The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

The suspect, identified as Daniel Owusu Koranteng, also known as Akwasi Amakye, is a close friend of the deceased and has been accused of selling him out by releasing his photographs to a popular politician in Ghana before his murder.

According to sources, Amakye had a close relationship with Ahmed Suale, having worked together at Tiger Eye Private Investigations before Amakye’s dismissal.

The two were known to have collaborated on several investigative projects, and Amakye’s betrayal is seen as a shocking turn of events.

“The suspect used to visit the deceased, a close friend at his Madina-based residence,” a source close to the police Criminal Investigation Department revealed.

Ahmed Suale’s murder occurred on January 16, 2019, near his family house at Madina, after he collaborated with the BBC on an investigative story exposing widespread corruption in African football, particularly in Ghana.

FBI collaboration

The investigation led to the extraction of important information by the FBI in the USA, including phone calls between the suspect and the deceased, days before his death.

The arrest of Ahmed Suale’s suspected killer has brought some relief to the family and colleagues of the slain journalist.

However, the investigation is still ongoing and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.

The Ghana Police Service has come under scrutiny for its handling of the case, with many questioning the delay in making an arrest.

GJA ultimatum

In January this year, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) issued a two-month ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service to bring significant progress to the investigation and the prosecution of those responsible for the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

The GJA warned that failure to do so by the end of March 2025 would compel the association to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice and other international bodies.

At a news conference in Accra, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in the case which has dragged on for six years without any arrests.

“Another case that has baffled the nation and, indeed, the international community over the years is the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

It is very unfortunate and disappointing that six years after the murder of Ahmed Suale, no arrest has been made.

What is even more disheartening is the lackadaisical police investigations into the murder,” Mr Dwumfour lamented.

Disturbing revelations

He further highlighted a disturbing revelation made in February 2024 by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, that his office had not received any prosecution-ready docket from the police regarding the case, then five years after the incident.

Adding to the concern, Mr Dwumfour referenced recent comments by the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare-Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, who claimed to have provided the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with information about the suspected killers.

A-Plus also threatened to publicly reveal the suspect’s name if the police failed to act.

“These developments have raised serious questions about the willingness of the Police to resolve this matter,” the GJA president stated.

The association has vowed to continue pushing for justice for Ahmed Suale and his family, and to hold the Ghana Police Service accountable for its handling of the case.

The arrest of Ahmed Suale’s suspected killer is a significant development in a case that has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the safety of journalists in Ghana.

As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see if justice will finally be served.

The 24-hour economy was a major campaign promise of the current government, envisioned as a means of creating jobs, boosting national productivity, and positioning Ghana as a competitive economy within the sub-region.

According to the government, this model is an internationally proven strategy aimed at addressing the country’s high youth unemployment rate. A successful 24-hour economy is dependent on the availability, affordability, and stability of electricity to enable businesses and industries to operate without interruption.

In this regard, solving dumsor (power outages) and ensuring affordable electricity for industries is non-negotiable.

Globally, many countries have adopted differential tariff systems, which allow electricity prices to vary based on demand periods. This strategy incentivizes industries to operate during off-peak hours, thereby reducing operational costs and stabilizing the power grid (Ofgem, 2024).

Despite Ghana’s stated commitment to a 24-hour economy in its 2025 Budget, the policy document fails to explore structural changes to electricity tariffs that would encourage industries to operate during off-peak hours.

The budget merely outlines a quarterly tariff review without introducing time-of-use pricing. This oversight could hinder the realization of an efficient and sustainable 24-hour industrial economy.

This article examines Ghana’s electricity tariff system, compares it with successful international models, and presents policy recommendations for implementing a time-of-use tariff system that would facilitate the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

The Existing Electricity Tariff System in Ghana

The cost of electricity for industries in Ghana remains high, with tariffs under the Special Load Tariff (SLT) category ranging from 0.6765 GHS/kWh (0.0440 USD/kWh) for Low Voltage (LV) consumers to 4.3218 GHS/kWh (0.2809 USD/kWh) for High Voltage Mines (HV Mines) (PURC, 2024).

On average, industrial consumers pay 2.03 GHS/kWh (0.132 USD/kWh), which is approximately 24% higher than the average tariff for residential and non-residential consumers, set at 1.64 GHS/kWh (0.107 USD/kWh) (PURC, 2024).

This cost disparity places a significant financial burden on industries, which rely on large-scale electricity consumption for production. The high tariffs increase operational expenses, reduce profitability, and weaken industrial competitiveness, both locally and globally.

Moreover, the current tariff structure lacks incentives for industries to shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours, when demand on the national grid is lower. Unlike other tariff systems that offer reduced rates during off-peak periods, Ghana’s structure imposes high energy costs on industries regardless of the time of operation. As a result, industries bear consistently high electricity costs, even during low-demand periods, making energy expenditure inflexible.

This rigidity in the tariff system could also discourage industries from participating in the government’s proposed 24-hour economy model, as peak-hour electricity costs remain a significant financial constraint.

Additionally, the concentration of industrial energy use during peak periods may strain the national grid, increasing the risk of supply shortages and inefficiencies.

Comparative Analysis with other Countries

In contrast, the United Kingdom employs a time-of-use electricity tariff model, such as the “Economy 7” and “Economy 10” tariffs. These tariffs offer reduced electricity rates during designated off-peak hours, typically between 11pm and 7 a.m., encouraging industries and consumers to shift their energy-intensive activities to these periods (Ofgem, 2024).

Studies indicate that such tariff structures can lead to a 20–30% reduction in electricity costs for industrial consumers operating at night, while simultaneously alleviating pressure on the national grid during peak hours (UK Energy Research Centre, 2023).

China operates a three-tiered electricity pricing system that allows heavy industries to pay significantly lower tariffs at night, enabling cost-effective industrial production and boosting exports.

Whilst Germany subsidizes electricity for export-driven industries, lowering operational costs and enhancing global competitiveness. This contrasts with Ghana’s 2025 Budget, which proposes eliminating subsidies on the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG).

This policy shift could increase the cost of thermal power generation, further escalating electricity prices for industries

Implications of the Lack of Differential Tariffs in Ghana’s 2025 Budget

The absence of a differential tariff system in the 2025 Budget has several economic and operational implications for industries and the broader national economy:

1. High Operational Costs for Industries: Without time-of-use pricing, industrial firms must pay the same electricity rates throughout the day, leading to increased production costs. This inefficiency is likely to discourage firms from expanding operations into a 24-hour cycle.

2. Strain on the National Grid During Peak Hours: The lack of incentives to shift industrial operations to off-peak hours means that energy demand remains concentrated during the day. This could exacerbate grid instability and increase the likelihood of load shedding (Energy Commission of Ghana, 2023).

3. Limited Competitiveness of Ghanaian Industries: High electricity costs place Ghanaian manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage compared to counterparts in countries with dynamic tariff structures. This could impede foreign direct investment (FDI) in industrial sectors.

4. Reduced Environmental Sustainability: The absence of differential tariffs discourages industries from distributing their energy usage across different periods, which could necessitate increased reliance on thermal power generation to meet peak demand, thereby increasing carbon emissions (International Energy Agency, 2024).

Policy Recommendations: Implementing a Time-of-Use Tariff System

To align Ghana’s energy policy with the goals of a 24-hour economy, the government should consider the following policy measures:

– Introduction of Differential Tariffs for Industrial Consumers

1. Implement lower electricity tariffs during off-peak hours (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.) to encourage industries to shift production schedules.

2.Designate a “super off-peak” tariff for midnight to 4 a.m., where electricity costs are reduced by up to 50%, like the UK’s Economy 7 tariff.

– Investment in Smart Metering Infrastructure

1. Deploy smart meters capable of recording time-of-use consumption to enable accurate billing.

2. Ensure that industries and commercial entities have access to real-time energy consumption data to optimize usage.

3. Enhance the boundary metering project to cover all electricity districts in the country.

– Legislative Amendments to the Energy Sector Regulatory Framework

1. Amend the Electricity Regulation Act (Act 541) to mandate tiered energy pricing for large-scale industrial consumers.

2. Provide subsidized access to renewable energy sources (solar and hydro) during off-peak hours.

– Amend PURC Regulations

1. Mandate the inclusion of differential tariffs in PURC’s 2025 pricing model.

2. Incentivize renewable energy adoption by offering further discounts to industries using solar or hydro power during off-peak hours.

– Industry and Public Engagement

1. Conduct consultations with business associations, energy stakeholders, and Engage the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Chamber of Commerce, and manufacturers to design tariffs that match industrial needs.

2. Launch public consultations on tariff reforms, ensuring transparency in policy implementation

Conclusion

The success of Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy is contingent on the implementation of supportive energy policies that reduce operational costs for industries.

The absence of differential tariffs in the 2025 Budget represents a missed opportunity to enhance industrial competitiveness, promote energy efficiency, and stabilize the national grid. By adopting a time-of-use electricity tariff system like that of the United Kingdom, China, and Germany, Ghana can create an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and globally competitive industrial sector.

If Ghana is to achieve a truly functional 24-hour economy, energy pricing must be restructured to support industries, not hinder them. The government and the PURC must act swiftly to introduce differential electricity tariffs.

As the country seeks to transition into a 24-hour economic model, prioritizing energy policy reforms is not merely an option but a necessity. A 24-hour economy without affordable electricity is merely a slogan.

Reference

Electricity Regulation Act (Act 541)

Energy Commission of Ghana. (2023). Ghana Energy Outlook Report. Retrieved from www.energycom.gov.gh

International Energy Agency. (2024). Electricity Tariff Reforms and Industrial Competitiveness. Retrieved from www.iea.org

Ofgem. (2024). Time-of-Use Tariffs in the UK Energy Market. Retrieved from www.ofgem.gov.uk

Public Utility Regulation Committee [PURC]. (2024). 2024 Third Quarter Tariff Review Decision For Electricity, Natural Gas And Water. PURC, Accra. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.purc.com.gh/attachment/660767-20240928030953.pdf

Statista. (2024). Electricity Prices in Ghana by User Group. Retrieved from www.statista.com

UK Energy Research Centre. (2023). The Economic Impact of Off-Peak Electricity Pricing on Industrial Productivity. Retrieved from www.ukerc.ac.uk

A New Era of Business in Ghana

As Ghana accelerates toward economic transformation, a new generation of businesses is redefining the country’s investment landscape. At the forefront of this movement is Dadaba Group, a visionary company committed to sustainable investments in real estate, gold mining, agribusiness, and carbon markets.

With a bold strategy that combines profitability, environmental responsibility, and social impact, Dadaba Group is setting new standards for ethical business practices while positioning Ghana as a leading investment destination in Africa.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Development

At a time when the world is shifting toward sustainability and responsible investing, Dadaba Group is pioneering solutions that align with global trends. With a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the company integrates green innovation, smart technologies, and sustainable wealth creation across its key business divisions:

1. Dadaba Green Estate – Ghana’s Sustainable Real Estate Revolution

Ghana’s housing sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and Dadaba Green Estate is leading the way with eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and smart housing solutions. By integrating:

✅ Sustainable building materials

✅ Renewable energy sources like solar power

✅ Smart water and waste management systems

Dadaba Green Estate is redefining real estate with developments that meet global sustainability standards while providing affordable and luxurious housing solutions.

2. Dadaba Mining – Ethical Gold Mining & Wealth Preservation

Gold remains a pillar of Ghana’s economy, but ethical mining practices are crucial for long-term sustainability. Dadaba Mining is committed to responsible extraction, community engagement, and environmental conservation, ensuring that Ghana’s gold industry contributes to economic growth without harming local ecosystems.

Through partnerships with global investors and ethical gold markets, Dadaba Mining is helping to position Ghana as a leader in sustainable gold production.

3. Dadaba Prestige – Smart Farming for Africa’s Future

With agriculture employing over 50% of Ghana’s workforce, innovation is essential for driving productivity and food security. Dadaba Prestige is transforming agribusiness with:

✅ Precision agriculture & AI-driven farming techniques

✅ Climate-resilient crops & sustainable farming practices

✅ Tech-enabled supply chain solutions for global market access

As the world seeks sustainable food solutions, Dadaba Prestige is ensuring that Ghana emerges as a powerhouse in smart agribusiness.

4. Dadaba Carbon Hub – Monetizing Sustainability & Carbon Credits

As governments and corporations race to achieve net-zero emissions, Africa’s carbon market is becoming a major economic opportunity. Dadaba Carbon Hub is positioning Ghana as a leader in carbon trading, reforestation projects, and sustainable finance.

By enabling companies to offset their emissions and invest in carbon-reducing initiatives, Dadaba Carbon Hub is turning sustainability into a profitable investment avenue.

The Global Business Community Takes Notice

Dadaba Group’s innovative business model is attracting attention from investors, sustainability advocates, and global business leaders. With its strategic approach to wealth creation and impact-driven investments, the company is becoming a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.

Global investors looking for high-growth, ESG-aligned opportunities are now engaging with Dadaba Group to explore strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and large-scale investment projects.

CEO’s Vision: Ghana as a Global Investment Powerhouse

At the helm of Dadaba Group is Dr. Oseadeeyo Nana Kumi Kodie, a visionary leader with a mission to position Ghana as a global hub for sustainable investments and wealth creation. Speaking on Dadaba Group’s long-term vision, he states:

“Our goal is to build a legacy that transforms Ghana’s economy while ensuring sustainability and prosperity for future generations. We are not just running a business—we are building an ecosystem that attracts investors, empowers communities, and drives Africa’s progress on the global stage.”

Why Media & Investors Should Pay Attention

With global concerns about climate change, sustainable development, and ethical investments on the rise, Dadaba Group is offering a blueprint for the future of business in Africa. The company’s unique combination of profitability, social impact, and sustainability makes it a prime candidate for media coverage, investment spotlights, and global business collaborations.

play videoMP for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi

A former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has raised concerns over what he describes as a deliberate attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to create a false impression regarding the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on third-party motor insurance.

Speaking to GhanaWeb on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the MP for New Juaben South emphasised that while a law existed for the collection of the said tax, it was never implemented under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, contrary to the impression being created by the current government.

“I was not satisfied at all because I wanted the minister to clarify the issue well for us to understand. He created the impression to the Ghanaian people that there was a VAT component on third-party motor insurance, which, in actual fact was not so. As a matter of fact, the reality is that the law was passed; however, it was not implemented. As far as there was no implementation, you cannot come to the House of Parliament to create the impression that the law was in existence and had been implemented.

“That is what I sought him to clarify, but he was not able to do justice to it, and that is the problem we have. We want to put it on record that in Ghana, as we stand here, there is no VAT on third-party motor insurance, and that is the fact. This is a house of records; it can be checked anywhere. There is no VAT on third-party motor insurance, so the minister has no right to deceive the public like that. That is the clarity we wanted from the minister, but he was not able to make it clear for us,” he stated.

The comment by the MP was in response to a question he posed to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, when he appeared before Parliament on Tuesday to respond to questions.

While the MP sought to question the minister on whether the tax policy was actually implemented, he accused Dr Ato Forson of being evasive in his answer and insisted that the collection of VAT on third-party motor insurance has never been practiced in Ghana.

In the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to the Parliament of Ghana on March 11, 2025, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the government announced the repeal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on third-party motor insurance.

This decision was part of a broader set of tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burdens on Ghanaians and fulfilling campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 Election.

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) arguing that the tax had not been fully implemented under their administration, questioning the NDC’s narrative of abolishing the policy.

GA/AE

File photo of Cedi and US Dollar note

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the Ghanaian Cedi has remained stable against the US dollar since February 19, 2025, on the interbank forex market.

The Minister said as of March 14, 2025, GHS 15.53 was exchanging to a dollar on the forex market, depreciating by 5.3 per cent, as against 5.7 per cent depreciation seen last year.

The Finance Minister made this known on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday when responding to Madam Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the MP for Afigya Sekyere East’s question on measures government is taking to stop the significant depreciation of the Cedi against other trading currencies on the forex market.

Dr Ato Forson indicated that the Central Bank had maintained a tight liquidity measures, ensuring the Cedi remained stable on the interbank forex market.

The Finance Minister highlighted some measures government was implementing to ensure the Ghanaian currency remained resilient including the establishment of the Gold Board, enhancing foreign currency on the forex market and frontloading actions to reduce government’s expenditures.

Dr Ato Forson added that in the ensuing months the Government’s “24-hour economy” would roll out measures including import substitution policy to ensure the resilience of the Cedi on the forex market.

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With ap­proximately 18,000 babies born with sickle cell disease (SCD) annually out of an esti­mated 896,000 births, Ghana has announced plans to screen every newborn baby for the condition.

This initiative is part of a na­tional strategy to prevent or con­trol SCD, which affects thousands of Ghanaians each year.

Current statistics show that only 5.5 per cent of children are screened for SCD in the newborn period, with most cases diagnosed during emergency department visits.

The plan was revealed here on Monday by Professor Alex Osei-Akoto, Principal Investigator of the Patient-Centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in sub-Sa­haran Africa (PACTS) project, at a media training workshop on SCD held at the Kwame Nkrumah Uni­versity of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

SCD is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production in red blood cells. It is a significant public health issue in Ghana, where an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 babies are born with SCD annually, representing two per cent of all live births. Additionally, about 25 per cent of the Ghana­ian population are carriers of the sickle cell trait.

The workshop, which brought together journalists, researchers, and clinicians, aimed to improve the well-being and health out­comes of SCD patients in sub-Sa­haran Africa.

It focused on earlier and im­proved detection of the disease, optimised implementation of evi­dence-based clinical interventions, and enhanced public knowledge about SCD.

According to Prof. Osei-Ako­to, the national strategy for SCD includes screening all newborn ba­bies, which leads to early detection and treatment.

The stakeholders at the work­shop unanimously supported the national strategy for SCD and urged every Ghanaian to support the fight against the disease.

With this ambitious plan, Ghana is taking a significant step towards combating SCD and improving the lives of thousands of its citizens.

 FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI

The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Limited, Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has raised concerns over the budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector in the 2025 national budget saying it is very insufficient.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Digest organized by PwC in Accra, he complained that the current allocation is inadequate to drive the economic transformation envisioned by the government.

Mr. Acquaye highlighted that out of the total GH¢279 billion budget, only GH¢1.5 billion—representing 0.54%—has been allocated to agriculture.

In 2024, agriculture was allocated 2.2% of the total budget.

“The point I’m making is that the budget allocation to agriculture in this year’s budget is highly insufficient. If we see a decline in the government’s own budget allocation to agriculture—not donor funds—then we are definitely going to face challenges,” he stated.

While acknowledging the government’s introduction of the GH¢13.8 billion Big Push initiative, Mr. Acquaye questioned the absence of a detailed breakdown of allocations within the initiative.

He called for a dedicated “Big Push for Agriculture,” focusing on critical areas such as irrigation, post-harvest systems, and large-scale agricultural infrastructure.

He further emphasized the need for investment in agricultural infrastructure, arguing that institutions like the Ghana Exim Bank, GIRSAL, and the Development Bank of Ghana are supporting agribusiness but are not addressing large-scale transformative infrastructure such as irrigation systems, warehouses, and road networks.

“We have sector-specific funds like GETFund for education and COCOBOD for cocoa, but there is no dedicated fund for agriculture,” he noted.

Touching on climate change, Mr. Acquaye highlighted the vulnerability of northern Ghana, where farmers rely on a single production season. He warned that delayed rainfall in 2023 led to crop losses exceeding 90% in some areas, leaving many farmers unable to replant until the following year.

He also underscored the need for “agri-enablers” to attract young people into the sector. While Ghana has implemented policies such as free tuition for first-year tertiary students, he stressed that there must be corresponding investments in creating opportunities for skilled graduates in agriculture.

Mr. Acquaye concluded by urging the government to reconsider its budget priorities, emphasizing that without significant investment in agricultural infrastructure and enablers, the country’s economic transformation would be incomplete.

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