Supreme Court judge nominee Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has delivered a thought-provoking critique of Ghana’s legal framework, questioning the apparent inconsistency between the legal age for marriage and the age of sexual consent.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei posed a poignant rhetorical question that highlighted a complex societal and legal conundrum:

“If you cannot marry at 16? Why have sex at 16?”

Justice Adjei’s comment directly challenges the different age thresholds stipulated by various Ghanaian laws.

While Ghana’s Children’s Act of 1998 sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 years for both males and females, the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 pegs the age of sexual consent at 16 years.

This disparity means that a 16-year-old in Ghana can legally consent to sexual activity but is legally too young to enter into marriage.

The nominee’s inquiry brings to the forefront a long-standing debate among legal experts, child rights advocates, and social workers.

Critics argue that this legal gap creates vulnerabilities for minors, contributing to issues such as teenage pregnancies, child abandonment, and defilement that may not be adequately prosecuted if consensual sex at 16 is permitted while marriage is not.

Justice Adjei’s line of questioning during his vetting by the Appointments Committee, which scrutinises nominees’ legal philosophies, understanding of the law, and views on critical societal issues, suggests a call for a review and potential harmonisation of these legal ages.

His remarks are expected to reignite discussions on how best to protect young people in Ghana and ensure that legal provisions are consistent and serve the best interests of children.

The vetting process for Justice Adjei, a seasoned jurist known for his contributions to judicial training and human rights law, continues as Parliament assesses his suitability for a seat on the nation’s highest court.

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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.

Dakar — Ghana is losing billions of dollars in revenue annually to smuggling from its booming artisanal gold mining sector with much of the gold flowing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a report by nonprofit Swissaid.

The report found a staggering 229 tonnes trade gap, equivalent to $11.4bn, between Ghana’s gold exports and corresponding imports over just five years, with most of the smuggled gold ending up in Dubai.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, who analyses insurgency and artisanal mining operations in the region.

“Hand-carried gold does not have to be declared in Dubai … informal gold is mostly brought in on flights,” highlighting other opaque ways Africa’s gold is smuggled into the UAE.

The Swissaid report said Ghana’s gold is largely smuggled to Togo before ending up in Dubai while some bullion passes through Burkina Faso into Mali, using porous borders.

A senior official at Ghana’s regulatory Minerals Commission described Swissaid’s findings as “a notorious fact”.

Ghana’s finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The report noted how a 3% withholding tax on artisanal gold exports imposed by Africa’s top gold producer in 2019 backfired dramatically, as declared exports collapsed while smuggling surged.

The government’s reduction of the tax to 1.5% in 2022 partially reversed the trend, with formal exports rebounding.

In March, Ghana’s finance minister scrapped the tax, subsequently praising policy reforms for a surge in artisanal exports this year.

An estimated 34 tonnes of the country’s 2023 gold output were undeclared — about the same amount recorded as the country’s total artisanal production for that year, according to the Swissaid report released on June 11.

Slow reforms

Ghana earned $11.6bn in revenue from gold exports last year and has stepped up reforms to centralise and clean up the trade.

Its experience mirrors a continent-wide pattern where Africa’s gold-producing nations consistently report lower exports than what importing countries, particularly the UAE, declare as receipts. Reforms by Dubai to curb gold smuggling have yielded limited results.

Informal mining provides livelihoods for more than 10-million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a May UN report, but increasingly it serves as a funding channel for organised crime and armed conflict.

“While the new government has shown some willingness to fix some governance issues that have bedevilled the gold sector for years, and which were largely ignored by the previous administration, its pace has been quite slow,” said Bright Simons of Accra-based think-tank Imani Center for Policy and Education.

Reuters

IES says Ghana may experience a fuel price hike within the next two weeks

The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has cautioned that Ghana may experience a fuel price hike within the next two weeks, despite current stability in pump prices.

According to Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of IES, ongoing tensions in the Middle East are likely to drive up global petroleum prices, which could eventually affect fuel costs in Ghana.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 16, 2025, he noted that prices may remain stable, or even drop slightly, in the short term, but warned that a reversal is likely.

“We are going to experience some stability or even a drop in fuel prices from today going forward. However, because prices have started skyrocketing on the global market, we must prepare for a possible hike in the next two weeks,” he stated.

He added that while Ghana has limited control over global market trends, diplomatic efforts to resolve geopolitical tensions could help ease prices in the future.

DR/MA

Watch as ongoing GRNMA strike disrupts healthcare, leaves patients stranded

Meanwhile, BECE 2025 kicks off across Ghana as over 600,000 candidates sit exams

 Accra, June 16, GNA – The Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for the directive to print textbooks locally.

The Association is an umbrella body that embodies goods and services producers in the paper and packaging industry in Ghana.

President Mahama’s initiative seeks to introduce the Education Revolution to end the textbook shortage crisis due to failure to provide textbooks after changing the curriculum in recent years.

A statement issued in Accra said the policy directive aimed at transforming Ghana’s education.
The Association recounted President Mahama’s statement “This no-textbook phenomenon will end this year … that these textbooks are going to be printed by Ghanaian printers so that money stays here in Ghana.”

It said this synced with a study commissioned by GPPCA in 2014 on the local investors and selected counterparts abroad in the industry, their needs, and their interests.

The study highlighted a clear understanding of the local market for printing and paper converting, including regulations, demand, competition, challenges and potential investors.

“To this end, the GPPCA is determined to pursue the report recommendations,” he said.
It called for a complete removal of all pre-production tariffs to enable local printing firms to compete fairly with their foreign counterparts.

The statement said adoption of the UNESCO Convention that made provisions for the governments to suspend or set aside any agreement, if because of the implementation of the agreement, more books were imported into a country to cause dislocation in the local printing industry.

It said the government must take advantage of this provision to impose some levies on imported books, thus providing stability within the local printing industry.

“With the government sector forming up to 70 per cent of total demand of the printing industry in Ghana, it is important that the government fully implements the Textbook Policy (2005) by ensuring that 100 per cent of printing contracts are awarded to local printing firms,” it said.

It said the printing industry had already shown what it was capable of and in a previous major contract cycle, only three out of many capable local printers managed to produce and deliver the entire consignment, proving technical competence, operational readiness, and national commitment.

The statement said significantly, the 24-hour economy concept was manifested in the printing and paper conversion or packaging sectors, given that printers could work in the envisaged 3-eight-hour shift system, given that most printing and package production companies were under-utilizing their capacity, with machines lying idle for want of printing and packaging job contracts.

Ideally, the industry could increase employment rates by about 40 per cent if they were awarded significant volumes of printing contracts existing in the Ghanaian economy, but which currently were sourced from abroad, despite the availability of local capacity.

Generally, the benefits of investing in the printing and paper converting industry include – market demand; profitability and tax mobilization; the potential for growth; job creation; amidst societal impact and contribution to the local economy.

The statement said the prospects of further investment in the local printing and paper converting industry were enormous and signified the potential stretch of Ghanaian producers to capture the West African paper print and packaging market.

The Association sought support from government in the areas of passing an instrument or a presidential directive approved by parliament to use only local factories for the supply of all government and institution printing materials needs such as textbooks, exercise books, and other printed materials.

“Cancel all exemptions for companies that import finished printed materials such as jackets, boxes or packaging materials. Hence, they must pay import duties and VAT,” it added.

The statement said that the government would create a favorable environment to help local printers and converters to grow, employ more people, pay more taxes and create wealth and paper converters, commonly referred to as print, packaging, and labeling manufacturers transform paper and polymer-based raw materials into safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing containers and receptacles.

It said although the industry played a crucial role across multiple sectors, its vast economic and developmental potential remained largely underutilized.

It called for more proactive policy measures and strategic investment to unlock the full potential of this vital industry.

GPPCA is committed to building strong relationships with key stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and other industry partners to effectively advocate for, and sustain trust and support for the effective implementation of the President’s revolutionary drive.

“Indeed, a home-grown solution to provide adequate textbooks, among other logistics, for the effective and efficient running of the education sector,” It added.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

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Commitment to peace and citizen welfare

Ebenezer Nartey is a former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central

Former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Ebenezer Nartey, has stirred debate after strongly arguing that no one buys just one litre of fuel at the pump, a point he used to challenge critics of the recent fuel levy.

Appearing on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show on June 16, 2025, the former lawmaker clashed with co-panellist Roseline over how ordinary Ghanaians purchase fuel.

Nartey questioned the practicality of claims that the new levy would hurt those buying minimal quantities.

“Who goes to the filling station and buys just one litre of fuel? Or diesel? Let’s be honest!” he stated.

Roseline, however, pushed back, insisting that some commercial drivers and motorbike users often buy fuel in litres, sometimes even carrying containers (gallons) to purchase small quantities.

But Nartey wasn’t convinced, warning that dishonesty in such discussions could lead to judgment.

“Whatever we do today, we’ll be accountable to God one day,” he argued.

The exchange, though lighthearted at moments, highlighted deeper frustrations surrounding fuel prices, tax policy, and economic hardship.

While Nartey emphasised that the fuel levy is minor, critics argue that for many struggling Ghanaians, every pesewa counts.

DR/MA

Watch as ongoing GRNMA strike disrupts healthcare, leaves patients stranded

The Suspect

The National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service has arrested Christopher Partey for unlawful possession of 40 parcels of a substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the police team intercepted a Ford Transit bus with registration number AS 524-16 near Ayikuma Township while on routine patrol along the Accra-Somanya corridor. A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tightly wrapped parcels concealed in a fertilizer sack in the vehicle’s boot.

During interrogation, Christopher Partey, a passenger on board, admitted ownership of the items. The exhibits have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters for further investigation. The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigations, and will be put before the court.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

Dr Zakari Mumuni, First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana

The Bank of Ghana anticipates a decline in inflation rates in the near future, driven by the strict monetary policies currently in place.

First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Zakari Mumuni, stated that the country’s inflation rate is projected to decline further toward the year-end target of 12%, as a result of the Bank’s tight monetary policy stance.

Dr Mumuni made these remarks while speaking at the Ghana Diaspora Investment Forum in Accra.

He highlighted the improved macroeconomic environment as a key factor that will support the reduction in inflation.

“Macroeconomic fundamentals are projected to improve further to create a business-friendly environment for investors, while growth is projected to remain strong throughout the year,” he said.

The First Deputy BoG Governor also noted that remittance inflows have become vital to Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.

He also expects that ongoing reforms to tighten foreign exchange rules will help reduce remittance costs.

Dr Zakari stated that the Bank of Ghana has enhanced security and transparency measures to encourage greater investment from diaspora communities.

He further mentioned that the Central Bank will continue to develop innovative financial solutions tailored to the needs of the diaspora, to facilitate their investments and settlement plans.

DR/MA

Featured

Mohammed Ali

Jun – 16 – 2025 , 14:57

2 minutes read

By Iddi Yire

Accra, June 16, GNA-President John Dramani Mahama has assured nursing trainees that the Government has put mechanisms in place to ensure that the payment of their monthly allowances will be done automatically.

He assured them that their allowances were being worked on by the Government and that by next month (July), they would start receiving their payments.

“We have designed it such that your payment will come automatically every month. Every month you will receive your money.” President Mahama stated in his address at a durbar of the chiefs and people of the North East Region at Nalerigu during his Thank You Tour of the Region.

“The budget was made from January and so when we start paying you next month, the arrears from January to June will be paid to you.”

The President is embarking on his on nationwide Thank You Tour to express gratitude to Ghanaians for their support for him and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the Decem 7, 2024, general election.

President Mahama announced that the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery was one of the colleges that had been selected for upgrading into a degree awarding institution.

He said education remained the nation’s greatest equalizer, adding that no region could prosper if its children were left behind.

He said the Gambaga College of Education remained a critical priority, and that following his directive, the GEDFUND Administrator had assessed the stalled projects on that campus, and he would confirm that funding was ready to complete the permanent site.

“We expect construction to resume in the third quarter of this year. The contractor will be on site at the Gambaga College of Education new site,” the President said.

GNA

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Latest report by Swissaid has revealed that Ghana is losing billions of dollars in revenue annually due to rampant smuggling from its booming artisanal gold mining sector, with much of the illicit bullion ending up in the United Arab Emirates.

The report, released on June 11, 2025, uncovered a massive 229-metric ton trade gap valued at $11.4 billion between Ghana’s declared gold exports and the corresponding imports recorded by trading partners over a five-year period.

A significant portion of the undeclared gold was traced to Dubai, where it is believed to be entering informally via hand luggage and undeclared air cargo.

The head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation who studies artisanal mining and regional insurgencies said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. Hand-carried gold does not have to be declared in Dubai. Informal gold is mostly brought in on flights,” he stated.

The report detailed how smuggled gold often transits through Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali, taking advantage of porous borders before reaching the UAE.

A senior official from Ghana’s Minerals Commission acknowledged the issue, describing the findings as a “notorious fact.”

Despite repeated concerns over revenue loss, Ghana’s finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The report also highlighted the unintended consequences of a 3 percent withholding tax introduced by Ghana in 2019 to formalize and regulate artisanal gold exports.

Rather than improving transparency, the measure caused a collapse in declared exports and a sharp rise in smuggling.

In 2022, the government reduced the tax to 1.5 percent, prompting a modest recovery.

However in March 2024, the tax was entirely scrapped, a move the finance minister credited for a surge in official artisanal gold exports this year.

According to the report, an estimated 34 metric tons of Ghana’s 2023 gold output went undeclared roughly equivalent to the total amount of officially recorded artisanal production.

SP/MA

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

ECG uncovers illegal connection at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman

The revenue team of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)-Accra East Division, has uncovered widespread illegal electricity connections at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman.

During an inspection of the estate, the team discovered that over 100 newly built homes had been connected to the electricity grid illegally.

Additionally, a block factory within the estate was found to be using an illegal connection to power its operations.

In a video shared by JoyNews on X (formerly Twitter), members of the ECG team were heard expressing their frustration, “They don’t have meters. These people are very wicked. There are cables on the floor. Almost everybody has an air conditioner in this estate.”

JoyNews further reported that, following the discovery of widespread power theft, the illegally connected block factory, used for supplying construction materials, was disconnected from the power supply.

In recent times, the ECG has raised concerns over the significant revenue losses incurred due to illegal electricity connections. Some of the most common forms of power theft identified include direct service connections, meter bypassing, meter tampering, and unauthorised service connections.

The company says it is intensifying efforts to crack down on such illegalities and ensure that offenders are brought to book.

The ECG’s Accra East revenue team has uncovered massive power theft at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman, where about 100 newly built homes were found with illegal electricity connections. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/22WdApeAWx

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) June 16, 2025

SSD/MA

In a remarkable show of corporate social responsibility, Appolonia City and King City, as part of their annual Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school feeding project have spent over GH¢120,000 to provide hot meals to students sitting for the ongoing BECE at the Appolonia MMDA Junior High School, the Whindo Assakae and Windo M.A. Junior High Schools in Takoradi.

The BECE school feeding project, is an initiative by Appolonia City and King City aimed at ensuring that during the most important examination of their lives, candidates from the two projects’ communities are well-nourished and focused as they take this critical step in their academic journey.

The project includes the provision of both breakfast and lunch for the entire duration of the examinations in both Accra and Takoradi.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Madam Vera Osei, Assistant Headmistress of Appolonia MMDA JHS, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Appolonia City for the kind gesture.

“This thoughtful support has not only relieved a financial burden on our families but has also boosted the morale and confidence of the candidates,” she said.

Yaw Acheampong Adjei, Marketing and Communication Manager for Appolonia City, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to education and community development.

“We believe that investing in the future of our youth is vital. By providing these meals, we hope to give the students one less thing to worry about and help them perform at their very best,” he stated.

He also took the opportunity to wish the candidates well, encouraging them to give their all and come out with flying colors.

The initiative has been widely praised by parents who brought their wards to the exam centre, and educators alike as a timely and impactful contribution to the welfare of students and the educational progress of the Appolonia and Whindo/Assake areas in Accra and Takoradi.

This year’s edition marks the fourth year since the commencement of the BECE school feeding initiative by Appolonia City and King City.

In all, the two companies fed 401 pupils and 22 teachers in Takoradi and Accra respectively.

Appolonia City and King City are Rendeavour’s projects in Ghana.

Rendeavour is Africa’s largest urban developer with over 30,000 acres of city scale projects in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo.

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