CHONGQING/NAIROBI, June 24 (Xinhua/GNA) — After dropping off a passenger, Rwandan motorcycle taxi driver Emmanuel Nsabimana quickly picks up his next ride. A year ago, he bought a Chinese-brand motorcycle, which has since become a reliable partner in his daily work.

“It is durable and comfortable. Passengers love it,” Emmanuel said with a smile.

In many African cities, such as Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, motorcycles have become a popular mode of transport due to their flexibility, convenience and affordability. They not only serve as private vehicles but also play a key role in public transit, especially in congested urban areas.

As China-Africa cooperation deepens, Chinese motorcycles are drawing widespread traction across the continent. In Kigali, Rwanda, customers browse a showroom filled with models from Haojin Motorcycle. In Lagos, Nigeria, Chinese-manufactured Zonsen motorcycles have gained wide popularity among local riders.

A large share of these vehicles comes from Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, a global hub for motorcycle production. According to customs authorities in Chongqing, the city exported over five million motorcycles in 2024, valued at 20.45 billion yuan (2.86 billion U.S. dollars), marking year-on-year increases of 22 percent in volume and 25.9 percent in value.

“In the first quarter of this year alone, we exported over 130,000 motorcycles worth nearly 90 million dollars,” said Zhou Chun, international department manager at Zonsen Motorcycle. “Africa is one of our most important overseas markets.”

Wang Jiang, executive secretary-general of the China-Africa Business Council, said that Africa’s accelerating industrialization and growing consumer demand are turning the automotive and motorcycle sectors into pillars of China-Africa production capacity cooperation.

“There is immense potential for collaboration,” Wang said. “Africa has the world’s youngest labor force and rising urbanization demand, while China brings mature technology, manufacturing experience, and a strong industrial supply chain in areas like motorcycles and new energy vehicles.”

During the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade held in May, firms from Nigeria, Rwanda and Kenya signed agreements worth 1.65 billion yuan with Chongqing enterprises. The deals covered motorcycle and automobile assembly as well as spare parts production.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency, Africa’s electric vehicle market has experienced rapid growth in recent years. With expertise in both motorcycle and battery production, Chinese companies are playing a critical role in making electric motorcycles more accessible through affordable and reliable products.

“China serves as an inspiration for many African firms in the electric mobility sector,” said Janos Bisasso, chief operating officer of Gogo Electric, a leading electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The company imports lithium-ion batteries from China and assembles electric motorcycles tailored for the local market.

“We are closely monitoring the growth of the electric motorcycle market here and look forward to exploring it together with our African partners,” said Wu Jun, Zonsen Motorcycle’s sales manager for Africa.
GNA

Cocoa and gold are key export commodities for Ghana

An Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has stated that Ghana is still heavily reliant on the same exports it has depended on since independence.

He noted that more than 70% of the country’s export earnings continue to come from primary commodities, a situation that limits Ghana’s ability to fully benefit from its abundant natural resources.

According to him, this dependency reduces Ghana’s chances of gaining from manufacturing and secondary exports.

“Since independence, more than 70% of our export earnings have consistently been driven by primary commodities. We are still talking about the same percentage now, and when we say we’ve done well, it’s essentially more of the same. So how do you talk about resilience?” he questioned, as quoted by myjoyonline.com.

Professor Bokpin added that Ghana could have earned far more from the current global gains in gold and oil if these had been processed and exported as secondary products.

“The economy appears resilient now only because the negative events we’re seeing disproportionately benefit gold, and we’re getting some gains from that. But what if the crises had come from a slump in commodity prices? What would have happened to us?” he asked.

He emphasised the need for economic diversification to enable Ghana to fully maximise its export potential.

“Over the years, in fact, decades, we have not really structurally transformed this economy. We haven’t diversified it,” he stressed.

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Suspended Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has declared that she will not resign despite ongoing removal proceedings, which she described as unconstitutional and fundamentally flawed.

Speaking in a public address on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Justice Torkornoo dismissed suggestions that stepping down would be the most prudent course of action, insisting that doing so would legitimise what she views as a dangerous abuse of the Constitution.

“Resigning or retiring during Article 146 proceedings is not an option for any judge or public official,” she said.

She argued that such a move would compromise the independence of the judiciary and embolden unlawful efforts to remove constitutionally protected officeholders.

“If I resign under these circumstances, I would be endorsing this flawed, opaque, and unlawful process. It is not acceptable,” she stated.

Justice Torkornoo also revealed that she had come under considerable pressure from both personal and external sources, including threats and veiled warnings, urging her to step down.

“I have heard from loved ones, concerned individuals, and others… Many suggest that, since these proceedings appear orchestrated to result in my removal as Chief Justice, I should retire or resign rather than endure an ill-motivated process,” she noted.

“I have also received threats and veiled warnings that, if I do not resign or retire voluntarily, I will suffer harm.”

She made it clear that her decision to remain in office was not motivated by a desire to cling to power, but rather by a duty to uphold judicial independence and defend the constitutional order.

“I am not clinging to a title or position. If I resign, I would be subjecting myself to two injustices: a judgment based on false claims, and the loss of earned entitlements,” she explained.

Justice Torkornoo warned that allowing her removal to proceed unchallenged would set a dangerous precedent for all judges and constitutional officeholders protected under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

“Behind me stands every judge in the country. Behind me stand every commissioner or head of an independent constitutional body. If this process succeeds, it could be used against anyone,” she cautioned.

She cited a Supreme Court decision (J6/02/2019), which held that public officials subject to Article 146 investigations cannot abandon proceedings midway.

“No one can walk away from proceedings initiated by the state, as judgment can be entered against you for failing to defend yourself,” she said.

The removal process was triggered by petitions submitted to the President, leading to the formation of a committee in accordance with Article 146. Justice Torkornoo, however, stated that the process has lacked transparency and has been marred by intimidation.

“The situation I face has exposed a model of injustice I would never have thought possible had I not experienced it,” she said.

“It may be that these efforts are designed to frustrate me into resigning… As Chief Justice… I cannot flee when I know the implications of not defending false and unwarranted charges.”

Justice Torkornoo concluded that her decision to stay and fight the proceedings is not for personal gain, but to defend the credibility of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

“If the nation is willing to accept these developments… it must be understood that I sounded a warning, and the nation chose to remain passive,” she stated.

By Gifty Amofa

Accra, June 25, GNA – The Amasaman Circuit Court has fined two fish mongers, Lady Ayawah and Faustina Kattah, 100 penalty units each, equivalent to GH¢1,200.00, for dishonestly receiving stolen tilapia, valued at GH¢100,000.00. 

The two women pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea. 

Their respective lawyers pleaded for mitigation before the court handed down the fines. 

The court is presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court Judge with additional responsibilities at the Circuit Court. 

Felix Banini, a fisherman alleged to have stolen the fish, is currently on the run and a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Presenting the case, Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah told the court that the complainant, Mr Joseph Alobuia, is a commercial tilapia farmer with fish cages on a section of the Densu River at Joma in the Ga Central Municipality. 

Banini, along with Ayawah and Kattah, were residents of Ablekuma-Agape Down and were known as fishermen and fish mongers. 

According to Chief Inspector Awuah-Ansah, on May 25, 2025, at around 0100 hours, Banini took his canoe to the Densu River at Joma and stole a quantity of fish from Mr Alobuia’s cages. 

The next day, Mr Alobuia discovered the theft, estimating the value of the stolen tilapia at GH¢100,000.00. He returned home and began a search for the perpetrators. 

During his search, he identified some of his stolen tilapia in the possession of Lady Ayawah and confronted her. 

Lady Ayawah, prosecution said; “in the process mentioned Banini as the person who sold same to her during the previous night.” 

On June 2, 2025, with the help of other fishermen in Agape Down, Mr Alobuia apprehended Banini and handed him over to the police.  

Banini admitted to the theft in his caution statement, stating that he sold GH¢850.00 worth of tilapia to Lady Ayawah and another GH¢1,200.00 worth to Faustina Kattah. 

Both Ayawah and Kattah admitted the offence during police investigations and were subsequently charged and brought before the court. 

Banini, however, failed to appear in court and currently being sought by police, prosecution said. 

GNA 

Agnes Boye-Doe 

Professor Bokpin criticises Ghana’s economic framework on primary commodities

Professor Godfred Bokpin, a distinguished economist and finance professor at the University of Ghana, has strongly criticised the country’s economic framework, pinpointing its overwhelming reliance on primary commodities.

At the Joy Business Economic Forum, he disclosed that Ghana’s export earnings remain heavily skewed towards unprocessed commodities, with gold, cocoa, and crude oil accounting for over 70%, a pattern remarkably consistent since 1957.

“Since independence, the sustainability of our economy is still based on primary commodities,” he said.

He noted that the country’s over-reliance on primary commodities is a major impediment to sustainable growth and development.

He asserted that Ghana’s economy is not resilient, suggesting that short-term gains are largely driven by global factors rather than meaningful changes within the domestic economy.

He mentioned the economy’s high exposure to external shocks and underscored the pressing necessity for diversification to ensure long-term stability and growth

DR/MA

Meanwhile, watch as victims of the June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:

President John Dramani Mahama and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates (Left)

Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warmly welcomed Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama during a high-level meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

The two leaders engaged in meaningful discussions focused on global development, healthcare, and strategies to promote equitable growth across Africa.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Global Summit on GAVI Vaccine Replenishment, where President Mahama is participating as both an advocate and ambassador.

The summit seeks to mobilise support for vaccine replenishment efforts to immunise children globally and protect lives from preventable diseases.

In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, it was announced that President Mahama’s visit to Brussels includes key engagements with major global leaders, including the President of the European Union Council of Ministers and Bill Gates.

The discussions between President Mahama and Bill Gates are expected to emphasise shared interests in strengthening public health systems, expanding access to education, and fostering sustainable development throughout the African continent.

President Mahama, who has long been recognised for his leadership and advocacy on development issues, expressed his gratitude for Bill Gates’ sustained commitment to health and education initiatives in Africa.

Both parties are expected to reaffirm their shared dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges, particularly improving healthcare access and supporting global vaccination campaigns.

See the images shared by the Presidency below:

MA

BudgIT Ghana, in partnership with the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and the Society for Women in Taxation (SWIT) Ghana, is set to unveil a landmark research report that probes into the tax compliance behaviours of informal sector workers in the Greater Accra Region.

The report, titled “Ghana’s Untapped Economy: Analysis of Tax Compliance Behaviour of Informal Sector Workers in the Greater Accra Region,” will be launched on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The Signature in Shiashie, Accra.

The event is expected to bring together stakeholders from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Finance, local government authorities (MMDAs), development partners, academia, civil society, and representatives of the informal sector.

Despite accounting for over 70% of Ghana’s workforce, the informal sector contributes less than 2% to national tax revenue, according to figures from the GRA — a disparity the report describes as indicative of deep systemic issues.

The research, conducted using a mixed-methods approach, highlights several challenges facing the sector, including:

* Limited understanding of tax obligations and rights
* A culture of enforcement rooted more in fear than in civic responsibility
* Gender disparities in compliance and tax administration
* Widespread mistrust in public financial management and government accountability

According to the report, these factors have created a disconnect between tax policy and the day-to-day realities of informal sector workers — a gap that must be closed to achieve a fairer and more inclusive tax system.

Jennifer Moffatt, Country Manager for BudgIT Ghana, described the report as “a call to action for evidence-based reform that acknowledges the crucial role of the informal economy in Ghana’s development.”

“The informal sector is not invisible. It is vibrant, resilient, and central to Ghana’s economic life.

“Our research offers actionable recommendations to policymakers on how to build trust, improve compliance, and create a tax system that truly reflects the realities of all Ghanaians,” she said.

The launch will include panel discussions, data presentations, and dialogue among government officials, civil society leaders, and informal sector representatives. Organisers hope the event will serve as a catalyst for policy reforms that support fiscal justice and promote shared responsibility in national development.

BudgIT Ghana is a civic technology organisation that uses data storytelling and digital innovation to simplify public finance and encourage active citizenship. This new report underscores its commitment to driving transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Ghana.

Read the IBP report launch press release here

Read also

Kojo Akoto Boateng, co-host of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, has bemoaned the lack of unity and strategic planning within Ghana’s creative sector, attributing much of its stagnation to individualism and short-term political interests.

Speaking on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio, Kojo observed that the sector’s most noticeable activity often aligns with election seasons, where personal political alignment takes precedence over long-term development.

“What I’ve noticed about the showbiz space is that we get active during elections and people largely follow their stomachs and we are so divided,” he said, comparing the fragmented approach of creative industry players to that of stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who he believes are more concerned with collective welfare than political affiliation.

His comments came as the United Kingdom announced a £30 million investment package for its music and wider creative industries, forming part of a broader 10-year strategy aimed at unlocking economic growth, nurturing talent and supporting innovation across sectors like fashion, film, gaming, and design. The plan is expected to generate an additional one million jobs and boost the UK economy by £50 billion by 2030.

By contrast, Ghana’s creative industry continues to battle with structural issues such as inadequate funding, weak policy implementation, and limited infrastructure. Despite its wealth of talent, the country has no clear long-term development blueprint for its cultural and creative economy. Attempts to support the sector have often been piecemeal, politicised or short-lived.

Stakeholders have frequently lamented the lack of a national creative fund, minimal training opportunities, poor enforcement of intellectual property laws, and the absence of platforms that allow local talent to scale globally. Major government-led initiatives are rare, and private sector partnerships remain underdeveloped due to high risk and limited incentives.

Kojo Akoto Boateng’s remarks reflect growing frustration among industry insiders who feel the sector is being neglected despite its potential to contribute significantly to national development. He called for creatives to rise above partisanship and work towards a united front that prioritises institutional development, policy engagement and long-term advocacy.

As countries like the UK invest heavily in their creative economies, many believe Ghana risks falling further behind if deliberate action is not taken to professionalise and support its own cultural sectors.

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.

Solomon Adjetey is the Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition

Ghana has reaffirmed its strong support for regional energy integration efforts, as stakeholders gathered in Accra for a high-level meeting on the future of West Africa’s power integration.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition at WAPP 330kV Double Circuit Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Interconnection Reinforcement Project in Accra, the Chief Director at the ministry, Solomon Adjetey stressed the importance of the project to fostering sustainable energy development in Ghana.

According to him, Ghana’s energy sector has lagged for the last decade, with the country now experiencing an average output in terms of electricity generation.

“We are truly delighted to host you today as we take a decisive step forward in our shared vision for regional energy integration. This study represents the outcome of rigorous analysis and collective technical effort. Its findings will shape our decisions as we move toward realising this critical infrastructure,” he stated.

The study, developed through months of technical collaboration, is expected to guide the next steps toward implementation of the project seen as a cornerstone for future regional energy trade.

Adjetey further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully support the functioning of the framework and execution of the project to boost Ghana’s energy generation mix.

“This framework will not only facilitate the implementation of the project but also ensure that our collaboration is grounded in mutual trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. As the host institution, I wish to reaffirm the full availability and commitment of the Hon. Minister to actively support the functioning of this cooperation framework. We are ready to contribute our expertise, resources, and institutional support to ensure the timely and successful execution of this project,” he added.

SP/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

play videoWillow Lane is designed for retirees, elderly homeowners, and multi-generational families

An innovative housing development, Willow Lane, spearheaded by Waylead Properties, is set to redefine residential living for Ghana’s aging population by prioritising accessibility, dignity, and long-term comfort.

Located in a serene and secure enclave at Lashibi, Willow Lane is purposefully designed for retirees, elderly homeowners, and multi-generational families seeking age-friendly living options.

The development features modern two-storey, four-bedroom townhouses equipped with private elevators that provide direct access to the master bedroom, a first of its kind in Ghana’s residential real estate market.

Managing Director of Waylead Properties, Keegan Wang speaking with GhanaWeb Business on June 21, 2025, said the project was inspired by the evolving needs of homeowners, particularly the elderly, who require comfort without compromising on independence or luxury.

“We are building for people who value convenience and dignity, especially in their golden years,” Wang said.

“At Waylead, we listen closely to our clients. One thing that kept coming up was the difficulty elderly people face climbing stairs to access their master bedrooms. That’s why every Willow Lane townhouse comes with a built-in elevator that goes straight to the master suite,” he added.

Wang emphasised that Willow Lane is not just a housing project, but a lifestyle shift, one that blends thoughtful architecture with compassionate design.

“This is more than a home. It’s a safe, elegant space where elderly residents can live with confidence and families can plan for a future of comfort,” he added.

Each unit also offers customizable design options tailored to residents’ needs, such as mobility-friendly bathrooms, emergency response systems, and non-slip flooring.

The development includes landscaped gardens, walking trails, and community recreation spaces, all designed to foster wellness and a sense of belonging.

DR/MA

The African Editors Forum (TAEF) has condemned unreservedly the directive issued by Kenya authorities to TV stations not to give live coverage to the country’s Gen-Z protestors.

In a statement issued by the continental group of editors and signed by its President, Churchill Otieno, and copied to Ghana Business News, TAEF strongly condemns the directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) instructing television broadcasters to cease live coverage of the ongoing Gen-Z demonstrations.

The CA has issued a directive ordering TV and radio stations to desist from doing live coverage of the protests happening today, June 25, 2025, failing which regulatory action would be taken against them. 

“This move represents a serious affront to media freedom, the public’s right to information, and the constitutional guarantees that underpin Kenya’s democracy,” the statement said.

TAEF states that live broadcasting is a legitimate journalistic practice that allows citizens to witness events as they unfold, fostering transparency and enabling accountability. By attempting to silence live coverage, the CA undermines not only the independence of the media but also the democratic right of Kenyans, especially young people, to express themselves and be heard.

“We are particularly concerned that this directive comes at a time when trust between citizens and institutions is strained. In an age of synthetic reality, deepfakes, and digitally manipulated narratives, a news blackout is dangerously counterproductive. When mainstream media is gagged, misinformation and conspiracy theories thrive. Authorities must not create conditions that hamper information integrity by driving citizens to rely solely on unverified, and often misleading, sources of information,” the statement added.

TAEF urges that instead of suppressing coverage, authorities should focus on ensuring that law enforcement upholds the rights of protesters and respects the freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution, including the freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceful assembly.

The organization further expressed solidarity with Kenyan journalists and media houses committed to telling the story of this pivotal moment with professionalism, accuracy, and courage, urging the Communications Authority to immediately rescind this directive and reaffirm its commitment to media independence and constitutional order.

“We further call on all regulatory agencies to act within the confines of the law, uphold international standards on freedom of expression, and engage constructively with the media sector rather than resorting to censorship.

The future of democracy in Africa, and indeed the legitimacy of public institutions, depends on an informed citizenry, not on the concealment of public dissent..

Journalism is not a crime. It is a vital pillar of democracy and public accountability. The safety, independence, and dignity of journalists must be upheld at all times,” TAEF said.

By Peter Mensah

Former Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng, has asserted that post-2024 political developments within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) now strongly favour former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, over former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s race for the 2028 flagbearer slot.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 24, Mr Obeng acknowledged that the 2024 presidential election, in which Dr Bawumia led the NPP, initially gave the former Vice President a compelling edge. However, he believes internal dynamics have since shifted.

“Election 2024 made a stronger case for Dr Alhaji Bawumia,” Obeng noted. “But post-election 2024, the party base and elections that are ahead of us, in my considered view, are making a much, much stronger case for Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.”

His comments come at a time when the NPP is witnessing intense early jockeying ahead of its January 2026 presidential primary. Several prominent figures, including Dr Bawumia, Mr Agyapong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Dr Bryan Acheampong, are all positioning themselves as viable successors to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

In recent months, Dr Bawumia has received high-profile endorsements from groups such as the Forum of Former MMDCEs and a coalition of 60 sitting Members of Parliament.

These endorsements have bolstered his image as the frontrunner. However, Kennedy Agyapong also commands a significant following at the grassroots level and remains popular among party loyalists who view him as an outspoken and independent-minded alternative.

The party’s leadership has cautioned against open endorsements, with National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) recently criticising such public declarations as divisive and counterproductive.

The NPP has since summoned all flagbearer aspirants to a crucial meeting on July 3 to reinforce internal cohesion ahead of the primary.

Rocky Obeng’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment that the race remains open, with both internal party dynamics and public sentiment continuing to evolve.

As the NPP gears up for a pivotal decision on its future leadership, aspirants are intensifying engagement, building strategic alliances, and deepening their presence within the party’s rank and file.

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.