The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has described the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) as a positive development that will benefit Ghanaians and the telecom sector.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey commended the government for following through on its promise to abolish the tax.

“For me, I think it’s a good policy that the government has been able to make a promise and move from a manifesto promise to a budget, and then a bill has been passed. This is happening, so this is positive,” he said.

Dr. Ashigbey revealed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has scheduled a meeting with telecom operators on Friday, March 29, to discuss the technical processes required to implement the repeal.

“The GRA has invited us for a meeting, so we’ll have a meeting on Friday morning. After that, as we await the President to assent to the bill, we will also be getting the guidelines around this repeal.”

He stated that the removal of the E-Levy requires technical adjustments to various systems, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting mobile money and other electronic transactions.

“There will be some technical work that has to be done to make sure that we can reset E-Levy to zero. The thing about it is that it has effects on various systems as well. So all of that work will be done.”

While acknowledging the urgency of implementing the repeal, he stressed the need for caution to avoid unintended consequences.

“Because we know that this is something that will inure to the benefit of our customers, we want to do it quickly. But we also have to make sure we don’t have any unintended consequences,” Dr Ashibey added.

Parliament passed the E-Levy repeal bill on Wednesday, March 26, and it now awaits President John Mahama’s assent.

The tax, introduced in 2022 by the previous New Patriotic Party administration, imposed a 1.5% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers, bank transfers, and online payments.

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Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare

The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare, has warned Ghanaian youth about the dangers of substance abuse, emphasizing that no dream should be sacrificed for drugs.

Speaking at a press launch of the ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign in Accra on March 26, 2025, to tackle drug abuse in the country, Opare highlighted the devastating impact of opioid addiction, particularly the growing abuse of tramadol-based substances known as ‘Red.’

He urged young people to make choices that safeguard their future and called on all well-meaning Ghanaians to support efforts to combat drug abuse.

“Your dreams are too valuable to be sacrificed on drugs. Your potential is too precious to be squandered on fleeting highs. You’ll get high for 10 to 20 minutes, and then you come back to reality,” he cautioned.

Opare likened the fight against drug abuse to the battle against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that the same intensity and commitment must be applied to addressing the opioid crisis affecting young people.

“Let us be the generation that emphatically says NO to drugs and YES to a future filled with opportunity and hope,” he urged.

The Deputy Minister of Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi stated that 62.3 percent of adolescents in nine Senior High Schools in the Northern Region have used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime.

The CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, also emphasized the urgent need to combat drug abuse among Ghanaian youth.

He stressed that substance abuse is a major threat to the future of young people, affecting their productivity and potential.

Musician Lord Paper echoed the minister’s sentiments, urging young people to stay away from drugs.

Olivia Boateng, Head of the Tobacco and Substances Abuse Department at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), applauded the initiative and pledged her institution’s support in ensuring the campaign’s success.

CEO of the National Youth Authority, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, also graced the event, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to curb drug abuse among young people.

The ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign, launched in collaboration with Entertainment Week Ghana, seeks to combat drug abuse through education, empowerment, and engagement.

The campaign is set to engage schools, communities, and entertainment stakeholders in raising awareness and advocating for stronger policies to curb substance abuse.

The initiative will also focus on rehabilitation efforts for affected youth, ensuring they receive the necessary support to recover and reintegrate into society.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Richard Gyan Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has called on the Energy Commission to enhance training programmes for electricians to curb market fires.

He noted that significant economic losses and property damage were often caused by poor electrical installations, largely due to unqualified electricians and substandard materials.

Mensah made the call during a graduation ceremony for 382 newly certified electricians from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions in Accra.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Enhancing Electrical Safety and Compliance Through Technology: The Installation Completion Certificate Application (ICAP),” underscored the government’s commitment to safety and technological innovation in the electrical installation industry.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to improving safety standards and fostering technological advancements within the industry.

“Over the years, Ghanaians have witnessed numerous safety hazards, property damage, and economic losses due to poor electrical installations, often resulting from the work of unqualified electricians and the use of substandard electrical materials,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for more qualified, properly trained, and certified electricians who adhere to safety protocols and comply with industry best practices.

Mensah expressed concern over the recurring fires in market spaces, attributing many of these incidents to faulty electrical wiring.

He urged the Energy Commission to conduct periodic public education and awareness campaigns on energy efficiency and the use of quality electrical cables and appliances, particularly in markets and informal settlements.

“These days, we are witnessing an increasing number of fires in our market spaces. In most cases, these incidents are attributed to poor electrical wiring, which is something we must all take seriously,” he remarked.

The Deputy Minister commended the Energy Commission for its efforts in training and certifying electrical professionals but stressed the importance of continuous professional development and robust feedback mechanisms.

He urged the Commission to maintain engagement with the graduates and monitor their performance regularly.

“This graduation ceremony should not mark the end of the relationship between the Energy Commission and the graduates. I, therefore, urge the Energy Commission to engage with the graduates and track their progress regularly.

“The Commission should also develop a continuous professional development programme and a robust feedback mechanism for the graduates,” he added.

He called on the newly certified electricians to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and diligence, and to refrain from using inferior and substandard electrical materials in their work.

Eunice Biritwum, Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, underscored the pivotal role of technology in advancing electrical safety.

She highlighted how digital tools were revolutionising the industry, enabling faster inspections, streamlined compliance, and ultimately, safer electrical installations.

She encouraged the graduates to embrace these innovations, stressing that technology was not merely a convenience but a crucial component in safeguarding communities and shaping the future of electrical work.

During the event, graduates received certificates, and prizes were awarded to outstanding candidates.

Ansah Abraham Gyekye was adjudged the overall best candidate and the Best Commercial Candidate, while Miss Martins Alexandria Ahsley was named the Best Female Candidate.

Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, Associate Executive Director of Wacam

Stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional leaders, and legal experts, have called for a review of Ghana’s compulsory land acquisition processes in the extractive sector to ensure fairness, environmental sustainability, and community inclusion.

At a national-level stakeholder convening organized by A Rocha Ghana, Wacam, BRACE, CEPIL, Merton and Everett, and Oxfam in Ghana, participants raised concerns over the seizure of lands for mining and petroleum projects without proper consultation with affected communities.

Speaking at the event on March 25, 2025, Daryl Bosu, Director of A Rocha Ghana, emphasized the need for a national dialogue on the issue.

“Today’s meeting brings together both state and non-state stakeholders to discuss compulsory land acquisition.

“There have been precedents where lands in the Tano North area have been taken for Newmont’s mining activities, and the same is happening in the Nzema area for the petroleum hub development. But the key question is: are these acquisitions fair?

“This discussion aims to rethink the process and find better approaches,” he stated.

Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, Associate Executive Director of Wacam, expressed concerns over the increasing use of state power to seize lands for extractive projects, often at the expense of indigenous communities.

“In the past, before mining concessions were granted, the consent of local communities was sought.

“However, we have moved to a situation where the state is coercing and using force to take over lands without proper consultation. In places like Ahafo, there is growing intimidation, leaving communities powerless against these acquisitions,” she noted.

Traditional leaders also voiced their frustrations over the lack of engagement in land acquisition processes.

Nana Akawonza III, Divisional Chief of Bakanta in the Ellembelle District, criticized the government for sidelining landowners and community leaders.

“We, the local people, have no say in what happens. One day, you just hear that the government wants this land, and before you know it, they have taken it.

“They use money through different channels to get what they want without consulting us. But they need to sit down with landowners and discuss terms before acquiring land,” he stressed.

A key concern raised at the forum was the fear among residents of Jomoro in the Western Nzema Traditional Area that the 20,000-hectare project would compromise the region’s ecological value. The CSOs also highlighted a similar situation in the Tano North Municipality.

The meeting concluded with calls for a review of policies and legal frameworks governing land acquisitions in Ghana’s extractive sector.

Stakeholders urged the government to adhere to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles, ensure transparency, and engage affected communities in decision-making processes to prevent conflicts and human rights violations.

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

The Federation of Muslim Councils (FMC) has expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for declaring Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, public holidays to mark Eid-ul-Fitr.

The additional public holiday will enable Muslims in Ghana to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr festival with their families and loved ones, promoting a sense of community and social cohesion, the FMC stated.

The declaration fulfills President Mahama’s campaign promise to the Muslim community, demonstrating his commitment to promoting unity, inclusivity, and religious tolerance.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday, signed by Dr. Noble Ibrahim Adjin Lartey, the Acting National Coordinator of the FMC, said: “We are grateful to President Mahama for recognizing the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr and declaring an additional public holiday to enable Muslims to celebrate this joyous occasion.”

“This gesture reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace, tolerance, and coexistence,” it added.

The FMC commended President Mahama for his leadership and vision in promoting national unity and social cohesion.

It urged Muslims in Ghana to make the most of the opportunity and continue to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding, while also wishing all Muslims around the world Eid Mubarak.

Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has called for collaboration from security agencies to implement the 24-hour economy at fuel stations across the country.

Speaking at a special meeting with the Eastern Regional Minister, regional security heads, and key stakeholders at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Koforidua on Wednesday, Tameklo emphasized the importance of strict regulation and enforcement to protect the petroleum downstream industry from criminal activities.

He said the petroleum sector was highly susceptible to criminal activities, including fuel smuggling, illegal siphoning, and fraudulent transactions.

The NPA boss noted that fuel was a legitimate but highly valuable commodity, making it a target for illicit activities.

“We will need the active involvement of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), alongside the NPA’s intelligence unit and other security agencies like the Police, Customs, and Fire Service, to combat all forms of fuel-related crimes,” he said.

Tameklo hinted at the NPA’s future plans to take security agencies through a specialized training program to enhance their capacity in tackling petroleum-related offenses and indicated that the government’s plan to roll out a 24-hour economy could only be successful if the security and safety of consumers and petroleum workers were assured.

“Petroleum is a hazardous product, and we cannot afford to overlook safety concerns.

“The NPA will work closely with the Fire Service and other security agencies to ensure the highest levels of safety and security,” he emphasized.

His call for security collaboration was crucial, given the vulnerability of some filling stations during late-night hours.

Earlier this month, it was reported that masked armed robbers had attacked the Kansaworodo branch of the Total fuel station in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region at dawn.

Fortunately, the keys to the safe were with the manager, who was not at the premises at the time of the incident, so the robbers could not access the funds.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).

She assured the Authority of her full cooperation in ensuring that the NPA’s efforts to promote safety and compliance with regulations in the petroleum sector are successful in the Eastern Region.

She also proposed that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) be integrated into the NPA’s operations across all regions to strengthen security and enhance collaboration and commended the NPA’s commitment to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.

US President Donald Trump has named conservative media critic and pro-Israel commentator Leo Brent Bozell III as ambassador to South Africa, amid worsening diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Mr Bozell’s nomination follows Washington’s expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, for remarks deemed critical of Trump.

The Trump administration has condemned South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza and has accused its government of discriminating against white South Africans to seize their land.

The nomination must still be confirmed by the US Senate.

Mr Bozell, 69, was previously nominated to lead the US Agency for Global Media – a now-closed umbrella organisation that oversaw Voice of America and Radio Free Europe – but the bid was later withdrawn.

Earlier in his career, he founded the Media Research Center, which has the stated mission of identifying liberal bias, and the Parents Television Council, among other conservative groups.

His son, Leo, was among those who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. He was convicted last year and sentenced to nearly four years in prison.

US-South Africa relations have deteriorated sharply under Trump.

The US expelled South Africa’s ambassador earlier in March, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing him as a “race-baiting politician”.

In an X post announcing that Rasool was “no longer welcome”, Rubio linked to an article from the right-wing outlet Breitbart that cited Rasool’s comments accusing Trump of trying to “project white victimhood as a dog whistle”.

While lower-ranking diplomats are sometimes expelled, it is highly unusual in the US for it to happen to a more senior official.

In February, Trump also signed an executive order freezing US aid to South Africa, citing “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaners.

The order refers to a new law, the Expropriation Act, which allows the government to take away private land.

White South Africans, including Afrikaners, make up 7.2% of the population but hold 72% of individually-owned farmland, according to a 2018 government land audit.

South Africa’s government, led by the African National Congress (ANC) in a coalition of 10 parties, said earlier that Trump’s actions were based on ” a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation”.

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Lands and Natural Resources minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Lands and Natural Resources minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has explained why the government cannot declare a state of emergency in areas where illegal mining is taking place.

Prior to the 2024 elections, the National Democratic Congress joined the likes of Imani Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe, Ken Ashigbey who leads the media coalition against galamsey, Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Catholic Priests who called for a state of emergency to be declared in areas where mining was taking place.

However, after 79 days in office, the same people have refused to declare a state of emergency in these areas.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Channel 1 Television, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah explained that “we are treating the matter as an emergency matter. I just told you and we are working on the clock, 24hrs a day. The thing is that in a free society, even when there is crisis you try to solve it without creating fear and panic.

We are already doing it. How did we, in less than a month, reverse 7 reds to yellow? I’m just simply telling you that we have decided that these matters are of grave importance and they are matters that must be dealt with with all the emergency that it deserve,” he said.

He continued, “The president is treating this matter as a top priority. The president wants to make sure the people of Ghana can be assured that he is on top of this thing. He is dealing with the issue, and we are making progress”.

Adding that “what we don’t want to do is to do a six’ o’clock announcement and tell the people of Ghana that a curfew has been declared. There is no curfew in the whole of Ghana and there is a lot of things at play. As the Minister of lands and resources I can tell the people of Ghana that we are dealing with this matter with all the sense of urgency and they can be assured that we will win this fight.”