Accra, May 02,GNA-The Communication Workers Union Division of the Ghana News Agency has encouraged President John Mahama to pursue a living wage agenda.

The Union said although, petty corruption and immortality anywhere cannot be justified, financial difficulties and hunger push many into the jaws of despondency and corrupt practices.

The Union’s message, under the hand of Mr Samuel Osei-Frempong, Chairman, was in commemoration of May Day.

“A man’s dignity is well attained or realized when the anxieties of life, particularly when he has no idea about where the next meal is coming from, is barely minimized. We can have a living wage if we put our heads together. Many nations have achieved this feat and we can do same. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

The statement asked government to urgently work to reduce food inflation because it “eats away all the meagre resources of Ghanaian workers in Urban areas. Even places like Sunyani and Tamale, which used to be low on food prices, have changed dramatically over the years.”

It suggested to government to open up the Western and Eastern corridors where foodstuffs normally get stuck at the farm gate.

We should be serious about the construction and maintenance of feeder roads because it is one of the pillars of a viable rural economy which feeds into other sectors of the economy.

It also asked government to revitalise cooperatives and get farmers into it so that they would be able to negotiate for fair prices for their produce and by so doing, make farming a profitable venture.

It called on all workers to unite against impunity and unfair labour practices at the workplace which have trumaticed many.

“But don’t let us also forget to work hard as we pursue our legitimate share of the kitty”

It appealed to Unionized Labour leadership to forge a path of unity by avoiding deeds or words, especially partisan politics, that will bring about division and conflict.

“Our pre-occupation is the welfare of workers and the fight against existential threats to our beautiful nation and her people,” the statement said.

GNA

SOF

An agreement to increase the scholarship quota for Ghanaian students in AI, robotics and engineering; commitment to working on a direct flight from Accra to Algiers; commencement of a strategic oil and gas partnership; consolidation of security cooperation and intelligence sharing and reviving the Joint Economic Cooperation.

These are some of the recent deals signed between Ghana and Algeria, as announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

In addition to these pacts, Ghana and Algeria have also signed a visa waiver agreement.

Mr Ablakwa announced these on his X page on Thursday, May 1.

He indicated that Ghana and Algeria have a shared history and historic bonds of solidarity which cannot be broken.

It is always worth remembering that the first time the Algerian flag and Algerian anthem were outdoored outside Algeria in the early 1960s was in Ghana, he said.

“Yesterday, I honoured a special brotherly invitation from the President and Foreign Minister of Algeria. It has been an exceedingly successful official visit to Algiers.

“We signed a visa waiver agreement; agreed to increase the scholarship quota for Ghanaian students in AI, robotics and engineering; committed to working on a direct flight from Accra to Algiers; commencing a strategic oil and gas partnership; consolidating security cooperation and intelligence sharing and reviving our Joint Economic Cooperation.”

“I convey heartfelt gratitude to President H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and my brother, Foreign Minister H.E. Ahmed Attaf for their exceptionally warm hospitality and genuine friendship,” the Min sister added.

Mobile Money Limited has disclosed the company’s plan to work closely with law enforcement agencies to roll out safety education for mobile money agents, following a disturbing surge in violent attacks against vendors across the country.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, May 2, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of Mobile Money Limited, Godwin Tamakloe, announced that plans are underway to train agents on how to respond during robbery attempts and other security threats.

“Industry under the law enforcement agency have had series of discussion as to how best we can leverage on the work of our law enforcement to support and give some protective tips on what one can do in case you are being attacked here and there, because those protective works sit within the confines of our law enforcement agencies,” Tamakloe stated.

He stressed the importance of educating agents, who often operate in vulnerable locations and face increasing risks in their line of duty. He affirmed the company’s commitment to pursuing it with urgency.

“The agents have played a very key role in the success of this service. They bring the service closer to the customers to satisfy them. It is worrying to see some of the agents being attacked in that way,” he added.

The move comes after several high-profile attacks on mobile money vendors, particularly in the Ashanti Region.

Among the most notable incidents, 33-year-old vendor Augustine Mensah was shot and killed at Manso-Asamang in the Amansie West District on February 27, 2025. Reports revealed that he was attacked after attending to a customer late at night.

Earlier that month, Patricia Nimako was shot at her shop in Krofrom, and on March 10, Gideon Owusu Sarpong, known as Junior, was murdered in his home at Kwadaso during a robbery.

These incidents have triggered growing fear among mobile money operators and renewed calls for better protection.

“We are not only looking at it from the Mobile Money or the MTN perspective, but industry as a whole and how best the police can also support us in protecting these people,” Tamakloe noted.

MoMo Fraud: Our staff can’t access your PIN – Godwin Tamakloe

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reassured the business community that his administration will not resort to increasing taxes as a solution to Ghana’s financial challenges.

Speaking to business leaders during a post-event reflection on the Kwahu Business Forum, Mahama emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency in taxation to encourage compliance and support economic growth.

“I noticed that when the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was introduced, everyone applauded, you applauded the GRA.

The GRA is your friend. I can assure you they are your friend, and they will become even more business-friendly,” he said, highlighting the need for a cooperative relationship between the tax authority and the private sector.

Mahama criticized the idea of imposing more taxes, calling it counterproductive. “I believe the solution to our situation is not to pile on more taxes.

The solution is to make taxes more transparent and fair to encourage greater compliance. If you keep adding more taxes, people will inevitably find ways to avoid them,” he explained.

He cited the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) introduced by the previous government as a cautionary example.

“That was the same argument we made against the previous government’s introduction of the E-Levy. We warned that people would find ways to avoid paying it — and they did.

Instead of addressing the financial challenges as promised, people simply withdrew funds from their digital wallets and reverted to using cash to sidestep the new levy,” Mahama said.

An in-camera consequential trial meeting sanctioned by His Lordship John Eugene Nyadu Nyante, the trial judge in the criminal case involving the former head of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, is expected to take place at the General jurisdiction division of the Accra High Court today.

Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine and lead lawyer for the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Ataa Akyea, are expected to join the judge at the meeting.

A consequential trial refers to a trial, or part of a trial, which addresses issues arising after a judgment has been rendered. These issues typically involve the practical steps needed to implement or enforce the original judgment, such as determining costs, permissions to appeal, or other actions related to the main outcome of the case.

The Attorney General, who prayed the court on Wednesday evening to curtail Mr Adu-Boahene’s current court bail because surveillance shows the accused person attempted to interfere with potential witnesses in the criminal trial, is expected to make further disclosures at the meeting.

The trial judge is expected to make a determination on whether or not to remand Mr Adu-Boahene into prison custody or otherwise, based on the strength of the evidence Dr Ayine will disclose at the scheduled in-camera meeting.

Adu-Boahene, his wife, one other, and their company have been slapped with eleven charges, including stealing, money laundering, and woefully causing financial loss to the state.

Read Also: Breakdown of charges in GH¢49m cybersecurity scandal against Adu-Boahene

The accused persons have also been charged with the offences of using public office for profit, conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit money laundering. They have all pleaded not guilty to the eleven charges.

Mr Adu-Boahene is alleged to have masterminded the crimes during his tenure as Director General of the National Signals Bureau when he signed a fraudulent cybersecurity contract with ISC Holdings Limited, an Israeli technology firm.

Read Also: Adu-Boahene, wife & 2 others formally charged over alleged $7m corruption scandal

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UK-based research firm, Fitch Solutions

Fitch Solutions has maintained its growth projection that Ghana’s economy will expand by 4.2% in 2025.

This estimate slightly exceeds the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 4% and the World Bank’s projection of 3.9%.

The UK-based research firm attributes its outlook to historically high gold prices, which are expected to cushion the Ghanaian economy against a global slowdown triggered by rising tariffs.

Higher gold prices are anticipated to strengthen government revenue, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and help sustain currency stability.

The report also highlights that Ghana is relatively less vulnerable to increasing trade restrictions from the United States, given that its primary exports: gold and crude oil, are not directly affected by the tariffs introduced by President Trump’s administration.

Moreover, the US constitutes only about 4% to 5% of Ghana’s total exports.

In contrast, Ghana’s trade relations are more heavily oriented toward China and European countries, particularly Switzerland and the Netherlands.

SP/AE

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Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters

The Bank of Ghana has raised GH¢3.34 billion through the issuance of short-term BoG Bills, as part of its liquidity management strategy under Open Market Operations.

The auction, conducted on Thursday, April 30, 2025, saw the central bank issue 56-day bills at a yield of 27.9 per cent, slightly below the prevailing monetary policy rate of 28 per cent.

The BoG did not disclose the volume of bids submitted nor the targeted offer size, maintaining its pattern of withholding full auction details.

Market participants, however, interpret the success of the sale as a sign of continued confidence in short-term cedi-denominated instruments, despite prevailing inflationary pressures and ongoing fiscal consolidation.

The issuance forms part of the BoG’s broader Open Market Operations framework, through which it seeks to mop up excess liquidity in the banking sector, temper inflation expectations, and align short-term interest rates with its policy objectives.

The interest rate on the bills, while below the policy rate, remains a crucial benchmark for short-term market rates and interbank activity.

SP/AE

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Ghana’s horticultural sector is steadily transforming into one of the engines of economic development, food security, and export diversification. As global demand for fresh and processed horticultural products continues to rise, Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading player in the Global horticulture market. 

This vibrant sector-spanning fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs among others, is not only enhancing livelihoods but playing a central role in achieving the government’s vision of a 24-hour economy.

The agricultural sector accounts for about 20% of Ghana’s GDP, with horticulture making up an increasing share due to strong global and domestic demand. According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the non-traditional exports sector driven largely by horticulture, generated USD 3.8 billion in 2023, with key crops like mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, and chili peppers contributing significantly.

More importantly, horticulture is a key job creator. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture estimates that over 1.5 million Ghanaians are directly employed in horticultural value chains, with women comprising more than 52% of the workforce. From smallholder farmers to packhouse workers, the sector empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth.

The government’s drive toward a 24- hour economy, announced in the 2025 budget statement, seeks to harness continuous productivity across strategic sectors, agriculture being one of them. 

The horticultural sector offers immense opportunities under this framework. With modern packhouses, cold chain logistics, irrigation systems, and agro-processing facilities operating in shifts, horticulture is perfectly suited to function beyond daylight hours. Beyond economic metrics, the real story of Ghana’s horticultural success lies in its ability to empower people.

According to the African Development Bank, women-led agribusinesses across Africa have the potential to increase agricultural output by up to 30 per cent, and Ghana is no exception. Strategic support, youth-led start-ups in greenhouse farming, fruit processing, and digital agri-tech continues to open new path for wealth creation and continuous development.

The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davies Narh Korboe underscores the critical role of horticulture beyond the export numbers. “Horticulture is not just about growing fruits and vegetables; it’s a game-changer in our quest to empower rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilient communities,” he says. “We must support it with infrastructure, innovation and policy commitment.”

Korboe further noted that the upcoming Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 scheduled for June 11-13, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre will be a landmark event to spotlight these opportunities.

Ghana’s horticultural sector is more than a source of fruits and vegetables-it is a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience. As the nation leans into the 24-hour economy vision, horticulture stands ready to deliver prosperity around the clock.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, Onasis Rosely

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Technical and Operations at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Onasis Rosely, has reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement as it spearheads the development of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project.

Delivering his closing remarks at the maiden PHDC Inter-Agency Dialogue in Accra on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Rosely emphasized that under the leadership of CEO Dr Toni Aubynn, the PHDC is determined to build a project anchored on openness, accountability, and meaningful participation.

“Transparency and collaboration are not optional, they are essential…The PHDC recognizes the pivotal role that government agencies, civil society, and especially local communities in the project-affected areas play in shaping the success of this transformative initiative,” he said.

Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Rosely remarked that, “Today has been one of meaningful dialogue, candid conversations, and shared insights — essential ingredients for building a Petroleum Hub that is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.”

He assured participants that their voices matter, stating, “We do not take your contributions for granted. This project will only succeed if those it is intended to benefit—landowners, community members, traditional leaders, businesses, civil society, and government actors are actively involved at every stage.”

Rosely further pledged to incorporate the feedback received into PHDC’s planning and implementation processes.

“We’ve heard your concerns and take them seriously. We are committed to maintaining consistent, transparent engagement that fosters trust,” he noted.

He also expressed appreciation to partner institutions, singling out the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and its CEO, Edudzi Tamekloe, for their steadfast support.

“We owe immense gratitude to our key partner, the NPA. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental to our progress, and we look forward to deepening this collaboration,” he said.

Onasis Rosely acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) and the Petroleum Commission as well, expressing hope for even stronger partnerships ahead.

He called on all stakeholders to work together to turn the Petroleum Hub vision into reality.

SA

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaian workers that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will not be privitised.

He said the Company had been brought to its knees by a culture of poor governance over the last eight years under the previous government, with debt of GH¢68 billion and rising.

“If we do not do something drastic, whole power sector will collapse. We can only bring down power tariffs if we improve efficiency in the distribution of power. Let me assure you that it is not my intention to privatize the ECG as an institution,” President Mahama said in his May Day address to the nation at the Blackstar Square in Accra.

“Our attention is more a public private collaboration to inject efficiency into our downstream electricity distribution system. Now I say, it will not be the first time, it has been done before.”

President Mahama said during his first tenure as President, in the Free Zones Enclave, a private company, Enclave Power was given the rights of metering and billing in the Free Zones, while ECG was paid for the bulk supply of power it provided to the Company.

He said till today, Enclave Power still paid the ECG monthly on time for every power supplied to them for distribution to consumers.

He said Enclave Power’s billing and collection of tariffs in the Free Zones Enclave was 99 per cent of revenue it collected.

“This is an existing example and I am sure that we can make our electricity distribution more efficient through public private partnership,” the President said.

“But I can assure you and read my lips for emphasis, Electricity Company as an institution will not be privatized.”

President Mahama assured all Ghanaian workers that government appreciated their contributions, and would ensure the realisation of their dreams.

“Let’s leave this May Day not only with hope in our work but with purpose in our hearts. Let’s move forward as one people, workers and government, unions and employers, public and private, united in our mission to build the Ghana that we want, our efforts to protect our people and inspire the next generation,” the President said.

“The work ahead is great but so is the strength of the Ghanaian worker. And with that strength, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

On his part, Mr Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on behalf of Organized Labour, congratulated President Mahama on massive electoral victory and spectacular comeback; saying “It is a clear testament of the overwhelming confidence the Ghanaian people have in you and your party.”

He said this year’s May Day theme, “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders,” spoke directly to the critical moment being faced as a nation and as workers.

He noted that it was a call for transformation — not only in how they value labour, but also in how they shape the future of work, wages, and welfare of the Ghanaian worker.

“We are confident in your commitment to social dialogue and inclusive governance. We trust that under your leadership, the labour front will see renewed attention and thoughtful reforms that reflect the spirit of fairness and social justice,” Mr Ansah said.

Source: GNA

 Access Bank Ghana has establish a Turkish Desk as part of efforts to deepen trade relations between Ghana and Turkey.

The Turkish Desk is a special­ised financial unit within Access Bank Ghana, created to serve as a direct and dedicated bridge between Turkish enterprises and the Ghanaian business ecosystem and provides bespoke financial solutions tailored specifically for Turkish businesses in Ghana those seeking to enter.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the establishment of the Turkish Desk in Accra last Friday, the Executive Director of Wholesale Banking of Access Bank, James Bruce, said his outfit was the first in Ghana to create the Turkish Desk and a dedicated desks for strategic international partners such as German, Lebanese, and Chinese.

He said the bank valued Ghana’s role as a strategic partner in Tur­key’s “Opening to Africa” policy, and was proud to be part of the infrastructure that supported that alliance, not just politically, but commercially.

He explained that the Desk and dedicated service to Turkey would not be limited to Ghana but across the 23 countries across the world where Access Bank operates.

“The presence of Turkish busi­nesses continues to grow in Ghana and at Access Bank we are ready to grow with them,” he said.

The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Huseyin Gungor, praised Access Bank Ghana for taking the bold initiative to support business­es from Turkey in the face of the growing trade relations between the two countries.

“The Turkish Desk with Access Bank Ghana is a fantastic achieve­ment by any measure. This is why it is my hope that this initiative will grow to the point that it is replicat­ed in other countries where Access Bank operates,” he stated.

He said there were more than 800 Turkish businesses registered in Ghana, adding that in 2023, Turkey was the second biggest investor in Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, promised to sup­port the Ghana-Turkey partnership and applauded Access Bank Ghana for the initiative.

Photo/Samba/Turkish Desk Pics/28-04-2025/

Caption: Mr Gungor (second from left), with officials of Access Bank Ghana at the official launch of the Turkish Desk

 BY TIMES REPORTER

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢14.14 and a selling price of GH¢14.15 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢18.86 and sold at GH¢18.88, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.05 and a selling price of GH¢16.07.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on May 2, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.10 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢19.80 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.20 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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The Judge presiding over the alleged stealing case involving the former boss of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahen will later today, May 2, determine whether he should be remanded.

This follows arguments made by Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, seeking the remand of the former National Signals Bureau.

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Attorney General revealed in court that intelligence points to attempts by Kwabena Adu-Boahen to tamper with a key witness of the Prosecution.

Lawyer for the accused, Samuel Atta Akyea, however, cast doubt on the veracity of the intelligence and the ability of his client to carry out such action.

The judge thus deferred ruling on the matter, where he will hear evidence in-camera before deciding.

The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, also revealed ongoing investigations at Ghana Water Limited involving Kwabena Adu-Boaten.

GWL paid GHS 1.5m monthly to Adu Boahen for internet services – Ayine