding medical advice for long-term wellness.

Reverend Dr Harry Insaidoo, President of the Retired Ministers and Spouses Association, lauded the initiative, describing it as one of the most impactful interventions for retired clergy.

He extended gratitude to Lordina Mahama, President John Mahama, and the medical team, stating: “Every three months, the doctors thoroughly examine us, provide medication, and advise us on maintaining a healthy lifestyle – it is a tremendous blessing.”

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.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on key state and private sector stakeholders to rally behind the Ghana Petroleum Hub project.

He emphasized that the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) needs strong institutional support to effectively execute its mandate as the lead developer of the transformative initiative.

Speaking at a strategic retreat held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, between the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and the PHDC, Alban Bagbin acknowledged the enormity of the challenges facing the Corporation and issued a compelling appeal for coordinated national backing.

As a member of the Energy Committee, the Speaker reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the project and expressed confidence in its potential to transform Ghana’s economic fortunes.

“This initiative is a brilliant one, and PHDC cannot do it alone. They need critical partners — and one of the most crucial partners in any democratic setup is Parliament. All government agencies must collaborate with Parliament to ensure the success of this project. Failure to do so will be to our collective detriment,” he stated.

Endorsing the Petroleum Hub project as a strategic national priority, Speaker Bagbin pointed to its potential in accelerating Ghana’s transition from a lower-middle-income to an upper-middle-income economy.

“This is one of the most critical tools for national development. Ghana currently sits at the lower end of the middle-income ladder. We need bold, innovative initiatives like this to climb higher. Look at Singapore — a small city-state that doesn’t produce oil, yet it has become the world’s oil refining hub. Alongside that, they’ve developed thriving aviation and financial hubs,” he explained.

The retreat had the full participation of Members of Parliament who actively engaged with PHDC officials, posed insightful questions, and pledged their support for the realization of the hub.

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The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with the Ministry of Health but insists that it will not entertain any renegotiation of matters already agreed upon.

This stance follows the nationwide strike action initiated on 4 June 2025 by nurses and midwives, in protest against the government’s failure to implement provisions outlined in their 2024 Collective Agreement. These include allowances, incentives, and improved conditions of service.

In response to the industrial action, the newly appointed Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, appealed for calm and called on all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.

However, the GRNMA has maintained that while it remains open to discussions, it will not revisit issues that were already resolved in prior negotiations.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on Monday, 9 June, the GRNMA Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Jefferson Asare, reiterated the association’s position.

“We are ready to meet. If we receive a letter now, we will move anywhere they want us to go. But for renegotiation, we are not ready,” Mr Asare asserted, signalling a firm refusal to revisit settled matters.

Mr Asare further noted the disparity in the health sector, pointing out that nurses and midwives are the only group whose agreed-upon conditions of service have not been fulfilled.

“In the health ecosystem, it is not only nurses who have problems with the conditions of service. But we are the only group whose conditions of service have not been implemented,” he explained.

The ongoing strike has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, leading to growing concern from stakeholders and the general public.

Many are urging the government and the GRNMA to find a swift and amicable resolution to restore normalcy in the country’s health facilities.

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 Randy Abbey is the Acting CEO of COCOBOD

Dr Randy Abbey, Acting CEO of COCOBOD, has warned against the potential collapse of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), particularly the indigenous ones.

According to him, the absence of a syndicated loan for the 2025/2026 season has resulted in no “seed fund” being allocated to LBCs, which is crucial for purchasing cocoa beans from farmers.

During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, he stated that the situation is causing significant distress for local operators who are unable to function without the seed money.

He noted that while forgoing the syndicated loan might save COCOBOD substantial financing costs, the consequences for local players are severe.

Abbey added that he has engaged the Central Bank, proposing that 2% or 3% of the Cash Reserve Ratio be allocated to support indigenous LBCs, specifically for cocoa purchases.

“What I then told the Central Bank when we engaged them was that, look, you have the Cash Reserve Ratio, where all the banks put 25% of their deposits at the Central Bank. This is idle, not doing anything,” he stated.

He remains hopeful for a positive response but warns that time is running out, and if the current financing model continues, many LBCs might collapse.

DR/AE

The President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana (IET-GH), Henry Kwadwo Boateng, has charged engineers not to compromise the values of the profession for personal gains.

“Do not be driven by greed. Do not lose your conscience. Do not be part of a system that puts personal interest above national development.

“You are entering a profession that must stand on the pillars of honesty, ethical practice, and moral uprightness,” Mr Boateng said at the induction of 220 new engineers into the fold of the IET-Ghana.

Competent

He said the future of Ghana depended on engineers who were not only technically competent but who also lived by integrity.

“We must no longer stay silent. As professionals, we have to take an interest in what happens in our country to speak against what is wrong and to promote what is right. The public must trust us. Let us lead by example.

“Let your work be clean. Let your conscience be clear. Let your name be one that will never be mentioned among the corrupt. You are here not just to practise engineering, but to reset Ghana and help build a nation where things are done properly and ethically,” he said.

Mr Boateng said he believed in the potential of the new engineers and also believed in their integrity and, therefore, charged them to go out there and prove that engineering with integrity was not just a slogan but their identity.

Troubling

In recent times, there have been troubling reports on cables and electrical materials procured for the Electricity Company of Ghana left at the port for years with some unaccounted for, and others deteriorating yet procurement of the same materials continued year after year.

He said, for instance, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana COCOBOD had also lamented about the procurement of jute sacks in excess quantities that remained at the port, unused, as new ones were still being purchased.

“One must ask: Who are the vendors? Who are the facilitators of this rot?

And more importantly: Were professionals like some of us here involved in these shameful acts?

“As engineering professionals, we cannot turn a blind eye to such issues. Many of us are directly involved in procurement, whether on the side of the public entity or the private vendor.

Let me use this occasion to make it abundantly clear: We must not compromise our values for personal gain,” he emphasised.

Formality  

Mr Boateng said the induction was not just a ceremony of formality but a moment of reflection, responsibility, and rededication not just to “your personal advancement, but to the integrity and future of our dear nation.

Ghana, he said, today faced not only challenges of infrastructure, energy and development but a more silent and corrosive enemy: corruption, particularly in the areas where technical expertise and procurement intersected.

Mr Boateng took the opportunity to appeal to nurses in the country to call off their industrial action and return to work.

He said as the government took steps to address their grievances, they should consider the plight of patients and go back to work.

Going forward, he called for the scrapping of the nurses and teacher training allowances and to pay attention to their conditions of service.

“So it can do away with their allowances and rather look at their conditions of service.

I think that would be okay because now we have a lot of backlogs there, we have a lot of nurses who have not been employed by the government …and we have a lot of teachers who have not been employed because of financial clearance,” he said.     

Absa Bank Ghana has once again partnered with Citi FM as the headline sponsor of the 2025 Citi Business Festival, strengthening its support for Ghanaian businesses through shared insights, practical engagement, and tailored financial solutions.

The month-long event brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts to explore ideas that help businesses grow.

For Absa Bank, the festival aligns directly with its SME agenda of providing financing and the tools and confidence entrepreneurs need to succeed.

Absa’s broader SME support includes its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, through which the bank has disbursed over GHS 1.35 billion in loans at an annual interest rate of 10%, supporting more than 8,000 small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts have helped create over 56,000 jobs across the country.

The bank also recently opened its SME Banking Suite at its Adum branch in Kumasi – a dedicated space offering financial services, free meeting rooms, and internet access.

Furthermore, monthly SME Clinics offer practical coaching on areas like cashflow management, digital marketing, and business resilience.

The Citi Business Festival complements these efforts by bringing relevant conversations directly to the SME community and its extended stakeholders. Subject matter experts from Absa Bank will join the festival’s programming to share insights on topics such as personal finance, agribusiness financing, and digital strategies entrepreneurs with knowledge they can act on.

“Our continued partnership with the Citi Business Festival is a deliberate alignment of purpose,” said Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Ghana.

“This platform allows us to share insights that help businesses grow. For us, it is not just about access to finance; it’s about building confidence, capability, and a thriving community that is plugged into the socio-economic growth of the country. That is how we bring our brand promise, Your Story Matters, to life.”

Organised by 97. 3 Citi FM and Channel One TV, this year’s edition begins Monday, June 2, 2025, and will deliver forums, clinics, and boot camps under four thematic weeks: Personal Finance, Agribusiness, SME Development, and Tech Startups.

There will be daily on-air series on these broad topics airing at 9 a.m. on Citi FM and 10 a.m. on Channel One TV, featuring expert perspectives and real-world tips to guide personal and business decisions.

Agribusiness takes centre stage as Citi Business Festival enters second week

A new round of talks aimed at resolving the trade war between the US and China are set to take place in London on Monday.

A senior US delegation including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will meet with Chinese representatives such as Vice Premier He Lifeng to resolve tensions between the world’s two largest economies, which is threatening global growth.

Chinese exports of rare earths, which are crucial for modern technology, as well as Beijing’s access to US products, including computer chips, are expected to be high on the agenda.

Last month, Washington and Beijing agreed a temporary truce over trade tariffs but each country has since accused the other of breaching the deal.

The new round of negotiations follows a phone call between Donald Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping last week which the US President described as a “very good talk”.

The call – the first between the two leaders since the trade war erupted in February – “resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries”, Trump said.

According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Xi told Trump that the US should “withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China”.

While last month’s talks in Geneva reduced tariffs, they did not resolve a range of other issues including Chinese exports of rare earth metals and magnets which are essential for manufacturing everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Washington has restricted China’s access to US goods such as semiconductors and other related technologies linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

The inclusion of Lutnick in this week’s meetings with China is “a welcome addition”, according to Swetha Ramachandran, fund manager at Artemis, since he is “behind some of the very harsh export controls of technology to China”.

She told the BBC’s Today programme: “Some of the focus certainly seems to be on rare earths where China, of course, has dominance in terms of producing.

“They mine 69% of the rare earths globally that are quite essential to technology development in the US so I think there are enough chips on the table here that could make it acceptable for both sides to walk away with desired outcomes.”

As well as Lutnick, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet Chinese officials in London.

When Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from a number of countries earlier this year, China was the hardest hit. Beijing responded with its own higher rates on US imports, and this triggered tit-for-tat increases that peaked at 145%.

In May, talks held in Switzerland led to a temporary truce that Trump called a “total reset”.

It brought US tariffs on Chinese products down to 30%, while Beijing slashed levies on US imports to 10% and promised to lift barriers on critical mineral exports. It gave both sides a 90-day deadline to try to reach a trade deal.

But the US and China have since claimed breaches on non-tariff pledges.

Greer said China had failed to roll-back restrictions on exports of rare earth magnets.

Beijing said US violations of the agreement included stopping sales of computer chip design software to Chinese companies, warning against using chips made by Chinese tech giant Huawei and cancelling visas for Chinese students.

On Saturday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said it had approved some applications for rare earth export licences, although it did not provide details of which countries were involved.

Trump said on Friday that Xi had agreed to restart trade in rare earth materials.

But speaking on Sunday, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CBS News that “those exports of critical minerals have been getting released at a rate that is, you know, higher than it was, but not as high as we believe we agreed to in Geneva”.

Economists have warned that Trump’s trade policy will impact the global economy.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said it now expected worldwide economic growth to be a “modest” 2.9%, down from a previous forecast of 3.1%.

It blamed a “significant” rise in trade barriers and warned that “weakened economic prospects will be felt around the world, with almost no exception”.

New data released by Bejing on Monday showed China’s exports in May were lower than analysts expected.

China’s exports in dollar terms increased by 4.8% compared to the same time last year.

At the same time imports dropped by 3.4%, which was much worse than the 0.9% fall predicted.

As access to finance continues to pose a major challenge to Ghanaian businesses and industries, stifling growth and expansion, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has assured the business community of a drastic reduction in lending rates to less than 10 percent before the end of his four-year tenure to aid the country’s industrial transformation.

Speaking at a corporate forum organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in Accra, the central bank Governor acknowledged the of manufacturing sector’s contributions to economic development – yet high lending rates continue to impede their growth and expansion.

“Every factory floor, warehouse or innovation that you push forward brings our macroeconomic story to life,” he noted.

Of the numerous challenges Ghanaian industries face – including regulatory complexities, competition from imported goods and inadequate skills in financial management and marketing – limited access to finance is the major constraint to growth.

The Governor expressed concern over prevailing high interest rates, which impact business growth.

At its recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, the central bank unanimously maintained monetary policy at 28 percent – despite the fact that disinflation is on track and the cedi is relatively stable.

This, according to the central bank’s committee, serves to consolidate disinflation gains achieved in recent months.

Inflation has been declining steadily for four consecutive months, from the 23.8 percent recorded in December 2024 to 21.2 percent in April 2025.

Despite this decline, interest rates are still high and continue to bite industries; impeding access to industrial working capital and operational finance for growth and expansion.

Defending the central bank’s conservative monetary policy stance, Dr. Asiama maintained: “We are choosing this discipline today so industry can thrive tomorrow in a low-inflation, low interest rate environment that rewards productivity”.

He said the central bank’s aim is to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild investor and market confidence and lay a credible foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“My vision is to see lending rates fall to less than 10 percent before the end of my four-year term,” he said, expressing the central bank’s commitment to improving finance access in Ghana.

Dr Asiama highlighted the AGI Corporate Forum’s relevance, while expressing the central bank’s commitment to creating a conducive macroeconomic environment where businesses can grow and thrive.

“We need to unlock greater flows of sustainable capital and private investment. We are laying the foundations for an economy that is not just recovering, but which is rising with purpose,” he noted.

He proposed that the Bank of Ghana and AGI must establish structured engagement mechanisms which include quarterly consultative forums on industrial credit access and FX policy, sector-specific research partnerships to identify policy bottlenecks and enhance information sharing on regulatory changes and financial market trends.

Acknowledging that the most valuable currency is not printed on paper or stored in vaults, but the trust of people in the economy, Dr. Asiama said: “As macroeconomic conditions improve, we will increasingly shift toward enabling greater private sector-led expansion – particularly in industrial production, exports, and job creation,” he noted.

Ghana’s GDP grew by 5.7 percent last year, led by strong activity in the services and industry sectors.

Ghana also recorded a trade surplus of US$4.1billion in the first four months of 2025 with the current account surplus at US$2.1billion in the first quarter alone, largely due to gold and cobalt exports.

The country’s gross international reserves stand at US$10.7billion, providing about 4.7 months of imports cover. This serves as a cushion against external shocks.

The Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 24 percent against the dollar, reversing the sharp 90.2 percent depreciation that was witnessed in 2024.

However, the Governor revealed that the central bank is not targetting any specific value for the country’s currency as the cedi stages a firm appreciation bout against the dollar.

“The cedi is trying to discover an optimal path. We monitor the core movements between the cedi and inflation rates – and that will tell us when to pull the brakes and let things take a normal course,” he noted.

Amid concerns that the relative economic stability may be temporary due to debt relief secured by government during the external debt restructuring programme with Ghana’s Official Creditors Committee co-chaired by France and China, the central bank Governor assured the business community that plans are far advanced to cater for our debt servicing.

“We have a profile of all the major payments that are awaiting us for the next year or two. We have what we call the projected cash flow statement or table, which tells us when we need to make more payments,” he said.

The Governor said the two things that will bring permanence to stability of the country’s legal tender is blocking foreign exchange reserve leakages by Goldbod and tracking remittances.

“With the Gold Board, we believe that smuggling and other leakages will reduce, and the next plan is to also tackle remittance inflows,” he added.

He however debunked rumours that the cedi is being artificially stimulated.

“Our goal is not to manage exchange rates but to create a policy environment where market stability can take root,” he said, stressing that the cedi gains are not accidental but the result of deliberate, coordinated and credible policy action that is being implemented.

“The stabilisation we are witnessing today is real, even though it is fragile. It must be protected, deepened and translated into sustained broad-based growth,” he noted.

 Accra Hearts of Oak secured their first Premier League victory over defending league champi­ons, Samartex FC, yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium in an action-packed Ghana Premier

 League (GPL) match day 34 clash that ended 1-0.

A towering header from defender Konadu Yiadom in the 57th minute was all the Phobians needed to break the voodoo against the defending league champions, who had never lost to the Phobians.

Unbeaten in their last four home league games, winning two and drawing two while keeping three clean sheets in the process, the Phobians came into the game hoping to cap off the season with a victory to aid them in securing a top-four finish.

And rightly so, the fiercely contested game was settled in their favour.

The Phobians started the game pressing for the opener, with Hamza Issah, Mauwli Wayo, and Konadu Yiadom testing the reflexes of goal­keeper Zakari Musah in goal for Samartex with shots on target.

Hearts’ striker, Kwabe­na Boateng, had a glorious opportunity to put the hosts ahead in the 25th minute, but his point-blank shot was saved by Musah.

Six minutes from the break, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare came to the rescue of the Phobians, diving to save a shot from Mamah inside the box.

Back from the break, the Phobians finally found joy after a corner kick taken from the right by Raphael Amponsah was headed home by Yiadom for the only goal of the game.

Samartex FC responded impressively but some agile goalkeeping from Asare kept his side in the lead to take all the three points

 BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

play videoIsaac Boamah-Nyarko is MP for Effia constituency

The Member of Parliament for Effia Constituency and a Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, has cautioned that the government’s decision to impose a new GH¢1-per-litre Fuel Levy could reverse recent economic gains and trigger market instability.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Parliamentary Correspondent, George Ayisi, on June 6, 2025, in the wake of strong public backlash against the controversial energy sector levy, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP expressed concern over the timing, quantum, and lack of public consultation surrounding the tax.

“The aftermath of the levy tells us that it is an unpopular imposition of tax, even if the government has good reasons to impose this tax. The question is the quantum of one cedi per litre and its impact on our newfound appreciation of the cedi and reduction in the cost of goods and services,” he said.

Boamah-Nyarko argued that such a sudden fiscal move could disturb the fragile progress the economy is beginning to witness.

“So, when you see these positives coming into the economy and then you hit it back with another taxing position, then it causes a lot of destabilisations in the system and on the market,” he stated.

He also criticised the lack of engagements with citizens and industry players ahead of the levy’s rollout.

“The bigger conversation is; why were Ghanaians not informed? Why didn’t they engage people? At the end of the day, we are the ones going to pay. Why didn’t they allow us to think through it?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revised the implementation date for the new GH¢1-per-litre levy following stiff resistance from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).

Originally set to take effect today, June 9, the levy will now be implemented from June 16, 2025.

“The Association has concerns with the June 9, 2025, implementation date. We have discussed with their leadership in the spirit of cordiality and partnership and have agreed a new start date of June 16,” the GRA stated in a release.

The levy is part of the government’s broader effort to settle longstanding debts in the energy sector.

However, industry players argue that the measure was rushed and risks increasing fuel prices at the pumps, adding to the burden on consumers.

AM/AE

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has expressed its willingness to engage with the Ministry of Health but insists that it will not return to the negotiation table over matters already agreed upon.

This follows a nationwide strike by nurses and midwives that began on June 4, 2025, over the government’s failure to implement the provisions of their 2024 Collective Agreement, which includes allowances, incentives, and improved working conditions.

Responding to the strike, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh emphasised the need for dialogue and urged all parties to come together to find a resolution.

However, in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 9, 2025, GRNMA Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Jefferson Asare, made it clear that while the association is open to discussions, it will not accept any attempts to reopen negotiations on matters already finalized.

“We are ready to meet. If we receive a letter now, we will move anywhere they want us to go. But for renegotiation, we are not ready,” Mr. Asare stated.

He further stressed that among the various groups in the health sector, it is only nurses and midwives whose agreed-upon conditions of service remain unfulfilled.

“In the health ecosystem, it is not only nurses who have problems with the conditions of service. But we are the only group whose conditions of service have not been implemented,” he added.

The ongoing strike has disrupted healthcare services across the country, prompting calls from stakeholders and the public for a swift resolution.

GRNMA maintains that the government must honour its commitments rather than attempt to renegotiate already-settled terms.

Akandoh urges dialogue to resolve nurses’ strike, cautions against rushed decisions

The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continue to see a drop in investment prices, following the appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

The Central Bank introduced the gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars.

As of Monday, June 9, 2025, the bank reported the following updated prices:

• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,467.04, down from GH¢9,521.47 on June 5.

• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,222.79, down from GH¢18,332.00.

• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢35,776.20, down from GH¢35,994.92

According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies.

The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations: one-ounce, half-ounce, and quarter- ounce, and it is being sold through commercial banks.

pic.twitter.com/kmUlVSAfKU

— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) June 9, 2025

SP/VPO

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

The Minority in Parliament has raised serious concerns over what it deems unnecessary delays by the Ministry of Finance in disbursing funds essential for the effective functioning of Parliament.

The opposition MPs argue that these delays are severely undermining the work of parliamentary committees, many of which are now unable to operate due to a lack of financial support.

During proceedings on the floor of the House on Friday, June 7, Chairman of the Assurances Committee and MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, highlighted the financial constraints hampering parliamentary duties.

He appealed to the Finance Minister to urgently release the requisite funds to facilitate the proper running of Parliament’s affairs.

“Parliament is now literally begging for money to enable its committees to function. As a committee chair, I could not access funds to carry out our duties. We had a scheduled workshop, but not even a cedi was released. Members across committees are fully aware that there is no money. Why aren’t we demanding that the Finance Minister release the funds?” Mr Nitiwul queried.

Despite the Minority’s claims, the assertion was firmly rejected by the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor.

He dismissed the notion that Parliament is in any financial distress, maintaining that the government had fulfilled its obligations.

“They are alleging that Parliament is struggling to do what? As Members of Parliament, our salaries and allowances have been paid. The Finance Minister has released funds, and no one has officially raised concerns about not being paid,” Mr Dafeamekpor stated in response.

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 Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the postponement of the GH¢1 fuel levy collection from Monday, June 9, to Monday, June 16, 2025.

This decision follows concerns raised by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), particularly regarding the financial strain on petroleum consumers, which could, in turn, lead to higher transport fares.

According to the GRA, the rescheduling is aimed at strengthening partnerships and fostering cooperation with key stakeholders.

“The Association has concerns with the June 9 implementation date. We have discussed with their leadership in the spirit of cordiality and partnership and have agreed on a new start date of June 16,” the revenue authority stated.

Details about D-Levy

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, under a certificate of urgency.

The bill, introduced by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, imposes a GH¢1 fee on petroleum products.

The GH¢1 levy, commonly referred to as the Dumsor Levy or D-Levy, is a tax applied to every liter of fuel purchased.

For instance, if a consumer buys 10 liters of fuel, they will pay GH¢10 in total. The more liters purchased, the higher the amount paid as D-Levy.

SA/AE

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