The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Ghana and other African economies to reinforce fiscal discipline and deepen structural reforms as global headwinds threaten growth.

Speaking at a press conference during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that while Africa’s long-term prospects remain strong, immediate policy tightening is needed to navigate looming economic shocks.

While Africa has been home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies in recent years, Ms Georgieva cautioned that low-income and conflict-affected nations risk falling further behind due to the indirect effects of weakening global demand.

The IMF has already revised down growth projections for the continent.

Impact

The impact of current economic shocks varies across Africa. Oil-exporting nations like Nigeria face budget pressures from falling crude prices, while oil importers, including Ghana, benefit from lower energy costs.

However, Ghana’s recent decision to raise interest rates for the first time in nearly three years—contrasting with Egypt’s rate cut—reflects the differing policy needs across African economies.

Ms Georgieva outlined key recommendations for African governments. First, she emphasised the need to strengthen fiscal policies by broadening tax bases, curbing evasion, and using technology to improve revenue collection.

“There is no excuse for inaction,” she said, urging governments to build financial buffers against future shocks.

On monetary policy, she advised central banks to prioritise domestic conditions over regional trends. The Bank of Ghana’s recent rate hike, aimed at taming inflation, aligns with this approach.

“Policymakers must assess their own inflationary pressures and act accordingly,” she said.

Trade integration

The IMF chief also stressed the importance of good governance and regional cooperation. Corruption and instability in one country, she noted, cast a shadow over the entire continent.

She urged deeper trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and praised ongoing efforts to remove infrastructure barriers to commerce.

For Ghana, the IMF’s recommendations reinforce the need for fiscal discipline and structural reforms.

The country’s economic challenges, including high inflation and debt, require sustained policy adjustments while leveraging opportunities within AfCFTA.

Ms Georgieva expressed optimism about Africa’s long-term potential, citing its vast natural resources, young population, and growing markets.

“A more unified and collaborative Africa can become a global economic powerhouse,” she said.

She concluded that as global uncertainty persists, African nations must act decisively to safeguard their economies. For Ghana, this means balancing short-term stability with long-term growth strategies in an increasingly volatile world.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has stated that the recent surge in drug-related seizures, particularly a series of high-profile cocaine interceptions, is indicative of the increasing efficiency of its operations.

In recent weeks, the Commission has arrested several individuals in connection with suspected cocaine trafficking.

The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday, 23rd April, when four Ghanaian nationals were detained following the interception of a cargo consignment at the Swiss Port.

Authorities discovered 73 slabs of a concealed substance believed to be cocaine, with an estimated weight of 89.74 kilogrammes. The consignment was reportedly being readied for export to the Netherlands.

Commenting on the situation during an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, 24th April, Deputy Director General of NACOC, Alexander Twum Barimah, addressed public concerns regarding the scale and frequency of the seizures.

He noted that these developments reflect a positive shift in the Commission’s capacity and strategic leadership.

“I can only say that now the country or the institution has quality leaders, who are actively working to ensure that the right things are done,” he remarked.

“The arrests of such persons confirm that we are working, and that they don’t have their easy way they had in the past. Now we have quality and relentless leaders who are working hard to ensure we get this thing off our borders,” he added.

Mr Twum Barimah reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to clamp down on drug trafficking and prevent Ghana’s ports and borders from being exploited by illicit networks.

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President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate promotion of all qualified deputy directors of education, according to Education minister Haruna Iddrisu.

The instruction comes after the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) threatened to go on strike on April 30 over junior-ranked teachers’ delayed advancements.

Speaking at the launch of a sanitary pad distribution initiative for schoolgirls on Thursday, April 24, The minister promised that promotions would be given out regardless of whether formal postings or office space were available at the time.

“One of your major concerns, the president raised to me, is that in his campaign rounds, many of you who are deputy directors of education struggle to move the ladder above you to become directors because of the unavailability of office spaces.

“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to give all those deputy directors a legitimate promotion. And even without office, they will still serve in their capacities as directors of GES,” he stated.

The Free Pad intervention, on the other hand, is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s overarching goal of advancing gender equality and guaranteeing that all children, regardless of gender or background, have access to high-quality education.

Meanwhile, President Mahama previously emphasised the urgent necessity to overcome the obstacles girls encounter because of menstruation. In his inaugural State of the Nation Address, he emphasized the significance of eliminating such barriers.

It is anticipated that the initiative will lessen the financial strain on families, increase girls’ attendance at school, and improve their general health and wellbeing.

By guaranteeing that girls have access to necessary menstrual hygiene supplies, the project seeks to establish a more welcoming and encouraging learning environment.

Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu says President Mahama has directed that Deputy Directors of Education who have been unable to rise to the rank of Directors of Education because of the unavailability of office space, be granted their promotions. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/0muCB50U1F

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) April 24, 2025

KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

The banking sector in Ghana has experienced a notable 26 per cent decline in fraud cases in 2024, according to a new report from the Bank of Ghana.  

The report said fraud incidents dropped from 969 cases in 2023 to 716 in 2024.  

It attributed the trend to the strengthening of internal control mechanisms within banking institutions, which have played a crucial role in mitigating fraudulent activities.  

However, despite the overall decline, certain fraud typologies have surged.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS) and Card fraud recorded an 80 percent increase, rising from 218 cases in 2023 to 415 in 2024.  

Remittance fraud also doubled from five reported cases to ten within the same period.  

The report linked the rise in ATM/POS/Card fraud and remittance scams to the growing adoption of digital financial products aimed at promoting financial inclusion.  

However, it suggested that some customers’ limited understanding of the digital financial landscape could make them more vulnerable to these fraud types.  

To address these challenges, the report stressed the need for banks to enhance security features on electronic payment channels and intensify public sensitisation campaigns.  

It also noted a significant reduction in other fraud typologies.

Cash suppression, for instance, saw a dramatic 77 per cent decline, with cases falling from 87 in 2023 to 20 in 2024.  

The report emphasized that the substantial decline highlights the effectiveness of enhanced internal control measures in combating specific types of fraud.

It urged banks to stay vigilant and continuously strengthen their control mechanisms to further reduce fraudulent activities in the sector.

Source: GNA

The Minister of Transport has submitted a memo to Cabinet to seek approval for the review of the age limit required of users of motorcycles for commercial purposes, otherwise known as “Okada”. 

Following stakeholder consultations in the transport sector, the Ministry has decided to amend the Legislation and reduce the permissible age limit for ‘Okada’ riders from 25 years to 21 years. 

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the sector minister, made the announcement at a meeting with chief executive officers in the transport and logistics sector, convened by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana on Tuesday. 

They discussed challenges and opportunities in the sector and made recommendations for policy guidance. 

The Government is taking steps towards legalising and regulating commercial motorcycle transport by amending the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which bars the use of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes. 

The new legislation sought to maintain the age limit permissible for one to drive a commercial vehicle at 25 years – but the proposal was firmly opposed by the Okada Riders Association. 

Mr Nikpe said concerns about the age limit in the proposed amendment of the law delayed the amendment processes. 

“Within the stakeholders’ consultations that we have had, everyone is recommending that we should look at the age limit of 25 and bring it down to 21…if it is approved by Cabinet, we will take it on board so that the law will be amended in that totality,” he said. 

The Minister commended the CILT Ghana for promoting professional standards in the transport and logistics sector and pledged to work closely with the Institute to address the challenges there. 

Mr Cletus Kuzagbe, Prefect, Fellows Guild of CILT Ghana, said the Government must ensure that the law on the commercialisation of motorcycles was “very well regulated” when the implementation commenced. 

For instance, there should be restrictions on the highways and the police must enforce the law strictly to ensure full control. 

“We should look at restricting them (Okada riders) to certain areas whiles they are taken off the busy areas so that traffic will flow,” Mr Kuzagbe said. 

Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, CILT Global President, urged the members to engage in forward-thinking conversations to transform the sector to meet the demands in the wake of global trade uncertainties. 

Mr Mark A. Amoamah, President of CILT Ghana, called for more collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the full potential of Ghana’s transport and logistics industry. 

“We firmly believe that by fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can collectively deliberate on pertinent issues affecting the transport, shipping and logistics business and investments in Ghana,” he said. 

Source: GNA 

The Bank of Ghana has reported a sharp 33% increase in staff involvement in fraudulent activities across the banking and specialised deposit-taking sector for the year 2024.

According to its latest annual fraud report, 365 employees were implicated in various acts of financial misconduct—up from 274 recorded in 2023.

The report, which covers banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDIs), attributes much of this rise to persistent internal lapses and oversight challenges.

Cash theft or suppression remained the predominant form of internal fraud, accounting for three-quarters of the incidents. Of the total implicated staff, 274 were found to be directly involved in the concealment or unlawful appropriation of cash.

Despite the seriousness of these offences, only 43% of those involved were dismissed. The Bank of Ghana notes that lengthy and often complex legal processes discourage many institutions from pursuing comprehensive disciplinary action.

“The Bank of Ghana expressed concern about the consistent and steady increase in regulated financial institutions’ staff involvement in fraudulent activities,” the report stated.

It further urged banks and SDIs to “tighten recruitment screening processes and ensure the diligent prosecution of offenders.”

Beyond employee misconduct, the report highlighted a broader trend of increasing fraud within the financial services sector.

A total of 16,733 fraud cases were recorded in 2024, marking a 5% rise from the previous year. While incidents within traditional banks showed a marginal decline, cases surged within the SDI and Payment Service Provider (PSP) segments.

Most concerning was the significant rise in the value at risk from forgery and document manipulation, which ballooned to GH¢53.5 million—almost eight times the GH¢6.9 million reported in 2023.

Losses due to identity theft also saw a staggering increase, rising nearly ninefold.

Despite the volume and scale of these fraudulent activities, only GH¢3 million of the estimated GH¢83 million at risk was successfully recovered, underscoring the sector’s ongoing challenges with enforcement and asset retrieval.

The report concludes with a call for the institutionalisation of a “zero tolerance” culture towards internal fraud and urges ongoing collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement to mitigate the growing threat of financial crime.

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.

Ghana is being fed praise when what it really needs is scrutiny. That was the searing verdict from Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.

With Ghana exiting the IMF programme earlier than expected, he warned against celebrating too soon, too loudly, and with too little substance.

“We’ve turned the IMF into a blesser and an endorser of performance,” he said.

“But that’s not what the country needs. Ghana needs watchdogs, not cheerleaders.”

Bright Simons was uncompromising in his assessment of the structural limitations of the International Monetary Fund.

“It’s an intergovernmental organisation.

So it’s unrealistic to expect it to be a serious critic of government,” he noted. “How can it scrutinise the same people who sit on its board?”

He described the IMF’s role as inherently conflicted, designed more to reassure global investors than to hold governments accountable.

“The IMF has strong incentives to say the program is doing well,” Simons said. “Because they helped design it. That makes it hard for them to be too negative.”

He added that the Fund’s strategy is built around optimism.

“They have to signal to the investor community that things are looking good. That’s how they attract more money into Ghana.

“But if you’re signalling good news to investors, how can you be telling the public the truth when things aren’t going well?”

That, he said, is precisely why civil society must step up.

“There’s a gap now. Our domestic surveillance mechanism is broken. Civil society’s ability to influence the elites in Ghana, especially the business elites, is limited. But we need to fill that gap. We can’t rely on the IMF to do that for us.”

He accused Ghana’s leaders of exploiting IMF praise for political optics rather than genuine reform.

“The Minister will say, ‘The IMF says we are great.’ Kristalina [Georgieva] will come and praise the President. And then they plaster it everywhere,” he said.

“We, the citizens, have to become less willing to be taken in by such theatrics.”

Bright Simons argued that IMF programmes, while sometimes useful, are no substitute for serious local reform.

“Anyone relying entirely on IMF surveillance is not mature enough. We need stronger internal systems. More independent voices. More courageous institutions.”

He was particularly concerned that Ghana’s early IMF exit sends the wrong signal — that the job is done, when in fact, it’s barely started.

“We’re not out of the woods. But ending the programme lets government say ‘We made it!’ Meanwhile, we’re walking away from targets we’re not ready to meet.”

His message to Ghanaians? Be sceptical. Demand more.

“We shouldn’t let endorsement replace accountability. We must question. Investigate. Verify. Otherwise, it’s just performance, politics over purpose.”

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.

Documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that over 1,300 companies were cited by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for perpetrating fraud using the Import Declaration Forms (IDF) regime between 2021 and 2024.

To ensure accurate tax calculations, compliance with import regulations, and facilitate the clearance of goods through customs, the Ministry of Trade and Industry issues IDFs to importers.

As a regulatory requirement for customs reconciliation, the document, among other things, indicates the type, quantity, and cost of goods and aids commercial banks in transferring funds on behalf of importers for the purchase of their goods.

However, available details indicate that this regime has become an avenue for tax evasion, under-invoicing, and money laundering by some importers.

As detailed in GRA documents obtained by this portal, the Authority audited 548 companies between 2021 and 2024, with a cumulative total of GH¢355,858,268.71 in collections and GH¢656,206,006.21 in penalties, bringing their total assessed liability to GH¢1,012,064,266.91.

The documents further revealed that the GRA referred 537 importers to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for further investigation into potential tax evasion and money laundering between 2021 and 2023.

However, according to the GRA, 222 importers were deemed not worth auditing because their financial transfers were below the USD 100,000 threshold.

Meanwhile, a list of the companies involved, obtained by GhanaWeb, indicates that several firms, primarily in the private sector, were implicated in this scandal.

Some of the companies include frozen dairy products manufacturer FanMilk Ghana, Three Hills Ghana Limited, Trust Link Ventures Limited, bus sales and servicing firm Yutong Ghana Limited, top agro-business and manufacturing firm Wilmar Africa, Adonko Bitters Limited and Franko Trading Enterprise

Others are Kantanka Automobile Company Limited, Trassaco Estates Development Company Limited, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer Kasapreko Company Limited and construction firm Kofi Job Company Limited.

While the GRA documents do not specifically state the infractions each listed company may have engaged in, an April 2021 release by the Authority noted that, upon noticing the misuse of IDFs by importing companies, the GRA formed a multi-agency team comprising the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the GRA, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the first quarter of 2020 to investigate the issue.

According to the GRA, an initial analysis of 2019 data from commercial banks against customs data uncovered approximately 10,000 unreconciled documents from over 2,000 companies, with funds transferred amounting to approximately $1.8 billion.

The report noted that further questioning of importers resulted in startling revelations, including the use of IDFs by some importers to clear goods different from the specific goods for which foreign exchange was obtained.

The report also revealed that companies imported goods valued less than those stated on their IDFs (under-invoicing).

The companies were also cited for single transfers of funds for multiple imports and multiple recipients, as well as transfers made on behalf of importers by forex/informal sector operators.

The GRA also noted that the probe revealed alarming incidents of bank staff engaging in the transfer of funds for clients who were not importers.

Meanwhile, GhanaWeb sources indicate that a post clearance audit by the Ghana Revenue Authority has found some of the companies guilty and imposed penalties on them.

Legal consequences for money laundering, under-declaration, and other IDF-related offences

In Ghana, importers involved in under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering through Import Declaration Forms (IDFs) are subject to sanctions under several legal frameworks, primarily the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044).

These laws are enforced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). IDFs, issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), are critical for import approvals and fund transfers, and their misuse is closely monitored.

Under-invoicing, where importers declare a lower value for goods, and under-declaration, involving misrepresentation of goods’ quantity or type, are addressed under the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). Section 87 stipulates that submitting false declarations or undervalued documents, such as IDFs, to evade duties incurs a penalty of up to three times the evaded duty or a fine not exceeding GH¢10,000, or both.

For specific goods like paper products, the GRA may impose a penalty of 300% of the evaded duty, with banned goods subject to seizure. Section 84 permits seizure and forfeiture of goods involved in such offences. Section 88 allows for criminal prosecution for deliberate false declarations, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

Money laundering through IDFs, such as using inflated import values to transfer funds abroad, is governed by the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044). Section 3 defines money laundering as converting or concealing proceeds of unlawful activities.

Convicted individuals face fines of 100% to 500% of the proceeds, imprisonment for at least seven years, or both, while corporate entities face fines of at least 300% of the proceeds.

Section 23A allows the FIC to freeze accounts or assets linked to suspected money laundering for up to one year. Section 45 permits confiscation of illicit proceeds. Section 30 mandates accountable institutions, such as banks and clearing agents, to report suspicious IDF-related transactions within 24 hours, with non-compliance resulting in fines.

Guilty importers may be banned from obtaining future IDFs or face import restrictions. Banks processing IDF transactions are also mandated to verify import legitimacy, with sanctions under the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) for non-compliance.

Relevant legal provisions include Sections 84–88 of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) for false declarations and penalties, and Sections 3, 23A, 30, and 45 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044) for money laundering offences, asset freezing, reporting, and confiscation. The Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870), Sections 35–37, addresses VAT compliance on imports, with penalties for evasion.

GRA details measures to combat IDF infractions

In a response dated February 28, 2025, to a Right to Information (RTI) request by the Convenor of the Movement for Truth and Accountability, Joseph Bediako, the GRA listed measures it has implemented to address infractions by importers.

The GRA noted that its Post Clearance Audit Department (PCA) has integrated IDF audits into its general audit programme. The Authority also asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry, along with other stakeholders, to ensure that the same IDs used for transferring funds to foreign suppliers are utilized for clearing associated imports.

The GRA also required banks to verify that funds transferred to foreign suppliers are accounted for by submitting corresponding customs clearance documents. Additionally, the Authority noted that Seagull Limited has been contracted to develop a system to consolidate data from all institutions involved in the “IDF 2 Project” to curb abuses of IDF usage by importers.

Penalties and sanctions against culpable companies

In the response to the RTI, the GRA outlined penalties and sanctions imposed on culpable companies in line with legal provisions.

“Importers who fail to declare acceptable customs values or declare lower customs values for the purposes of valuation and duty assessment commit an offence pursuant to Sections 121(2)(o) and 123(1)(f) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). A pecuniary penalty of 300% of the amount of short collection is imposed and recovered from defaulting importers in accordance with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).

“Some affected importers took advantage of the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2021 (Act 1065) and the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2022 (Act 1081), and had their penalties waived during the period. Penalties that fell outside these periods were recovered in line with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891),” the response stated.

MFTA raises alarm over missing companies, discrepancies in GRA response

Meanwhile, Joseph Bediako and the Movement for Truth and Accountability (MFTA) have raised concerns over what they say is the omission of some companies from the GRA’s list of companies cited for infractions.

According to the group, while the GRA’s April 8, 2021, press release cited over 2,000 companies for infractions involving fund transfers amounting to approximately $1.8 billion, the Authority’s response to MFTA’s 2025 RTI request, demanding details and actions taken to recover revenues lost by the state, provided details for only 1,307 companies, failing to account for approximately 693 companies.

This, according to MFTA, raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the operations of the GRA in relation to the 693 unaccounted companies.

Investigative agencies’ corroboration

Meanwhile, further documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that the Financial Intelligence Centre, as far back as December 2020, acknowledged its investigation into IDF infractions, including under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering.

“… kindly note that subjects already exist in our database and the matter is receiving the necessary attention,” a response by the FIC to a demand by MFTA for an investigation into alleged issues of money laundering by importers stated.

Similarly, the GRA document referencing the referral of 537 companies to EOCO for investigation indicates that the investigative body is also aware of the issues at hand.

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

By Albert Oppong-Ansah

Accra, April 24, GNA – At sunrise and sunset many Ghanaian households strike the match to burn charcoal or wood to heat water and prepare meals.

Behind the familiar crackle of flames lies a glowing crisis: household air pollution, deforestation, and the rising cost of traditional fuels.

As Ghana seeks cleaner, safer alternatives, bioethanol fuel is emerging as a game-changer in the clean cooking revolution.

A Renewable Flame

Bioethanol is a renewable, alcohol-based fuel produced through the fermentation of organic materials like sweet sorghum, cassava peels, maize stalks, sugarcane molasses, and food waste.

When burnt in clean cookstoves, it emits little to no smoke, offering a healthier and environmentally friendly cooking solution.

“Bioethanol offers a triple win—for the environment, public health, and energy access. It is one of the most scalable solutions to Ghana’s clean cooking challenge,” says Benjamin Boakye, the Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy in a recent study.

A Country in Need of Change

Seven out of 10 households in Ghana rely on solid fuels such as firewood and charcoal for daily cooking, according to data by the Ghana Statistical Service.

This practice is not only a leading cause of indoor air pollution—linked to respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children—but also a major driver of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, says Dr Emmanuel Y. Tenkorang, an Associate Professor at the Department of Environment, Governance and Sustainable Development, the University of Cape Coast.

“We found out that most homes use charcoal and the danger is that some homes do not have kitchens. In most cases, it is just the corridor that has been converted into a cooking area, using thick plastic to cover so often the fumes easily travel to the main house,” he adds.

According to the Ghana’s Ministry of Health, indoor air pollution is responsible for more than 18,000 premature deaths annually.

The country loses about 135,000 hectares of forest every year, much of it to fuelwood extraction.

“Switching to clean fuels like ethanol could drastically reduce these losses while improving lives,” notes Prof. Tenkorang.

A 2023 study by the Energy Commission estimated that Ghana has the potential to produce over 200 million litres of bioethanol annually from agro-waste alone—enough to supply clean fuel to nearly five million households if harnessed effectively.

The Untapped Potential of Bioethanol Production

A quiet transformation is taking root in Ghana’s clean energy sector as researchers and local partners work to establish sweet sorghum as a reliable raw material for bioethanol production.

After months of agronomic trials and feasibility assessments, the initiative has successfully identified suitable sweet sorghum varieties and is now preparing to construct a dedicated 81-litter per day bioethanol refinery to convert the crop’s sugary stalks into clean cooking fuel.

Led by the Ecolinks in collaboration with researchers and private sector actors, the project marks a significant step toward reducing dependence on wood fuels and promoting locally sourced renewable energy.

“The main focus for last season was to test the crop under different climatic conditions. We had a good outcome because even in the midst of the dry spell which affected cereals especially maize. The sweet sorghum did great. ”Mr Isaac Seidu Atayure, a project Officer at Ecolinks says.

For this cropping season, the team is opening it up to farmers and testing additional varieties from Advanta international and ICRISAT.

A viable sweet sorghum variety that grows well in southern, middle and northern Ghana has been identified.

“The project will be operating on two models; one is to cultivate sweet sorghum on our production sites and the other is to engage Out-growers to grow sweet sorghum for us to buy. The initial phase is to develop 4000ha under both models to feed our refinery,” says Mr Atayure..

“Sweet sorghum is an excellent feedstock for bioethanol production and unlike cassava it is not a stable food crop. Our model allows farmers to grow their food crops while ensuring a regular supply of feedstock for our refinery. We see sweet sorghum as a new revenue source for farmers to tap into,” he says.

Government welcomes initiatives that will explore the potential in bioethanol which include that of Eco links.

Mr Seth Mahu, the Renewable Energy Director at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, tells the GNA that the government supports biofuel production and adequate provision has been made for its development in the country.

Aside from it being a substitute for clean cooking, he says the country has made provision for biofuel to be blended with conventional fuel to reduce the carbon level and make it viable

Mr Mahu explains that a national biofuel policy is being developed, with stakeholder consultations already conducted in some regions to guide feedstock choice, production standards, land use, and ensure food security is protected.

Persons with deep knowledge in the sector like Mr Benjamin Boakye, say the potential is huge but manufacturers and governments must heighten research on the most efficient ethanol-based cookstoves to replace the existing ones with design and operational flexibility challenges.

Mr Johnson Penn, Chief Executive Officer of EcoLinks, is also suggesting to the government to provide incentives, including tax exemptions on bioethanol fuel and stoves, to make clean cooking solutions affordable and accessible for low-income households.

For now, the flame is small—but with the right support, it could light the way for millions of Ghanaians toward a healthier, greener tomorrow.

[email protected]

GNA
Edited by SOF
24 April 2025

A new report from the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) and ActionAid Ghana has disclosed that $2 billion of World Bank funding in oil & gas projects has supported deeply harmful fossil and energy investment in Ghana.

The report exposed how World Bank-backed projects have prioritised corporate profits while draining Ghana’s public funds.

In addition to the World Bank’s damaging funding, the report also found that foreign-led, expensive energy contracts contribute to draining over $1 billion of Ghana’s public funds annually.

“The World Bank claims to champion development. In Ghana, it has done the opposite—fueling debt while ensuring corporate profits come before public need,” says Joseph Wilde-Ramsing, acting Executive Director of SOMO. “Ghanaians are paying high prices for electricity they can’t afford, while foreign oil and gas companies reap guaranteed profits.”

The report also touched on the inefficiency of the West African Gas Pipeline which it said has not served its purpose of reducing the cost of fuel imports from Nigeria to Ghana.

“The West African Gas Pipeline, one of the first major regional energy public-private partnerships, was meant to ensure a steady supply of affordable gas from Nigeria. Instead, since its launch in 2010, gas deliveries have been inconsistent, forcing Ghana to import costly liquid fuels that the pipeline was meant to partially offset. Meanwhile, international oil giants like Shell and Chevron have enjoyed World Bank-backed financial guarantees, insulating them from financial risks.”

SOMO and ActionAid Ghana are therefore demanding that the “World Bank Group must be held accountable for the devastating consequences of its energy policies in Ghana. Instead of fostering sustainable growth, the Bank has locked the country into crippling debt, energy insecurity, and fossil fuel dependency.”

Click here to read the full report.

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Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate promotion of all eligible deputy directors of education.

The directive follows a threat by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to embark on a strike on April 30 over delayed promotions for junior-ranked teachers.

Speaking at the launch of a sanitary pad distribution initiative for schoolgirls on Thursday, April 24, the Minister assured that promotions would be granted regardless of the current availability of office spaces or formal postings.

“One of your major concerns, the president raised to me, is that in his campaign rounds, many of you who are deputy directors of education struggle to move the ladder above you to become directors because of the unavailability of office spaces.

“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to give all those deputy directors a legitimate promotion. And even without office, they will still serve in their capacities as directors of GES,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Free Pad intervention aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision of promoting gender equality and ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of gender or background.

President Mahama had previously emphasised the pressing need to address the barriers girls face due to menstruation. During his maiden State of the Nation Address, he underscored the importance of removing such obstacles:

The programme is expected to ease families’ financial burden, improve school attendance among girls, and enhance their overall health and well-being. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment by ensuring that girls have access to essential menstrual hygiene products.

The World Bank has revised Ghana’s 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection downward to 3.9%, falling short of the government’s 4.4% target.

The updated forecast, published in the April 2025 edition of the Bretton Woods institution’s Africa’s Pulse report, reflects a modest reduction from the previous estimate of 4.3%.

The World Bank cited persistent inflationary pressures and ongoing external vulnerabilities as key reasons for the downgrade.

Despite the lower forecast, the Bank remains cautiously optimistic about Ghana’s medium-term prospects, projecting a rebound to 4.6% growth in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027.

The report also highlighted climate-related risks, particularly unpredictable weather patterns that have disrupted cocoa production in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—two of the world’s leading cocoa exporters.

It warned that climate-induced events such as floods and droughts continue to erode national budgets across Africa by up to 9%, causing economic setbacks of between 2% and 5%.

On a more positive note, Ghana is among a few African economies showing early signs of recovery in 2025.

High-frequency indicators, particularly the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), suggest an uptick in business activity. Ghana’s PMI rose from 47.9 in January to 50.6 in March, indicating improved demand, easing supply bottlenecks, and renewed investor confidence following the December 2024 presidential elections.

“Business activity in Mozambique and Ghana rebounded in February 2025,” the World Bank observed.
“The modest uptick in Ghana was driven by increased demand and a resurgence in new business engagements.”

Across the region, Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is expected to rise slightly from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, with further acceleration to 4.3% by 2026–2027.

However, the continent’s overall trajectory remains constrained by weak performances in its three largest economies—Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola. Excluding these, the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2025, rising to 5.7% by 2027.

Still, the World Bank warned that elevated downside risks—including global policy uncertainties, climate shocks, and fiscal constraints—pose ongoing threats to a sustained and inclusive recovery across the continent.

GRA targets digital economy to boost tax revenue

More than 50,000 people have queued in the last 24 hoursto pay their respects to Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican has said.

On Thursday morning, the queue to see the Pope, who is in an open coffin, stretched out of St Peter’s Square and down the street – the longest the line had become since his body was moved to lie in state on Wednesday.

Entry to the church in Vatican City had been due to stop at midnight local time (22:00 GMT), but opening hours were extended to accommodate large crowds.

The pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. He had spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year with double pneumonia.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and held the role for 12 years.

Red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests escorted the Pope’s coffin from his residence to the basilica on Wednesday.

Bells tolled during the 40-minute procession, while the crowd broke into applause – a traditional Italian sign of respect.

Swiss Guards, who are responsible for the Pope’s safety, escorted his coffin to the church’s altar.

Public viewing began at 11:00 local time on Wednesday. By mid-afternoon, tens of thousands of people lined the square.

The church was supposed to close at midnight, but police told the BBC that it would stay open all night so that crowds gathered on the square could file past the coffin.

“I think the Pope was an amazing man, so I wanted to see him,” 13-year-old Edoardo, waiting after midnight with his parents, told the BBC. “I am really sorry. But I think maybe he will enjoy heaven.”

Viewing continued until 05:30 on Thursday, then closed for an hour and a half, before reopening at 07:00. The crowd became so large that some turned away.

“It looks like five or six hours, so we’ll come back later,” Catherine, from Birmingham, said.

The Pope’s body will lie in state in the church until Friday evening, when his coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite at 20:00, the Vatican said.

The ceremony will be overseen by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is the Pope’s “camerlengo”, or chamberlain, and runs the Vatican until a new Pope is chosen.

Luis and Macarena, from Mexico, had come to Rome for their honeymoon and hoped to see the Pope for a special blessing. Luis said seeing the Pope’s final resting place would help them to feel a connection.

“Pope Francis is a saint, and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis said.

Mary Ellen, an American who lives in Italy, said she had come to the Vatican on an overnight train to “say goodbye”.

“I love Papa Francesco,” she said. “He’s humble, kind, and he loves immigrants. I know he’s put up with a lot of difficult things in the Vatican. He’s fought against power and the power of the Vatican to be a true Christian, true Catholic.”

Inside St Peter’s on Wednesday, the atmosphere was quiet and solemn as some people kneeled and prayed, before slowly moving on.

Many lingered to admire the staggering beauty of the basilica.

Two women who had waited for five hours to see the Pope said it was important to them to say goodbye to the pontiff.

“All these years I followed all he did and it’s as if I travelled all over the world with him, even if I was just at home. He liked going everywhere and prioritises the poor,” one woman said.

Fredrik, who is from Ghana but travelled from Poland, said the Pope had “done his best” and “it is left to us to continue the good works”.

Eva Asensio, a Mexican on holiday in Italy, said she felt an affinity for the Pope.

“We saw him as a good Pope – someone who supported everyone, no matter your sexual orientation, no matter where you came from. He united us,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Margaux, who is French and lives in Rome, said it was “powerful to live this”.

To her, Pope Francis meant “hope”, and his more progressive social views were “very important”.

“I hope the next Pope will follow his path,” she said.

Dignitaries from all over the world, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, will attend the funeral on Saturday.

Pope Francis left clear instructions that he wanted a smaller ceremony in keeping with his simpler tastes as pontiff. He had arranged for a benefactor to pay for it all.

Unlike the vast majority of his predecessors, he will not be buried in St Peter’s, but in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a tombstone inscribed only with his name.

Before being moved to St Peter’s, Pope Francis had been lying in an open coffin in the chapel of his home, flanked by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer.

His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, during which he delivered brief remarks to the masses gathered in St Peter’s Square from a wheelchair.

He then greeted worshippers and blessed babies as he was driven in a car through the crowds.

His Papal apartments have been sealed, marking the start of the period known as the Sede Vacante – or empty seat – which continues until a new head of the church is elected.

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Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has emphasised that Africa and the United States have significant opportunities to foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships. 

He pointed out that the evolving landscape of global alliances and the rise in economic nationalism make it imperative for Africa-US relations to move beyond access and aid towards “strategy, equity, and co-creation.” 

Speaking at the African Leaders and Partners Forum at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, US, Dr. Asiama advocated for transforming isolated transactions into long-term frameworks and shifting extractive exports toward value-added integration.  

“Let us shape a future where Africa and the US are not just trading partners – but co-creators of prosperity. Where American innovation meets African ingenuity. Where partnership is not extractive, but transformational,” h emphasised.  

“If Kosmos could help launch Ghana’s oil era, and Niche Cocoa could move from Accra to Wisconsin, imagine what the next chapter of US-Africa trade could look like with the right policies in place,” he noted.  

Dr. Asiama recommended four priorities for this relationship: pursuing macroeconomic credibility and strategic autonomy, fostering financial system resilience and risk mitigation, strengthening trade integration and financing, and driving inclusive digital transformation.   

“But none of this will scale without financing. That’s why we continue to call for the establishment of US-Africa Trade Finance Hubs, co-created with institutions like EXIM Bank, Afreximbank, and the private sector,” he said.   

Dr. Asiama urged intentional actions to de-risk transactions for SMEs and new exporters, offer blended capital instruments, and attract investment into high-potential areas.   

“Africa is not short on opportunity,” Dr. Asiama said, calling on African governments to match ambition with mechanisms to unlock opportunities with the US. 

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California’s economy has overtaken that of the country of Japan, making the US state the fourth largest global economic force.

Governor Gavin Newsom touted new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis showing California’s growth.

The data shows California’s gross domestic product (GDP) hit $4.10 trillion (£3.08 trillion) in 2024, surpassing Japan, which was marked at $4.01 trillion. The state now only trails Germany, China and the US as a whole.

“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world – we’re setting the pace,” Newsom said.

The new figures come as Newsom has spoken out against President Donald Trump’s tariffs and voiced concern about the future of the state’s economy.

California has the largest share of manufacturing and agricultural production in the US. It is also home to leading technological innovation, the centre of the world’s entertainment industry and the country’s two largest seaports.

Newsom, a prominent Democrat and possible presidential candidate in 2028, filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s authority to impose the levies, which have caused disruption to global markets and trade.

Trump has enacted 10% levies on almost all countries importing to the US, after announcing a 90-day pause on higher tariffs.

Another 25% tariff was imposed on Mexico and Canada. The levies on China, however, have led to an all-out trade war with the world’s second largest economy.

Trump imposed import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese goods coming into the US and China hit back with a 125% tax on American products.

His administration said last week that when the new tariffs were added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.

Newsom noted his worries about the future of the state’s economy.

“While we celebrate this success, we recognise that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration,” he said. “California’s economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.”

Trump has argued his trade war is only levelling the playing field after years of the US being taxed.

The tariffs are an effort to encourage factories and jobs to return to the US. It is one major pillar of his economic agenda, as is a cut in interest rates, aimed at reducing the cost of borrowing for Americans.

The new data shows California’s GDP behind the US at $29.18 trillion, China at $18.74 trillion and Germany at $4.65 trillion. It also shows California was the fastest growing among those countries.

Japan’s economy is under pressure because of its decreasing and ageing population, which means its workforce is shrinking and social care costs are ballooning.

This week, the IMF cut its economic growth forecast for Japan and projected that the central bank would raise interest rates more slowly than previously expected because of the impact of higher tariffs.

“The effect of tariffs announced on April 2 and associated uncertainty offset the expected strengthening of private consumption with above-inflation wage growth boosting household disposable income,” its World Economic Outlook report said.

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IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has assured that the Fund is ready to assist Ghana and other countries affected by the ongoing global tariff war.

Speaking during the launch of the Global Policy Agenda at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, Georgieva said the IMF has the tools and resources to respond when requests for support are made.

“We can fall on our policy tools to assist any country, including financial assistance when needed,” she said.

“As always, we will be there for our members by focusing on what we do best—helping them secure economic and financial stability.”

Global Tariff War and Its Impact

Addressing journalists at a press conference, the IMF boss noted that while the direct effects of the tariff war may be minimal for many African countries, she is concerned about the broader consequences.

“I am worried about the indirect impact,” Georgieva said.

“Every country in the region must take steps to build more buffers and press ahead with programs that will help cushion expected shocks.”

Ghana’s Policy Response

Georgieva encouraged Ghana and other African nations to take proactive short-term measures to mitigate potential fallout.

“There is still a lot that can be done on the fiscal side, while building the required buffers for a moment of shock,” she stated. “Continue strengthening Ghana’s fundamentals.”

She also emphasised tax reforms: “Don’t use any excuses. Do more to broaden the tax base by reducing tax evasion and tax avoidance.”

Mixed Outcomes for African Economies

The IMF chief said the tariff war presents both challenges and opportunities, depending on the economic structure of each country.

“For oil producers like Nigeria, falling oil prices create additional pressure on their budgets,” she observed. “On the other hand, for oil importers, this is a breath of fresh air.”

She warned that the trade-offs will be tough for low-income countries but reiterated the importance of domestic resource mobilisation.

“We cannot have countries with a tax-to-GDP ratio below 15 per cent and still expect to sustain the functioning of the state.”

Advice to Central Banks

Georgieva advised central banks across the region to monitor inflation expectations closely while supporting economic growth.

“Watch the data. Watch inflation expectations. Central banks will need to strike a delicate balance between supporting growth and containing inflation,” she said.

She stressed the importance of central bank independence, adding: “Credibility is key. Protect it.”

Call for Greater Intra-African Trade

The IMF Managing Director also called for stronger inter-regional trade on the continent.

“Africa has so much to offer the world. Obviously, they have the minerals, the natural resources, and the young population,” she said.

“A more unified, more collaborative continent can go a long, long way to becoming an economic powerhouse.”

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Ghana’s decision to exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program prematurely is more about optics than impact, according to Bright Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on April 24, he dismissed the move as “a political strategy masquerading as economic management.”

“The IMF will do a victory lap dance, the government will join them. And then we will conclude by 2028, we will not be able to meet those targets,” Bright Simons warned.

“But then by that time, we’re not in the program.”

He believes the government’s early exit undermines any genuine commitment to achieving the fiscal targets set under the program.

“The question then becomes, do we need the program to get to the targets? Because the targets are still relevant,” he said. “I think at that time, the targets will not be relevant. They will not be relevant anymore.”

The IMAN Veep accused both the IMF and the government of prioritising appearance over accountability.

“They’ve elevated the signalling above the facts,” he said. “And the government will take advantage of it.”

He argued that exiting the program strips away the very pressure and support needed to deliver reforms between 2026 and 2028.

“If the IMF itself really wanted us to get to those targets, it should have encouraged the government when the government said we wanted to extend,” Bright Simons noted.

“Because that is when it could have ensured that from 2026 to 2028, there are program levers that deliver those targets.”

Instead, he predicts that Ghana will use its newfound flexibility to seek financing elsewhere.

“They have more flexibility to decide what to do,” he said.

“If they don’t do the IMF program because they think they can get market access, which I think by that time they will get, then the IMF targets, the 70, 55% debt-to-GDP and those things, will not matter.”

Citing examples from across the continent, Bright Simons pointed to Kenya and Nigeria as models the government might be trying to emulate.

“Kenya decided to terminate the program early and go borrow money from the Gulf — they got about $1.5 billion,” he said.

“Nigeria decided not to go for an IMF program at all.”

But Bright Simons questioned whether Ghana’s leadership has the political will or institutional strength to pursue meaningful reforms without external oversight.

“It’s an irrelevant discussion if you’re not serious about hitting the targets. What matters is: are you reforming? And we don’t see that hunger.”

He stressed that despite the program’s limited financing, especially compared to open market borrowing, its value lies in its credibility and discipline.

“The fact that the IMF program doesn’t bring a lot of money is beside the point. It forces governments to make tough choices. That’s where its strength lies.”

Bright Simons concluded with a stark warning: “This is politics over purpose. And we’ve seen how that movie ends before.”

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Documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that over 1,300 companies were cited by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for perpetrating fraud using the Import Declaration Forms (IDF) regime between 2021 and 2024.

To ensure accurate tax calculations, compliance with import regulations, and facilitate the clearance of goods through customs, the Ministry of Trade and Industry issues IDFs to importers.

As a regulatory requirement for customs reconciliation, the document, among other things, indicates the type, quantity, and cost of goods and aids commercial banks in transferring funds on behalf of importers for the purchase of their goods.

However, available details indicate that this regime has become an avenue for tax evasion, under-invoicing, and money laundering by some importers.

As detailed in GRA documents obtained by this portal, the Authority audited 548 companies between 2021 and 2024, with a cumulative total of GH¢355,858,268.71 in collections and GH¢656,206,006.21 in penalties, bringing their total assessed liability to GH¢1,012,064,266.91.

The documents further revealed that the GRA referred 537 importers to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for further investigation into potential tax evasion and money laundering between 2021 and 2023.

However, according to the GRA, 222 importers were deemed not worth auditing because their financial transfers were below the USD 100,000 threshold.

Meanwhile, a list of the companies involved, obtained by GhanaWeb, indicates that several firms, primarily in the private sector, were implicated in this scandal.

Some of the companies include frozen dairy products manufacturer Fan Milk Ghana, Three Hills Ghana Limited, Trust Link Ventures Limited, bus sales and servicing firm Yutong Ghana Limited, top agro-business and manufacturing firm Wilmar Africa, Adonko Bitters Limited and Franko Trading Enterprise

Others are Kantanka Automobile Company Limited, Trassaco Estates Development Company Limited, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer Kasapreko Company Limited and construction firm Kofi Job Company Limited.

While the GRA documents do not specifically state the infractions each listed company may have engaged in, an April 2021 release by the Authority noted that, upon noticing the misuse of IDFs by importing companies, the GRA formed a multi-agency team comprising the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the GRA, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the first quarter of 2020 to investigate the issue.

According to the GRA, an initial analysis of 2019 data from commercial banks against customs data uncovered approximately 10,000 unreconciled documents from over 2,000 companies, with funds transferred amounting to approximately $1.8 billion.

The report noted that further questioning of importers resulted in startling revelations, including the use of IDFs by some importers to clear goods different from the specific goods for which foreign exchange was obtained.

The report also revealed that companies imported goods valued less than those stated on their IDFs (under-invoicing).

The companies were also cited for single transfers of funds for multiple imports and multiple recipients, as well as transfers made on behalf of importers by forex/informal sector operators.

The GRA also noted that the probe revealed alarming incidents of bank staff engaging in the transfer of funds for clients who were not importers.

Meanwhile, GhanaWeb sources indicate that a post clearance audit by the Ghana Revenue Authority has found some of the companies guilty and imposed penalties on them.

Legal Consequences for Money Laundering, Under-Declaration, and Other IDF-Related Offences

In Ghana, importers involved in under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering through Import Declaration Forms (IDFs) are subject to sanctions under several legal frameworks, primarily the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044).

These laws are enforced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). IDFs, issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), are critical for import approvals and fund transfers, and their misuse is closely monitored.

Under-invoicing, where importers declare a lower value for goods, and under-declaration, involving misrepresentation of goods’ quantity or type, are addressed under the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). Section 87 stipulates that submitting false declarations or undervalued documents, such as IDFs, to evade duties incurs a penalty of up to three times the evaded duty or a fine not exceeding GHS 10,000, or both.

For specific goods like paper products, the GRA may impose a penalty of 300% of the evaded duty, with banned goods subject to seizure. Section 84 permits seizure and forfeiture of goods involved in such offences. Section 88 allows for criminal prosecution for deliberate false declarations, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

Money laundering through IDFs, such as using inflated import values to transfer funds abroad, is governed by the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044). Section 3 defines money laundering as converting or concealing proceeds of unlawful activities. Convicted individuals face fines of 100% to 500% of the proceeds, imprisonment for at least seven years, or both, while corporate entities face fines of at least 300% of the proceeds.

Section 23A allows the FIC to freeze accounts or assets linked to suspected money laundering for up to one year. Section 45 permits confiscation of illicit proceeds. Section 30 mandates accountable institutions, such as banks and clearing agents, to report suspicious IDF-related transactions within 24 hours, with non-compliance resulting in fines.

Guilty importers may be banned from obtaining future IDFs or face import restrictions. Banks processing IDF transactions are also mandated to verify import legitimacy, with sanctions under the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) for non-compliance.

Relevant legal provisions include Sections 84–88 of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) for false declarations and penalties, and Sections 3, 23A, 30, and 45 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044) for money laundering offences, asset freezing, reporting, and confiscation. The Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870), Sections 35–37, addresses VAT compliance on imports, with penalties for evasion.

GRA Details Measures to Combat IDF Infractions

In a response dated February 28, 2025, to a Right to Information (RTI) request by the Convenor of the Movement for Truth and Accountability, Joseph Bediako, the GRA listed measures it has implemented to address infractions by importers.

The GRA noted that its Post Clearance Audit Department (PCA) has integrated IDF audits into its general audit programme. The Authority also asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry, along with other stakeholders, to ensure that the same IDs used for transferring funds to foreign suppliers are utilized for clearing associated imports.

The GRA also required banks to verify that funds transferred to foreign suppliers are accounted for by submitting corresponding customs clearance documents. Additionally, the Authority noted that Seagull Limited has been contracted to develop a system to consolidate data from all institutions involved in the “IDF 2 Project” to curb abuses of IDF usage by importers.

Penalties and Sanctions Against Culpable Companies

In the response to the RTI, the GRA outlined penalties and sanctions imposed on culpable companies in line with legal provisions.

“Importers who fail to declare acceptable customs values or declare lower customs values for the purposes of valuation and duty assessment commit an offence pursuant to Sections 121(2)(o) and 123(1)(f) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). A pecuniary penalty of 300% of the amount of short collection is imposed and recovered from defaulting importers in accordance with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).

“Some affected importers took advantage of the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2021 (Act 1065) and the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2022 (Act 1081), and had their penalties waived during the period. Penalties that fell outside these periods were recovered in line with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891),” the response stated.

MFTA Raises Alarm Over Missing Companies, Discrepancies in GRA Response

Meanwhile, Joseph Bediako and the Movement for Truth and Accountability (MFTA) have raised concerns over what they say is the omission of some companies from the GRA’s list of companies cited for infractions.

According to the group, while the GRA’s April 8, 2021, press release cited over 2,000 companies for infractions involving fund transfers amounting to approximately $1.8 billion, the Authority’s response to MFTA’s 2025 RTI request, demanding details and actions taken to recover revenues lost by the state, provided details for only 1,307 companies, failing to account for approximately 693 companies.

This, according to MFTA, raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the operations of the GRA in relation to the 693 unaccounted companies.

Investigative Agencies’ Corroboration

Meanwhile, further documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that the Financial Intelligence Centre, as far back as December 2020, acknowledged its investigation into IDF infractions, including under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering.

“… kindly note that subjects already exist in our database and the matter is receiving the necessary attention,” a response by the FIC to a demand by MFTA for an investigation into alleged issues of money laundering by importers stated.

Similarly, the GRA document referencing the referral of 537 companies to EOCO for investigation indicates that the investigative body is also aware of the issues at hand.

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

A normally bustling border crossing between Tanzania and Malawi was noticeably quieter than usual on Thursday as a result of an escalating regional trade row.

From midnight, Tanzania banned the entry of all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa in response to what it sees as restrictions on some of its exports.

South Africa has for years prohibited the entry of bananas from Tanzania. Malawi last month blocked imports of flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize from its northern neighbour.

“We are taking this step to protect our business interests… in business, we must all respect each other,” Tanzania’s Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said on Wednesday, confirming the ban.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the trade issues have so far failed but Bashe said fresh talks were ongoing.

The row comes at a time when Africa is supposed to be moving towards greater free trade through the establishment of a continent-wide free-trade area, which began operating four years ago.

South African exports of various fruits, including apples and grapes, to Tanzania will be hit. Meanwhile, landlocked Malawi, which has relied on Tanzanian ports to carry its exports such as tobacco, sugar and soybeans to the rest of the world, will have to reroute its goods.

Malawi’s ban on the import of certain produce, announced in March, was designed as a temporary measure covering goods from all countries to protect local producers, according to the authorities in Lilongwe.

“It is a strategic move to create an environment where local businesses can thrive without the immediate pressure of foreign competition,” Malawi’s Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba said at the time.

Tanzania’s agriculture minister said Malawi’s move had “directly affected” his country’s traders and described the restrictions as “unfair and harmful”.

While confirming the import ban, Bashe assured Tanzanians that it would not threaten their food security.

“No Tanzanian will die from a lack of South African grapes or apples,” he said, adding that, “we are taking these actions to protect Tanzanian interests”.

Neither South Africa nor Malawi have commented on Tanzania’s move.

At the Kasumulu crossing, through which most Tanzania-Malawi trade passes, only a handful of lorries transporting cargo such as fuel were spotted on the Tanzanian side.

On a normal day, more than 15 lorries loaded with agricultural produce would cross the frontier, drivers told BBC.

On the Malawian side, many lorries that should be transporting bananas and tomatoes through Tanzania were parked and empty.

“[The drivers] are now trying to find alternative products to transport. It’s been very difficult for them because they are used to carrying agricultural goods, and now they can’t carry not just bananas and tomatoes, but even maize and potatoes,” Happy Zulu, a business person, told BBC.

Trade flows between Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa – all members of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), a regional political, security and economic body – were already being affected last week.

On Saturday Bashe posted a social media video showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck stranded at the border with Malawi, saying it was hard for Tanzania to tolerate the trend.

Tonnes of tomatoes also spoiled at the border recently after lorries from Tanzania were denied entry into Malawi.

Malawi has become an increasingly important market for Tanzanian goods in recent years, with exports trebling between 2018 and 2023, according to official Tanzanian figures.

But while Tanzania can seek alternative markets such as in Kenya, Namibia and South Sudan, landlocked Malawi may find it harder to get its goods out of the country.

Much of its exports go through the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, as well as essential imports such as fuel and machinery.

Losing access to Dar es Salaam would likely force Malawi to move shipments through the Mozambican ports of Beira and Nacala – options that may be more expensive.

Bashe argued the ban was not meant to provoke a trade war but to protect Tanzania’s interests.

“Tanzania will not continue to allow unequal market access to persist at the expense of its people,” he said.

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A recent analysis by Ghana’s IMANI Center for Policy & Education underscores the nation’s multifaceted challenges in balancing governance accountability, economic inclusivity, and regional stability.

The report highlights parliamentary whistleblowing as a double-edged sword, informal sector reforms as a poverty alleviation tool, and escalating ethnic conflicts requiring urgent mediation. It also examines Gabon’s transitional elections as a potential model for Sahelian states grappling with political instability.

Public whistleblowing by Members of Parliament, while pivotal for transparency, risks politicization and ethical concerns, according to the report. Instances such as MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s exposure of questionable government expenditures and Rev. John Nitim Fordjour’s allegations about suspicious aircraft landings illustrate how disclosures can expose mismanagement but also fuel misinformation. The IMANI analysis calls for amendments to Ghana’s 2006 Whistleblower Act, including stronger oversight bodies and channeling claims through parliamentary committees to reduce opportunism.

Efforts to formalize informal sectors, such as legalizing okada, or commercial motorcycles, aim to reduce unemployment and multidimensional poverty. By requiring licensing, safety training, and access to social security, the policy seeks to integrate informal workers into the formal economy. The report cites parallels to Asia’s rickshaw modernization, where digital platforms and regulated zones transformed informal transport into sustainable urban services. Success in Ghana, however, hinges on inclusive regulations and partnerships with financial institutions to ensure scalability.

A controversial suspension of post-retirement contracts for public servants has sparked debates over preserving institutional knowledge versus fostering youth inclusion. While exemptions for academics ensure mentorship continuity, IMANI recommends structured consultancy programs to allow retirees to transfer expertise without stifling innovation. This balance, the report argues, is critical for modernizing public service while maintaining operational efficiency.

In Bawku, a longstanding ethno-political conflict has escalated into a national crisis, with over 300 deaths since 2021. Heavy-handed military deployments risk exacerbating tensions, prompting IMANI to advocate for accelerated peace talks led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and a temporary truce backed by local chiefs. Strengthening border security through specialized forces, rather than conventional military interventions, is proposed to prevent external interference and create space for community-led reconciliation.

Regionally, Gabon’s post-coup electoral process marked by high voter turnout and constitutional reforms offers insights for Sahelian states like Burkina Faso and Mali. However, IMANI cautions that replicating such frameworks requires tailoring to local contexts, prioritizing economic stability and public trust to address governance deficits fueling instability.

Ghana’s governance reforms reflect broader West African struggles to harmonize accountability with stability. As the nation navigates these challenges, the interplay of policy innovation and grassroots realities will determine whether these measures foster lasting socioeconomic progress or deepen existing fissures. The IMANI report underscores that effective governance demands not only institutional rigor but also adaptive strategies attuned to the complexities of modern statecraft.

_Criticality_Analysis_of_Governance_Issues_pdf

It’s only the group stage of the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC), but one player is already hitting global status.

Ghana’s John Andor has made the headlines in three games he has featured for his country at this year’s tournament being played at the University of Ghana Stadium.

With two goals and one assist to his name, Andor has contributed directly to 50% of the Black Comets’ goals in the competition and has rightfully earned the plaudits of many who have seen him play in the competition.

The youngster says his game is modelled around Brazilian star Neymar.

“I look up to Neymar, but I always watch videos of [Mohammed] Kudus and Lucho (Luiz Diaz),” he told the media after the final group game.

“But I will say I idolise Neymar more.”

The youngster is not buying pressure for himself, but he knows the path he is treading is one that would require dedication, commitment and consistency.

Out of his three appearances, two of them have been starts with one substitute appearance (vs. Algeria).

He will be looking to come to the party once again when Ghana take on defending champions, Tanzania, in the semifinal stage of the competition scheduled for Friday, April 25.

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Ghana have one foot in the semifinal of the ongoing African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) girls’ category after their win over Benin.

The Black Damsels picked up a 2-0 win over their counterparts at the University of Ghana on matchday two, Thursday, April 25.

Goals from Christiana Ashiaku and Belinda Kpentey did the magic for Joyce Boatey-Agyei’s side.

Having led in the first half through Ashiaku, Ghana doubled their lead after Kpentey was played clean through on goal by her teammate, making no mistake and striking the ball past the goalkeeper.

The win sees Ghana move to six points, having also beaten Morocco in their opening game of the tournament on Wednesday.

Ghana face Malawi in their final group game later on Thursday.

Ghana continues its winning start at the CAF African Schools Football Championship after beating South Africa and Benin. @kweku_lawrence reports from the University of Ghana Stadium. pic.twitter.com/weJmssECe0

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) April 24, 2025

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.

Eyewitness accounts state that the military personnel first approached the man

One person has died, and three others have been injured following a clash between residents of Nyinahin and officers of the Ghana Armed Forces over military accoutrements.

According to preliminary police information, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a group of youth from Nyinahin was en route to the cemetery along the Kumasi-Bibiani Highway to bury a friend.

While on the way, a military truck carrying armed personnel stopped upon noticing one of the mourners dressed in military camouflage.

Eyewitness accounts state that the military personnel approached the individual and attempted to forcibly remove the camouflage uniform.

A confrontation ensued, during which a soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly. The deceased has been identified as Akwasi Lala, also known as Kushivi.

The incident is reported to have escalated as the mourners reacted to the shooting. In an attempt to prevent retaliation, the military personnel reportedly fired additional gunshots, injuring three other mourners.

“A police investigative team was dispatched to the scene and retrieved spent shell casings as part of ongoing forensic investigations. The body of the deceased has been sent to the Nyinahin Community Mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted,” a police statement on April 25, 2025, said.

AM/KA

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