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Apr – 06 – 2025 , 13:01

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Residents of the Eastern Region witnessed a significant public health intervention as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) safely disposed of approximately 2.5 tons of unwholesome products.

The exercise was conducted with the consent of product owners and under strict supervision.

The items destroyed included a wide range of products, drugs, cosmetics, canned foods, beverages, and medical equipment confiscated from information centres, supermarkets, over-the-counter medicine sellers, food retail joints, and pubs across the region.

The disposal exercise took place at the Akwadum dumping site near Koforidua, under tight security and expert monitoring to ensure public safety.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, emphasized the Authority’s mandate to ensure the safety of all products under its regulatory scope. She noted that while the FDA actively monitors market products, manufacturers and vendors also have the responsibility to report unsafe or expired goods for safe disposal.

“The FDA seeks the services of the management of the landfill site and uses appropriate equipment to burn, bury, crush, or churn the non-conforming products to prevent the activities of scavengers,” she explained.

Specialized equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, was deployed during the destruction process to ensure thorough and environmentally safe disposal.

Owusu-Kuffour reiterated the FDA’s broader role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of human and veterinary medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and biological products. The Authority also regulates the safety of Ghana’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and tobacco products.

The FDA’s latest operation underscores its ongoing commitment to ridding the market of harmful goods and ensuring consumer safety across the country.

The sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume, Togbe Kwasi Amedor III, has expressed concern over a communicable skin disease outbreak affecting many children and adults in Avetakpo enclave, a farming community in Ghana’s Volta Region. 

According to the chief, the infected residents are experiencing sleep deprivation, acute, and prolonged bodily pains.

Despite the severity of the outbreak, he indicated that affected individuals are unable to access medical treatment due to a lack of funds. 

Based on the request by the Queen Mother of the area, Mama Aku Seme II, officials from the Ho East District Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service (GHS) visited the area, but a budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 was set for the community to pay before treatment could begin.

Unfortunately, the community couldn’t raise the funds.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Chief Togbe Amedor III stated. 

He disclised that the disease has spread to neighboring communities, with over 46 people affected so far.

Togbe Amedor III is calling for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment. 

He emphasized the need for contingency measures to prevent infections and maintain residents’ well-being.

The chief expressed frustration that health officials didn’t provide the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain about the situation. 

The lack of access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing sources with cattle and animals, may be contributing to the outbreak.

The chief’s appeal highlights the need for government support to address the skin disease outbreak in Mepe-Avetakpi. 

With the situation becoming increasingly serious, urgent action is required to provide medical treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.

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The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has announced plans to implement a 24-hour shift system in its terminal operations.

The introduction of this system, as highlighted in the March 2025 edition of TOR’s newsletter, aims to enhance and streamline the refinery’s operations.

This move is part of a broader strategy to maximize the utilization of TOR’s assets and improve overall efficiency.

It is believed that the systematic roll-out of the three-shift system will initially focus on the loading gantry, a key area of the Refinery Terminal Operations.

The loading gantry plays a critical role in the refinery’s operations, where refined petroleum products are loaded onto tankers for distribution.

With the implementation of the 24-hour system, TOR’s management hopes to significantly enhance the terminal’s operations, increase productivity, and ensure a continuous supply of refined products to meet domestic demand.

The 24-hour system will be divided into three shifts, allowing staff to work in rotations around the clock. This will not only help TOR to operate more efficiently but also create employment opportunities by increasing the number of shifts and staff required to manage the operations.

The shift system forms part of a broader initiative by the government of President John Dramani Mahama to foster a 24-hour economic system in Ghana.

The government aims to encourage businesses and state institutions across the country to adopt shift systems, thereby increasing productivity and contributing to a more dynamic economy.

The Tema Oil Refinery is Ghana’s premier oil refinery. With an ideal refinery configuration and sufficient storage tank capacity, it ranks among the best refineries in Africa and plays a critical role in supporting the country’s economic growth and investment initiatives.

However, despite its strategic importance, operational risks and managerial challenges have left the refinery in disarray in recent years.

Issues such as outdated infrastructure, inconsistent maintenance, and financial mismanagement have hindered its full potential and led to fluctuating performance, thereby impacting its ability to meet the increasing demand for refined products.

MA

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Apr – 06 – 2025 , 12:01

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the ministry allocates US$15 million annually to cover rent for Foreign Service Officers, a financial burden that has significantly strained the ministry’s budget over the years.

In addressing this challenge, Okudzeto Ablakwa announced a strategic plan to purchase two properties each year.

This initiative is aimed at reducing long-term rental costs while enhancing investments in the welfare of the ministry’s staff.

However, he raised concerns about the deteriorating state of several state-owned properties abroad, attributing the issue to poor maintenance practices.

These conditions, he noted, pose serious safety and welfare concerns for staff.

Ablakwa further disclosed that Foreign Service Officers stationed in challenging environments will be reassigned every two years, ensuring their well-being while maintaining efficiency.

During his engagement with staff at the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister reassured them that their welfare remains a top priority.

He emphasised his commitment to addressing their concerns and improving their working conditions.

The Minister’s visit to Nigeria is part of a broader working tour of Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, an initiative aimed at fostering connections with Ghanaians living abroad.

SP/MA

In a move reflecting heightened diplomatic tensions, the United States has imposed a sweeping ban on romantic and sexual relationships between its government personnel in China and Chinese nationals.

According to an AP report, the directive, introduced in January 2025 by then-U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, extends to American diplomats, their family members, and contractors with security clearances stationed across mainland China and Hong Kong. 

It prohibits any intimate involvement with Chinese citizens — a stark departure from previous protocols.

Previously, U.S. staff were only required to report romantic contact with Chinese nationals or avoid relationships with specific individuals, such as embassy guards. Under the new guidelines, however, such associations are outright forbidden unless formally exempted.

“This is a Cold War-era level of restriction,” said one diplomatic analyst, commenting on the policy’s breadth. “American diplomats commonly date or even marry locals in host countries, but this new rule makes clear the U.S. sees China as a unique threat.”

The policy stems from growing concerns about espionage, particularly China’s alleged use of “honeypots” — romantic traps designed to extract intelligence from foreign officials. Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst, said, “Chinese state security agents have been known to seduce American diplomats, and even ordinary Chinese citizens who date them could be vulnerable to coercion.”

According to reports, personnel with pre-existing relationships may apply for exemptions. If denied, they must either end the relationship or vacate their post. Violation of the policy would lead to immediate expulsion from China.

The rule applies to U.S. government personnel stationed at the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong. It does not, however, affect diplomats based outside of China.

The Chinese government has remained tight-lipped about the move. When asked for comment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would be “more appropriate to ask the U.S. about this question.”

Ironically, China already maintains stringent controls over the private lives of its own officials. Civil servants with foreign spouses are barred from senior appointments, while diplomats are not permitted to remain in any one country for extended periods. Chinese government staff are similarly forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships with foreign nationals.

The new U.S. directive comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, security, and global influence — a geopolitical rivalry that continues to reshape foreign policy on both sides.

By Emelia B. Addae

Koforidua, April 06, GNA – The Eastern Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has carried out a massive disposal of about 2.5 tonnage unwholesome products from some places with the consent of their owners. 

The disposed products which included drugs, cosmetics, canned foods, drinks, and medical equipment, were seized from places such as the information centers, supermarkets, Over the counter, food retail joints, and pubs. 

The items were safely disposed of at the Akwadum dumping site near Koforidua amid tight security and expert watch. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency Mrs. Anita Owusu-Kuffour, Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, said that the authority was mandated to check on the safety of products under their regulatory control. 

But the manufacturers and producers too had the right to report the unsafety status of their products to the FDA for proper disposal. 

“The FDA seeks the services of the Management of the Landfill Site and uses the appropriate equipment to burn, bury, crash or churn for safer and successful disposal of the non-conforming products to prevent the activities of scavengers,” she said. 

The equipment used for the destruction exercise included an excavator and bulldozers. 

The FDA protects public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices.  

It is also responsible for the safety and security of Ghana’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and regulating tobacco products. 

GNA 

DL/KOA 

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) recorded its highest monthly revenue in the last three years following major changes implemented by the new management.

According to the TOR Guide, the refinery’s monthly newsletter, TOR generated $2.5 million in revenue in March, marking its highest figure in the last three years.

By generating $2.5 million, TOR exceeded its revenue target for the month of March by an impressive 125%.

This achievement, according to TOR, was made possible by the sacrifice and hard work of the staff, who have shown unwavering commitment to the strategies and plans being implemented by the new management, led by Dr. Yusif Sulemana.

Special credit was also given to the Commerce, Maintenance, Finance, and Safety divisions for their crucial roles in attaining this remarkable feat.

This positive news signals TOR’s preparedness to embrace the reset agenda being pursued by the government of President John Dramani Mahama.

It is expected that TOR will witness a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes as the refinery is set to embark on the much-discussed 24-hour shift system within the loading gantry.

The Tema Oil Refinery is Ghana’s premier oil refinery. With an ideal refinery configuration and sufficient storage tank capacity, it ranks among the best refineries in Africa and plays a critical role in supporting the country’s economic growth and investment initiatives.

However, despite its strategic importance, operational risks and managerial challenges have left the refinery in disarray in recent years. Issues such as outdated infrastructure, inconsistent maintenance, and financial mismanagement have hindered its full potential and led to fluctuating performance and have impacted its ability to meet the increasing demand for refined products.

MA

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised the government for allegedly intimidating the minority over their concerns regarding the unexplained presence of two foreign aircraft in Ghana—AirMed flight N823AM and the Cavok Air Antonov An-12B.

The party has demanded transparency and accountability, calling for a satisfactory explanation of the aircrafts’ missions in the country.

In a statement signed by the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah on April 6, the NPP expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, led by Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

The party described the explanation as inadequate and defensive, which they believe has only deepened public suspicion.

The NPP highlighted the unusual circumstances surrounding the aircraft, noting that both reportedly developed faults while in Ghana.

They argued that the government’s reluctance to provide clarity reinforces suspicions of a contrived narrative.

The NPP also pointed to the involvement of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which has urged the Ghanaian government to investigate the flights’ missions.

The party called for a detailed and professional response from the appropriate security agencies regarding the cargo and purpose of the aircraft.

Additionally, the NPP demanded updates on two major drug trafficking cases—the $350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast and the $150 million cocaine seizure in Sekondi, allegedly linked to a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The party criticised the government’s silence on these cases, stating that it undermines public trust, particularly given the alleged involvement of a senior NDC member.

The statement cautioned the government against trivialising issues related to drug trafficking and money laundering, emphasizing that these are matters of international interest.

The NPP warned that Ghana’s credibility and compliance with international obligations are at stake, and the perception of complicity or institutional failure could have serious consequences.

The NPP reaffirmed its commitment to holding the government accountable, asserting that Ghana deserves better leadership and transparency in addressing these critical issues.

President John Dramani Mahama has come under sharp criticism from aggrieved Kusasi youth over the worsening security situation in the Bawku area.

According to the youth, they voted overwhelmingly for Mr Mahama based on his campaign promise to resolve the longstanding Bawku conflict. 

However, they now accuse the President of neglecting their plight, noting that violence in the area has escalated, with multiple fatalities recorded since he assumed office three months ago.

“Mr President, when we heard your promise to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict, we were filled with hope and believed the NDC would be our saviour. That is why Kusaug gave the NPP zero votes and supported the NDC massively,” the group said during a press briefing.

They continued, “Mr President, you openly acknowledged that the Overlord, Naana Asigri Azorka II, is the legitimate chief of Kusaug — and that is common knowledge. So, what has changed? We did not expect it would take this long to address the Bawku issue after we voted you into power.”

The group expressed frustration that instead of peace, the region has experienced an upsurge in violence, with reports indicating that over 18 people — including women and children — have lost their lives since President Mahama assumed office.

“Your Excellency, are you aware that more than 18 lives have been lost to this conflict since you became President? Is that the outcome you envisioned, Mr President?” they asked.

The youth also voiced disappointment over what they described as political exploitation of the conflict, accusing the President of using them for electoral gain without fulfilling his promises.

“We have now come to the painful realisation that politicians have been using the Bawku conflict for their own selfish political interests. They continue to deceive us with empty promises of peace simply to win votes.”

Issuing a stern warning ahead of the next general elections, the group suggested that political parties should expect voter apathy if tangible progress is not made.

“It will come as a surprise to politicians when they see empty ballot boxes in 2028, with not a single vote cast. We are tired of the lies and broken promises,” they concluded.

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.

Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare

The government, through the ministries of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, will hold talks with the US Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, April 7, 2025, regarding the recent 10% tariff restriction imposed on Ghana by the US government.

The US announced on April 2, 2025, that a 10% tariff would be applied universally on imports from all nations, including Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.

However, goods already in transit before the effective date will be exempt.

In addition to the universal tariffs, reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% will take effect on April 9, 2025, targeting over 50 countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the recently imposed 10% universal tariffs by the US on imports from Ghana and other countries, assuring the private sector, especially exporters and investors, of the government’s swift response to the situation.

“The Ministry, as a matter of urgency, is also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent of the effect and assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy. Furthermore, various strategies are under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade,” the statement said.

Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade agreement between the United States and eligible African nations like Ghana, most Ghanaian exports have traditionally enjoyed duty-free, quota-free access to the US market.

However, on April 2, 2025, the United States announced a significant shift in trade policy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on imports from all countries, including Ghana, effective April 5, 2025. Notably, goods already in transit before the tariff’s imposition will be exempt from these new charges.

For Ghana, the US remains a key market for critical exports such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewelry, shea butter, and horticultural products like yams, fruits, vegetables, and cashews.

“With these exports at stake, the government is committed to keeping the private sector informed and prepared, ensuring there are no disruptions to trade and that investment in Ghana continues with predictability and confidence,” the Ministry said.

SP/MA

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The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has assured the Ghana Union of Traders Association, GUTA, of its commitment to sustaining a stable macroeconomic environment despite the challenges facing the economy.

This was said at a crucial meeting with the Union at the Bank Square to deliberate on matters of mutual interest and discuss the impact of recent monetary policy decisions on businesses.

The engagement forms part of the central bank’s broader stakeholder outreach efforts following its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings.

Acknowledging concerns raised by the business community, over the effects of rising borrowing costs and broader economic challenges, officials of the Central Bank noted that inflationary pressures both locally and globally have necessitated a proactive policy stance.

Recent adjustments to the policy rate, it explained, were based on rigorous analysis of inflation trends, exchange rate developments, and global financial conditions.

While conceding that higher interest rates could pose short-term difficulties for businesses, the Bank maintained that such measures are essential to anchor inflation expectations and protect the purchasing power of households and enterprises over the long term.

During the meeting, the BoG made a special presentation to GUTA’s executive team, emphasizing that price stability is vital to restoring investor confidence and maintaining economic equilibrium. It also stressed that collaboration with key business stakeholders remains central to shaping effective monetary policy.

In a notable move to promote transparency and accountability, the BoG announced that, for the first time since the inception of its inflation-targeting monetary policy framework, it had published the individual voting decisions of MPC members. This step, the Bank said, aligns with international best practices and is aimed at strengthening public confidence in the policy-making process.

The meeting was attended by key officials of the Bank including Dr. Philip Abradu-Otoo, Director of Research; Mr. Bernard Otabil, Director of Communications; Mr. Ismail Adam, Acting Head of the Banking Supervision Department; and Mr. Ernest Nii Sowah Ahulu, Officer-in-Charge of the Financial Markets Department.

GUTA was represented by its President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, along with key executives.

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry says various strategies are under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Ghana’s trade and exports.

In a statement, the Ministry assured the Ghanaian private sector, particularly exporters and investors, of government’s readiness to engage the U.S. to avoid disruptions to trade and investment.

The Ministry added that stakeholders are currently being engaged to assess the full economic impact of the tariffs while government explores practical measures to protect Ghanaian interests.

This comes after the United States announced a 10% universal tariff on all imports, including those from Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.

Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Ghanaian products previously enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market.

However, the new tariff policy—announced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—threatens to undermine that advantage.

The Ministry noted that while some products, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy products, and certain minerals, are exempt, many of Ghana’s priority exports such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, cashew, yam, and horticultural products could be affected.

As an immediate step, a high-level government delegation comprising the Ministers for Trade, Finance, and Foreign Affairs will meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana on April 7 to begin diplomatic engagements.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the private sector informed to ensure predictability in trade and investment decisions.