The 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commended the NPP legislators to keep their heads up and be committed to the work ahead.

He told them that the work will be tough, but he believes with God they shall eventually win.

“Obviously, we didn’t win. But I want you to be clear in your mind that over time, everyone will realise that we were on the right side of the battle.

Read Also: ‘I call you The Mighty Minority of 88 Infantry Battalion’ – Bawumia to NPP MPs

“The work that we had started and the plans we were about to roll out over time will be proven to be what would have been best for transforming our country,” he said during an engagement with the MPs on Wednesday, April 2.

He added “So, I need you to keep your head up and committed to the further work ahead. We lost the battle in 2024, but we won’t lose this war. It will be tough, but I believe with God we shall eventually win.”

Dr Bawumia further commended the lawmakers for the work they have done so far in the 9th parliament despite being the minority.

He told them that the NPP was grateful to them for the work done so far.

“Many have likened you to the Minority of the 2nd Parliament led by our father, J.H Mensah. The party will be forever grateful to you.

“ I call you The Mighty Minority of 88 Infantry Battalion, commanded by Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin,” he said.

He added “My first reason for coming here is to say a big thank you to you directly. And through you say thank you to the many in your constituencies who worked for us in various ways.

“Very soon, he said, they will ge to the constituencies to officially show our appreciation to them all.

“You were in the trenches with me and the party throughout the difficult moments of the campaign and I don’t take it for granted that you have kept with the npp and with me and gone out to do battle for us,” De Bawumia said.

 The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has deployed two local construction firms, First Sky Group and Oswal Investments Limited, to imme­diately begin emergency road repairs on the Tema Motorway to Dawhenya and Ashaiman-Afienya stretches.

The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of road users who endure heavy traffic con­gestion and deteriorating road conditions on the two routes.

Mr Agbodza, MP, Adaklu, gave the directive on Tuesday when he toured the two stretches to assess first-hand of the traffic situation commuters face on daily basis.

The emergency repairs works, Mr Agbodza said, would be carried out alongside full-scale construction which is expected to begin within two months.

Per the schedule, First Sky Group would work on the Tema Motorway roundabout to the Cen­tral University section and Oswal Investments would work on the Ashaiman Roundabout to Afienya.

Interacting with the journalists after the tour, the minister assured commuters of the government’s commitment to completing the projects on schedule as he acknowledged their frustrations caused by delays.

“We are not going to leave our people in this mess, this pain. We shall fix these two. So within two months, we are going to work on it as quickly as possible. Within two months, you’ll see contractors back on the roads,” Mr Agbodza assured.

He also used the opportunity to address the slow pace of work on sections of the Ashaiman-Ako­sombo stretch.

He explained that the contrac­tor handling the stretch, INZAC, was working on sections with less traffic congestion instead of the critical Ashaiman Roundabout to Michel Camp area.

As a result, he warned that government may have to descope their contract and bring in other contractor to speed up the work.

In furtherance, Mr Agbodza noted thats the dreaded debt exchange programme had severely impacted road project financing, leading to delays.

He, however, assured that the government remained committed to settling outstanding debts and completing key infrastructure projects.

“Despite our financial challeng­es, we will not leave our people in this mess. We will fix these roads and reduce the suffering of com­muters,” he stressed.

 BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI  

Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has expressed his readiness to fully cooperate with any investigative body that will be established to probe the controversial disappearance of over 1,300 ECG containers at the Tema Port.

Dubik Mahama’s statement comes in the wake of mounting concerns and public outrage over the alarming loss of the containers, which were meant for ECG’s operations.

An investigative committee was formed to look into the matter, and the findings have raised serious questions about the handling of the containers.

According to the committee’s report, out of a total of 2,491 containers that were expected to be cleared and distributed by ECG, 1,357 containers have been declared missing.

The missing containers, which reportedly contained vital equipment for ECG’s operations, are believed to have been left at the port for an extended period without being cleared, and now their disappearance has sparked a major scandal.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 3, the former MD expressed his surprise and disappointment over the situation, but he also assured that he would fully cooperate with any probe into the missing containers.

“The containers were never in the custody of the ECG. If they were in ECG’s custody, then you can hold ECG responsible but this is the case that they were still under the port authorities and so I am all for whatever investigations there will be and I am ready to sit with whoever to give my side of the story.”

The investigative report also revealed that:

– Before 2022, ECG had a dedicated fund that received weekly allocations for clearing shipments. However, this practice was discontinued due to a lack of funds, as cited by the ECG board.

– Despite financial constraints, ECG awarded contracts to two firms to clear the containers—one of which was pre-financed by ECG.

– One of these companies did not have the necessary license to handle the contract, raising concerns over procurement violations.

– ECG’s procurement directorate had been merged with its Housing and Estate unit.

– The Director of Procurement had no prior experience in procurement and was not a member of any professional procurement body.

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The World Bank has issued a definitive statement dispelling speculation about the status of its funded projects in Ghana.

In a brief but crucial communication released today, the global financial institution stated unequivocally, “No projects in the World Bank-financed portfolio in Ghana are currently suspended.”

This clarification comes amidst recent concerns and reports suggesting that certain World Bank-backed initiatives in Ghana may have been halted due to financial or governance issues.

The statement reassures stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and beneficiaries, that all projects under the World Bank’s portfolio in the country remain active and operational.

The World Bank is a key development partner for Ghana, funding projects across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and energy.

Any disruption in these projects could have significant economic and social implications, potentially affecting livelihoods, service delivery, and Ghana’s broader development agenda.

The statement is likely aimed at quelling uncertainty, particularly as Ghana continues to navigate economic recovery efforts and seeks to strengthen investor confidence.

While the World Bank did not elaborate on the specific reasons for issuing the statement, recent reports and political debates have raised questions about Ghana’s financial dealings with international institutions.

There has been speculation about whether delays in disbursements or compliance-related concerns could impact World Bank-supported initiatives.

By categorically denying any suspensions, the World Bank is sending a clear message that its commitment to Ghana remains intact and that all its funded projects are continuing without interruption.

Ghana has been working to stabilise its economy following fiscal challenges in recent years, including high inflation, a depreciating currency, and debt restructuring negotiations with international creditors.

The government has relied on multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support and policy guidance.

As Ghana moves forward with its economic recovery plans, maintaining smooth relations with the World Bank and ensuring the successful execution of development projects will be crucial.

Any doubts about project suspensions could have sparked concerns over funding availability, governance issues, or policy shifts—factors that could affect both public confidence and foreign investment.

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Ghana have made an upward movement in the latest FIFA ranking, making it their first since July 2024 when they moved from 64th to 60th.

The Black Stars now occupy the 76th position in the global ranking, having been in the 77th position since November 2024.

The positive movement follows Ghana’s winning start to the 2025 calendar during the last international break.

Ghana defeated Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, recording their first wins since the victory over the Central African Republic in June.

The wins see Ghana move above Israel, who have dropped two places in the ranking.

While the signs are positive for Ghana in the global ranking, they remain unchanged in the continental ranking.

Ghana sit 14th as far as the African continent is concerned.

Otto Addo will hope he can improve the team’s ranking further when they return to action later in the year.

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.

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

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.52 and a selling price of GH¢15.53 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.14 and sold at GH¢20.16, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.85 and a selling price of GH¢16.86.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 3, 2025, at 08:40 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.00 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.60 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.40 on the retail market.

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

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Economist Professor Patrick Asuming believes Ghana is likely to obtain waivers on some of its performance targets as the country enters the second day of discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the fourth review of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

He attributes this to the government’s demonstrated commitment to fiscal discipline.

The ongoing review is a critical step in Ghana’s engagement with the IMF, as the country seeks to stay on track with its economic recovery program. Securing waivers would provide some flexibility in meeting program targets, particularly in the face of economic challenges.

Speaking to Citi Business News, Professor Patrick Asuming suggested the IMF will likely accommodate some of the missed targets as the new administration is new.

“We definitely would miss some targets. No question about that. The period for this ends 31st December. We missed some of the performance criteria. We definitely missed the inflation target. We probably missed some of the fiscal targets in particular the deficit target.

“I think we also missed a couple of structural targets. But I think as a new government, probably the IMF will be willing to cut them some slack.

“The government seems aggressive in trying to implement it fiscal programs. I have seen that they have passed the Public Financial Management Act,” he said.

Professor Patrick Asuming has also urged the government to maintain transparency in its negotiations on VAT reforms.

“We don’t want a situation where they go and agree something with the IMF when the Ghanaian academia as well as the business community is not fully informed,” he added.

MTN Ghana has announced that it will await the government’s decision on its potential participation in the Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) consortium, which is spearheading the nationwide rollout of the 5G network.

The 5G deployment is already underway in key cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with plans to extend coverage nationwide within the next two years.

Currently, AT Ghana Limited has joined NGIC’s open-access platform, while Telecel Ghana is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations. MTN’s involvement remains uncertain, fueling speculation within the telecom industry.

Speaking on his first anniversary as CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett stated that the company is awaiting guidance from the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel George.

“We’ve had engagements with NGIC and discussions on the matter. Regardless of how the 5G rollout unfolds, MTN will be involved in some capacity—whether through NGIC, a hybrid model, or other approaches. We are open to being part of the rollout and collaborating as partners. For now, we will wait for direction from the minister,” Blewett said.

Additionally, Blewett reassured the public about concerns surrounding the transition to 5G, emphasizing MTN Ghana’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation of the new network technology.

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious set of tariffs, including a 34% levy on imports from China and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union, signalling a dramatic intensification of global trade tensions.

These sweeping measures also impact Ghana, which will face a 10% baseline import tax.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump declared a national economic emergency, justifying the tariffs as a means to revitalise domestic manufacturing and end what he referred to as decades of economic exploitation by foreign nations.

“Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by other nations,” Trump stated. “Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But that will not happen anymore.”

The newly imposed tariffs, introduced without Congressional approval under the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act, target numerous countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S. Ghana, along with other affected nations, will be subjected to a 10% import tax across the board, adding pressure to global supply chains.

Economic Fallout and Recession Fears

The announcement has already sparked a sharp sell-off on U.S. stock markets as investors brace for an economic slowdown. Analysts predict that rising prices on essential goods such as housing, cars, and clothing will hurt both domestic and global economies.

Economists are concerned that the tariffs could usher in a global recession, with Olu Sonola of Fitch Ratings warning that the average U.S. tariff rate is set to rise from 2.5% in 2024 to 22%.

“Many countries will likely fall into a recession,” Sonola cautioned. “If these tariff levels remain for an extended period, most economic forecasts will need to be revised drastically.”

Comparisons to the Great Depression

Critics have drawn parallels with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which exacerbated the Great Depression by triggering a global trade war.

Scott Lincicome and Colin Grabow of the Cato Institute have warned that Trump’s policies could have similar devastating effects.

“With today’s announcement, U.S. tariffs will reach levels not seen since the Smoot-Hawley Act, which contributed to the global economic downturn during the Great Depression,” they noted.

Global Backlash and Retaliatory Measures

Trump’s new tariffs are set to affect key trading partners worldwide, with the notable exception of Canada and Mexico, which will continue to be governed by existing USMCA trade agreements. China, in particular, faces a double burden: in addition to the 34% general tariff, it will also incur a 20% penalty tax for its role in fentanyl production.

The European Union and other impacted countries, including Ghana, are expected to retaliate with their own tariffs, further escalating trade tensions.

Despite this, Trump remains resolute, claiming that the new measures will generate hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue and restore fairness to global trade.

Despite warnings from Republican lawmakers, especially those from agricultural and border states, the White House has shown no signs of reconsidering its strategy.

This stance has sparked concerns over the potential long-term effects on Ghana and other developing nations that depend on trade with the U.S. for their economic stability.

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.

The tax Ghanaians have been looking forward to being removed since the change of government after the December 2024 elections has finally been removed.

Yesterday March 2, 2025, the President, John Mahama assented the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill 2025 into law, effectively removing the tax many Ghanaians saw as regressive.

The tax was introduced in 2022, despite obviously being unpopular, and strongly opposed by the general public and stakeholders who among other factors believed it would place additional financial burden on Ghanaians and would effectively curtail the gains made in financial inclusion, the government of the day was adamant.

In March 2025, Parliament approved the Electronic Transfer Levy Repeal Bill 2025, which effectively abolished the digital tax placed on electronic financial transactions, including Mobile Money transactions, bank transfers and inward remittances.

At the beginning, it was charging 1.75 per cent on transactions, before being revised to one per cent.

Some Ghanaians have described it as ‘most senseless tax’, and its removal brings a huge relief to citizens, and puts their money back into their pockets.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi

CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett

Some Ghanaians have descended on the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, following his comments that the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) cannot be scrapped immediately without regulatory approval, even after President John Dramani Mahama’s assent.

Speaking to the media on April 2, 2025, Stephen Blewett explained that the abolition of the E-Levy cannot take immediate effect as it must go through regulatory processes before implementation.

His statement comes after President Mahama signed legislative bills into law, officially abolishing several taxes, including the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.

Following Blewett’s remarks, many Ghanaians took to social media to express their disagreement, arguing that the new law should take effect immediately.

“Totally nonsense. What does he mean? Are those regulators above the law?” a user said.

“If they deduct, they’d have to refund,” another added.

“When it was introduced, it took effect immediately, but now they’re delaying? This country ehh hmm, “one other lamented.

“The Akufo-Addo government introduced the E-Levy, and MTN implemented it right away. Mahama has abolished it, Parliament has approved it, and the President has signed it. MTN must stop immediately. Any pesewa deducted must be refunded!”

“MTN are thieves, from data bundles to MoMo transfers!”

“So is it going to take a year to do the needful after the President has assented to the bill? This is daylight robbery, Mr. CEO of MTN.”

“Someone should give the MTN CEO a strong warning!”

Is he okay? Which approval again? The president has signed, what authority is higher than that? Deduct something like that from my money again and see shege.

— Blak_InkGH🖤🇬🇭🇳🇬 (@efokojo8) April 2, 2025

Make somebody give the MTN CEO strooong warning 😂😂 https://t.co/FvqRFMpSJv

— Kwame Juggernaut (@k_juggernaut) April 2, 2025

So is it going to take a year to do the needful After the President has assented the bill? Is it daylight robbery mr ceo of MTN

— Ama Sarah (@Ama_Sarah56) April 2, 2025

Despite the e-levy’s repeal on April 2, 2025, MTN users in Ghana will likely keep paying it temporarily due to regulatory delays. MTN CEO Stephen Blewett said the levy can’t be removed until the Bank of Ghana approves, a process that must be followed. The e-levy, a 1% tax on…

— Grok (@grok) April 2, 2025

How sure are we that some persons in the previous government were getting personal share from the collection of the E-levy. MTN CEO must speak out.

— Anthony Egan (@tonyeghan) April 3, 2025

Totally nonsense. What does he mean. Are those regulators above the law

— Isaac Awuakye (@nanaawuakye) April 2, 2025

Massa this man wants the wrath of the Ghanaian youths anaa? Massa. He better act fast o. Took us forever to get here, we can’t be slowing down for regulatory approval o

— WithAlvin 🇬🇭 (@withAlvin__) April 2, 2025

If they deduct they’d have to refund.

— 🇬🇭Kwame Ato🦅🎙️🇨🇮 (@eagleyez7) April 2, 2025

Mahama signing the thing is just to make Ghanaians happy but low key he’s instructed them not to stop deducting it

— oppong gyimah (@oppong_gyimah) April 2, 2025

The Akuffo Addo government introduced the E-Levy, MTN, others started implementing it immediately. The Mahama government ABOLISHED it by approval of the Parliament, signed by the President. MTN, other companies MUST stop immediately. Any PESEWA taken from anyone must be refunded.

— CITIZENS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE. Nonpolitical. (@WilliamGOKU2) April 2, 2025

The day president Nana Addo ascent his signature to pass the e-levy as law,the following day the telcos start deducting us the 1.75 % changes,so what is he saying,within 24 hours from the President signing to repeal this levy if they deduct us,we will sue them in court for refund

— Osei Hemaa (@OseitheQueen) April 2, 2025

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below: