The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) of the Trade Union Congress has called on the government to as a matter of urgency take proactive steps to revive the Pawlugu Tomato Factory in the Upper East Region.

The Pwalugu Tomato Factory, according to the Union, had a great potential to save the country from spending huge sums of money used to import processed tomatoes as well as create jobs for the youth in the area, particularly in the area of agriculture and agribusiness.

Speaking in Bolgatanga during the Upper East Regional Conference of the ICU, Mr. Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of the ICU, appealed to the government to revamp the factory to serve its purpose and boost the local economy.

The Pwalugu Tomato Factory was established by Ghana’s first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah with the aim of processing tomatoes into puree and paste for the local market and for export.

During the time it was in full operations, the factory processed tomatoes from Northern Ghana and some parts in Burkina Faso, reduced the import of processed tomatoes paste into the country and provided employment to many youths.

It also boosted agriculture production especially vegetable farming during the dry season, thereby increasing the income levels of farmers and contributed to the food and nutritional security of the country particularly households in Northern Ghana.

However, the factory has been defuncted for years and successive governments have failed to revamp the facility even after several promises.

Mr. Ayawine said the growing trend of unemployment in Ghana was cause of unbridled youth migration and there was the need to create viable employment opportunities and sustainable industries to create jobs for the youth.

“For the government to realise its economic potential and fulfil the purpose for which it was established, we wish to use this forum to appeal to the government to seriously consider reactivating the Pwalugu Tomato Factory to create employment for the unemployed youth and also save the nation huge foreign exchange used to import tomatoes into the country,” he said.

To boost the operation of the factory, the General Secretary also appealed to the government to also prioritise the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam to ensure that it provided irrigation services to farmers to engage in all year farming activities.

The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam has several components including the provision of several hectares of land for irrigation, hydro and solar hybrid power production, flood control mechanism and aquaculture.

The General Secretary also appealed to the government to reduce the 25 percent corporate tax imposed on the rural and community banks and stated that it was imposing huge burden on their operations.

Source: GNA

In a move to foster stronger community relations, the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) has officially commissioned a Community Relations Office in Awaso.

The initiative is expected to enhance engagement between the company and the chiefs, local authorities, and residents of the mining community.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbett Petty Brentum, commended GBC for its commitment to deepening ties with the community.

He noted that establishing the office signals a renewed approach to corporate-community collaboration, ensuring that local concerns are addressed and development initiatives are undertaken in partnership with community stakeholders.

“It is very gratifying to know that the new management of GBC takes issues of the Western North Region, and Awaso in particular, seriously. This office will serve as a platform for discussions and collaborative development decisions,” Brentum stated.

Nana Basape Kojo Armah, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai, lauded the company’s leadership under Ofori Poku Company Limited (OPCL), the majority shareholder, for prioritising both investment in the mines and the well-being of the surrounding communities.

He highlighted the significance of strengthening relations between the company and the local people, emphasising that such partnerships create economic growth and social development opportunities.

“I am pleased that OPCL, as majority shareholder of GBC, is deepening ties with the Awaso community and the Western North Region at large. This Community Relations Office will serve as a bridge for positive engagement between the company and the people,” Nana Armah noted.

GBC’s General Manager, Alexander Gyedu, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering a positive and transparent relationship with the people of Awaso.

He thanked the chiefs and residents for their continued cooperation and pledged that GBC would continue to operate with a community-first approach.

“The commissioning of this Community Relations Office is a testament to our commitment to strengthening our relationship with the people of Awaso and beyond.

GBC is more than just a mining company; we are part of this community, and we are determined to ensure that our presence leads to mutual benefits,” Gyedu stated.

GBC has operated in Awaso since 1940 and remains Ghana’s only active bauxite mining company. Under the new management of OPCL, GBC has significantly expanded its workforce, increasing employment from 465 to 1,061 staff members.

The company has also invested in modern mining equipment to enhance productivity, ensuring that it remains a competitive force in the industry.

Looking ahead, GBC has outlined plans to go beyond raw bauxite exports by refining its ore in Ghana. The establishment of a local refinery is expected to add value to the country’s natural resources while creating additional employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

Furthermore, the company aims to foster economic opportunities that will benefit both the community and the national economy, attracting foreign investments and strengthening Ghana’s position in the global aluminium industry.

The new Community Relations Office will serve as a hub for dialogue between the company and local stakeholders, ensuring that community concerns, employment opportunities, and developmental projects remain a priority.

Through this initiative, GBC seeks to maintain a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship with the people of Awaso, reinforcing its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable community growth.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has warned ministers against dozing off during meetings, attributing their lack of attentiveness to “indulgence” and an absence of self-control.

“In cabinet somebody’s sleeping at 10 hours – the question is where were they… if you can start conking there? To me, that is a crime, a serious crime,” Hichilema said during a swearing-in ceremony for a new minister.

He did not spell out what exactly he meant by “indulgence”, but local media have interpreted this as referring to excessive alcohol drinking and late-night partying.

The president warned that such behaviour risked exposing state secrets and delaying service delivery to the public.

Hichilema won a landslide victory in 2021 with ambitious plans to turn around the economy of Africa’s second largest copper producer.

Since assuming office, he has sacked several senior officials, including ministers, over performance issues.

Speaking on Monday as he welcomed newly appointed Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo, the president said he has now gone public with his concerns about cabinet members after saying it in private “over and over”.

Without naming anyone, he said that some ministers “develop a knack” of revealing confidential state information on social media “especially during happy hours”.

“I have advised cabinet that we must have a self-censure. When you’re in public office you must have… self-control, not to over-indulge,” the president added.

Citing the Bible, he warned such behaviour could lead to self-destruction.

“So, how do you participate in a meeting when you are sleeping? The message is very clear: you are not interested in cabinet deliberations on behalf of Zambians. So why are you sitting there?” he asked.

The president is expected to seek a second term in next year’s general election. He could face stiff competition from his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, who has mounted a political come back but is currently barred from running.

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The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, has announced plans to build a bauxite refinery, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s quest for value addition.

This announcement was made by the General Manager of the Company, Alexander Gyedu during the official opening of the Community Relations Office by the company at Awaso.

According to Mr. Gyedu, the refinery will play a crucial role in enhancing the Company’s operations and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s economy.

The refinery is expected to process raw bauxite into alumina, a critical component in the production of aluminum. This will not only increase the value of the company’s output but also reduce its reliance on foreign refineries.

By refining bauxite locally, the Company will be able to generate more revenue and create employment opportunities for the local community.

Commenting on this, the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, said this initiative would not only improve the efficiency of the Company but also create more employment opportunities for the people of Awaso and its surrounding communities.

He said the government’s intention to support the project is part of its broader plan to develop an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana.

Mr. Brentum added that this is to leverage local bauxite deposits to reduce the importation of alumina and support local industries.

The construction of the refinery is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The Regional Minister reiterated that the government’s support for the project demonstrates its commitment to promoting economic development and adding value to the country’s natural resources.

Wilbert Petty Brentum also commended the management of the Company for their significant investments in improving operational performance.

“Since Ofori-Poku Company Limited took over from foreign operators three years ago, the Company has demonstrated remarkable growth and efficiency” he added.

Mr. Brentum expressed his conviction that indigenous businesses can thrive when given the opportunity. He believes that locals have the capabilities and skills to make a positive impact on their communities.

According to him, this sentiment is echoed in the government’s commitment to supporting private sector growth, particularly among indigenous businesses, to drive economic prosperity.

He stated that the government’s support for indigenous businesses is crucial for Ghana’s economic development. By promoting local ownership and control, the government aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce reliance on foreign investment.

“Ghana Bauxite Company’s success under local ownership is a testament to the potential of indigenous businesses to drive economic growth” Mr. Brentum said.

Alexander Gyedu, the General Manager of Ghana Bauxite Company limited in a brief background of the company said it has been operating in Awaso , Ghana since 1940s and for over eight decades, the mine has been more than a source of premium trihydrate Bauxite with typical alumina ( AL203) content of 51% and low silica of 2% and 9% moisture.

He added the company is Ghana’s first and only operating mine which is currently owned by Ofori-Poku Company limited (OPCL), a wholly indigenous owned construction with 80% interest and Government of Ghana interest of 20% held by the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC).

Mr. Gyedu mentioned that the company values its human resources and its lifeline and therefore management is committed to welfare and continuous capacity building.

He revealed that when OPCL took over as the major shareholder of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited in 2022, the total number of employees were 483 but as the end of February 2025, the number of employees stands at 1,158 and they are still employing people to increase production.

According to the General Manager, the Company has added 160 fleets of 9 axle truck since taking over in 2022.

He said OPCL has acquired 42 new earth moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner and 35 new light duty vehicles, 2 new rollers, tractor slasher among others for mining purposes alone.

The acquisition of the new trucks had largely contributed to improving haulage operations from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1, 700,000 tons of bauxite in 2024.

He continued that the company is bracing up and facing these challenges squarely and intends to embark various initiatives to enhance their production and these include an extensive exploration program aimed at assessing the volumes and quality of bauxite available within its concession, purchase new equipment, and start the preparation and development of a new mining area within their concession among others.

The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah lll praised the Company for taking an initiative to improve corporate social responsibility by providing a community relations office which according to him would help to address all concerns of community stakeholders.

He also reiterated that the transfer of ownership to a Ghanaian has significant improved welfare of workers and the people within the catchment area.

Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah lll said with the opening of the community relations office is a testament of the commitment of GBC in terms of social community development.

The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will visit Moscow this week as the Sahel nations and Russia seek to strengthen ties, the three African countries’ foreign ministries said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The West African nations, run by juntas that have taken power in coups in recent years, have formed an alliance known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

The grouping kicked out French and other Western forces and turned towards Russia for military support.

Their foreign ministers will visit Moscow on April 3 and 4 and hold meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at his invitation, the statement said.

“The Moscow meeting represents an important step in establishing strategic, pragmatic, dynamic and supportive cooperation and partnership relations in areas of common interest between the AES and Russia,” the ministries said.

It referred to this week’s visit as the first session of “AES-Russia consultations”.

The three countries’ armies are fighting a jihadist insurgency that has spread across the region south of the Sahara since it first took root in Mali 13 years ago.

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As the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, with Eid al-Fitr having begun, the city of Accra is preparing for a new kind of celebration.

Tomorrow evening, Diezel Night Club at 1400 New Town Road, right beside the Accra New Town Post Office, will open its doors for the first time, and it’s the lineup of musicians set to pass through that has the community buzzing with excitement.

The timing feels almost poetic. Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide, concluded just days ago, marking the start of Eid al-Fitr—a joyous festival filled with family gatherings, feasts, and celebrations.

In New Town, where a significant Muslim population joins in these traditions, the opening of Diezel Night Club offers a fresh space for the festivities to continue, blending the spirit of Eid with the universal language of music.

Diezel has teased a roster of talent that promises to make its debut a memorable one. Leading the charge for the opening night is the popular Ghanaian music duo Keche, known for their infectious hits and high-energy performances.

Alongside Keche, several other celebrities are expected to represent live, adding a touch of star power to the event.

While the club has kept the full list of performers under wraps, whispers in the local music scene suggest that some of Ghana’s most dynamic DJs and artists will also take the stage.

The musicians set to pass through will bring a vibrant mix of Hip Hop, R&B, Amapiano, and Afrobeats—genres that resonate deeply with Accra’s diverse and music-loving crowd.

“We’re bringing in artists who can capture the energy of this city,” said a spokesperson for Diezel. “It’s not just about the opening night; we’ve got musicians lined up for the weeks ahead to keep the momentum going.”

For many in the community, the timing of the opening feels like a perfect extension of the Eid celebrations.

“After a month of fasting and reflection, it’s time to come together and enjoy,” said a local resident who plans to attend with friends. “I love that Diezel is opening now—it’s a chance to celebrate with music and dance, and I’m excited to see Keche and the other celebrities perform live.”

The club’s location in the heart of New Town makes it an accessible spot for both Muslim and non-Muslim residents to gather, adding to the inclusive vibe of the event.

Inside, Diezel Night Club is ready to impress.

The venue boasts a modern design with a spacious dance floor, ambient lighting, and a sound system built to deliver every beat with clarity. The stage is set for the musicians to shine, whether they’re performing live sets like Keche or spinning tracks as part of the DJ lineup.

The bar and cozy seating areas offer spaces for guests to relax and connect, ensuring the night will be as much about community as it is about the music. Diezel Night Club will operate from Wednesdays through Sundays, giving partygoers plenty of opportunities to experience the venue’s vibrant atmosphere in the weeks to come.

Local business owners are also feeling the excitement. “A club like Diezel, with big musicians and celebrities like Keche coming through, will bring more people to New Town,” said a nearby food stall owner.

“It’s good for all of us, especially after the Ramadan season when everyone is in a festive mood.”

With the end of Ramadan ushering in a time of joy and togetherness, Diezel Night Club’s grand opening tomorrow at 10:30 PM is poised to be a highlight of the week, blending the spirit of Eid with the universal joy of music and celebration.

Ghanaian businesses are facing heightened financial pressures after the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 28%, marking the third consecutive hike in 2024.

The move, aimed at curbing inflation hovering near 23%, has drawn sharp warnings from economists urging firms to pivot from traditional loans to alternative funding strategies.

Professor Isaac Boadi, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic and Research for Public Policy (IERPP), cautioned that taking on new debt under current conditions risks destabilizing cash-strapped enterprises. “Borrowing at these rates is financially perilous,” he said, citing the widening gap between soaring policy rates and declining Treasury bill yields, which fell to 16% this month from 19% in January. This divergence, he argued, creates “unpredictable capital costs,” complicating budget forecasts and investment plans.

Boadi advised businesses to delay major credit commitments until monetary conditions stabilize, recommending equity financing, trade credit agreements, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as safer alternatives. “These models offer flexibility without the burden of unsustainable debt,” he noted, pointing to Ghana’s nascent PPP sector, which attracted $2.1 billion in infrastructure deals last year.

The rate hike compounds challenges for sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, where credit dependency remains high. Bank lending rates now average 32%, up from 28% in 2023, squeezing firms already grappling with currency volatility and supply-chain disruptions. Kwame Asante, CEO of Accra-based AgriGro, shared that his firm shelved expansion plans after loan repayments consumed 40% of quarterly revenue. “We’re exploring investor partnerships to avoid collapse,” he said.

While the central bank signals resolve to tame inflation, analysts highlight risks to growth. Ghana’s GDP expanded by 2.9% in Q1 2024—below the 4.6% sub-Saharan average—as high borrowing costs stifle productivity. The MPC’s stance contrasts with regional peers like Nigeria, which cut rates to stimulate spending.

Boadi emphasized vigilance, urging businesses to monitor Treasury trends for signs of future rate cuts. “A sustained yield decline could prompt policy easing, offering relief by late 2024,” he projected. Until then, strategic financial management remains critical for survival in an economy where 60% of firms cite access to affordable credit as their top challenge.

As the deadline for Q2 tax filings approaches, the Ghana Union of Traders Association reports a 15% drop in loan applications—a stark indicator of sector-wide caution. For now, businesses navigate a tightrope: innovate funding or risk insolvency.

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Ted News Ghana Blog of Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Source: TEDDY VAVA GAWUGA

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Economy and Development, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has announced his Committee’s commitment to ensuring fiscal prudence and avoidance of budget overruns.

This move is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible spending of public funds.

According to him, his Committee will be partnering the Budget Committee to achieve the objective.

“The job of the Budget Committee which we’ll be assisting them [government] from the economy side is to ensure that all of these are adhered to prevent overruns. There is quite an elaborate provision in the PFMA [Public Financial Management Act]. We haven’t been too excellent in enforcing it but now we have multiple committees keeping an eye on the enforcement of the regulations”, he mentioned on the Business Live on Joy News.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stated that the Committee’s focus on preventing budget overruns is particularly significant, given the government’s efforts to reduce expenditure and achieve economic stability.

“On the Economy committee side, we will soon start our public hearings, inviting the ministers to come and present the Annual Performance Report to spot any overruns that occurred in the previous years and how you’re spending this year”.

By taking a proactive stance on fiscal responsibility, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah’s ommittee hopes to contribute to a more stable and prosperous economic environment for Ghana.

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