The Authority said Elsie Appau-Klu has not been appointed as a Deputy Commissioner

Organised Labour at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has strongly refuted recent claims circulating in traditional and social media regarding the purported appointment of Elsie Appau-Klu as a Deputy Commissioner of the Authority.

In an internal communication addressed to all staff on Wednesday, May 21, Organised Labour stated unequivocally that the position of “Deputy Commissioner” does not exist within the current organisational structure of the GRA.

Describing the reports as “reckless,” the union expressed concern about the potential damage such misinformation could cause to the integrity of the institution.

Organised Labour confirmed that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Commissioner-General, with a call for immediate action.

“We have not seen any statement from Elsie Appau-Klu distancing herself from these misleading reports,” the statement noted.

Organised Labour is demanding that GRA Management issue an internal memo to formally clarify the situation and reinforce the Authority’s established leadership structure.

Additionally, the group is calling for greater accountability from individuals serving in advisory roles, stressing the need for adherence to the GRA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

“Such advisors must be reminded of their boundaries and refrain from overstepping their authority,” the statement read.

The statement emphasised the importance of protecting the Authority’s integrity, especially in the context of the government’s ongoing institutional reforms under its “resetting agenda,” which includes a review of appointments in public institutions.

Organised Labour vowed to resist any attempt to compromise the GRA’s professional standards for individual interests.

The memo concluded with a call for continued solidarity among staff, reinforcing their commitment to upholding the authority’s values and operational integrity.

The Customs Staff Association was also copied in the communication.

Featured

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson

May – 21 – 2025 , 13:39

2 minutes read

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has issued a fierce critique of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, accusing it of gross failure in tackling the illegal mining (galamsey) menace ravaging Ghana’s rivers and farmlands.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 21, the CDM described the Mahama government’s environmental record as “a national disgrace and an environmental catastrophe.”

The group said the NDC’s 2024 campaign promises to audit mining concessions, ban mining in water bodies, reclaim degraded lands, and operationalise the Ghana Gold Board have all been reduced to “empty political rhetoric.”

Citing the poisoned state of major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Tano and Birim, CDM said these water bodies have been “turned toxic” under Mahama’s watch.

“President Mahama cannot claim ignorance. He cannot feign helplessness. The rot is thriving under his watch—and worse, under his silence,” the statement read.

The group accused the government of complicity, stating that the surge in galamsey operations reflects a total breakdown of enforcement and political will.

Calling for immediate action, CDM demanded that the President declare a state of emergency in all galamsey-affected areas.

“The rivers are bleeding. The forests are dying. The people are suffering. A state of emergency is not optional; it is overdue. Declare it now, or stand forever complicit,” the statement 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.

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.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has formally requested a one-month extension of the deadline for submitting applications for the Gold Buyers Licence, currently set for May 21, 2025.

The request was made in a letter dated May 20, 2025, signed by the association’s president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, and addressed to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi.

In the letter, the association acknowledged GOLDBOD’s initiative to regulate gold purchases and curb illegal mining, money laundering, and gold smuggling.

However, it highlighted significant challenges faced by many of its members in compiling the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.

These documents include Tax Clearance Certificates, Business Operating Permits, Environmental Protection Permits, SSNIT Clearance Certificates, GRA Certificates, Police reports, and other regulatory requirements, which according to the association have proven time-consuming and cumbersome to obtain.

The association noted that a significant number of its members have been unable to complete their online applications, leaving them pending. It argued that extending the deadline by an additional month would provide small-scale miners with sufficient time to meet all requirements and participate fully in the licensing process.

“We believe that granting this extension will not only ensure broader compliance but also support your agency’s goal of fostering a transparent and responsible gold trading ecosystem in Ghana,” the letter stated.

The association appealed for fairness and inclusion, emphasising its commitment to supporting proper regulation of the small-scale mining sector.

The request follows GOLDBOD’s earlier decision to extend the application deadline from 30 April 2025 to 21 May 2025, providing an additional three weeks for gold dealers and small-scale mining companies to reapply for licences, as announced by Sammy Gyamfi on April 30, 2025.

GA

By Kekeli K. Blamey

Battor (V/R), May 21, GNA – Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu has extended a warm gesture of support to newly posted teachers in rural communities in his constituency by presenting them with brand-new laptops.

A total of 36 teachers have benefited from this initiative, which aims to both welcome and empower the educators working in underserved areas.

According to the MP, laptop computers are a token of appreciation and a practical tool to aid teaching and learning in challenging environments.

“This is part of our broader effort to support our teachers who accept postings to remote areas. It’s important that they feel valued and equipped to perform their duties effectively,” Mr. Ablakwa stated during the presentation ceremony.

The North Tongu Legislator also disclosed plans to scale up a range of teacher-friendly policies.

These include continuous professional development programs, scholarship opportunities, and award schemes, all aimed at motivating teachers, retaining talent, and ultimately improving educational outcomes in the constituency.

Beneficiary teachers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support, pledging to work diligently to promote quality education at their respective stations.

GNA

Edited by MA/Benjami Mensah

The Ghanaian cedi has hit a new rate, with the dollar now trading at GH¢11.90 on the local forex market as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, according to Bloomberg’s latest update.

While the recent depreciation initially caused concern, some financial analysts view the current rate as a sign of stabilisation in the local currency market after a prolonged period of volatility that left many uncertain about the economy’s outlook.

This development also marks a significant improvement, offering some relief to businesses and consumers alike.

The Bank of Ghana is expected to comment on the recent gains, with Ghanaians anticipating that the central bank’s daily forex updates will reflect the latest changes starting Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have taken to social media to react to the dollar trading at GH¢11.90, sharing mixed views about its implications for the broader economy.

Here are some social media reactions to the new cedi rate 

Cedi continues to gain, now trading at GHS11.90 against the dollar – Bloomberg#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/LEawxqMGhC

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) May 21, 2025

Cedi is at 11.9 to a dollar now!

— Kwaku Asante (@kwakuasanteb) May 21, 2025

At this point H.E JM @JDMahama Toaso for the next 40 years.

Wooooooow🇬🇭🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/H8fx4LCSto

— Maleek Basintale (@malik_basintale) May 21, 2025

BREAKING: A dollar to a cedi is now 11 cedis

3y3 Zu

— Popo🇰🇼🇬🇭 (@Popony_J) May 21, 2025

SP/MA

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Rev. Toure Roberts and Rev. Sarah Jakes Roberts  

Accra is set to host arguably the biggest Ghana diaspora business summit in continental Africa that links change-makers, thought leaders and government officials to explore the role of religious organisations in the business space.

Slated for May 29, this year at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, the summit is the initiative of Potter’s House, one of the biggest religious organisations in the world, in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministries of Trade and Industries, Tourism and Education.

A presentation by Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd on ‘Exploring Ghana’s Economy Landscape and Growth, Opportunities Across Sectors’, an official opening address by the Minister for Trade, Industries and Agribusiness, plus solidarity messages by the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture will set the tone for the summit seen by key players as “the next big move after the 2019 Year of Return.”

Themed, “Kingdom Marketplace Mandate: Diaspora-Ghana Exchange In Faith & Business,” the summit is the first major outreach to the world by the US-headquartered Potter’s House since the founder, Bishop T.D. Jakes, on health grounds, handed over leadership of this global ministry to his daughter, Rev. Sarah Jakes Roberts and her spouse, Rev. Toure Roberts, both of whom have been part of the leadership for many years.

The Potter’s House is a globally recognised and spiritually vibrant faith-based community with campuses across the United States. Known for its cultural relevance, dynamic worship and transformative teaching, the Potter’s House serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment to diverse communities around the world.

Toure is the founder of ‘The Called Leaders’, a global leadership initiative dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs, creatives and visionaries with the tools, mentorship, and community needed to build businesses and projects that create lasting, meaningful impact. He is an investor who is passionate about helping others bring their ideas to life through innovative ventures and strategic partnership.

In addition to a courtesy call on President John Mahama, the couple will hold meetings with Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, founder and General Overseer of the Christian Action Faith Ministry and Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana.

They will also tour the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and undertake philanthropy at an orphanage.

By Clifford George Owusu

Edem Agbana is MP for Ketu North

Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has acknowledged that his appointment as a board member of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is a tough call, but he remains committed to reforming Ghana’s energy sector.

According to him, the appointment, along with those of his fellow board members, comes at a time when the country is facing significant challenges in the energy sector.

He expressed hope that through their collective efforts, they will support the sector minister in achieving the government’s vision of resetting ECG.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Agbana thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment, pledging his utmost commitment to work diligently and meet public expectations.

“I am deeply honored to have been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a strategic national asset that plays a pivotal role in powering our economy and daily lives,” Agbana wrote.

Looking ahead, Agbana expressed optimism about the future of the energy sector, stressing that under the leadership of Sector Minister John Jinapor, the board is dedicated to supporting the necessary reforms to revitalise the sector.

He added that the focus of the board will be on service and reform, rather than celebration.

Here is the full list of the board members

1. Ing. Dr. William Amuna – Chairman

2. Georgette Emefa Fugah

3. Adams Abdul Salam

4. Dr Simon Akorli

5. Alhansah Sulemana

6. Queenster Pokuah Sawyer

7. Nana Agyakoma Dife II (Mamponhene)

8. Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena

9. Edem Eric Agbana

SP/MA

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The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama has stated that Ghana’s economy is showing early signs of stabilisation, supported by recent policy measures and improving economic fundamentals, both domestic and external.

He made these remarks during the opening of the 124th Meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Accra on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

“We convene at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions are exhibiting early signs of stabilization, supported by recent policy actions and improving external and domestic fundamentals,” Dr Asiama stated.

However, he was quick to caution that “the path ahead remains complex and fraught with risks, both global and domestic.”

The Governor highlighted recent developments in the economy, including a notable decline in inflation and a strong appreciation of the cedi.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, inflation dropped to 21.2% in April 2025, down from previous highs, although it remains above the Bank’s medium-term target of 8 ± 2%.

“In March, the Committee responded decisively to the inflation outlook by raising the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent. Preliminary evidence suggests this action has contributed to dampening inflation momentum,” Dr Asiama said.

He noted that the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated sharply by nearly 19% between April and May, a development he credited to prudent monetary policy, improved market sentiment, and gains in the external sector.

“This appreciation has helped ease imported inflation pressures and restore public confidence,” he added.

Dr Johnson Asiama also referenced Ghana’s recent progress under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

“Ghana has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on the Fourth Review of the ECF Programme… the trajectory is clearly positive,” he noted.

Additionally, the recent S&P credit rating upgrade from Selective Default to CCC+ was cited as further affirmation of economic progress.

Despite these gains, the BoG Governor acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly concerning inflation risks from food supply constraints, global commodity price volatility, and geopolitical tensions, including the recent US-led tariff disputes.

In response, he mentioned that the Bank is revising its monetary policy implementation framework, moving away from the reliance on the unremunerated Cash Reserve Ratio to more active Open Market Operations using longer-tenor instruments.

“This is intended to enhance policy transmission, improve liquidity management, and allow greater room for credit expansion to the private sector,” Dr Asiama explained.

He also emphasised the importance of the Committee’s policy decisions and the need for clear communication.

“Our post-meeting communiqué must clearly articulate the rationale behind our policy decisions and provide an accessible, transparent account of recent economic trends,” he urged.

As the MPC Committee meets to deliberate on the appropriate monetary policy stance going forward, Dr Asiama posed key questions:

• Is the observed exchange rate appreciation sustainable?

• How durable is the nascent return of market confidence?

• What are the implications of these dynamics for our inflation forecast over the medium term?

He concluded his remarks by calling on members to approach their deliberations with professionalism and rigor.

“Our credibility depends on our ability to respond decisively and proportionately to evolving economic realities,” the BoG Governor rallied.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, begin its 124th meeting to review recent macroeconomic developments and assess the country’s economic outlook.

This meeting is significant as it comes on the back of recent gains by the Ghana Cedi against the US dollar and ongoing efforts to tame inflation.

At its last meeting, the MPC increased the monetary policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent.

Already, some market watchers expect the BoG to maintain the policy rate at 28 percent, with any potential cuts dependent on continued disinflation.

The MPC’s decision on the policy rate will have implications for lending costs, investor confidence, and overall economic activity.

The meeting will conclude with a press briefing on Friday, May 23, 2025 to provide further clarity on the central bank’s monetary stance and the measures it intends to take in sustaining economic stability.

MA

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 Residents in North East Region have been urged to remain vigilant to report immediately suspected cholera symptoms to health facil­ities in the region.

This forms part of proactive steps by the Ghana Health Ser­vice (GHS) to prevent any poten­tial cholera outbreak in various communities in the region.

The Health Promotion Divi­sion Manager of the GHS, Ms Patience Boahen, stated this here in Gambaga at a media engage­ment.

The purpose of the media engagement was to educate the people on their platforms the need for them to report any symptoms of cholera in their areas for early treatment.

She said it was important for residents to report timely for treatment of diarrhea and its

related symptoms, stating that “Although the North East Region has not recorded any cholera cases yet but we cannot also wait for it to strike before we start any actions.”

Ms Boahen noted that the rains had just started and one of the things that spreads the disease was an open defecation.

She added that the faeces were going to be washed with the rain and some of them would end up in their river bodies where mem­bers of the community would fetch the water to drink, and that could be a potential source of cholera

She further mentioned that her outfit was encouraging the residents to seek medical atten­tion promptly if they experience any symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Ms Boahen indicated that they believed in working together as a team to prevent any outbreak in the region.

“Our outfit is doing all this education as a preventive mea­sure against any possible out­break in the region to prevent residents from getting the chol­era disease,” she emphasised.

This, she stressed, was im­portant for the media to help them educate the residents to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, and for early detection and report to the health facility for immediate actions

The economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported

Ghanaian economist, Mr Emmanuel Amoah, has revealed that the cost of many goods sold in Ghana remains unchanged despite the cedi’s strength due to long shipping times.

“There are certain goods that take time to buy and time to sell. Cars, for instance, unlike consumables like tomatoes, will take some time before the change reflects in their pricing,” he stated.

Speaking in an interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Morning Show, the economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported and purchased at high prices.

“The turnaround time that traders observe is highly important because it is also a factor that contributes to the pricing of goods,” he explained.

Mr Amoah encouraged traders to set prices that correlate with the strength of the cedi against the dollar, as other sectors implement changes.

“Once the cedi has been strengthened, you should do the right thing by also allowing the changes to reflect in the pricing of your goods,” he urged.