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.

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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:

The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested eleven persons suspected to be involved in illegal mining (galemsey) activities along the Bonsa River bank in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipility of the Western Region.  

The suspects; seven Ghanaians and four Chinese, were arrested on March 31, 2025, through sustained intelligence-led operations against illegal mining activities, a police press release, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said on Wednesday. 

Five of the suspects, Wei Qinwei, Yao Yongji, Nsoh Oto, alias Agologo, Kwadwo George alias Sergio, and Emmanuel Van, alias Atta, were arrested at a site in Bonsa 

The remaining six; Nuang Shichuan, Huang Xinbao, Douglas Ayambilla, Elvis Aborta, Michael Tettey Komlorm and Ibrahim Dauda were arrested at Wassa Agona in the Western Region. 

All the suspects were in custody and would be arraigned to face justice, it added.  

“We would like to assure the public, especially communities within the Western Central Regional Police Command, that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to fighting crime and ensuring security, law and order in the country,” it added.   

Source: GNA 

Authorities should leverage the nation’s abundant natural resources base and growing inward remittance sector to recapitalise the Bank of Ghana (BoG) without unduly straining the national budget, according to financial expert Dr. Richmond Atuahene.

This recommendation comes as the central bank continues to grapple with a negative equity position following the domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP) in 2022 and 2023, when it was heavily exposed to government instruments.

In a paper titled ‘Bank of Ghana’s sustained negative capital and its implications on economy and potential solutions’, Dr. Atuahene suggested that despite attempts to minimise the losses as ‘technical’, which would not impact the BoG’s ‘core duties’, government, through the Ministry of Finance must prioritise recapitalising the BoG – which is estimated at GH¢53billion (approximately US$3.4billion).

He advocated innovative measures, including revising fiscal frameworks governing the natural resource sector and strengthening inward remittance regulations to bolster foreign exchange reserves.

“Government has limited fiscal space due to the country’s debt overhang and blocked access to both international and domestic markets,” he said.

“Leveraging Ghana’s natural resource wealth and the remittance market offers a viable method to recapitalise the Bank of Ghana without exacerbating budgetary pressures,” he added.

The banking consultant argued that relying solely on traditional options like asset transfers and profit suspensions may not be sufficient.

Dr. Atuahene’s recommendations align with broader guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its latest report, the IMF outlined options for recapitalising the BoG in line with its programme parameters, including asset transfers and the use of programme-generated buffers.

“The urgency cannot be overstated. A well-capitalised central bank is essential for maintaining monetary policy independence and ensuring financial stability,” Dr. Atuahene cautioned.

A critical component of Dr. Atuahene’s proposal involves overhauling the prevailing natural resource fiscal regimes. He reasoned that existing legislation, including the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919) and Minerals and Mining Act, 2019 (Act 995), should be revised to enable the state to capture greater value from its resource wealth.

He suggested adopting production-sharing or service-contract agreements, which would increase government’s share of resource revenues. This approach could allow the nation to leverage its gold and hydrocarbon reserves as collateral for raising capital.

“By pledging or collateralising natural resource deposits, government can attract the necessary capital without direct budgetary allocations,” Dr. Atuahene explained.

Additionally, he recommended engaging stakeholders in closed-door negotiations to explore options like sale-and-purchase agreements, debt-equity swaps and new ownership structures.

These measures, he noted, could provide the financial flexibility needed to stabilise the BoG’s balance sheet.

Beyond resource mobilisation, Dr. Atuahene highlighted the importance of harnessing growing remittance inflows to support recapitalisation efforts.

He called for a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework governing inward remittances to ensure compliance with the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723).

According to him, greater oversight of money transfer operators and fintech firms could help prevent the externalisation of remittance inflows, thereby increasing foreign exchange availability.

“A robust regulatory environment will not only capture more foreign currency but also reduce the risk of balance of payment crises,” he noted.

To streamline oversight, he proposes establishing a dedicated Inward Remittances Department at the Bank of Ghana. This department would be tasked with tracking and capturing all foreign exchange from remittances and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

Dr. Atuahene pointed to Bangladesh as a model, where 90 percent to 95 percent of remittances are processed through formal banking channels.

“The Bank of Ghana could significantly improve its foreign exchange position by adopting a similar approach to Bangladesh,” he stated.

This, he suggested, would strengthen the country’s exchange rate management while enhancing the central bank’s financial position.

Given the limited fiscal space, Dr. Atuahene advocated innovative financing mechanisms such as diaspora bonds. These instruments, widely used by countries with significant overseas populations, could tap into Ghana’s global diaspora community to raise capital for BoG recapitalisation.

“Diaspora bonds present a unique opportunity to mobilise foreign currency from Ghanaians abroad while fostering national investment,” the banking veteran remarked.

Such an approach could complement other measures, providing a diversified funding base for the central bank’s recapitalisation.

While traditional methods – such as budgetary transfers, asset transfers and suspending profit distributions – are often the go-to solutions for central bank recapitalisation, Dr. Atuahene argued that these approaches alone will not suffice under the current fiscal constraints.

He suggested issuing interest-bearing government securities to the apex bank could provide an immediate capital boost. However, this approach effectively internalises the fiscal burden – further tightening the already constrained national budget.

“With government’s debt obligations and limited access to financial markets, innovative solutions are not just advisable – they are imperative,” he stressed.

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Apr – 03 – 2025 , 06:52

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Samuel Twumasi, a 37-year-old driver wept uncontrollably when an Accra Circuit Court discharged him on charges of conspiracy and two counts of defrauding by false pretences. 

When the matter was called, prosecution led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu told the court to discharge Twumasi because the Police did not have enough evidence to prosecute him. 

The Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah therefore discharged Twumasi. 

Soon after Twumasi was discharged, he wept uncontrollably as he stepped out of the dock. 

Although some police officers tried to comfort him, by saying “Barima nsu,” Twumasi could not hold his tears. 

Apparently, Twumasi was unable to execute the court bail extended to him and was in custody of the Police. 

Twumasi was standing trial with Isaac Danso, a 38-year-old Communication Consultant. They were facing the same charges. 

Danso was not in court when Twumasi was discharged. 

Prosecution told the Court that Danso had been arrested by the Police again and was in custody of the Police at Kasoa. 

Twumasi ‘s discharge meant that Danso was going to stand trial alone. 

Danso is accused of collecting $4,000 from Adinan Lamidi under the pretext of obtaining Canadian visa. 

Again, he is being held for allegedly collecting $2,000 from one Marwan Mustapha under the pretext of obtaining Canadian visa but failed. 

On September 15, 2024, the accused persons were arrested. 

Source: GNA 

Following the groundbreaking success of his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif returns with Iron Boy, his highly anticipated sophomore album.

Set to captivate audiences worldwide, Iron Boy, a moniker which pays homage to his hometown Highlife legend, Amakye Dede, showcases the artist’s signature storytelling, musical versatility, and fearless exploration of themes that resonate deeply with fans across the globe.

Across 15 songs, Sherif positions himself as an unstoppable sonic outlaw– a potpourri of sounds ranging from Highlife, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and soul-stirring melodies – Iron Boy cemented Black Sherif’s place as one of Africa’s most compelling voices.

The album delves into a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, tackling themes of love, resilience, personal evolution, and self-discovery. With each track, Black Sherif invites listeners into his world, narrating stories of triumph, stealth, and unyielding ambition with his distinctive voice and poignant lyricism.

IRON BOY is where peak optimism and anxiety meet the notion of perseverance and stealth, all coming together to build a self-supporting frame,” Black Sherif shared. “Somewhere along the line, I got obsessed with my aspirations of getting the people to not see me past an art maker who got noticed. I couldn’t make it happen, so I let it be.

A sudden need to feel grounded came to shake up my whole frame, and so, I plan to build harmony between every line of my thinking,” says Black Sherif. “This album is for everyone finding their way, embracing their truth, and pushing against the odds.”

As an artist known for his raw authenticity and genre-defying sound, Black Sherif continues to push boundaries, blending traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary influences. Iron Boy promises a sonic experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, solidifying his evolution as a global icon in contemporary African music.

Following the drop of the two scintillating Iron Boy trailers under the vision of Ghanaian creative powerhouse David Nicol Sey of North Productions, anticipation building has heightened, with fans and music lovers worldwide looking forward to an album that not only redefines Black Sherif’s artistry but also leaves an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

In support of IRON BOY, Black Sherif is kicking off his headlining US tour tomorrow in Washington, D.C. The tour includes sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles and more, before heading overseas to Europe in May.

A native of Konongo, a small mineral-rich town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sharif Kwaku Frimpong, has risen against all odds to

become the country’s biggest star. Embracing a diverse musical palette, he bridges the gap between Afrobeats, highlife, and Ghanaian drill, showcasing his wordplay, storytelling, and linguistic versatility. The breakout success of “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon” in 2021 propelled Black Sherif onto the international stage, with “Kwaku The Traveller” earning him superstar status in 2022.

Black Sherif’s global impact has continued to grow. In 2024, he was named to Rolling Stone’s Future 25, performed at SXSW for Rolling Stone Live, and spoke about the diversity of African music in an exclusive profile. He has taken the stage at major festivals like Afro Nation Miami, Pharrell’s Something in the Water, and Wireless Festival UK. His debut headlining concert at New York’s Palladium Times Square marked a major milestone, while his music has been recognised by NPR, The Fader, Complex, and The New York Times. In addition to his own work, he has contributed to high-profile collaborations, including ‘Wotowoto Seasoning with Odumodublavk, “Lomo Lomo” with KiDi and “Jesus Christ 2” with AratheJay.

Listen to Black Sherif’’s sophomore album, IRON BOY

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.

Dr. Steve Manteaw, a member of the CSOs coalition

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on the petroleum, power and renewable energy sectors has backed government’s push for power sector reforms, mainly changes to Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) operations.

However, the coalition of CSOs has called for strong local content provisions and worker safeguards in any restructuring efforts.

During a recent meeting in Accra with Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abu Jinapor, CSO representatives acknowledged government’s concerns over ECG’s financial struggles; particularly its difficulty in collecting sufficient tariff revenue to pay Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The minister noted that this challenge is threatening power supply reliability, making reform a pressing necessity.

He said it is to address these issues that government is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model aimed at boosting revenue collection efficiency and enhancing customer experience.

At a press conference to share a summary of key issues discussed and feedback offered by the minister, a member of the coalition, Benjamin Nsiah, indicated that while CSOs are largely supportive of the need for reforms, they also urged the minister to prioritise local participation in any partnership agreement.

The CSOs, he said, also pressed for assurances that the livelihoods of ECG employees would be safeguarded under any new arrangement.

This push for reform comes amid growing pressure to stabilise the country’s power sector, which has been plagued by financial constraints and supply disruptions.

The group noted that the minister on his part agreed to these demands.

On energy sector governance, the CSOs urged the ministry to insulate power policies from political interference and develop a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand while integrating technological advancements.

The group further recommended that IPPs be allowed to procure their own fuel for power generation, arguing that this would reduce dependence on intermediaries, lower costs and ensure a more stable supply chain.

They recognised that Ghana has not pursued green energy investment opportunities aggressively enough. Given this, they urged government to accelerate efforts at integrating renewables into the national energy portfolio through an articulated incentive regime to promote energy diversification and alignment with global climate goals.

They also emphasised incentivising private companies, especially those with substantial carbon footprints, to channel a considerable portion of their corporate social investment budget into off-grid solutions and nature-based carbon sequestration projects.

Furthermore, the CSOs challenged the ministry to find ways of insulating energy policies and rural electrification initiatives from undue political influence so as to enhance the sector’s efficiency.

Meanwhile, they supported the minister’s proposal to adopt a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that ensures Ghana’s power generation keeps pace with rising energy demands and technological advancements.

Beyond the power sector, the CSOs proposed revisions to Ghana’s taxation policies for ancillary services in oil and gas, including infrastructure, storage and transportation. They argued that reducing tax burdens on these areas would encourage private-sector investment and improve efficiency.

“With the ministry’s dual mandate covering both energy and green transition, there must be proper synergy between Ghana’s fossil fuel resources and its renewable energy ambitions,” the coalition stated.

“We must avoid prematurely stranding oil and gas assets while ensuring responsible integration into the transition process.”

To attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the CSOs called for greater transparency in licencing bid rounds, recommending improvements in seismic data collection and block size assessments.

They also suggested a temporary halt of promotional roadshows by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) until regulatory and investment barriers are addressed.

The 19-member coalition includes the Growth Curve Initiative, Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas (CSPOG), Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) and Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), among others.