Avetakpo (V/R), April. 10, GNA – An outbreak of a communicable skin disease has hit several residents of Avetakpo, a farming community in the Ho West district.

The disease, which has spread to neighboring communities, has affected over 46 residents, leaving both children and adults to experience sleep deprivation, acute and prolonged bodily pains.

Togbe Kwasi Amedor III of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume has expressed deep concern over the outbreak, citing the community’s inability to access medical treatment due to lack of funds.

Mama Aku Seme II, the Queenmother of the area, engaged officials of the Ho West District Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), who mentioned that a required budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 would be needed to combat the disease.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Togbe Amedor stated.

The chief called for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment and stringent measures to prevent further infections.

The Ghana News Agency has observed that the community’s situation is further complicated by inadequate access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing water sources with cattle and animals, potentially contributing to the outbreak.

Additionally, health officials have not provided the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain.

Some victims urged immediate government support to address the outbreak as the situation becomes increasingly serious.

The GNA also observed that a comprehensive response is needed, including emergency funding to support mass medical treatment and disease investigation to determine the source and nature of the disease.

There is also the urgent need of water and sanitation interventions to improve access to clean drinking water to prevent further outbreaks.

Mr Courage Dogbe, Health Promotion Officer of the GHS, said the number of infections was exaggerated mostly because of poor hygiene.

He said the infection is fungal in nature and GHS are on top of the situation.

GNA

MA/CA

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson – Minister of Finance

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has, in its reaction to the 2025 budget, stated that “it was silent on the fundamental issues affecting employment creation in Ghana.”

It added in a statement issued Tuesday that “the macroeconomic targets for 2025 side-stepped employment.”

In government’s current resetting mode “it should muster courage to set employment targets sector by sector and region by region.”

Ghana, TUC advised, must move away from the usual answer “that there is no data on employment. We need statistical evidence for job creation across the 16 regions.”

The TUC urged government to prioritise support to the private sector as part of its efforts to create decent employment. Pointing at three areas that deserve special attention; the first being the national trade policy which it noted is inconsistent with our employment objectives. “It penalizes domestic production and makes imports excessively lucrative. We must consciously work to limit imports of some of the basic products we can produce here. This is the only way we can build domestic champions and get more of our people employed,” TUC stressed.

Our businesses cannot be competitive overnight unless we nurture them for a while, TUC noted, adding “early exposure to competition will destroy them and the potential jobs they can offer.”

The second issue relates to interest rates, TUC stated, adding that “the current high interest rates regime makes business expansion almost impossible.”

To address this “the TUC is urging government to intervene in the money lending market and find ways to reduce the usurious interest rates. Government must seriously consider capping the spread between the lending and deposit rates. This could have the twin effects of stimulating savings and bringing down lending rates.”

The third point is about the enhancement of productivity, TUC stated, as it called for concrete action to enhance productivity in both the public and private sectors as part of the efforts to create decent employment.

On the wage situation, the TUC recalled its earlier observation when it noted that “the wage situation in Ghana has worsened in the last few years.”

At GH¢19.97, it went on “the Daily

Minimum Wage in 2025 translates into a mere US$1.28 for eight (8) hours of work,” and this it adds “is just about half of the International Poverty Line of US$2.15 per day.”

The significant proportion of workers receiving the minimum wage are exploited and impoverished, and so “Government must be concerned as we are about the plight of minimum wage earners.”

The wage on the Single Spine Salary Structure from which the bulk of public sector workers are paid has equality challenges.

In the submission, the TUC highlighted its displeasure with the management of the basic social security scheme, which is administered by Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), adding “we equally express unhappiness with the delays in the payment of pension contributions by Government and the decision by Government to exclude all the security agencies from the pension unification programme.”

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has acknowledged the vital role small businesses play in growing the country’s economy.

Consequently, he made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to patronize made-in-Ghana products in local markets in order to empower and support the growth of indigenous businesses.

He emphasized that Ghanaians must make a conscious effort to buy locally made products to strengthen the country’s economy.

“Buy from them. Mentor them. Partner with them. Let us empower our entrepreneurs so they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their global counterparts,” the Minister remarked.

“Together, we can build an inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive economy—powered by our Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).”

He made these comments while speaking at the 4th edition of the Chamber Bazaar 2025, a trade exhibition organized by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) in the Western Region to showcase locally made Ghanaian products by Ghanaian companies.

He described the trade fair as not only inspiring but also heartwarming and refreshing.

Under the theme “Empowering and Preparing SMEs for Global Markets,” the Minister underscored the importance of positioning businesses in this era of cross-border trade aided by technology.

“It has become even more relevant for businesses to better position themselves and take advantage of global markets. It is only through international commerce—guided by principles of fair trade and mutual interest—that businesses can grow and explore their full potential.”

He added, “Let me seize this opportunity to express my gratitude to the regional manager and the Chairman for their invitation. I commend and congratulate them for this initiative and their remarkable enthusiasm in organizing such a successful bazaar. Our national president is here with us—Mr. Stephane Miezan, you are warmly welcome.”

The Minister continued, “Not too long ago, the leadership of the Chamber engaged me in my office to congratulate me. And today, here we are again for another engagement. Let me assure the business community in the Western Region that, together with the Chamber of Commerce, we will work to promote business development in the region. We have the potential to make a real difference—thanks to our strategic location and abundant natural resources.”

Joseph Nelson noted that the activities of small businesses should serve as motivation for others to do more.

“We must encourage increased investment in the region and explore partnerships both locally and internationally to support business growth. Without a doubt, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of our economy—creating employment, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to Ghana’s GDP.”

He further highlighted the role of SMEs in the Western Region, stating: “SMEs form the lifeblood of our local economies—from agro-processing, arts and crafts, to retail, manufacturing, and service delivery.

They embody the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. However, we must also admit that SMEs face a number of challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing global markets.”

These challenges include, but are not limited to:

• Limited access to finance and modern equipment

• Inadequate capacity and limited knowledge of international trade practices

• Difficulties in meeting international standards and regulations

• Insufficient data on emerging global market trends

To address these issues, the Minister proposed a multi-faceted strategy that is both forward-looking and inclusive.

“Firstly, access to finance remains crucial,” he noted.

He added, “The NDC government, through its 2024 People’s Manifesto, has committed to establishing a Ghana SME Fund—a dedicated financing mechanism to support SMEs with low-interest loans, grants, and equity funding. Additionally, tax incentives and access to venture capital will be enhanced to ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs.”

“Secondly, the government will invest in capacity building through regional enterprise support hubs that will provide technical support, digital skills, and mentorship opportunities. These will ensure that our SMEs are not only efficient but globally competitive.”

“Thirdly, we must help our businesses meet international standards. The government will work closely with regulatory agencies such as the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority to streamline compliance processes and provide advisory services to SMEs.”

“Fourthly, the digital economy presents SMEs with unprecedented opportunities. We will expand digital infrastructure and training programs to ensure our SMEs can leverage e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and virtual trade expos to reach markets beyond our borders.”

The Minister emphasized that empowering and preparing SMEs for the global market also means encouraging partnerships.

“We need to connect our local entrepreneurs with international counterparts, donor agencies, and trade facilitators who can open doors to global supply chains.”

He assured that the region is committed to creating a business-friendly environment through policies that reduce bureaucracy, provide market access, and promote innovation.

“The Western Region has a strategic advantage—its proximity to ports, abundant resources, and industrious population—which we must fully leverage,” he stated.

In conclusion, he said, “I want to commend the Western Regional Chapter of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) for this initiative, and I urge all stakeholders—government, development partners, financial institutions, and individuals—to rally behind our SMEs.”

Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah

The Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah, has reminded members of the Chartered Insurance Ladies Association of Ghana (CILAG) to underwrite and practise insurance with integrity.

“The first duty as professional insurance ladies especially is to underwrite with integrity and not allow themselves to be cowered into doing unhealthy practices for negative things, lest they be remembered as weak professionals,”

She made this known during her address at the launch of CILAG’s 10th anniversary, held at the auditorium of the National Insurance Commission (NIC) in Accra on April 10, 2025.

The Acting Commissioner, who is also a founding member and the first President of CILAG, urged members to contribute to the sanitization of the insurance industry, one of the new strategic pillars in regulatory policy and to join in the conversation around market penetration.

She further encouraged them to be part of the broader success story of bringing Africa and the world to Ghana through insurance-focused discussions.

She added, “Women perform 60% of the world’s work and produce 50% of the food yet earn only 10% of the income. Whether the issue is poverty, improving education in the developing world, or fighting global climate change or addressing nearly any other challenge we face, empowering women is critical if we want to succeed. Women have abilities that are far beyond our thoughts and capabilities.”

Dr Zakariah urged the ladies to embrace current technological trends to become better versions of themselves as professionals.

Francisca Karikari, CEO of Glorygate Capital and an experienced figure in the insurance sector, served as chairperson for the event.

She commended the association’s leadership, under its President Nicholina Naa Yeye Aduamuah, for its efficiency and achievements.

These include the annual orphanage project, the establishment of an awards scheme for the best female student at the Ghana Insurance College (GIC), and the organisation of health and wellness webinars for members.

She also highlighted CILAG’s instrumental role in the formation of the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA).

Mrs. Karikari encouraged members to “continue attending events and participate in activities to network, learn and relearn to advance their careers.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, President of CILAG, Nicholina Naa Yeye Aduamuah, shared the association’s vision which aims to promote integrity and support among professional insurance women, encouraging their growth up the corporate ladder.

She emphasised that beyond personal development, CILAG also aims to uplift others through mentorship programmes.

Aduamuah also mentioned that while the association receives some financial support from industry players, raising funds for their projects remains one of their biggest challenges.

In congratulating the association on its 10th anniversary, Ms. Rebekah Ratliff, Vice-President of the North American Insurance Association (NAIA) and special guest at the event, expressed NAIA’s readiness to collaborate with CILAG and the broader Ghanaian insurance industry.

The event was also attended by patrons and executives of CILAG, the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Bernard Ohemeng Baah, the President of the Young Insurance Professionals, Lawrence Daniels, and the CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana, Elsy Adadey.

Other distinguished guests included Davis Iyasere, Secretary-General of the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA), Faris Atrikie, Managing Director of Priority Insurance, and CEOs of several insurance companies.

The event was anchored by Mawuli Zogbenu, Head of Public Relations at the NIC.

MA

The governor of Nigeria’s Borno state has warned that jihadist group Boko Haram is making a comeback after its fighters staged a series of attacks and seized control of some parts of the north-eastern state.

Babagana Zulum called for more military assistance for soldiers fighting the insurgency.

The Nigerian government has downplayed the governor’s fears, saying security in the country has improved in the last 18 months.

Borno state has been at the centre of a 15-year insurgency by Boko Haram, which has forced more than two million people to flee their homes and killed more than 40,000.

At the height of its insurgency in 2015, Boko Haram controlled huge areas in Borno state before being beaten back.

The militant group gained international notoriety in April 2014 when it kidnapped more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok, also in Borno state.

Following a relative lull, the militants have been targeting army bases, police stations and rural communities.

In January, an ambush by the Boko Haram breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), reportedly killed at least 20 Nigerian soldiers, while another attack in the same period left 40 farmers dead.

Governor Zulum said it was disheartening that the group now attacked and kidnapped people in many communities almost on a daily basis.

In a meeting with national security officials, he said that Borno State was “losing ground,” against the jihadists.

Security analysts say the concentration of soldiers in north-western Nigeria to deal with banditry and kidnappings has led to a reduction in the number of troops on the frontline with Boko Haram in Borno and other parts of the north-east.

The fight against the militants became even more challenging after neighbouring Niger withdrew its troops from a regional force set up to tackle the jihadist group.

Another analyst, Hamisu Sani, told the BBC that it wouldn’t be easy to defeat Boko Haram but it wasn’t impossible.

“No matter how our military weaken them, they can always regroup and will remain a threat,” he said.

“The solution would be to crush the fighters in their entirety – which is possible given the right support to our military.”

By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 10, GNA – The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has advocated the reform of Ghana’s trade policies to make it consistent with employment objectives.

The TUC in a comment of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government also noted that rather than a singular focus on inflation, the Bank of Ghana must deploy its financial and human resources to the fight against joblessness as well.

It said in the TUC’s submission to Government on the 2025 budget, it indicated that Ghana’s recurring economic challenges stemmed from a flawed macroeconomic framework that had been implemented since the mid-1980s.

It said in that framework; employment was treated as a residual outcome of economic growth and macroeconomic stability.

The TUC said this assumption had proven to be false given that in the last 40 years of positive economic growth, joblessness had increased, and employment had shifted to the informal sector.

“Good jobs have become harder to obtain.

While overprioritizing macro stability, the framework has resulted in recurring bouts of macroeconomic instability,” it stated.

“This is reflected in the persistence of the inflation problem in Ghana, high interest rates, subdued economic growth, and depreciating national currency.”

The TUC said the macroeconomic policy framework had led Ghanaians to hand over the natural resource sector – the most important sector of the Ghanaian economy – to foreign interest.

Adding that supported by a regime of massive and senseless fiscal giveaways, the framework effectively strips us of ownership of our gold and other natural resources.

It reiterated that other important elements of this flawed macroeconomic policy framework were the liberalisation of external trade and inflation-targeting.

The TUC said trade liberalisation had over-exposed domestic enterprises to unsustainable foreign competition and wiped out many of them.

It said inflation-targeting had produced one of the highest interest rates in Africa.

It intimated that as part of the 2025 budget process, the TUC had called for a reset and change of “…the failed macroeconomic policy framework”.

The TUC said their objective was for a new model of economic management that would lead to “faster economic growth” and accelerate the creation of decent employment.

“While the 2025 budget appears to recognise the need to “…reset our economic model…”, it nevertheless failed to lead the country away from the moribund macroeconomic policy framework.”

It said the 2025 budget remains within the same macroeconomic policy framework

as its predecessors; declaring that in a business-as-usual mode, 2025 sets target for inflation and growth but none for employment.

The TUC said it rests on the flawed assumption that once the nation tames inflation and the economy grows, good jobs would follow.

It said a major effect of the current macroeconomic policy framework was that it had constrained the growth potential of the economy in the past.

It underscored that sticking with the framework meant that the nation could only grow at four per cent in 2025.

It said in the last 40 years economic growth had averaged 5.5 per cent.

The TUC said countries that had transformed their economies in the last 40 years including China sustained double-digit growth for 30 years or more.

It said given population growth of over two per cent and that fact many of the growing sectors were in foreign hands, and subject to resource repatriation, four per cent growth was anemic growth.

Adding that it changes virtually nothing.

It said the resetting agenda must incorporate fundamental changes to the nation’s macroeconomic policy.

“We must grow faster than we have done in the last 40 years.”

The TUC said the policy framework must address the employment challenge and give hope to the youth; saying “We must end the colonial domination of our natural resource sector”.

GNA

GRB

Investors divert to BoG bills over decline in T-bills

Investors are quickly shifting their focus from Treasury bills to Bank of Ghana (BoG) bills, which are currently offering returns of approximately 28%.

This shift is being driven by a sharp decline in Treasury bill yields, resulting in a notable under-subscription in the government’s recent auction.

According to IC Insights, the 100-basis-point increase in the policy rate is expected to sustain demand for Open Market Operations (OMO) securities, further dampening interest in Treasury bills.

“However, the ongoing squeeze on public spending will ease the financing requirement and avert an upward reversal in T-bill rates, barring any foreign exchange shocks,” the report noted.

In the last auction, the government rejected GH¢2.37 billion worth of bids that exceeded its yield corridor, accepting only GH¢1.69 billion out of a targeted GH¢4.39 billion.

This partial uptake covered just 40% of the GH¢4.22 billion in maturing bills, highlighting tightening liquidity in the market.

As a result, Treasury bill yields declined week-on-week by 6 basis points, 23 basis points, and 1 basis point for the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors, settling at 15.65%, 16.50%, and 18.84%, respectively.

The significant bid rejections underscore a misalignment between investor yield expectations and the government’s yield targets, particularly as plans to reopen the bond market gain traction.

Looking ahead, the government aims to raise GH¢6.68 billion this week through the issuance of 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day bills to refinance GH¢6.43 billion in maturing obligations.

SP/MA

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The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has donated GH₵100,000 and 500 bags of cement to support traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at the Adum Bluelight Market in Kumasi.

The donation, made on Thursday, April 10, is aimed at helping the victims recover and rebuild their stalls after the fire destroyed the entire section of the market on Friday, March 21, 2025.

During his visit to the scene, Dr. Adutwum sympathized with the affected traders and urged them to remain hopeful despite the setback.

Speaking to the traders, he assured them of his continued support and encouraged them to stay strong for the sake of their families.

“God will come through for all those who have lost their only source of livelihood, especially those taking care of their wards. Keep being strong for your children, and they will make you proud in the future. We will also keep supporting you in the best way possible.

“I cannot come here empty-handed, so I’m supporting you with GH₵100,000. Additionally, I have 500 bags of cement for you as you work towards the rebuilding of the market,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Thursday led a delegation of operations, investigation, and intelligence officers to Bawku in the Upper East Region to assess the security situation and gather firsthand information on the ground.

A statement issued by the Police confirmed that the Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, managed to restore calm in Bawku after violence broke out on April 9.

“The Ghana Police Service, working with the Ghana Armed Forces, restored calm at Bawku yesterday following clashes involving local youth and the police,” the statement reads.

Sadly, one individual, Fuseini Iddrisu, lost his life in the unrest, and five others, one police officer and one immigration officer, suffered gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical care.

“One person identified as Fuseini Iddrisu, tragically lost his life during the incident. Five others, one police officer and one immigration officer, sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement continued.

The violence also caused considerable damage to police property, including two vehicles, a rented police accommodation in Binduri, and several officers’ homes.

“Some police property, including two vehicles and a rented police accommodation in Binduri, as well as the homes of some officers, were damaged,” it stated.

Following the incident, security in Bawku and the surrounding areas has been strengthened, with joint police and military patrols ongoing.

“Security has been increased in Bawku and surrounding communities, with joint police and military patrols continuing,” the statement noted.

While in Bawku, the IGP and his team will also visit the injured, express condolences to the family of the deceased, and offer support to officers who lost their property due to the violence.

The Ghana Police Service reassured the public that it will continue to collaborate with the Ghana Armed Forces, local chiefs, opinion leaders, and other key stakeholders to maintain peace, security, and law and order in Bawku.

“We assure the public that the Ghana Police Service will continue working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces, chiefs, opinion leaders, and all other stakeholders to ensure security, law, and order in Bawku,” the statement concluded.

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File photo of a cocoa farmer

Since its implementation in 2019, the Living Income Differential (LID), a joint initiative between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, was designed to provide cocoa farmers with an additional US$400 per ton of cocoa, aimed at addressing income inequality and improving their livelihoods.

However, the big question remains: How much of an impact has this initiative had on Ghanaian cocoa farmers?

In an interview with the Co-coordinator of the Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP), Obed Owusu-Addai raised serious concerns about the true benefits of the LID and the transparency surrounding its payment process.

He said the issue of LID payment has remained largely opaque.

Owusu-Addai emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into how the LID is being utilized and whhether the promised premium is actually reaching farmers.

“It is being charged, and we know that cocoa buyers are still paying the Living Income Differential of 400 US dollars per tonne. Maybe the question we should be asking journalists is, have you attempted to do an investigation on how the 400 US dollars is being utilised? Is it being given to the farmers? If not, why are they not giving it to the farmers? Those are the investigative works that we expect journalists to go behind the scenes to help us unravel,” he told GhanaWeb Business.

According to Owusu-Addai, the platform only hears that cocoa buyers are paying the additional US$400 per ton, but whether this amount is translating into actual income for farmers remains unclear.

“As a platform, we are only hearing that the buyers are paying. But whether or not it is translated into the pockets of farmers or included in the farmgate price, we have no data on it,” he concluded.

As the 2025/2026 cocoa season approaches, the debate over the real benefits of the LID for farmers is likely to intensify, with increasing calls for transparency and more actionable solutions to ensure a better future for Ghana’s cocoa-growing communities.

SP/MA

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The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has quashed claims that a new cocoa producer price has been released.

In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb Business, it stated that no crucial decision of such nature has been taken because the Board of Directors for COCOBOD has not yet been instituted.

COCOBOD called on the public to disregard news that the 2025/2026 cocoa producer price has been maintained at GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag.

“The reasons for the disregard are that there is no Board of Directors in place; hence such a crucial decision can never be taken. There should be in place a committee named the Producer Price Review Committee, which is also yet to be formed,” part of the release read.

Currently, the producer price is set at GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag, marking a marginal increase of 0.03% compared to the previous rate announced in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.

The adjustment, which equates to GH¢49,600 per tonne, aims to align cocoa prices with prevailing market conditions and provide much-needed support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

Read the press release below:

SA/MA

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The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, together with security personnel and the Municipal Chief Executive for Weija-Gbawe, are touring Ramsar sites in the capital to monitor a demolition exercise set to start today, Thursday, April 10.

The operation follows President John Mahama’s recent tour of Ramsar reserves and flood-prone areas in Accra, during which he ordered that all buildings on protected lands and waterways would be cleared.

The Greater Accra regional minister is unhappy that no work has started on the first Ramsar site she visited. Although no structure had been put up yet, the site had been filled and leveled with rocks ready for construction.

The company, which was found to have done that, is Kaitec, owned by a Chinese national. They sell car parts and home appliances. They’ve been summoned to the court.

One of the caterpillar operators who was hired to fill some part of the Dansoman Ramsar site was instructed by soldiers to demolish the structures there.

He tried running away upon seeing the security personnel and journalists at the site. The soldiers who saw him quickly pursued him. He was then instructed to pull down the structures.

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