QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, firmly denies recent false media reports in Ghana and Burkina Faso linking the company to human trafficking and illegal migration.

These claims are entirely unfounded and misrepresent QNET’s legitimate business model.

Clarification on Assin Fosu Incident

QNET is not involved in the case reported in Assin Fosu, Ghana, where a Burkinabe national was arrested for allegedly trafficking seven foreign nationals under the pretense of overseas employment opportunities allegedly connected to QNET.

We categorically state that QNET does not offer jobs, migration assistance, or overseas employment services. Our company operates as a direct-selling e-commerce platform, offering individuals the opportunity to become independent distributors of our wellness and lifestyle products.

Any person or group using the QNET name to deceive others is doing so without our authorization and in direct violation of our strict ethical policies. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance on fraud and unethical conduct and cooperate fully with law enforcement to take disciplinary action where necessary.We commend the Ghana Police Service for their quick action in the matter.

Support for Safe Repatriation of Burkinabe Nationals

On May 27, 2025, QNET collaborated with the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Ghana to facilitate the safe return of 22 Burkinabe nationals, including 20 victims and 2 suspects, in a humanitarian initiative.

The operation was made possible through joint efforts with INTERPOL Ghana, the Burkinabe Embassy, and the report of a concerned parent.

QNET provided logistical and coordination support throughout the process, further underscoring our commitment to community welfare. We are currently supporting authorities in Burkina Faso to prosecute individuals involved in these illegalities.

Statement from QNET Regional Leadership

“We are proud to have supported the safe return of Burkinabe citizens and will continue to uphold our values by protecting individuals from exploitation. Our commitment to integrity and ethical practices remains unwavering,” said Biram Fall, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call for Accurate Reporting

We urge the public, media, and community stakeholders to verify facts before sharing reports that can harm victims and damage legitimate businesses.

QNET remains actively engaged with law enforcement and diplomatic bodies to combat fraudulent activity and educate the public about our genuine business model.

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products that enable individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life.

Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and microentrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind.

Popular product brands offered by QNET include the Bernhard H. Mayer range of luxury watches and jewellery, HomePure range of home care products, the Amezcua wellness range, Physio Radiance personal care range, and QVI branded holiday packages.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more.

QNET is also active in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.

Discover a world of new possibilities with QNET by visiting www.qnet.net

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni  

Accra, June 6, GNA – The Bank of Ghana is finalising comprehensive digital lending guidelines, expected to be issued by August 2025, to prevent the exploitation of the public by online lending platforms.  

The Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama, said in Accra on Thursday that the intervention came amidst growing concerns about online lending platforms, exploiting many Ghanaians, particularly young people and informal workers, who were often enticed by attractive promises only to become ensnared in cycles of hidden fees and harassment. 

Announcing the upcoming guidelines at a meeting with Chief Executive Officers of banks, Dr Asiama said: “We’ve received reports of individuals being threatened, shamed, or scammed, all under the guise of accessing quick loans.” 

 “We cannot allow this to continue. The upcoming guidelines will bring clear, enforceable standards to both bank-led and non-bank digital lending models.” 

They would establish rules concerning licensing and authorisation, disclosure and interest rate transparency, data protection, and customer privacy, the Governor said, noting that the guidelines would also encompass ethical recovery and collection practices. 

Dr. Asiama emphasised the Central Bank’s primary goal of safeguarding borrowers, especially the most vulnerable, from exploitation, while simultaneously fostering an environment where responsible, well-regulated digital lenders, including banks and their fintech partners, could flourish.  

He advised institutions active in digital lending, whether directly or through third parties, to review their current models and prepare for compliance. 

While Ghana’s digital lending schemes offer significant potential for financial inclusion, the sector faces numerous challenges that must be addressed for sustainable growth and robust consumer protection. 

 These challenges include unethical debt collection practices, data privacy risks and breaches, limited financial literacy, and a general lack of trust among consumers. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe

By Prince Acquah   

Cape Coast, June 6, GNA –Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, has suggested that the planting of trees should be considered as one of the conditions for offering employment opportunities, and academic degrees and preached in sermons.  

That, he said, would compel citizens to grow more trees to help Ghana restore its degraded environment.  

The Minister also implored Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers and all other people in strategic positions to use tree planting as a condition for offering support to people who went to them.   

He made the remarks during a commemorative tree planting exercise at the Central Regional Coordinating Council where more than 20 trees were planted to officially commence government’s “Tree for Life’ reforestation initiative in the region.  

The initiative aims to restore degraded forest lands, particularly in areas affected by illegal mining and deforestation, while fighting climate change and enhancing biodiversity.   

It is also intended to raise awareness on the importance of trees and environmental conservation, create jobs, and inculcate tree growing habits in children and the youth.   

Under the initiative, Ghana seeks to plant more the seven million trees nationwide this year alone.   

Having acquired some 200 acres of land to plant trees and food, the Regional Minister called on all religious bodies, corporate entities, public institutions and individuals to participate and take personal interest in growing trees.   

Acknowledging the power of the pulpit, he urged men of God to tie their prophecies and sermons to tree planting to encourage members who had never planted trees to do so.   

“If a prophet told us that we will die tomorrow because we have not planted a tree, we will quickly do so and nurture and protect it with our lives because we don’t want to die,” he said.   

Mr Eduamoah also encouraged universities to adopt a system to ensure that each student planted some trees before they completed school, without which they would not be graduated.    

“By the time you present your final thesis, you should have planted 10 trees in a community and show where you planted them. If you multiply that by the number of students that come out of the university every year, are we going to be here again?” he quizzed.    

For government institutions, he said job seekers must show proof that they had planted some trees in their lives before they were offered employment.   

He again suggested to the courts to use tree planting to mitigate sentences, stressing that tree planting must be internalised.   

“For instance, if a person is handed a six-month jail term and their family is able to plant some 500 trees, the sentence could be reduced to four or three,” he explained.   

Mr Eduamoah bemoaned the destructive nature of development and agricultural practices and called for a change in attitude.    

He said: “If we are to have an impact and be successful in what we are trying to do today, we need to change our behaviour. Because our practices have been that you are going to plant one tree but at the end of the year you might have destroyed 200 trees.  

“If we stop growing trees and begin to protect what we have already, we will be doing very well than attempting to spend huge monies to grow trees while our destructive activities are so many. We need to stop that.”   

The Minister insisted on a system to account for all trees that had been planted to ensure they were not left to die.   

“We have destroyed our environment, and we need to be intentional about the way we restore it,” he stated, adding that they would go around in five months’ time to monitor the trees.    

Mr Emmanuel Owusu-Nkwantabisa, Regional Director, Forestry Commission, announced that the region was producing 500,000 seedlings of various species for distribution.   

 The region is aiming to establish 700 hectares of forest plantation, distribute 100,000 seedlings for amenity planting, 300,000 seedlings for trees on farm and undertake enrichment planting in 150 hectares of forest reserves.   

The seedlings, Mr Owusu-Nkwantabisa said, were being distributed from all Forestry Commission offices and selected locations across the country and in the region and urged all citizens and residents to partake in the exercise.   

“I implore all of us to come together to grow trees to restore our forests. Let us come together to plant trees to restore our degraded lands and let us come together to grow trees to restore our water bodies/   

“Let us make the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative succeed and together we will win,” he said.   

Officers of the Commission led by the Regional Director, later joined the University of Cape Coast and the Catholic Church in Cape Coast to plant more commemorative trees.   

GNA   

Edited by Alice Tettey and Lydia Kukua Asamoah   

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has stated that it has not yet received any injunction notice from the court or the National Labour Commission (NLC) concerning its ongoing strike.

This follows the NLC securing an interlocutory injunction against the association’s strike after declaring the action illegal. The injunction was granted by the High Court’s Industrial and Labour Division in Accra on June 5, 2025.

The GRNMA began the strike to protest delays in implementing their 2024 Collective Agreement, which includes unpaid allowances and delayed postings. The industrial action has led to significant disruptions in healthcare delivery across the country.

Despite the court order, GRNMA insists that until they officially receive the injunction notice, the strike will continue, underscoring the popular struggle motto: “Aluta continua” (the struggle continues).

Speaking to in an interview with Citi News on Friday June 6, Joseph Krampah, Public Relations Officer of the GRNMA, explained that while the association respects the law and the courts, they cannot act on any legal documents they have not been served.

“They think that they should serve us a letter; we can’t prevent them, but what constitutes an illegal strike? When in Ghana has the Labour Commission said that this strike is legal? It is only illegal when they don’t inform your office about the intended strike, and we did—you had the letter,” Krampah said.

Adding, “If you are declaring it as illegal or whatever and you are bringing injunction, that is your job to do, and we respect the court and the NLC very much. We are law-abiding people. But just that things that we have not seen, we cannot act on them. I am saying that we haven’t received any letter. None of the executives have been served any letter about that. So till we know that, aluta continua.”

Read also

NLC secures injunction against GRNMA’s strike

Ukraine and Ghana have committed to advancing bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity, digitalisation, and information technology following a high-level virtual meeting between officials of both countries.

The engagement, which took place between Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Anton Demokhin, and Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, focused on deepening collaboration in critical areas such as cyber defence, artificial intelligence, innovation development, and digital governance.

According to a statement issued by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two nations expressed a shared interest in fostering government-to-government and business-to-business cooperation across the digital space, as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between Kyiv and Accra.

“The growing dynamic of Ukrainian-Ghanaian dialogue at the highest political level, as well as between our foreign ministers, clearly demonstrates the mutual interest of Ukraine and Ghana in developing broad bilateral cooperation,” said Demokhin.

“We commend Ghana’s Digital Agenda as a timely step towards the global digital economy and believe that Ukrainian experience would support the initiatives on agenda.”

Demokhin briefed his Ghanaian counterpart on Ukraine’s achievements in digital transformation, cybersecurity resilience, and the use of innovative technologies to enhance public services and governance.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to connect Ukrainian IT firms with global markets through platforms such as Code-UA.

The Ghanaian minister, Samuel Nartey George, lauded Ukraine’s advancements and expressed interest in leveraging Ukrainian expertise to strengthen Ghana’s own cybersecurity systems.

He also showed keen interest in adopting AI-driven public administration tools, establishing the role of Chief Digital Transformation Officers (CDTOs) within government institutions, and improving nationwide digital literacy.

“We are eager to learn from Ukraine’s experiences and strengthen our systems for greater resilience and innovation,” Mr George said. He stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration in safeguarding digital infrastructure, especially in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Both parties agreed to explore the organisation of a joint Ukrainian-Ghanaian IT forum to facilitate greater engagement between technology firms, public institutions, and investors from both countries. The forum, if realised, will showcase the potential of Ukraine’s technology ecosystem while enabling Ghanaian innovators and stakeholders to forge strategic partnerships.

The dialogue also touched on Ghana’s participation in global efforts to support peace in Ukraine. Demokhin thanked the Government of Ghana for its “principled position and participation in international efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.”

The virtual meeting builds on earlier discussions held during the Second Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, which took place in Geneva from May 13 to 14, 2025. The continued dialogue is part of Ukraine’s broader cyberdiplomacy strategy and signals a growing digital partnership with African states like Ghana.

Officials from Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection also took part in the discussions. Both countries are expected to hold follow-up technical sessions in the coming months to outline detailed areas of cooperation and implementation timelines.

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.

By Gifty Amofa   

Accra, June 5, GNA – The Mankranso District Police Command, in collaboration with the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, has seized weapons and mining equipment at illegal mining sites in Mpasaaso and Achiase. 

The move was part of efforts to clamp down on galamsey activities in the areas. 

A release issued by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Atsu Ahianyo, Head of the Regional Command Public Relations Unit, stated that officers retrieved a loaded CAL 9mm pistol, four pump-action guns, 12 live BB cartridges, five live AA cartridges, and five excavators.  

DSP Ahianyo indicated that the five excavators had been impounded and were secured at the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, while the firearms and ammunition remained in police custody for further investigations.  

“During the operation, several illegal miners who were actively engaged in unauthorised mining activities fled the scene upon sighting the approaching security team, abandoning various items and equipment,” he said.  

The Regional Police Command commended officers and stakeholders involved in the operation and urged the public to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information leading to the arrest and prosecution of illegal miners.  

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Beyoncé signed off the first night of her London residency by telling fans she was “blessed” to get to do what she loves by performing on stage.

She stormed through a seven-act set at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, treating the audience to a spectacle that lasted just shy of three hours.

But despite this being the first opportunity for fans to enjoy the singer’s country era in person, slow ticket sales and high prices have been the hot topic around the tour.

Promoters slashed some ticket prices in the run-up to shows in a bid to fill the stadium, prompting some of those who bought seats in advance to feel short-changed.

Beyoncé’s rodeo rumbled into London, bringing with it every country cliché you could think of – cowboy hats, horseshoes, tassels and even a gold mechanical bull.

The 40-song setlist relied heavily on tracks from 2024’s Cowboy Carter, which was met with critical acclaim, including taking the top album prize at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Every element of the performance was flawless, from the 43-year-old superstar’s stunning array of costume changes (each one featuring more rhinestones than the last) to the seamless transitions between songs and musical themes.

Much of the talk around the US leg of this tour, which took place in April and May, was the inclusion of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, who reportedly begged her parents to dance on the Renaissance tour in 2023, but was denied the opportunity.

She made several appearances throughout the show, earning thunderous applause whilst dancing to an instrumental performance of her mum’s 2006 hit Deja Vu.

The teenager certainly seemed to enjoy her moment in the spotlight, unlike her younger sister, Rumi, who came on stage during Protector, shyly mouthing the words whilst being held by Beyoncé.

The show, which is called The Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour as a way of referencing black performers who were segregated from the country scene, often paid homage in its interludes to these artists.

Beyoncé herself previously hinted about being rejected from the country music world in the past, and throughout the performance, it felt like she was wrestling with this idea.

She blended some of her biggest hits into Cowboy Carter tracks, such as Freedom and Diva, almost to prove that she belonged in this space.

Thursday night’s performance certainly showed she is more than qualified to be a country singer, but perhaps that a 60,000 seater stadium is not the best arena for it.

As the night drew darker, Beyoncé delivered an act comprised of tracks from her house-inspired album Renaissance, which immediately lifted the crowd into a party mood.

LED wristbands lit up in an array of colours as she belted out Alien Superstar and I’m That Girl – which certainly got the best reaction from fans of the night.

Similarly, a section of old classics such as Crazy In Love and Irreplaceable had the crowd singing every word, proving perhaps that a few more classics wouldn’t have gone amiss.

‘The pricing left a sour taste’

With crowds on their feet, it was difficult to see how sold out the stadium actually was, but with just hours to go until the show, there were still thousands of tickets available for sale online.

Despite the tour only stopping in two European cities – London and Paris – the remaining eight dates are not sold out.

Beyoncé’s tour has the highest top-priced ticket of any artist visiting the UK in 2025 at £950, with the cheapest costing £71.

Some seats that were sold in the Beyhive fan presale for £620, excluding fees, are next to seats that were available this week for £141.60 without fees.

Zulkarnain Sadali flew from Singapore to London to watch Beyoncé perform live and bought a ticket in the pre-sale, which he said cost him “more than £700”.

“A couple of weeks ago I checked my ticket and then curiosity got the best of me and I checked the same ticket, or same category, and the price was around £300,” he told the BBC.

“I’m really excited for [the show], but I will say the dynamic pricing really left a sour taste in my mouth.”

Another fan, Holly Whiteman, said she “panic bought” Beyoncé tickets in a fan pre-sale on Ticketmaster, which were “way up in the nosebleeds” and cost £170 each, when she had initially set a budget of £100.

“Fast forward a few days later, the tickets went on general sale through Tottenham Hotspur and I found tickets for the same show in both the same row and the same section for a much cheaper price,” she told the BBC.

“I believe they were at least £50-£70 cheaper per ticket.”

Sadali said that despite feeling short-changed, it had not dented his excitement for the tour.

“It’s really about the Beyoncé experience, you’re not gonna get it anywhere else and I know this sounds like a contradiction, it’s worth every cent,” he said.

Whiteman said the process had left her a bit “disappointed”, but she was still looking forward to the tour.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson told the BBC they do “not use surge pricing or dynamic algorithms to adjust ticket prices”, adding that event organisers are responsible for the pricing structures.

 “Since tickets typically go on sale at least 3-6 months before the event, organisers may review prices at key points leading up to the show, but they make any adjustments, not an algorithm,” they also added.

The BBC also contacted tour promoter Live Nation for comment.

Ticketing expert Reg Walker put the lack of sold-out shows down to several factors, including “overexposure” after her last UK stadium tour, which played five nights at the same venue in 2023.

And the ticket prices are “eye-watering”, he told the BBC.

“You might be able to afford to go to one of her concerts where you’re effectively paying, in some categories, the same amount of money as a small holiday, but you can’t do that in consecutive years.

“The pricing strategy on tickets was clearly far too high,” he added.

Walker said there were a lot of “affordably priced” tours coming up – but with so many artists visiting the UK this summer, fans may be picking and choosing who they pay to go and see.

Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA are all embarking on stadium tours over the coming months, with Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Chapell Roan and Drake headlining festivals.

Tema, June 06,GNA-AbibiNsroma Foundation and the Tema Metro Education Directorate have initiated a Plastic Litter Management Assessment programme for schools within Tema Central Constituency to mark World Environment Day.

Riding on the theme for this year: “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the collaboration was hinged on fifteen indicators carefully designed to assess the schools performance in how they manage the use of plastics toward Zero Plastic waste and improved sanitation.

Some of the indicators had to do with separation of refuse, type of bins, revenue from the sale of segregated plastics, other environmental initiatives, presence of refuse dump, signs of burning and recycling.

The Team embarked on an unannounced visit to the selected five schools to get first hand information on their activities.

According to Mr Robert Amiteye,Convenor, AbibiNsroma Foundation, “it was a good opportunity for us to experience the true state of the prevailing environmental sanitation situation.”

He said, through observations and interactive engagement with some of the facilitators and learners the exercise was conducted.

The schools were Tema Technical Institute, Chemu Senior High, Tema Industrial Technical Vocational Institute, Presbyterian Senior High and Methodist Day Senior High.

“This assessment initiative will be extended to the Primary and Junior High School levels to help scale up efforts to combat the plastic litter menace.”

The assessment team members included Mrs, Bernice Ofori, Tema Metro Director of Education, Lawyer Akua Obimpeh, Lawyer Henry Teitey Tetteh-Afi, the Senior High School Coordinator, and Madam Nancy Tetteh, the School Health Education Programme Coordinator.

Other supporting institutions and personalities during the maiden assessment included Madam Doris Gorman of the Tema Metro Information Services Department and Madam Erica Amoako-Attah of the National Youth Authority.

The exercise was led by Bob T.K Amiteye of AbibiNsroma Foundation.

The accessors were very happy to see the commitment by the schools in managing plastic litter as resource material.

Mr. Amiteye indicated that there was a need to “increase education on positive behavioural actions to improve sanitation in our surroundings.”

Inadequate collection of plastic litter for recycling prevails as one of the challenges and citizens ought to be environmentally responsible, he added.

The assessment report will be shared with the schools to appreciate their performance.

The World.Environment day is celebratrd annually on 5th June to raise awareness on the fragile nature of the environment and how to protect it.

This year’s celebration was on theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
GNA

SOF

President John Mahama has announced bold steps aimed at strengthening Islamic education in Ghana and supporting Muslim students across the country.

Addressing Muslims gathered at the Black Star Square for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, the President said he had instructed the Minister for Education to work closely with the Islamic Education Unit to boost its operations. This includes hiring and training more qualified Arabic instructors to improve teaching in Islamic schools.

“I have directed the Minister of Education to begin engagement with the Islamic Education Unit to strengthen its operations and expand the recruitment and training of qualified Arabic instructors across the country,” he said. “We aim to ensure that Arabic education is no longer marginalised and that Islamic schools have the necessary resources to thrive.”

President Mahama also disclosed that the Director General of the Scholarship Secretariat has been tasked with developing a dedicated support programme for Muslim students pursuing higher education. The scheme, he explained, would focus on disciplines such as medicine, law, ICT, engineering, and the social sciences.

“This is part of our broader equity agenda to empower all segments of our society to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.

Turning to the economy, the President reassured Ghanaians that his government is taking urgent steps to ease economic hardship. “Prices were high, jobs were scarce, and hope was dimmed, but I want you to know that we’re working with focus and urgency to turn things around,” he said. “Our economic reset agenda is anchored on stabilising the cedi, cutting wasteful expenditures, creating jobs, and supporting local industries.”

He noted that inflation is gradually declining, the cedi is gaining stability, and investor confidence is being restored. “We are taking concrete steps to bring lasting relief to Ghanaian households from the hardship,” he said.

Read also: Mahama promises significant drop in Hajj fares next year if…

The President also encouraged youth in Zongo communities and inner cities to take advantage of government employment initiatives. “I urge you to take advantage of government’s new initiatives, especially the National Apprenticeship Programme so that you can develop skills for the world of work,” he said. “Also take advantage of the Adwumawura Programme, which enables you to start your own business with capital and mentorship.”

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in a message of peace, expressed gratitude to Allah for the stability in the country. “Experiencing peace, we as Muslims and followers of other faiths are able to sit together and consult ourselves and relate in peace,” he said. “It is the desire of Allah that we express thankfulness to Him.”

He also offered prayers for the President and his team, saying, “I pray unto Allah to grant him his support. All those following him in terms of the appointees, I pray that Allah will grant them the ability to give him the adequate support he needs.”

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.

Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin

Renowned economist and Professor of Finance, Godfred Bokpin, has dismissed claims that the GH¢1 fuel levy and the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy) implemented under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government are similar.

Some critics have drawn parallels between the two taxes, arguing that both measures place an undue burden on consumers.

However, speaking on Morning Starr, Prof. Bokpin countered that while the E-Levy was fundamentally flawed and economically unjustifiable, the fuel levy is necessary under current circumstances.

Prof. Bokpin explained that prematurely taxing the growing digital economy, as was done with the E-Levy, was a misstep.

“They are not similar. They are on different pathways. I am unable to situate these levies side by side with the E-Levy, not at all. The E-Levy did not meet the basic principles of taxation in economics, and from conceptualization to implementation, it was clearly flawed,” he stated.

He emphasized that the global transition toward a digital economy should be nurtured, not taxed harshly in its early stages.

“If you look at the economy, the traditional economy, based on bricks and mortar, versus the digital economy, driven by apps and technology — the projection is that the digital economy will expand faster. The global shift is increasingly toward digital platforms.”

“Even within finance, the future is digital. These days, we talk about digital economics, digital finance, and digital currency. The future of money and business is digital, so digitization should not be merely used as a taxation tool,” he added.

Prof. Bokpin argued that even leaders within the NPP, including its flagbearer and then-Vice President, acknowledged that the E-Levy was a mistake, describing it as a classic case of a “nuisance tax.”

“And we all agree, even including the vice president at that time, and the flag bearer of the NPP, that E-Levy had to go. There are taxes that can be classified as nuisance taxes, and E-Levy was one of them,” he asserted.

In contrast, he defended the GH¢1 fuel levy, describing it as a pragmatic move, especially considering the recent appreciation of the cedi, which has helped ease fuel prices at the pump.

“Given that there is aggressive spending of the currency, the impact of the fuel levy will not be as heavy on consumers compared to times of severe economic volatility,” he explained.

The GH¢1 fuel levy was introduced through the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed on Tuesday, June 3.

The measure imposes a GH¢1 tax on every liter of petroleum product, a decision that has drawn criticism from transport unions, the general public, and the Minority in Parliament.

However, government officials, including Finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, have defended the levy, calling it a necessary intervention to address the country’s $3.1 billion energy sector debt.

The Minister also assured Ghanaians that the new tax would not lead to an increase in fuel prices, citing recent gains in the cedi’s value.

Revenue from the levy is expected to fund fuel purchases for electricity generation, helping to minimize power outages and stabilize the national grid.

Watch drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

By Kingsley Mamore, GNA  

Dambai (O/R), June 6, GNA- The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Krachi East marked World Environmental Day with a vibrant march on the principal streets and a clean-up exercise. 

The event, held on June 5, brought together students, community members, and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices. 

The march through the major streets in the Municipality saw participants carrying placards with messages on the environment.  

The procession culminated in a clean-up exercise at the bank of River Oti, where volunteers collected refuse and debris. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Robert Boame, the Oti Regional Director, said the NCCE aimed to educate residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment and its impact on public health. 

 He said the event served as a platform for community engagement and sensitization on environmental issues. 

 Mr Boame told GNA that by engaging the community in this meaningful activity, the commission was seeking to inspire a culture of sustainability and collective action in protecting the environment. 

Mr. Emmanuel Atali, Assembly Member for Dambai Lakeside Electoral Area, expressed gratitude to the NCCE and Environmental Health Officers for organizing a clean-up exercise in the area to commemorate World Environment Day. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie  

By Iddi Yire, GNA  

Accra, June 06, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has inaugurated the Sixth Governing Council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Accra.  

The UMaT, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the newly constituted UMaT Governing Council would be chaired by Professor Goski Alabi.  

As part of the ceremony, the Minister administered the oaths of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Council members and conveyed the best wishes of President John Dramani Mahama to the appointees.   

In his address to the Council, Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need for strong leadership, the promotion of academic excellence, and innovation in mining and applied sciences to drive Ghana’s industrial growth.  

Other members of the newly constituted Governing Council of UMaT include Government appointees: Professor Richard Acquaye, Dr Francis Ferguson Howard, Mr Andrew Acquah Oppan, and Dr Lena Awoonor-Aziaku.   

Others are Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of the University, UMaT; Reverend Father George Eduayaw Ansah, representative of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS); and Professor Benard Kumi-Boateng, representative of Professorial members of convocation.  

The rest are Dr Henry Otoo, representative of the non-professorial members of convocation; Madam Cecilia Baffoe, representative of Junior staff; Mr Bashirudin Adam, representative of Senior staff; Dr Peter Emerson Sampson, Alumni representative; Kevin Ofori Junior, Undergraduate students’ representative; Ebenezer Narteh Hargoe, Postgraduate students’ representative; and Dr Sulemanu Koney, representative for the Ghana Chamber of Mines.  

Prof Goski Alabi, in her response to government on behalf of the Council, thanked the President of Ghana for the confidence reposed in them and gave assurances of their commitment to the training of quality human resources for Ghana and the global community.  

Present at the inauguration were Mr Matthew K. Okrah, Registrar; Professor Mrs Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Mr Jonathan Sakoe, Finance Officer and Mrs Lydia Ephraim, Deputy Registrar and Head of Academic and Student Affairs.  

The reconstituted Council is expected to begin work immediately, their responsibilities include institutional governance, policy oversight, and guiding the strategic direction of the university.  

GNA   

Edited by Christian Akorlie   

Dr Randy Abbey is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey, has disclosed that the institution is burdened with considerable debt, accrued to be around $33 billion, which is posing significant challenges to its financial stability.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he said the severe financial situation facing COCOBOD has brough immense pressure on it from suppliers, contractors, and banks.

The acting CEO added that the institution’s financial crisis stands at approximately $33 billion, with the figure potentially varying based on the cedi’s performance against the dollar.

He went ahead to clarify that the Cocoa Roads Programme is not the primary contributor to the institution’s $33 billion debt .

Dr Randy Abbey also acknowledged that COCOBOD still has a long way to go before balancing its books, describing the road ahead as tough.

He added that it would take about four years to get back to its financial order.

“Our first task was to look at how we’re going to deal with it, and the projections we made was that by year four, we should be fine,” he stated.

He explained that due to the cedi’s appreciation, the institution now needs to redo its financial records to reflect the shift in currency dynamics.

DR/AE

This week, specifically on June 4, 2025, Citi FM’s Eyewitness News broadcast the most important news of the year. 

It was to the effect that “government is ramping up efforts to promote the commercial production of eco-friendly Pozzolana cement as part of a strategic move to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported building materials”

Speaking at the opening of the Biannual Ministry of Science and Technology Forum in Accra, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, called for strong political will and coordinated efforts to scale up the use of Pozzolana cement in Ghana’s construction industry.

His observation was apt: “Many institutions have great ideas, but lack the resources to bring them to life. 

It is crucial that we come together –government, industry and academia – to build the necessary linkages and support systems.”

In an article in the Daily Graphic on May 11, 2022, yours truly did an analysis headlined, “Pozzolana: Thirsty in the abundance of water” in which I wondered why housing and other building projects were so expensively priced. 

In the article, I declared that I knew the answer. Below, I reproduce the article. Please, read on:
                
“(The answer) lies in official lack of confidence in African/Ghanaian solutions. That mindset has, since the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, manifested itself in Ghanaian officials, business executives and public servants looking down on and actually rejecting local technologies and expertise. 

The Tema township, the first purpose-planned enclave in West Africa, was designed and built by Ghanaian engineers and building technologists in the 1960s (note: early 1960s!); the Achimota Overpass in Accra, constructed in the 1970s (repeat: 1970s!) was the work of Ghanaian engineers.

Today, 60 years down the line, when knowledge abounds and the know-how of our scientists has increased, Ghanaian engineers and building technologists are sidelined in favour of Brazilians and Chinese, (“white men”), with presumably “superior intelligence”.

A guest on a TV programme blamed our excessive dependence on imported inputs, citing the case of the poorly patronised Ghana-made Pozzolana cement in the construction industry. 

In a country where government is the biggest client in the construction sector, all it takes is a change of official mindset. It should be possible for government to decree that a certain minimum percentage of local materials should be used on all projects. 

Pozzolana

Never heard of Pozzolana cement? It was invented by the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the CSIR. 

The “Clay Pozzolana” replaces up to 40 per cent of imported Ordinary Portland Cement for both concrete and general cement works. 

For your money, a bag of pozzolana cement costs less than its Portland cement counterpart. Thus, on the market today (2022), while a bag of Portland cement is going for GH₵60.00, you get Pozzolana cement, same quantity, for GH₵50. 

The cost saving was demonstrated when BRRI undertook the construction of 650 housing units at Ashongman, Accra, using Pozzolana. By the time it handed over the houses, there had been a saving of 30 per cent.          

Talk of quality and durability. The user will discover that decades after completion, there will be absolutely no cracks in a house built with Pozzolana. It is also more resistant to rain penetration and chemical attacks. 

You want to know the millions of dollars Ghana spends importing cement? The country consumes eight million tonnes of cement a year. One tonne costs US$80.00. I leave readers to do the math. 

Scientists

Ghanaian scientists do not blow their horn, but talking about durability, it is on record that when the fence walls of the Aboadze Thermal Plant in the Western Region were collapsing as a result of acids and salts eating away the sandcrete block wall and metal fence, it was BRRI that went to the rescue, using salt-resistant burnt bricks and Pozzolana cement.

Yet, in spite of these facts and figures, how many Ghanaian real estate developers, government institutions and individual builders will opt for Pozzolana? 

It takes official policy. 

To be fair, there used to be a government policy in favour of 60 per cent of local materials for public buildings, but it has remained mere paper tiger. The reason is not far to fetch: the very government officials who have to promote Ghanaian solutions or ensure compliance with the law are themselves slaves to imported “quality”.  

Mindset

It’s a mindset. The story is told of an attempt by the Building and Road Research Institute to introduce low-cost housing built with local materials – such as burnt bricks, clay roofing tiles, bamboo and compressed earth blocks – for workers in one of Ghana’s regional capitals. 

A top government official moved heaven and earth to have the project stopped, describing the houses as Atakpami houses, implying they were below standard for educated city dwellers. 

It is this mindset that moved Bob Marley to sing: “in the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty”. 

This article is a thumbs-up to Citi FM for its news-judgement and the Ministry for its boldness.
But let’s beware of nine-day wonders.

The writer is Executive Director, Centre for Communication and Culture.
E-mail: [email protected]

Accra, June 6, GNA- A Ghanaian casting director and international film professional Mawuko Kuadzi has been appointed to the jury of the 2025 Uganda Film Festival (UFF), solidifying his position as a leading figure in Africa’s creative landscape.

Mawuko Kuadzi, who made history earlier this year as the first African to win the prestigious Artios Award from the Casting Society of America, joins a distinguished jury panel that includes Ugandan veteran actor and academic Philip Luswata-Kafuluma, Nigerian film executive Segilola Aboaba-Olunaike, director and producer Irene Kulabako, and media and distribution legend Simon Christian Tchokonte.

The announcement, made by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), comes as the festival prepares for its highly anticipated edition on the theme “Local Stories, Global Impact.” The UFF has grown into one of East Africa’s most prominent cultural events, celebrating excellence in African filmmaking while positioning Uganda as a regional hub for cinematic innovation.

“Mawuko Kuadzi brings not just global recognition, but a strategic Pan-African perspective that is crucial to where African cinema is headed,” said UCC spokesperson, Leonard Amanya. “His track record of talent discovery and his ability to connect African creatives with global platforms are vital assets for this year’s festival.

Following the UFF, there are plans to send some of this year’s winners to participate in a residence programme on acting in Ghana as exchange creative students”, he added.

Kuadzi’s inclusion on the jury follows a decade of impactful work across the continent.

Through his company MK Casting, he has contributed to internationally acclaimed productions including Beasts of No Nation (Netflix), Treadstone (Amazon Prime), and Black Earth Rising (BBC/Netflix). His leadership of the Africa Monologue Challenge has helped nurture actors across 25 African countries, reinforcing his commitment to cross-border creative collaboration.

The appointment is being seen by many analysts as a soft power boost for Ghana-Uganda relations, with creative diplomacy at its core.
“This is a win for Africa,” said Benjamin Dwomoh-Doyen, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers. “It’s about leveraging our stories to shape perception, attract investment, and drive regional cooperation.”

As UFF 2025 comes off this evening, the 6th of June 2025, expectations are high for a festival that not only showcases African narratives but helps define the continent’s voice in global cinema. With Kuadzi’s influence and experience now in the jury mix, that goal seems more achievable than ever.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

The 24-Hour programme is government’s flagship programme

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a transformative economic initiative dubbed the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), positioning it as Ghana’s flagship agenda to achieve inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.

The programme, according to the government, is designed to build a self-reliant, industrial, and export-driven economy anchored in integrated value chains, efficient markets, skilled labour, and enhanced regional and global competitiveness.

The 24H+ programme serves a dual purpose, both a vision and a framework for implementation. As a destination, it also envisions a Ghana where economic activity operates around the clock, reflecting a robust, high-productivity environment across sectors.

The programme lays out a strategic roadmap for restructuring the economy through targeted interventions in agro-processing, digital innovation, infrastructure, logistics, skills development, and export competitiveness.

“This is not just a plan, it is a national call to action,” President Mahama stated during a recent policy dialogue. “It is about harnessing the full power of our people, our industries, and our global partnerships to transform the Ghanaian economy from the ground up.”

The 24H+ initiative also aligns with global trends where round-the-clock economies are emerging in response to technological advances and shifting consumer demands. It particularly draws inspiration from successful models in countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have leveraged 24-hour economic systems to drive export-led growth and employment.

The president’s team emphasised that the 24H+ is “fundamentally a citizens’ and partners’ mobilisation programme,” built on the belief that the transformation Ghana seeks cannot be accomplished by government alone.

It also calls for full national mobilisation with defined roles for both the public and private sectors, as well as development partners and the diaspora.

In line with this inclusive approach, the 24H+ Programme document is currently being circulated widely to solicit input and build momentum. Citizens, investors, civil society, and international partners are being invited to engage with the policy as stakeholders in Ghana’s development journey.

The 24H+ rollout comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with persistent trade deficits, high youth unemployment, and vulnerability to external economic shocks.

The Mahama led government hopes that the programme will serve as a long-term blueprint for addressing these structural issues by reducing import dependence, generating foreign exchange through exports, and creating decent, sustainable jobs for millions of Ghanaians.

A speeding driver, believed to have been under the influence of alcohol has been involved in a road accident on the Aburi-Madina Highway, causing temporary traffic congestion.

The incident occurred on  Friday afternoon, June 6, 2025, when the driver of a red Toyota Corolla with registration number GS 6332-17 lost control and rammed into a truck parked at the roadside, reportedly loading building blocks.

The impact left the Corolla severely damaged, with debris scattered across the road.

An eyewitness, Justlord Estey, told Citi News that the driver was travelling at high speed before the crash.

Photos from the scene revealed about five bottles of alcoholic beverages on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

The driver, whose name was not disclosed, sustained a minor injury and was immediately rushed to Mampong Hospital for treatment.

The accident briefly disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway, but normalcy was restored after emergency services cleared the scene.

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