play videoParliament has approved the Special Import Levy Amendment Bill 2025 through a majority vote

A motion by the Minority Caucus to have the Special Import Levy Amendment Bill 2025 retaken through a second reading has been defeated.

During proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Finance Committee’s report on the bill, being considered under a Certificate of Urgency, was presented before the House.

During the presentation of the report, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, said the committee approved the bill by a majority vote, as members of the Minority Caucus on the committee voted against the approval.

The chairman further proposed that the sunset period for the bill be set in perpetuity instead, but later withdrew his proposal.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, following the approval of the second reading of the bill, accused the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, of denying him his right. He subsequently moved for the second reading of the bill to be retaken.

The motion, when put to a voice vote, was declared lost by the First Deputy Speaker. This led the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central and member of the Minority Caucus, Patrick Yaw Boamah, to move for a division.

Following a head count, the Second Deputy Speaker declared the result as 58 against 126 in favor of the Majority Caucus.

“Accordingly, the vote is lost; the noes have it,” he declared.

The House finally approved the Special Import Levy Amendment Bill 2025 through a voice vote declared in favor of the Majority side at the completion of the third reading.

GA

Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a stern warning to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to stop misusing electricity.

In an interview with Metro TV on Wednesday, March 26, Jinapor emphasised that power is no longer free and must be paid for in full.

“Power is no longer free. We must all pay for the power that we use,” he stated.

He urged SOEs to change their attitudes towards electricity consumption to avoid financial challenges in the energy sector.

Jinapor warned that failure to do so could have dire implications for the sector.

“If we don’t change our attitudes, we will run into huge problems,” he indicated.

According to onuaonline.com, he highlighted the importance of efficiency in power usage, particularly among SOEs, which he accused of excessive consumption without adequate financial accountability.

To address these issues, Jinapor called for institutions to prioritise energy conservation and payment compliance.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing payment regulations and urged for stricter measures to prevent financial losses in the energy sector.

As the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor has been a strong advocate for renewable energy and sustainable development.

He has emphasised the need for collective action to support Ghana’s energy transition efforts.

MRA/AE

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Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has commissioned a Mosque at the National Ghana National Fire Service in Accra marking a significant milestone in promoting religious tolerance and inclusivity.

Speaking at the 2025 Iftar Celebration, the Deputy Interior Minister emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and religious tolerance in fostering national development. He commended the Ghana National Fire Service for its dedication to maintaining peace and unity among its workforce, creating an environment where individuals of diverse faiths can work together toward a common goal.

Hon. Terlabi noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Peace: The Pivot to National Development and Religious Tolerance – Key to Productivity in Our Work Environment,” is timely and relevant to Ghana’s collective aspirations. He emphasised that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development thrive and that without peace, efforts toward national transformation, economic prosperity, and social cohesion would be hindered.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of religious tolerance in the workplace, citing the Ghana National Fire Service as a shining example of an institution that values diversity and promotes inclusivity. He encouraged all institutions to emulate this example of fostering an environment where individuals of all faiths can work together harmoniously.

The Acting Chief Fire Officer, Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong in her remarks, stated that the construction of the mosque was made possible through generous donations from the Islamic community and that it will serve as a symbol of religious tolerance and a beacon of peace for generations to come.

She emphasised the importance of promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in Ghana.

The Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, has shared invaluable career advancement insights, offering eight essential tips for climbing the corporate ladder. 

Speaking at the 2025 edition of PCH Hangouts, held on March 26, 2025, at ICGC The New Wine Temple, East Legon, Dr. Botchway emphasized the importance of strategic planning, skill-building, and personal branding in achieving professional success.

The event, themed “Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Understanding The Seven Mountains,” brought together professionals seeking mentorship and networking opportunities. 

Dr. Botchway, an accomplished banker with over 20 years of experience in finance, strategy, and leadership, reflected on his career journey, sharing lessons that have shaped his rise to the top.

1. Excel in your current role, but prepare for the next

Dr. Botchway stressed the need to balance proficiency in one’s current role with preparation for future opportunities.

“You must be good at your current role, but it is important also to build the skills required for your dream role,” he advised. 

According to him, demonstrating competence in the present is not enough; professionals must actively develop skills needed for higher responsibilities.

2. Take charge of your career plan

The Absa MD cautioned against leaving career progression in the hands of HR managers or supervisors.

“Have a plan for yourself. Don’t rely on HR to have a plan for you,” he stated. He recounted how he transitioned from credit to finance by proactively seeking out responsibilities beyond his designated role.

3. Break stereotypes and challenge labels

Dr. Botchway urged professionals to avoid being boxed into specific roles based on their backgrounds.

“Do not allow anybody to determine what you can do and what you cannot do,” he emphasized. Despite being labeled a “numbers guy,” he successfully transitioned from finance to managing a business, proving that adaptability and competence can defy stereotypes.

4. Build meaningful relationships

Networking and mentorship were highlighted as crucial elements for career growth.

“Having a mentor is extremely important, but don’t limit it to just one person,” Dr. Botchway advised. 
He encouraged professionals to build a broad network that includes mentors, peers, and subordinates, as key opportunities often arise from within one’s professional circle.

5. Develop a strong personal brand

The MD stressed the importance of consistency and credibility in personal branding.

“Deliberate about it, consistency—a little here, a little there—going at it again and again to the point where when your name is mentioned, people know what it stands for,” he said.

6. Be strategic in career moves

Career progression, according to Dr. Botchway, should be guided by long-term goals rather than short-term incentives like salary increments.

“Building a career is not like using Google Maps, where you can easily recalculate after a wrong turn. Sometimes, a bad career move can set you back for years,” he warned. He encouraged professionals to assess job transitions beyond immediate financial benefits, considering how each move contributes to their ultimate career vision.

7. Have faith

Dr. Botchway emphasized the role of faith in career success. While hard work, strategy, and networking are critical, he noted that belief in oneself and divine guidance can provide an added edge in career progression.

8. Just do it!

Encouraging a proactive attitude, Dr. Botchway urged professionals to step out of their comfort zones.

“Sometimes, we overthink and hesitate too much. If you believe in it, just do it,” he concluded.

Inspiring journey

Dr. Botchway’s rise to becoming the MD of Absa Bank Ghana in July 2024 is a testament to his principles. With a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Swiss Business School and membership in ACCA (UK) and ICA Ghana, his career has spanned roles at Ecobank, GCB Bank PLC, and Citi Savings and Loans.

His insights resonated with attendees, many of whom left the event motivated to take charge of their professional growth. 

The session, which was livestreamed on GraphicOnline platforms, reinforced the significance of self-driven career development and strategic decision-making in today’s corporate world.

play videoMinister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Parliament has today, March 26, 2025, voted to approve the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075).

In a manner similar to the initial passage of the law in 2022, the House on Wednesday conducted the repeal process under a Certificate of Urgency, expediting the second reading, consideration, and third reading stages.

Speaking during the second reading stage, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, highlighted an observation made by the Finance Committee; that repealing the law would make GH¢2 billion available to Ghanaian citizens in the form of disposable income.

With Parliament’s approval, the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, will be forwarded for presidential assent.

Under Article 106(7) of the Constitution, President John Dramani Mahama is expected to assent to the bill within seven days.

Background

The Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) was introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under President Nana Akufo-Addo through the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075).

Passed on March 29, 2022, after a contentious parliamentary process, the law imposed a 1.5% tax (later reduced to 1%) on electronic transactions, including mobile money payments, bank transfers, and merchant payments.

The levy aimed to widen Ghana’s tax net by targeting the informal sector and was projected to generate GH¢4.5 billion annually to address fiscal deficits amid economic challenges, including the 2022 debt crisis.

Implementation began on May 1, 2022, following approval by a slim NPP majority (137-136) in Parliament, despite a walkout by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority.

The E-Levy faced immediate backlash. Public protests erupted, driven by groups like #NoToELevy, citing its burden on low-income Ghanaians reliant on mobile money.

A 2022 ISSER study found that 83% of Accra’s informal workers disapproved, and compliance remained low—by December 2024, revenue had reached only GH¢1.5 billion, according to Graphic Online, far below targets.

The NDC challenged the levy’s legality in the Supreme Court in April 2022, arguing procedural flaws, but the court upheld it in a unanimous 7-0 ruling on October 26, 2022.

During the 2024 campaign season, both the NDC and NPP promised to repeal the E-Levy. The NDC described it as regressive and punitive, disproportionately affecting the poor and stifling digital financial inclusion.

GA/MA

By Agnes Ansah

Accra, March 26, GNA – Mr Julian Opuni, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, says the bank will continue to implement policies to inure to the benefit of Ghanaians and promote economic growth.  

Speaking at a media engagement on Wednesday, Mr Opuni highlighted some new and existing initiatives designed for various segments of the public to better their lives. 

These include the Orange Inspire, Local Language, Digital Innovations, Green Tech Challenge, and SME support. 

The bank would, within the year, introduce the “Orange Inspire” initiative designed specifically to cater for the needs of players in the creative arts sector, he said.  

Mr Opuni said the bank realised that the arts sector was usually left out in matters relating to investments and thought it wise to offer mentorship, funding and grants to help beneficiaries change the face of the industry. 

Another initiative was the introduction of local language into its operations to serve the uneducated segments of the market.  

Aside from getting that segment to save, the bank believed that financial literacy could be improved with the introduction of the local language.  

Mr Opuni threw light on some existing innovations and initiatives the bank would continue to implement to ensure growth. 

These include the GreenTech Innovation Challenge aimed at revolutionising Ghana’s agricultural sector through investment in youth-led agricultural startups. 

On digital innovations, he said the bank was poised to making banking more convenient and had, for some time now, engaged some of its clients on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, and would continue to do that. 

Additionally, credit facilities would be provided the ordinary Ghanaian who needed money to support their businesses. 

Mr Opuni called on Ghanaians to help that vision to materialise by continuing to transact business with the bank.  

GNA  

ABD 

European Union citizens should stockpile enough food and other essential supplies to sustain them for at least 72 hours in the event of a crisis, the EU Commission has said.

In new guidance released Wednesday, the commission stressed the need for Europe to shift its mindset to foster a culture of “preparedness” and “resilience.”

The 18-page document warns that Europe is facing a new reality marred with risk and uncertainty, citing Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and electronic warfare as prominent factors.

The Brussels initiative appears to serve as a wake-up call for member states to the gravity of the bloc’s security situation.

An ever-present threat from Russia has prompted European leaders to stress the need for war readiness. As has the Trump administration’s confrontational approach towards Europe, particularly on contributions to NATO and on the war in Ukraine, has sparked a race on the continent to shore up its military readiness.

The Commission’s European Preparedness Union Strategy says citizens across the continent should adopt practical measures to ensure they are ready in case of an emergency. This includes having enough essential supplies to last them for a minimum of three days, the document says. “In the case of extreme disruptions, the initial period is the most critical,” it says.

Overall, civilians should be encouraged to foster self-reliance and psychological resilience, the document states.

The commission also calls for the introduction of “preparedness” lessons in the school curricula, including giving pupils the skills to fight disinformation and information manipulation.

“New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe,” the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a statement. “Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits.”

The European Commission’s guidance on Wednesday comes after individual counties have been updating their contingency plans.

In June last year, Germany updated its Framework Directive for Overall Defence, giving direction on what to do should conflict break out in Europe. Unveiling the plans at the time, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said they were necessary for her country to arm itself better in the face of Russian aggression.

Some personalities at the event

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddaddi, has reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to reparations, justice, and healing for Africa and the global African diaspora.

She made this statement at the official opening of the Accra Summit II, themed Centering Healing for Africans and the Global African Diaspora in the Context of the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025 on Reparations.

The summit, which brings together key stakeholders including the Global Circle for Reparations and Healing (GCRH), the Justice and Repair (J&R) initiative, and the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), marks a significant step in Africa’s pursuit of reparative justice.

Ambassador Haddaddi, during her speech on March 26, 2025, at Nyanyanor Village, emphasized the need to address historical injustices that have shaped the realities of Africa and its diaspora, including the transatlantic and trans-Indian Ocean slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism.

She noted that these atrocities inflicted deep wounds—physical, psychological, spiritual, and economic—whose effects persist today in the form of economic disparities, structural inequalities, and the continued devaluation of African lives.

“The struggle for reparations is not simply about addressing historical wrongs; it is about ensuring justice, dignity, and sustainable development for African people across generations,” she stated, highlighting the African Union’s long-standing advocacy for reparations, including the 2001 Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, which reaffirmed that the transatlantic slave trade was a crime against humanity.

The Accra Summit II builds on the outcomes of the inaugural summit held in 2022, which underscored the need for a proactive approach to seeking justice through unity and collective advocacy. Ambassador Haddaddi called for healing that goes beyond individual experiences, emphasizing the need for reclaiming African narratives and re-establishing bonds of solidarity severed by historical injustices.

“We must ensure that the issue of racial healing remains at the forefront of international discussions, compelling the world to acknowledge, address, and redress the injustices inflicted upon Africa and her diaspora,” she urged.

As the summit progresses, discussions will center on mobilizing policies, institutions, and global partnerships to achieve meaningful reparations for Africa and its people. Ambassador Haddaddi reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to this cause, urging all stakeholders to continue dismantling the legacies of oppression and forging a future of equity, prosperity, and dignity for all African people.

The Accra Summit II is expected to conclude on March 28 with concrete action plans for advancing the reparations agenda and strengthening Africa’s leadership in the global movement for justice and healing.