The Energy Sector fee (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which imposes a GH¢1 fee on petroleum products, has been approved by Parliament.

The contentious bill was approved late today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, with the goal of generating more money to pay off the country’s chronic energy sector debt and guarantee a steady supply of electricity.

The overall debt of the energy sector as of March 2025 is US$3.1 billion, according to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the measure under a certificate of urgency.

He added that in order to pay off this debt in full, at least US$3.7 billion will be needed, and an extra US$1.2 billion will be needed to buy the fuel that thermal power plants need to run throughout 2025.

Customers will not immediately see a price increase as the Minister promised Parliament that the effects of the new charge on ex-pump prices would be “absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi.”

The Minority Caucus, on the other hand, strongly opposed the law, calling it an unwarranted burden on Ghanaians.

They contended that the Majority side lacked the necessary numbers to make a legally binding judgment on the measure, and their resistance resulted in a walkout during the approval process.

Before the vote, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had fervently argued for the levy, arguing that it was an essential communal sacrifice to put an end to the ongoing “dumsor” power crisis.

He made a conscious effort to differentiate the new charge from the government’s recently scrapped and highly unpopular E-levy.

Mr Ayariga asked Ghanaians to ensure a steady power future by contributing “one cedi, just one cedi” each liter of fuel.

To alleviate the financial difficulties facing the energy sector, it is anticipated that the approval of this measure will result in an extra GH¢5.7 billion in revenue each year.

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Madam Grace Adjei Darko, a market queen mother in the Ashanti Region

Market Queen Mothers in the Ashanti Region have called on traders across the country to reduce the prices of goods to reflect the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, particularly against the US dollar.

Speaking at a press conference held in Kumasi, the Queen Mothers applauded President John Dramani Mahama for his effective leadership, which they said has led to a strengthening of the local currency and a significant drop in fuel prices over the past five months.

Madam Grace Adjei Darko, the Adwenhemaa of the Ashanti Region, said traders have a responsibility to adjust their prices in line with the improved economic indicators.

She emphasised that reducing the cost of goods and transport fares would help ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.

“We commend President Mahama for the stability he has brought to the economy.

Now that the cedi is performing strongly and fuel prices are down, we urge our fellow traders and commercial drivers to reflect these changes in their pricing,” Madam Adjei Darko stated.

She further appealed to the government to continue with efforts to sustain the cedi’s appreciation and proposed the introduction of a duty-free port policy to help lower the cost of imported goods.

Nana Akosua Pokua, the Anweniehemaa of Abediakyire, also took the opportunity to highlight key infrastructural needs in the region. She urged the President to prioritise the completion of phase two of the Kumasi Central Market Redevelopment Project, as well as the Krofrom Market, which she noted are critical to commercial activity in the region.

She also called for improvements to road infrastructure in parts of the Ashanti Region to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people.

Ghanaian fashionista, Osebo the Zaraman has reacted to the new Kwame Despite project

A video of popular Ghanaian fashionista, Osebo the Zaraman, has gone viral on social media following the commissioning of business mogul, Osei Kwame Despite’s automobile museum.

In a video shared on X on June 2, 2025, Osebo the Zaraman expressed shock after touring the premises.

The fashionista, who couldn’t hide his excitement after touring the museum, debunked the notion that “money is the root of all evil.”

According to him, the narrative that money is the root of all evil is false, therefore, the youth should take inspiration from Despite’s luxurious vehicles.

“Who said money is the root of all evil? Money is not the root of all evil. You people are not okay. This type of car is not in heaven. There is nothing like heaven. The heaven you are talking about is the one we are standing on right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, the museum’s launch drew an impressive list of high-profile attendees from across Ghana, including business magnate Ibrahim Mahama, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, actor and politician John Dumelo, and several entertainment figures such as Kwaku Manu, Efia Odo, KOD, and Sarkodie.

The Despite Automobile Museum captures a stunning collection of vintage classics, cutting-edge supercars, and includes an interactive driving simulator designed to offer visitors a fully immersive automotive experience.

Watch the video below:

“Money is not the root of all evil” – “Ghanaian businessman, Osebo The Zaraman was left in awe during his tour of the newly commissioned Despite Automobile Museum, owned by business mogul Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, located in East Legon, Accra. pic.twitter.com/K28irqI4TQ

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 2, 2025

JHM/AE

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu

The Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to conduct an audit into how public universities have utilised their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs).

Minister Haruna Iddrisu stated that there is an urgent need to assess how these funds are contributing to access to quality education and the development of educational infrastructure.

He made the remarks during the commissioning of the Dr. Paul Effah Conference Hall for the Ghana Tertiary Education sector on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

According to him, while the government continues to support public universities, it is equally critical for the institutions to demonstrate prudent use of their own generated revenues.

“We must shine a light on the universities’ utilisation of their IGFs and how that benefits the expansion of access to quality higher education, particularly through the provision of residential halls and, more importantly, lecture theatres,” he stated.

He also tasked the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) with developing a comprehensive blueprint for the establishment of polytechnics in every region.

He disclosed that these regional polytechnics will serve as transitional institutions, equipping students with the hands-on competencies needed for the job market.

“…Don’t you think that another layer is for us to have a polytechnic in each region of Ghana to provide a link between senior high school and the university? What do we do to improve the industry connection?

“So maybe your council would want to look into this and provide the President with a blueprint. It is a possible path to expanding access to higher education that the government should consider — to see if we can establish a polytechnic in each of the 16 regions of Ghana, focusing on employability and industry relevance.”

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is yet to decide his future at Leicester City

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew says he is yet to decide his future at Leicester City following the club’s relegation from the English Premier League.

Ayew, who joined the Foxes from Crystal Palace in August 2024, endured a challenging debut season under Dutch manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, making 36 appearances and scoring six goals. Despite individual flashes of brilliance, Leicester managed just six wins all season, sealing their second top-flight relegation in three years.

The East Midlands side also set an unwanted Premier League record by failing to score in nine consecutive home matches, surpassing a record previously held by Manchester City.

“I haven’t had time to reflect. I need to go on holiday, sit down and think about the whole season,” Ayew told Flashscore. “It is what it is. The deed is done, and we move on.”

The 33-year-old, who signed a two-year deal reportedly worth £5 million, still has a year left on his contract but says he will take time before making any decisions about his future.

“Staying is an option, and leaving is also an option,” Ayew added. “But I’m happy there. I just want to play football and enjoy myself — that’s what makes me happy.”

King Promise, freshly crowned Artiste of the Year, who will not only perform live but also offer attendees a rare glimpse into his personal journey—reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and stories behind the music that earned him top honours.

The evening would also feature show-stopping performances from rising voices like Titi Owusu, Scott Evans, and the genre-bending duo Lali x Lola, adding even more soul and spark to the lineup.

As part of the evening’s highlights, the Mixer will include the formal presentation of plaques to winners of the 26th TGMA, held on May 10, 2025—a night that saw over 20 artists and music professionals recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry.

This invite-only affair would host the movers, makers, and masterminds of the music ecosystem.

Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products.

The controversial bill, intended to raise additional revenue to address the nation’s crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply, was passed late today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the bill under a certificate of urgency, stated that the energy sector’s total indebtedness stands at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025.

He further explained that a minimum of US$3.7 billion is required to fully clear this debt, with an additional US$1.2 billion needed to procure essential fuel for thermal power generation throughout 2025.

The Minister assured Parliament that the impact of the new levy on ex-pump prices would be “absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi”, meaning consumers would not experience an immediate price hike.

However, the Minority Caucus vehemently opposed the bill, describing it as an inappropriate burden on Ghanaians.

Their resistance culminated in a walkout during the approval process, as they argued that the Majority side lacked the requisite numbers to make a binding decision on the bill.

Prior to the vote, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had passionately appealed for the levy, framing it as a necessary collective sacrifice to end the persistent power crises known as “dumsor”.

He explicitly sought to distinguish the new levy from the widely unpopular E-levy, which was recently repealed by the government.

Mr Ayariga urged Ghanaians to contribute “one cedi, just one cedi” per litre of fuel to secure a stable power future.

The passage of this bill is expected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion in revenue annually to address the energy sector’s financial woes.

While the government maintains that the strong Cedi will cushion consumers from direct price increases, the Minority’s walkout highlights deep divisions over the approach to resolving Ghana’s energy sector challenges.

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play videoParliament is considering the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025 under a Certifcate of Urgency

Parliament is set to approve an increment in the Energy Sector Levy, raising it to GH₵1 per liter of petroleum products.

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025, according to the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is aimed at bolstering revenue for energy sector reforms.

The proposed hike, part of the government’s fiscal strategy, seeks to address funding gaps in power generation and distribution.

The minister presenting the bill on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, argued that it will stabilize the sector.

The bill introduced under a Certificate of Urgency is expected to pass following debates.

Watch the proceedings below:

US President Donald Trump has signed an order doubling tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%.

The move hikes import taxes on the metals – key inputs in everything from cars to canned food – for the second time since March.

Trump has said the measures, which come into effect on Wednesday, are intended to secure the future of the American steel industry.

However, critics say the protections could wreak havoc on steel producers outside the US, spark retaliation from trade partners, and come at a punishing cost for American users of the metals.

Hours before he hiked the duties, many firms directly affected could scarcely believe the plan was moving forward, hoping it would turn out to be temporary or some kind of negotiating ploy.

Even as Trump moved forward with the deal, the UK was granted a carve-out from the measures, leaving duties on its steel and aluminium at 25%, a move Trump said reflected its ongoing trade discussions with the US.

“Always the question with Mr Trump is, is this a tactic or is this a long-term plan?” said Rick Huether, chief executive of Independent Can Co, a Maryland-based business which brings in steel from Europe and turns it into decorative cookie tins, popcorn boxes, and other products.

He said he had put investments on hold and feared the abrupt changes and price increases would lead his customers to turn to alternatives such as plastic or paper boxes.

“There’s a lot of chaos,” he said.

The US is the biggest importer of steel in the world, after the European Union, getting most of the metal from Canada, Brazil, Mexico and South Korea, according to the US government.

During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium, citing a law that gives him the authority to protect industries considered vital to national security.

But many imports ultimately escaped the duties after the US struck trade deals with allies and granted exemptions to certain imports at the request of firms.

Trump ended those carve-outs in March, saying he was unhappy with the way the protections had been weakened.

At Friday’s rally at the US Steel factory, he said he wanted to make tariffs so high that US businesses would have no alternative but to buy from American suppliers.

“Nobody’s going to get around that,” he said of the 50% rate. “That means that nobody’s going to be able to steal your industry. It’s at 25% – they can get over that fence. At 50%, they can no longer get over the fence.”

Reaction in the UK and Europe

As of May, imports and the rate of raw steel production in the US had changed little since last year before Trump raised tariffs, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

But steel imports fell 17% in April, compared to March. And businesses selling the metals into the US said they expected Trump’s latest announcement to lead to an even more dramatic drop.

Trump’s moves in March had already prompted Canada and the European Union to prepare to hit back with tariffs on their own American products.

On Tuesday, Olof Gill, spokesperson for economic security and trade for the European Commission, told the BBC the two sides were engaged in intense talks to try to make progress toward an agreement.

“We’re negotiating hard to try and make good deals,” he said.

“We really hope that the Americans will roll back on this latest tariff threat, as they have done on others, but that remains to be seen.”

In the UK, Trump’s announcement put new pressure on the government to pin down the trade deal in the works with the US, which had been expected to provide some protection from the March metals tariffs.

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris on Wednesday.

His office said it was “pleased” that the trade talks had protected UK steel from the latest duties.

“We will continue to work with the US to implement our agreement, which will see the 25% US tariffs on steel removed,” he said.

Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, which represents steelmakers, told the BBC that his members had already seen orders cancelled and delayed as a result of the 25% tariffs put in place in March.

He warned that a 50% tariff would be “catastrophic” for UK exports to the US, about 7% of overall exports.

“The introduction of 50% tariffs immediately puts the shutters up,” he said. “Most of our orders, if not all of them, will now be cancelled.”

Economists said the US economy is also facing damage, as prices rise as a result of the new measures.

A 2020 analysis estimated that Trump’s first term tariffs created roughly 1,000 jobs in the steel industry, but cost the economy 75,000 jobs in other sectors, such as manufacturing and construction.

Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, said that she expected to see even more extreme job losses this time.

“Some of the strongest evidence is against tariffs on intermediate inputs like steel and aluminium, finding they are much more harmful because they increase the cost of production in the United States,” she said. “It’s just very foolish to double down on this type of tariff in particular.”

Chad Bartusek is director of supply chain management at Drill Rod & Tool Steels, a small, family-owned manufacturing business in Illinois, which brings in about 800,000 pounds of Austrian-made steel each year, at specifications he says are not produced in the US.

Mr Bartusek said he was currently waiting on three containers worth of steel rod, which would have entered the US without duties at the start of the year.

As of last week, he had expected to pay tariff costs about $72,000. Instead, he is looking at a tariff bill of almost $145,000.

“I woke up Saturday morning, looked at the news and my jaw dropped,” he said of Trump’s announcement.

Mr Bartusek said business had been steady until a few weeks ago.

But his firm raised prices earlier this year by 8% to 14% to help cover the new cost of the tariffs. Now customers have been ordering more cautiously and he has had to cut back hours for workers.

“It’s one punch after the other,” he said. “Hopefully, this settles down quickly.”

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.

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Ibrahim Mahama (L) and Bright Simons

IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Bright Simons, has filed an application in the High Court, requesting that Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners, admit to 38 specific facts in connection with an ongoing defamation lawsuit against him.

The application, filed in the High Court with universal jurisdiction, seeks to obtain crucial background information regarding Mahama’s financial interests, political exposure, and economic affiliations—particularly in Ghana’s mining sector.

Simons’ legal team has given the plaintiffs 14 days to respond to the list of claims. These claims cover a wide range of topics, including Ibrahim Mahama’s classification as a politically exposed person (PEP), and the detailed financial and contractual arrangements between Engineers & Planners and Abosso Goldfields Limited.

The motion emphasizes Mahama’s close ties to political power as the brother of former President John Dramani Mahama and asserts that he is the sole shareholder of Engineers & Planners.

It also cites a 2013 transaction involving Red Sky Aviation’s registration in the Isle of Man, in which offshore law firm Appleby allegedly categorized Mahama as a politically exposed high-risk individual.

Additionally, Simons is asking the court to confirm that Engineers & Planners’ agreements with Abosso Goldfields—amounting to $117 million from 2015 to 2019, and $300 million from 2020 to 2025—have represented some of the company’s most significant revenue streams both in Ghana and internationally.

The motion further claims that, since mining activities ceased at Damang in 2023, Engineers & Planners has not received payments from Abosso Goldfields.

The company has reportedly entered discussions with banks, including Stanbic Ghana, regarding concerns over loan servicing. Simons also notes that the company holds a $230 million equipment financing deal with Caterpillar via the Mansour Group and has borrowed over $50 million from Stanbic.

KA

The agreement paves the way for Ghana to host the 2025 International Ministerial Health Summit

In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare investment across Africa, Ambassador Nancy Q. Sam led a delegation from WHX Informa, including the Vice President and Corporate Director, to meet with Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The meeting culminated in the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health and WHX Informa Markets, one of the world’s leading organizers of international health summits.

The agreement paves the way for Ghana to host the 2025 International Ministerial Health Summit, scheduled for December 8–10, 2025, under the theme “Financing Healthcare for Africa.”

The summit is set to become a major platform for African nations and global stakeholders to explore sustainable strategies for transforming the continent’s healthcare systems.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health in Accra and brought together several high-level officials and partners.

“This is a major opportunity for Ghana and the continent to lead a transformative conversation about healthcare investment,” said the Minister of Health.

The delegation, led by Ambassador Nancy Q. Sam—President of Women in Tourism Ghana, Vice President of the ECOWAS Tourism Private Sector Confederation, and Tourism Ambassador for Miami—included David Sam, Thomas Coleman (Corporate Director, Informa Markets), and Madam Solenne Singer (Vice President, Informa Markets), along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Presidency.

The 2025 summit is expected to attract global leaders, policymakers, healthcare innovators, and investors from both the public and private sectors.

Key discussions will focus on healthcare financing, public-private partnerships, medical infrastructure, and innovations aimed at improving health outcomes across Africa.

Informa Markets, renowned for organizing high-profile international events across various sectors, expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s capacity to host a world-class summit.

The summit is expected to draw major global healthcare giants, including Siemens, Roche, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and many others.

KA

The corporation behind Oreo has filed a lawsuit in the US against the budget supermarket Aldi, accusing it of “blatantly” copying the packaging of its famous snacks.

Court documents showed that Mondelēz International said Aldi uses similar packaging likely to “deceive” consumers and “ride the coattails” of the company’s “attraction, fame and prestige”.

The snack giant also is behind Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, and Ritz – all products the company accuses Aldi of copying with its “discount” versions.

Aldi US didn’t respond to the BBC’s request for comment, but its British counterpart stressed that it is not involved in the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Aldi UK told the BBC, that they are “under the same ownership but operate as completely separate businesses”.

Mondelēz, which submitted the lawsuit in May, said it had reached out to Aldi several times about the “confusingly similar packaging”.

Although Aldi did discontinue or alter the packaging of some products, the supermarket has continued making “unacceptable copies”, the lawsuit stated.

The company claimed that if Aldi is allowed to continued with its product lines, it will “irreparably harm” the Mondelēz brand.

The lawsuit included side-by-side pictures comparing the appearances of Mondelēz’ product with Aldi’s.

In the lawsuit, Aldi is accused of trademark infringement, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. Mondelēz said it is seeking damages.

Mondelēz described Aldi’s business model as hinging on “low-priced private label products that resemble the look and feel of well-known brands”.

Aldi, which has its headquarters in Germany, is known as a discount supermarket offering affordable alternatives to well-known brands.

There are over 2,500 Aldi shops in the US.

This is not the first time Aldi has been embroiled in a trademark battle. Earlier this year, it lost a battle with Cider producers Thatchers, which accused the supermarket of copying its drink in “taste and appearance”.

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Unique Trendz Blog of Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Source: The Blogger Dangote

The legal community is once again abuzz with criticism about the preparedness of newly trained lawyers. Recent comments from Mr. Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, suggest that fresh graduates lack the practical skills to function effectively in court. While his concerns highlight genuine gaps in legal training, his sweeping generalisations overlook critical nuances in the development of legal professionals.

Experience Takes Time: Why New Lawyers Aren’t Instant Experts

Claiming that young lawyers “don’t know how to move a court” is an oversimplification. Like any skilled profession, law requires time and practice to master. First-day jitters, unfamiliarity with courtroom dynamics, and the pressure of live advocacy are not signs of incompetence—they are part of the learning process.

Seasoned lawyers today were once novices themselves. The difference between a newly called lawyer and a veteran is not just training but years of hands-on experience. To expect flawless courtroom performance immediately after law school is unrealistic, not just in Ghana but in legal systems worldwide.

The Myth of the “Golden Age” of Lawyers

Nostalgia often distorts reality. The suggestion that past generations of lawyers were uniformly exceptional ignores history. Every era has produced both brilliant advocates and those who struggled. The key difference now is that heightened scrutiny in today’s legal environment demands transparency and accountability like never before.

If we examine the past objectively, we’ll find that the challenges facing young lawyers are not new. What has changed is the recognition that legal education must evolve to meet modern demands.

Reform Requires Collaboration, Not Just Criticism

Mr. Ansa-Asare rightly calls for an integrated legal education system. However, reform is a gradual process, and the proposed Legal Education Bill, though imperfect, represents progress. Rather than dismissing it outright, stakeholders should work to refine it.

Additionally, if practical training was insufficient during his tenure at the Ghana School of Law, one must ask: What proactive steps were taken to address it? Meaningful reform requires accountability from all parties—educators, law firms, and senior lawyers alike.

The Missing Link: Mentorship and Law Firm Responsibility

Legal education does not end at graduation. In many jurisdictions, young lawyers undergo rigorous apprenticeships under experienced mentors. Yet in Ghana, many law firms prioritise billable hours over training, leaving new lawyers to navigate the complex legal terrain alone.

If we truly want to improve the quality of legal practice, senior lawyers must commit to structured mentorship. The burden cannot fall solely on law schools.

Ghana’s System in Global Context

Comparisons to the US Juris Doctor (JD) model often overlook a key fact: even in advanced legal systems, new graduates require practical training before they excel. Internships, clerkships, and junior associate roles exist precisely because classroom learning alone is insufficient.

Moreover, legal practice today extends beyond courtroom theatrics. Skills in arbitration, corporate compliance, and legal tech are equally valuable, yet rarely discussed in these critiques.

A Balanced Path Forward

Instead of drastic overhauls, incremental improvements can bridge the gap:

• Enhanced simulations and mandatory internships – Law schools should integrate more practical exercises.
• Structured pupillage programs – The General Legal Council and Ghana Bar Association must enforce robust training frameworks.
• Continuing professional development – Senior lawyers should actively mentor the next generation.

Conclusion: Progress Over Perfection

Labelling all new lawyers as incompetent is not just unfair, it’s counterproductive. The legal profession is evolving, and while improvements are needed, we must acknowledge the strides already made.

Rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings, let’s focus on collaborative solutions. Great lawyers are not born in lecture halls; they are shaped through experience, guidance, and time. It’s time for all stakeholders, educators, practitioners, and policymakers to work together in building a stronger legal future for Ghana.

*******

Daniel Adjei is a Private Legal Practitioner and Advocate for Progressive Legal Education

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.

play videoParliament is considering the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025 under a Certifcate of Urgency

Parliament is set to approve an increment in the Energy Sector Levy, raising it to GH₵1 per liter of petroleum products.

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025, according to the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is aimed at bolstering revenue for energy sector reforms.

The proposed hike, part of the government’s fiscal strategy, seeks to address funding gaps in power generation and distribution.

The minister presenting the bill on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, argued that it will stabilize the sector.

The bill introduced under a Certificate of Urgency is expected to pass following debates.

Watch the proceedings below:

The Black Queens suffered defeat in their final friendly on the Abidjan tour on Tuesday evening. 

Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side were undone by a second half time by their hosts as they lost 1-0 at the end of the game. 

Ghana came into the fixture hoping to take a win in the game having thrown away a two-goal lead in the first encounter to draw 3-3 last week. 

The Swede boss made two changes to the starting lineup with Jennifer Cudjoe and Alice Kusi all coming into the team. 

The Black Queens enjoyed a good spell of possession in the opening minutes of the game before the Ivorians took command thereafter. 

Les Elephants took the game to the Ghanaians as they possessed and threatened every time they surged forward. 

Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan came to the rescue of the team several occasions in the game. 

However, she was unable to stop Habibou Ouedraogo’s strike in the 56th minute as Ghana conceded their fourth goal in two games against Côte d’Ivoire. 

The Black Queens were unable to get back on level terms as the Ivorians picked up the win. 

The result leaves Ghana with just one win in their last five games under Bjorkegren, scoring four and conceding six goals in that run. 

The game was part of the team’s preparations for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Morocco next month.

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.

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has entered an appearance in the high-profile GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit filed against him by businessman Ibrahim Mahama at the Accra High Court, setting the scene for a real battle.

In a strategic legal manoeuvre, Mr Simons has filed a comprehensive motion demanding that Mr Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), formally admit to 38 distinct facts central to their ongoing legal dispute.

The detailed motion filed at the High Court aims to establish critical background on Mr. Mahama’s extensive business operations, his significant political connections, and intricate financial interests, particularly within Ghana’s lucrative mining sector.

Mr Simons’ legal team has granted the plaintiffs a 14-day window to respond to these assertions, which span a wide array of topics from Mr. Mahama’s designation as a politically exposed person (PEP) to highly specific financial and contractual relationships involving E&P.

Among the key admissions sought by Mr Simons is the acknowledgement that Ibrahim Mahama serves as the sole shareholder of Engineers & Planners.

The motion also highlights his direct familial link to the highest office, identifying him as the brother of President John Dramani Mahama.

Furthermore, it points to his classification as a “high-risk politically exposed person” by the offshore legal firm Appleby in a 2013 transaction concerning the registration of Red Sky Aviation in the Isle of Man, a detail that could carry weight in the court’s assessment of his public standing.

A significant portion of the motion focuses on E&P’s contracts with Abosso Goldfields Limited.

Mr Simons is pressing the court to compel an admission that these contracts, valued at an estimated $117 million between 2015 and 2019, and a staggering $300 million from 2020 to 2025, represent some of E&P’s largest revenue streams both domestically and globally.

The motion specifically claims that income derived solely from the Damang Gold Mine is projected to constitute at least 25% of the company’s total mining revenue over the past decade.

The legal document further alleges that E&P has ceased receiving payments from Abosso Goldfields since mining operations at Damang were suspended in 2023.

Consequently, Mr Simons posits that E&P has engaged in critical discussions with various financial institutions, including Stanbic Ghana, regarding loan servicing challenges.

The motion asserts that E&P has secured loans exceeding $50 million from Stanbic and entered into a $230 million equipment financing agreement with the Mansour Group, primarily for Caterpillar machinery.

Other crucial admissions being sought include E&P’s unsuccessful bid to acquire Cardinal Namdini Mines in Bolgatanga, the company’s current efforts to secure financing for additional mining assets, and the notable employment of former E&P personnel in senior leadership roles within the Minerals Commission, Ghana’s primary mining regulatory body.

This extensive demand for admissions forms part of Mr Simons’ defence against the defamation suit initiated by Ibrahim Mahama.

The businessman alleges that a series of “false and malicious” publications by the IMANI Africa Vice President have severely damaged both his personal reputation and the corporate image of Engineers & Planners.

The outcome of this motion could significantly shape the trajectory and ultimate verdict of this high-profile legal battle.

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The Ashanti Regional Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, has made a passionate appeal to the party’s grassroots and sympathisers to reignite their loyalty and support, amid signs of declining enthusiasm within the party’s traditional strongholds.

His comments come in the wake of what he described as a visibly low turnout of party members at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) during the recent detention of the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail after meeting conditions including a GHS50 million bond with two sureties. However, his release drew less support from the party base than expected, a situation Yandoh said reflects wider concerns at the grassroots level following the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, June 3, Yandoh admitted the party had fallen short in addressing internal grievances and urged members to give the NPP another chance.

“Indeed, there are grassroots challenges. You saw it in the 2024 polls. We had a low turnout by the NPP members, and we continue to plead with them. NPP is the only party that can help Ghana, and so whatever has transpired, we are sorry; they should forgive us and forgive the party,” he said.

Yandoh acknowledged the disappointment and disaffection among the party’s support base but maintained that the NPP remains Ghana’s best hope for economic recovery and governance.

“The turnout was low, which is expected. We just came out of the elections, and there are issues to deal with. Until those issues are dealt with, we will continue to have that,” he added.

His remarks signal growing concern within the NPP over waning enthusiasm in the party’s base, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which has long been regarded as the party’s electoral heartbeat.

Govt seeks GH¢1 fuel levy hike to save energy sector

Players of Ivory Coast and Ghana during a game

The Black Queens of Ghana face Ivory Coast in an international friendly on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The game is set to be played at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is leading the team’s preparations for the continental tournament, set to take place in Morocco later this year.

The game forms part of a strategic series of friendlies that began in March, which is aimed at sharpening the squad.

Watch and follow live updates of the game below:

FKA

Watch the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV

The Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has laid before Parliament a bill seeking to amend the Energy Sector Levies Act, 2025.

The bill, titled the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes an upward adjustment in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to raise additional revenue to support the payment of energy sector arrears, reduce legacy debt, and ensure stable power supply across the country.

The bill was formally read for the first time in the House and has since been referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report. It was laid under a certificate of urgency.

Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Dr Forson told Parliament that the energy sector currently posed the greatest economic and fiscal threat to the country, warning that failure to address its mounting challenges could result in a full-blown crisis.

“The total energy sector debt as at the end of March 2025 stands at $3.1 billion. This amount includes debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders,” he said. 

Energy situation 

Dr Forson emphasised that the nation’s inability to honour its financial obligations to key players such as ENI and Karpowership resulted in the complete drawdown of two critical guarantees in 2024: a $512 million IDA guarantee from the World Bank and a $120 million guarantee from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). 

The government, he said, would now need $632 million to restore those guarantees.

He further stated that a minimum of $3.7 billion is required to clean up the energy sector’s overall indebtedness and reset the sector on a more stable path.

Highlighting the shift in the country’s electricity generation mix, Dr Forson said the country now heavily relies on thermal power to supplement hydroelectric sources. 

However, he revealed that the cost of liquid fuel for thermal generation was not currently factored into electricity tariffs, resulting in revenue shortfalls.

He further stated that including fuel costs in the current electricity pricing structure could lead to a 50 per cent hike in tariffs, which would significantly burden households and businesses. 

No extra cost 

Therefore, the proposed levy increase, he explained was a more balanced alternative that would avoid passing costs directly onto consumers.

“This levy will serve as a dedicated source of funding to the power sector, and the proceeds will be earmarked for the procurement of essential fuel for power generation,” he said.
Dr Forson assured the House that the impact of the new levy on petroleum prices would be neutralised by the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, ensuring that ensuring that consumers would not pay extra for petrol or diesel beginning today.

“Mr Speaker, I repeat, the impact will be absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, and this will mean that consumers will not have to pay extra for the price of petrol and diesel beginning today. Our simulations suggest that there will be no increase in the ex-pump price of petrol and diesel in the next window, beginning today, if the levy is imposed,” he stated categorically.

The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has cautioned the government against introducing new levies on petroleum products, warning that such a move could derail the economic stabilisation efforts currently underway.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 3, in response to the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill laid before Parliament by the Finance Minister, Mr. Amoah described the proposed GH¢1 increase in fuel levies as potentially counterproductive.

“But to say that we should go and collect new taxes on petroleum products at this point, when the same government seems to have done everything right, I think it will be shooting itself in the foot and will be adding unnecessary pressure. So clearly, further thinking should go into this,” he said.

Duncan Amoah cautioned that introducing new taxes at this point could worsen the burden on Ghanaians, especially when deeper issues affecting the energy sector remain unresolved.

“For me, whatever we need to do to stop the bleeding of the power sector, I think that should be our key focus at this point. You cannot continue to pour water in a leaking bucket, so we need to resolve the issues crippling the power sector,” he said.

Amoah emphasised that addressing the root causes of inefficiencies in the energy sector is critical before raising funds from consumers.

“The earlier we put a stop to the bleeding of that sector, the better. I think the government should go and think through this appropriately because it could create a whole mess for the country itself,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, while laying the bill before Parliament, explained that a minimum of $3.7 billion is required to clear energy sector debts, which currently stand at GHS3.1 billion. An additional $1.2 billion is needed to procure fuel for thermal power generation throughout 2025.

He assured Parliament that the proposed levy’s impact would be mitigated by the recent gains made by the local currency.
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Elon Musk hit out at President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax and spending bill, posting on X that he “can’t stand” the legislation and describing it as a “disgusting abomination”.

The bill – which includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and increased defence spending while also allowing the US government to borrow more money – was passed by the House of Representatives in May.

On X, Musk said those who voted for to pass the bill are “wrong”.

Musk had previously said the bill, one of Trump’s signature policies, was “disappointing” because he believed it undermined the cost-cutting work of the team he headed until recently, known as Doge.

Doge stands for Department of Government Efficiency, even though the team is not a cabinet-level agency.

The South African-born tech billionaire’s time in the Trump administration came to an end on 31 May, although Trump said that “he will, always, be with us, helping all the way”.

The bill in its current form has been estimated to increase the budget deficit – the difference between what the government spends and the revenue it receives – by approximately $600bn (£444bn) in the next fiscal year.

In a series of posts on X on Tuesday, Musk said that the “outrageous, pork-filled” spending bill will “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America [sic] citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”

In American politics “pork” refers to spending measures that lawmakers tack onto legislation to narrowly benefit their constituencies.

Asked about Musk’s comments soon after the first post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “the President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill”.

“This is one, big, beautiful bill,” she added. “And he’s sticking to it.”

The legislation also pledges to extend soon-to-expire tax cuts passed during the first Trump administration in 2017, as well as an influx of funds for defence spending and to fund the administration’s mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Additionally, it proposes lifting the limit on the amount of money the government can borrow, known as the debt ceiling, to $4tn.

The comments from Musk reflect wider tensions among Republicans over the plan, which faced stiff opposition from different wings of the party as it worked its way through the House. The Senate has now taken it up, and divisions already emerging in the Republican-controlled chamber.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, over the last few days has said he will not support the bill if it includes the provision to raise the debt ceiling.

“”The GOP [the Republican Party] will own the debt once they vote for this,” he told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, over the weekend.

Trump responded to Sen Paul with a series of angry social media posts, accusing him of having “very little understanding of the bill” and saying that the “people of Kentucky can’t stand him”.

“His ideas are actually crazy,” Trump wrote.

Trump and Republicans in Congress have set a deadline of 4 July to get the “big, beautiful bill” passed and signed into law.

Musk’s posts on the platform he owns also suggest he shares a rift with Trump, whom he helped get elected in last year’s November election with donations of more than $250m.

To make peace with spending hawks, Trump is also asking Congress to pass a plan that would reduce current spending by $9bn and which is reportedly based on Doge’s work.

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.

Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Kofi Buah has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Ghana Police Service for the immense efforts in the fight against illegal mining.

Speaking at the Global Mining Summit on Monday, June 2, 2025, the minister noted that the IGP and the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies have contributed immensely in pushing back on the activities of illegal miners and safeguarding our water bodies.

Over the past two months, the Ghana Police Service has waged a relentless war against illegal mining in the country.

In Samreboi and surrounding communities alone, a special Police Anti-galamsey Taskforce constituted by the IGP has retrieved over one hundred (100) excavators, some buldozers, weapons and Chanfang machines among several other exhibits.

Several arrests have been made and the suspects involved are being taken through the due process of law. Similar anti-galamsey operations have been carried out in other areas including the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Central and the Upper West Region.

The Ghana Police Service in a recent released highlighted their commitment to intensify the fight against illegal mining as it works together with other stakeholders to ensure the protection of water bodies and other natural resources.

KA

Dr Ato Forson after signing the grant agreement with Japan

Ghana and Japan have signed a grant agreement valued at ¥402 million (equivalent to GH¢28.619 million) under the Japanese Grant Aid for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme.

The Ministry of Finance held the signing ceremony on June 3, 2025, as it marks the launch of the third batch of the fourth phase of the programme.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, noted that the programme aligns with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and build a resilient, knowledge-driven public sector.

Dr Forson also provided updates on Ghana’s economic outlook.

He stated that Ghana’s sovereign credit ratings are expected to improve soon, reflecting the country’s progress toward economic recovery.

Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Miyazaki Katsura, who led the Japanese delegation, acknowledged Ghana’s request and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to long-term development cooperation.

She emphasised the strategic importance of the JDS Programme in preparing Ghanaian professionals for leadership and institutional reform.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the grant agreement, reinforcing the strong bilateral partnership between Ghana and Japan and paving the way for expanded cooperation in both human capital and infrastructure development.

SSD/AE

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has sparked controversy in Parliament with the introduction of the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill under a certificate of urgency to impose new taxes on petroleum products.

The bill, submitted under a certificate of urgency, if approved, will impose fresh taxes on all petroleum products, which Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says is necessary to clear an alarming US$3.1 billion energy debt as of the end of March 2025.

Crucially, Dr Ato Forson assured Parliament today, June 3, that, despite the increment, consumers would not immediately feel the impact at the pumps, attributing this cushioning to the robust performance of the Ghana Cedi.

The Minister detailed the dire financial state of the energy sector, revealing that the US$3.1 billion debt includes significant arrears owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), various State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and crucial fuel suppliers.

A major contributor to this crisis, he noted, was the non-payment of bills to key power providers like ENI and Karpowership.

This led to the complete drawdown of a US$512 million World Bank IDA guarantee and a US$120 million GNPC guarantee in 2024, leaving the government in urgent need of an additional US$632 million to restore these vital guarantees.

“To help raise additional revenue to fund the needs in the power sector, the government is proposing an increase in the ex-pump price of petrol, diesel and related products,” Dr. Forson stated before Parliament.

However, the Finance Minister moved swiftly to allay fears of immediate cost escalation for consumers.

“Mr. Speaker, I repeat,” he emphasised, “the impact will be absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi and this will mean that consumers will not have to pay extra for the price of petrol and diesel beginning today.”

He further added, “Our simulations suggest that there will be no increase in the ex-pump price of petrol and diesel in the next window beginning today if the levy is imposed. This is because of a strong Ghana Cedi.”

Dr. Forson clarified that the new levy is designed as a dedicated source of funding for the beleaguered power sector.

Proceeds from the levy will be specifically earmarked for the procurement of essential fuel necessary for consistent power generation.

This, he explained, is fundamental to ensuring Ghana enjoys a stable electricity supply, given that “the current electricity tariffs paid by consumers do not include the cost of fuel used for the power generation.”

The decision to implement this levy on petroleum prices, according to the Minister, represents a strategic balance between ensuring an uninterrupted and reliable power supply for the nation and promoting the long-term financial sustainability of Ghana’s energy sector.

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.