play videoDr Mahamudu Bawumia and Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has extended a warm welcome to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang upon her return to Ghana from the United Kingdom, following a period of medical leave.

In a brief post on his social media page on X (formerly known as Twitter), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said: “A warm welcome back home to Vice-President Professor @NJOAgyemang. @SBawumia and I thank God for your speedy recovery and wish you all the best as you resume work.”

The arrival of the Vice President marks the conclusion of her medical recovery period abroad, during which she underwent treatment and rest as advised by her doctors.

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was warmly received by President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama at the Presidential Lounge of Kotoka International Airport, and later at the Jubilee House on Thursday, May 22, 2025. She was welcomed alongside her close aides and senior government officials.

Among those present at the airport were Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, the Vice President’s Chief of Staff Alex Segbefia, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, and members of the Vice President’s family.

Her return is expected to be followed by a series of meetings and national engagements as she resumes her duties in full capacity.

The Vice President, a former Minister of Education and respected academic, continues to play a vital role in national development and public policy formulation.

Further updates on her official schedule are expected to be released by her office in the coming days.

A warm welcome back home to Vice-President Professor @NJOAgyemang.@SBawumia and I thank God for your speedy recovery and wish you all the best as you resume work. pic.twitter.com/KCF6cDiQay

— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) May 22, 2025

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Ghana’s cedi has staged a remarkable rebound in 2025, posting its strongest performance in years against the country’s top trading currencies. 

According to the Bank of Ghana’s May 2025 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, the cedi has appreciated by 24.1 per cent against the US dollar, 16.2 per cent against the British pound, and 14.1 per cent against the euro as of April.

This development marks a dramatic shift from the depreciation trend that characterised much of 2023 and 2024. 

📈🇬🇭 Ghana Cedi Roars Back to Life!

From sharp declines in September 2024 to a stunning comeback in May 2025, the cedi is rewriting the script:

💵 US Dollar ($): GH₵15.8 ➡ GH₵11.8
💷 Pound (£) : GH₵21.8 ➡ GH₵15.8
💶 Euro (€): GH₵17.6 ➡ GH₵13.3

Source: Bank of Ghana’s May 2025 Summary of Economic and Financial Data

The local currency, which traded at GH₵15.53 to the dollar in March, strengthened to GH₵11.85 by April 2025. Similarly, it appreciated from GH₵20.09 to GH₵15.84 against the pound and from GH₵16.81 to GH₵13.34 against the euro over the same period.

Analysts attribute the turnaround to improved macroeconomic management, rising investor confidence, and the repeal of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), which has spurred growth in electronic financial transactions. Additionally, stronger foreign exchange inflows from increased exports and remittances have helped ease pressure on the cedi.

The central bank’s data shows that the real effective exchange rate index has also declined, signalling increased competitiveness of Ghana’s exports. The cedi’s current trajectory, if sustained, could ease inflationary pressures and reduce the cost of servicing foreign-denominated debt.

Despite the strong cedi, Ghana’s total public debt stock inched up slightly to $49.5 billion in March 2025, up from $49.4 billion in February. In local currency terms, public debt stood at GH₵769.4 billion, representing 55% of GDP.

With the cedi gaining ground and inflation easing to 21.2 per cent in April, the economic outlook appears more stable than in previous quarters. However, experts caution that sustained gains will depend on maintaining fiscal discipline and managing external shocks.

…The truth about agile work environments—and why they only work if you go all in

Agile working has become one of the most talked-about approaches in today’s modern workplaces—from startups in East Legon to corporate offices in Ridge and Tema. But the big question remains: is it really worth adopting? The short answer is yes. But it only works if you do it properly. Half-committing to agile is like training half-heartedly for a marathon—you’ll burn out early and be left dragging yourself to the finish line. Agile working requires intention, structure, and full buy-in from everyone involved. When done right, it transforms teams and projects. When done poorly, it creates confusion.

What is Agile, really?

At its core, agile working is a project management methodology that simplifies processes, promotes real-time communication, and reduces unnecessary paperwork. Unlike traditional models that rely on rigid structures and top-down decision-making, agile empowers teams to make decisions, adapt to change quickly, and measure success by working results, not just plans or reports.

It’s about being flexible, responsive, and laser-focused on outcomes. Instead of spending weeks preparing documents no one reads, agile teams spend that time building and improving. Face-to-face communication, whether in person or virtual, is prioritised to ensure clarity, speed, and mutual accountability. Agile strips away the noise and helps people actually get work done.

A culture shift, not just a process

Agile working isn’t just about tools or team structures—it’s a cultural shift. Everyone on the team must understand their role and how their work feeds into the broader goal. Agile thrives on transparency, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Projects are measured by progress, not paperwork. Teams regularly reflect on their performance and adjust their approach, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Feedback isn’t left until the end of a project—it’s built into the workflow, giving teams the chance to learn and pivot in real-time. When agile is done right, team morale often improves, because people feel involved, heard, and essential to the mission. It fosters a spirit of camaraderie and forward motion.

Who’s involved—and why structure still matters

Contrary to popular belief, agile isn’t structureless. Agile teams typically consist of a few defined roles: the development team, the product owner, and the scrum master. The development team does the technical legwork, while the product owner represents the business or client side, ensuring priorities stay clear. The scrum master facilitates processes and removes blockers—acting as a servant-leader rather than a traditional manager.

This structure, although simple, is powerful. It creates a tight communication loop that replaces lengthy approval chains with fast decisions and clear responsibilities. The goal is not to remove structure, but to create a better one—one that supports momentum instead of slowing it down.

Addressing the misconceptions

There are common myths about agile that hold some organisations back. One is the belief that agile descends into chaos due to the lack of rigid rules. In reality, agile has structure—it’s just not the traditional kind. It’s people-focused, not paperwork-heavy. Teams are small by design—typically between three to nine people—ensuring that no voice is lost and no person dominates.

Another misconception is that agile suffers from a lack of documentation. Agile teams do create documentation, but it’s lean, useful, and focused. Instead of endless reports and meeting notes, agile documentation—often called artifacts—offers concise updates that show progress and highlight challenges in real time. It’s about “show, don’t tell.”

Why Agile makes sense for Ghanaian businesses

Ghana’s economy is increasingly digital. Businesses across Accra, Kumasi, and beyond are being forced to innovate faster, adapt to shifting demands, and deliver quicker results. Agile working gives organisations the flexibility to respond quickly, while still maintaining structure and discipline. For startups building new products, agile can help launch MVPs faster and refine based on customer feedback. For larger organisations managing multiple teams and projects, it ensures alignment without sacrificing autonomy. And for remote or hybrid teams, agile provides a framework that encourages connection, consistency, and accountability.

The bottom line? Agile working offers real, measurable benefits—but only for those willing to embrace it fully. There are no shortcuts, but the rewards are worth the effort. So, is agile worth it in Ghana’s business environment? Absolutely. But like anything meaningful, it only works if you commit to doing it right from the start.

>>>the writer is a seasoned cloud architect and systems administrator with expertise in leading technical teams to create innovative platforms. As CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he has spearheaded major projects like the Office 365 rollout for Ghana’s government and infrastructure deployment for the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Recognized for his strategic use of emerging technologies, Allen has led his team to multiple Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, solidifying his role as a key leader in tech-driven business transformation. If you’d like to explore how these strategies can help your organization thrive, reach out to discuss tailored solutions for your business growth journey. He can be reached via [email protected] and or 0540123034

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Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, has urged heavy-duty automotive firms in Ghana to source local components to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“To trade under AfCFTA, you must prioritise locally sourced materials, including tyres and batteries, to qualify for duty-free trade under the agreement’s rules of origin,” she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare made the call during a working visit to Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, a leading assembler and distributor of light and heavy-duty vehicles, in Tema on Thursday evening.

She expressed confidence that increased local sourcing would reduce dependence on imports, cut material costs, and improve supply chain efficiency, positioning Ghana as a competitive exporter.

The Minister disclosed that government is reviewing the country’s automotive policy to include heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, in line with the AfCFTA implementation.

According to the International Trade Administration of the United States, Ghana imports about 100,000 vehicles annually.

Ghana’s Automotive Development Policy, introduced in 2019, aims to promote the production of affordable new vehicles and reduce reliance on used ones.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said the ongoing reforms could make Ghana, host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, a hub for automotive trade on the continent, home to 1.3 billion people.

“This revision aims to incentivise companies like Zonda to scale production while ensuring compliance with the Ghana Standards Authority regulations,” she said in response to a question from the Ghana News Agency.

She commended Zonda for employing over 500 Ghanaians and urged the company to triple that number by adopting the government’s 24-hour economy initiative through a three-shift model.

The Minister endorsed Zonda’s plan to establish a training school, noting its potential to equip Ghanaian youth with practical skills and ensure long-term industry growth.

She said, acting on the President’s instructions, she would lead a delegation to China to attract investment into Ghana’s auto sector and urged Zonda to send more Ghanaian workers to China for training.

“In the next decade, 90 per cent of staff here should be Ghanaians,” she said, advocating reduced reliance on foreign labour.

“Buying ‘Made in Ghana’ sustains jobs, generates tax revenue, and transitions our economy from import dependence to export-led growth,” she added.

Ms. Yang Yang, Managing Director of Zonda, commended Ghana for its “very positive environment” that enabled companies like Zonda to thrive and called for further government support.

“We are enjoying the auto policy,” she said, citing the presence of assembly plants by Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Suzuki, KIA, and Mahindra, and called for better regulatory frameworks to support heavy-duty vehicle assemblers.

On technology transfer, Ms Yang said Chinese engineers have been training local workers at the company’s centre in Ghana for the past six years.

“This year, we have been sending Ghanaian engineers to China for training,” she said.

“Today, our employees are skilled workers, technicians, and they’re now expensive to maintain,” she added.

Ms. Yang listed bulldozers, graders, excavators, tipper trucks, trailer heads, and oil tankers among the heavy equipment Zonda assembles in Ghana, in addition to pickups and SUVs.

Source: GNA

President John Mahama has urged Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to gradually ease back into her official duties following her return from medical leave.

Speaking at a brief welcome event in Accra on Thursday, 22 May, the President acknowledged the Vice President’s improved health while encouraging her not to rush her recovery.

“The doctors say you are 20 years younger. That is what the professor told me—that you are okay and fit for the job,” Mr Mahama remarked, citing the positive assessments given by medical professionals.

Despite the optimistic medical report, the President advised caution.

“We will ask that you take it easy for a little while, and after that, we will see how things go,” he said.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang had embarked on an extended medical leave that went beyond the initial three-week period announced by the government.

After preliminary treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), she travelled abroad for further medical attention, prompting national conversation about her health and the functioning of the executive.

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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.

An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the arrest of Lukeman Abdul-Karim, a 27-year-old businessman, for failing to appear before it.

Abdul-Karim allegedly collected GH¢149,000 from the complainant under the pretext of providing CFA equivalent but failed to do so.

When the case was called, Abdul-Karim was absent, prompting the prosecution to request a bench warrant for his arrest.

The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, granted the request and issued the bench warrant.

The case was adjourned to June 16, 2025.

According to the prosecution, Daniel Attah, the complainant, is a businessman, while Abdul-Karim, who resides in West Hills, Accra, falsely claimed to be a forex bureau operator.

In January 2025, Abdul-Karim convinced Attah that he could exchange cedis into foreign currencies and collected GH¢149,000 from him.

After receiving the money, he failed to deliver the CFA equivalent and gave excuses.

On January 25, 2025, Attah reported the case to the police, leading to Abdul-Karim’s arrest.

During investigations, Abdul-Karim refunded GH¢20,000 but failed to return the remaining amount.

Source: GNA

Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah

Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has said suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo should not receive ‘special treatment’ just because she’s a woman, citing similar cases involving other women like Charlotte Osei.

Some persons including lawyer and women’s rights advocate Gloria Ofori-Boadu has condemned the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as a politically motivated attack on judicial independence and a blatant act of gender discrimination.

In a recent interview with Asaase Radio, Ofori-Boadu argued that the petitions leading to the suspension of the Chief Justice are not only “frivolous” but also driven by a deep-rooted discomfort with a woman occupying such a powerful position.

“I see the suspension as an attempt by the state to capture the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, which is guaranteed under our constitution,” she said.

But commenting further in a panel discussion Channel One TV on Thursday, May 22, 205,

According to her, just as other female public officers including former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, Loretta Lamptey and herself Nana Yaa when she served as Director of External Affairs’ at the Public Utility Regulatory Authority were taken through the legal process, the same must apply to the embattled Chief Justice.

Speaking in a panel discussion on the petition for the removal of the Chief Justice, Nana Yaa Jnatuah stressed: “I don’t want you to play the gender card because Charlotte Osei wasn’t a man, she was a woman. Other women were not men. Loretta Lamptey, I myself I am a woman, I am not a man. And we went through worst things than what CJ is going through, the NPP didn’t see us as women. So, let’s not play the gender card.

I do not think that we should play the gender card that because she is a woman. If the law says ‘A’, let ‘A’ work. I have sat on this same platform and said let the process go through . Why is everybody fighting it, let it go trough. Some other people went through processes and at the end of the day, what happened, happened. Others too went through and they were exonerated. Let the process go trough, what the Constitution has said should be done, let it be done. It is as if everybody is preempting the end of it.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court challenging her suspension by President John Dramani Mahama.

Meanwhile, in a writ filed by her lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, a former Attorney General on Wednesday May 21, 2025, the Chief Justice is seeking declarations from the Supreme Court that her suspension as well as the impeachment process against her are unconstitutional and, therefore, null and void.

She is also seeking an order from the apex court setting aside her suspension by President Mahama and for the court to allow the petition proceedings against her to be heard in public and not in camera.

Additionally, she has filed an application for interlocutory injunction asking the court to halt the entire impeachment process against her pending the final determination of her lawsuit.

She is seeking a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 23, 146 (6) and (7) and 296 (a) and (b) of the Constitution, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang is not qualified to be a chairman or member of the committee set up by President Mahama to inquire the petitions against Justice Torkornoo on account of having adjudicated and given various rulings in favour of one of the petitioners, Daniel Ofori in actions filed in the Supreme Court.

Following the determination of a prima facie case in the three petitions asking for the removal from office of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended her and set up a five-member committee to inquire into the petitions.

In the interim, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has assumed the role as acting Chief Justice.

“Let’s not play the gender card — the law must apply to everyone equally.”

Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah says suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo shouldn’t receive ‘special treatment’ because she’s a woman, citing similar cases involving other women like Charlotte Osei.… pic.twitter.com/9BchbsxqCI

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 22, 2025

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Bank of Ghana Headquarters

Recent data released by the Bank of Ghana show that Ghana’s total public debt stock increased marginally to GH¢769.4 billion up from GH¢768.1 billion the previous month, representing 55 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The modest rise in debt occurred even as the Ghanaian cedi posted one of its strongest performances in recent history, appreciating significantly against major trading currencies.

In dollar terms, Ghana’s public debt stood at $49.5 billion as of March 2025, up slightly from $49.4 billion in February.

This ratio suggests that while the nominal value of debt has increased slightly, the country’s debt burden remains relatively moderate by historical standards, particularly in light of Ghana’s recent debt restructuring efforts and improving macroeconomic indicators.

On the external component of the debt stock, the figure rose from GH¢440.1 billion (equivalent to $28.3 billion) to GH¢442.5 billion ($28.5 billion), accounting for 31.6 percent of GDP.

Additionally, the country’s domestic debt stock saw a minor decline, falling from GH¢328 billion to GH¢326.9 billion, representing 23.4 percent of GDP.

Analysts attribute this decline to the government’s cautious approach to domestic borrowing, including a controlled appetite for issuing new treasury bills amid falling interest rates and improving investor confidence.

Meanwhile, the cedi’s recent performance has become a key narrative in Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery efforts.

According to the Bank of Ghana’s May 2025 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, the local currency has appreciated by, 24.1% against the US dollar; 16.2% against the British pound and 14.1% against the Euro.

This signals a remarkable turnaround from the depreciation trends seen in previous years.

As of May 22, 2025, the cedi is trading at, GH¢11.85 to the US dollar; GH¢15.84 to the British pound; GH¢13.34 to the Euro.

This resurgence has been attributed to a combination of factors, including improved investor sentiment, declining inflation, robust export performance (particularly in gold and cocoa), and reforms in the foreign exchange market led by the Bank of Ghana.

Also, the introduction of innovative currency management strategies such as GoldBod has also helped boost forex reserves and reduce pressure on the local currency.

Despite these gains, Ghana’s public debt remains a source of concern. However, recent trends suggest that the country is gradually transitioning to a more stable fiscal trajectory, driven by improved macroeconomic management and prudent policy choices.

MA

Agape Arts Production is set to debut Kelewele Junction, Ghana’s and Africa’s first-ever mobile theatre experience, on July 26 and 27, 2025.

This daring production transforms a moving Aayalolo bus into a live stage, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through the streets of Accra — and deep into the human soul.

Written and produced by the prolific Francis Jeremy Afizie — a creative force with an impressive 25 plays in nine years- Kelewele Junction is a suspense-laced drama that unfolds on a bus ride shared by six ex-convicts.

At first, they appear to be strangers, each lost in their thoughts, but as the bus rolls on, so do the revelations. Secrets unravel.

Tensions rise. And before long, the passengers and the audience are swept into a whirlwind of confessions, hidden truths, and haunting connections.

But it’s not just the storyline that sets this play apart. It’s the ride itself.

Staged entirely on a moving bus, the production immerses audiences in real time. With a route starting and ending at the National Theatre of Ghana, and passing through landmarks like 37 Military Hospital, Cantonments, Osu Oxford Street, and Black Star Square, the city becomes part of the script.

Every traffic stop, every turn of the wheel, every streetlight adds to the tension and texture of the story.

This theatrical first is made possible through a partnership with Aayalolo under the Ghana Passengers and Transport Executive, turning the bus into both a set and a symbol, breaking down traditional theatre walls and putting performance directly in motion.

Kelewele Junction will run three times daily over the two-day showcase, giving theatre lovers multiple chances to climb aboard and experience this bold reimagining of what theatre can be.

Under Mr. Afizie’s direction, Agape Arts Production has built a reputation for bold, socially conscious work that challenges norms and stirs thought.

With this latest innovation, the company once again proves it is not just producing plays — it’s pioneering movements.

Tickets and showtimes will be announced soon, and audiences are urged to book early. Seating is limited — and so is the chance to say you were there when Ghanaian theatre took a literal and metaphorical leap forward.

Get ready for a performance in motion — where every turn reveals a secret, and every mile brings you closer to the truth.

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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.

Gold exports from Ghana have surged as international prices have soared

Ghana expects to rake in $12-billion a year from small-scale gold production if output doubles as planned.

Gold exports from the country have surged as international prices have soared, and much of that expansion is down to small-mine and artisanal production. The government this year set up a regulator to handle all gold buying and selling, hoping to boost foreign-currency reserves and curb black-market trading.

“Our goal is to move above 3 t a week” in purchases, up from about 1.5 t a week in January, said Sammy Gyamfi, the Ghana Gold Board’s chief executive officer.

“We expect to be able to bring in about $6-billion by the end of this year, but we are confident that we will reach the $12-billion in annual inflows from next year.”

The West African nation, which has been locked out of international capital markets following a debt default in 2022, is taking advantage of its largest foreign-exchange earner as gold prices climb. Bullion is trading near $3 300 an ounce after reaching successive records during the past year.

Ghana’s gold exports rose more than 50% to $11.6-billion last year. The country is Africa’s top producer of the metal, but small-scale mining, which represents about a third of output, has underpinned an increase in black-market trading.

The regulator has ramped up its gold purchases from artisanal miners to fight smuggling, Gyamfi said in an interview in the capital, Accra.

The expected increase in earnings from small-mine output will “have a positive impact on inflation and gross domestic product, and on the foreign component of our debt profile,” he said

U.S. President Donald Trump showed a screenshot of Reuters video taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of what he falsely presented on Wednesday as evidence of mass killings of white South Africans.

“These are all white farmers that are being buried,” said Trump, holding up a print-out of an article accompanied by the picture during a contentious Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In fact, the video, published by Reuters on February 3 and subsequently verified by the news agency’s fact check team, showed humanitarian workers lifting body bags in the Congolese city of Goma. The image was pulled from

Reuters footage shot following deadly battles with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

The blog post shown to Ramaphosa by Trump during the White House meeting was published by American Thinker, a conservative online magazine, about conflict and racial tensions in South Africa and Congo.

The post did not caption the image but identified it as a “YouTube screen grab” with a link to a video news report about Congo on YouTube, which was credited Reuters.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Andrea Widburg, managing editor at American Thinker and the author of the post in question, wrote in reply to a Reuters query that Trump had “misidentified the image.”

She added, however, that the post, which referred to what it called Ramaphosa’s “dysfunctional, race-obsessed Marxist government”, had “pointed out the increasing pressure placed on white South Africans.”

The footage from which the picture was taken shows a mass burial following an M23 assault on Goma, filmed by Reuters video journalist Djaffar Al Katanty.

“That day, it was extremely difficult for journalists to get in … I had to negotiate directly with M23 and coordinate with the ICRC to be allowed to film,” Al Katanty said. “Only Reuters has video.”

Al Katanty said seeing Trump holding the article with the screengrab of his video came as a shock.
“In view of all the world, President Trump used my image, used what I filmed in DRC to try to convince President Ramaphosa that in his country, white people are being killed by Black people,” Al Katanty said.

Ramaphosa visited Washington this week to try to mend ties with the United States after persistent criticism from Trump in recent months over South Africa’s land laws, foreign policy, and alleged bad treatment of its white minority, which South Africa denies.

Trump interrupted the televised meeting with Ramaphosa to play a video, which he said showed evidence of genocide of white farmers in South Africa. This conspiracy theory, which has circulated in far-right chat rooms for years, is based on false claims.

Trump then proceeded to flip through printed copies of articles that he said detailed murders of white South Africans, saying “death, death, death, horrible death”.

Source: BBC.com

Professor Ransford Gyampo is the CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has pledged to ensure that international shipping lines operating in Ghana comply fully with the country’s laws.

According to him, despite doing business in Ghana, many of these companies resist adhering to local regulations, a stance he strongly opposes and vows to change.

“Some shipping lines do not want to be regulated. Remember, these are foreign businesses that have come into our country to do business, but somehow, they want to operate on their own terms. But I have told them it cannot happen under my watch. We are going to regulate them, and we will operate strictly according to the laws of Ghana,” he said.

He continued, “We have all travelled to their countries before, and when in Rome, you do what the Romans do. In those countries where we studied or visited, we were given rules to follow. We didn’t insist on doing things the Ghanaian way. Yet most of them refuse to comply with our laws.”

Professor Gyampo’s comments follow concerns raised by the Chamber of Freight and Trade about inconsistencies in exchange rates used by shipping lines to calculate demurrage and other port-related charges.

President of the Chamber, Dennis Amfo Sefa, stated that shipping lines are not obligated to use exchange rates set by the Bank of Ghana.

“Some use interbank rates from their own banks. Others lock in a rate and review it monthly. This lack of uniformity creates serious challenges for importers,” he noted.

Professor Gyampo further criticised the defiance and sluggishness of some shipping lines in implementing regulations.

“Even in the law that gives us the power to demand their service charges for approval, they fought the Ghana Shippers Authority, Parliament, and even the President,” he said.

“When it comes to implementing policies, they continue to drag their feet. But some of us are too patriotic to Ghana, and we will ensure that the laws are upheld,” he added.

SSD/MA

House Republicans have passed a sweeping multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks package, a narrow victory for President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson after weeks of negotiations with conservative holdouts.

Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” passed with a vote of 215 votes to 214, with two Republicans joining Democrats to oppose it and one voting present.

It now heads to the Senate, which will have the chance to approve or change provisions of the bill.

The US President’s allies on Capitol Hill have celebrated its passage as a victory, with Johnson saying it “gets Americans back to winning again”.

Long a policy priority of Trump’s, the legislation extends soon-to-expire tax cuts passed during his first administration in 2017, as well as provides an influx of money for defence spending and to fund the president’s mass deportations.

It also temporarily eliminates taxes on overtime work and tips – both key promises Trump made during his successful 2024 presidential campaign.

“What we’re going to do here this morning is truly historic, and it will make all the difference in the daily lives of hard working Americans,” Johnson said on the floor before the vote.

Additionally, the bill makes significant spending cuts, including to the Medicaid healthcare programme for lower-income Americans as well as Snap, a food assistance programme used by more than 42 million Americans.

These cuts were the subject of intense friction among Republicans, which was finally overcome after the President travelled to Capitol Hill on Tuesday. He privately told lawmakers to put aside their objections or face consequences.

Democrats also fiercely opposed the bill and warned that the cuts could have dire consequences for millions of lower-income Americans.

“Children will get hurt. Women will get hurt. Older Americans who rely on Medicaid for nursing home care and for home care will get hurt,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said on the House floor.

“People with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to survive will get hurt. Hospitals in your districts will close. Nursing homes will shut down,” he added. “And people will die.”

The next day, a statement from the White House warned that the administration would see a failure to pass the bill as the “ultimate betrayal”.

The legislation, however, comes with a massive price tag. It is estimated to add $5.2tn (£3.9tn) to US debt and increase the budget deficit by about $600bn in the next fiscal year.

Those eye-popping figures – and the prospect of ballooning interest payments on the debt – were among the reasons that financial rating agency Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating last week.

The lengthy document of over 1,000-pages was released just hours before lawmakers were asked to vote on it, meaning there could be other provisions and line items yet to be discovered.

The Senate must also approve the bill and could make some changes in the process. If lawmakers there do, it will return to the House for another high-stakes vote with potential to go wrong.

On Truth Social, Trump urged the Senate to send the bill to his task “as soon as possible”.

One of the first items senators will have to tackle is a report from the Congressional Budget Office that the debt increase in the House bill would trigger a provision of a 2011 law that mandates approximately $500bn in spending cuts to Medicare, the health insurance programme for the elderly.

Trump had pledged not to touch that popular government service – and Republicans would likely face a political price if they don’t tweak the rules to avoid the mandatory reductions.

Democrats are pledging to use today’s vote against Republicans in next year’s midterm congressional elections, highlighting other spending cuts – including to the low-income health insurance programme, government research and environmental spending – and tax reductions for the wealthy.

Even Congressional Republicans celebrate a win, the narrowness of the Republican House majority is vulnerable to even small shifts in public sentiment. The midterms could flip control of that chamber to the Democrats and grind Trump’s legislative agenda to a halt.

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play videoProf Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was received on her arrival by President Mahama on Thursday

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, May 22, 2025, warmly welcomed Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang back to Ghana at the Jubilee House, following her return from a health trip abroad.

During a briefing at the presidency, President Mahama expressed relief at the return of the vice president, stating that he personally missed her presence, as her absence had complicated his duties, including a trip to Togo that sparked threats of impeachment from the opposition.

“I particularly missed you, because even travelling out of the country has been difficult. They threatened to impeach me just for going to Togo while you were away,” he said, prompting laughter in the background.

President Mahama highlighted the success of the recently concluded 120-day social contract program, noting that despite her absence, the government delivered a significant portion of its promises to Ghanaians, building on the groundwork Prof Opoku-Agyemang had laid before her trip.

“Everybody said you should’ve been there, but with all the work you did before you went, we continued, and I think we were able to present to the people of Ghana a significant percentage of the things that we had promised,” he stated.

He reassured the Vice President that Ghana remains stable and on the right track, adding that her return is timely to continue the work she “so beautifully started.”

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) recently accused the president of breaching Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution when President Mahama traveled to Togo while Professor Opoku-Agyemang was abroad for medical treatment, and Speaker Alban Bagbin was also reportedly out of the country.

The Minority in Parliament accused the president of undermining the Constitution by leaving Ghana without a designated acting head of state.

Amidst the criticism, the opposition threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Mahama for the alleged constitutional violation.

GA/KA

Ghana owes its current level of development to the mining sector, and without it, the country would not be where it is today.

That’s the claim by Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, in an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 22.

“But for mining, Ghana won’t be here today,” he stated, making the point that while communities may sometimes feel neglected, the national economy is being propped up by mining revenue, most of which ends up far from the mining towns.

According to Nantogmah, the conversation about development must not ignore the significant contributions mining firms are already making.

“There’s a broad argument that development is in the hands of the state. That’s true. But mining companies do a lot in their communities. You go to some communities, and the schools there, the hospitals there, are run by mining companies,” he said.

He explained that mining companies are often held solely responsible for underdevelopment in host communities, even when royalties paid to local and national authorities are not transparently used.

“The mining company cannot do everything. Meanwhile, when the royalties are paid, they are supposed to return some to their host communities and the district assemblies, and the palace to be used for development. The question we ask is: are they being used for that development?” he asked.

Mr Nantogmah questioned why some assemblies that receive royalties would still return to the companies to build roads and infrastructure.

“If there’s a one-kilometre road in town and there’s an assembly that gets mineral royalties, why would the assembly go back to a company like Gold Fields and say, come and develop the road for me?”

He cited a notable example of Gold Fields Ghana constructing over 33 kilometres of road for the community, which has since benefited everyone.

“So that’s why we are also asking for a law that will regulate the utilisation of mineral royalties. We know there’s one in petroleum revenue management. Why can’t we do something for mining?”

The Chamber wants a Mineral Revenue Management Act to ensure funds are not diverted into recurrent expenditure.

“If the law stipulates that mineral royalties can only be used for health, education and sanitation, then you are bound by law to use it for that. Otherwise, the money goes to the community, and nobody knows where it enters,” Mr Nantogmah argued.

He called attention to towns like Obuasi, which have seen decades of mining activity but little commensurate development.

“If you look at Obuasi, with the mining company there, I think a lot of royalties are supposed to come back. The question is, do they come back? And if they do, what are they being used for?”

He stressed that while it is fair to scrutinise mining companies, the same level of scrutiny must be directed at state institutions and assemblies that are responsible for the management of the royalties.

“Let’s ask of the mining companies, but also ask about the development authorities, and see how we can work together. Otherwise, we’ll keep complaining that the communities are not developed.”

He also pointed to structural issues such as poor town planning in mining areas and warned against expecting mining companies to take over the responsibilities of local government.

“If the town is not properly planned, it’s not the job of the mining company to make the streets straight or build skyscrapers.”

He revealed findings from a recent study showing that 80% of mining revenue benefits are concentrated in Accra.

“That’s where they are used to develop the whole of Ghana. So Ghana is developing on the back of mining.”

Mr Nantogmah concluded by urging a rethink of how mineral royalties are allocated and used.

“Maybe the revenue going back is small. Should we increase it? Should we tie it to specific projects? That’s why we think something must be done.”

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The Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Nantogmah, has commented on growing criticism that mining companies are neglecting the development of their host communities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 22, he stated that, “It’s not the mining company’s job to build skyscrapers.”

His comments come amid increasing scrutiny over the impact of mining activities on surrounding communities, particularly regarding infrastructure, education, and health.

But according to the Chamber boss, the real issue is not what mining companies are failing to do, it’s how mineral royalties are being misused by state institutions and local authorities.

“There’s a broad argument that development is in the hands of the state. That’s true. But mining companies do a lot in their communities,” he said.

“You go to some communities, and the schools there, the hospitals there, are run by mining companies. The mining company cannot do everything.”

Mr Nantogmah argued that once royalties are paid by the companies, it is the responsibility of the assemblies and traditional authorities to ensure those funds are used effectively.

“When the royalties are paid, they are supposed to return some to their host communities and the district assemblies, and the palace to be used for development. The question we ask is, are they being used for that development?” he said.

He cited a striking example to illustrate the disconnect.

“If there’s a one-kilometre road in town and there’s an assembly that gets mineral royalties, why would the assembly go back to a company like Gold Fields and say, ‘Come and develop the road for me?’” he asked.

“Gold Fields constructed over 33 kilometres of road, and they did it for the community. Everybody is using it.”

Mr Nantogmah said the problem is systemic and called for structural reform.

“That’s why we are asking for a law that will regulate the utilisation of mineral royalties,” he said.

“We know there’s one in petroleum revenue management. Why can’t we do something for mining?”

He proposed legislation that would clearly define what royalties can be spent on.

“If the law stipulates that mineral royalties can be used only for health, education and sanitation, then when it comes back to the community or the host assembly, they don’t use it to pay salaries or recurrent expenditure,” he explained.

“Otherwise, it goes to the community, and nobody knows where it enters.”

He raised concerns about the opaque use of royalties in places like Obuasi, a major mining town.

“If you look at Obuasi, with the mining company there, a lot of royalties are supposed to come back. The question is, do they? And if they do, what are they being used for?”

Mr Nantogmah stressed that the responsibility must be shared.

“We ask questions of the mining companies, but we should also be asking questions about the development authorities. Let’s work together and make sure mineral royalties are targeted.”

He took a swipe at poor urban planning in mining areas and the tendency to expect companies to fix everything.

“If the town is not properly planned, it’s not the job of the mining company to make the streets straight or to build skyscrapers,” he said. “No mineral revenue stays in those towns. It stays in Accra.”

He cited a recent study showing that 80% of mineral benefits are spent in Accra.

“That’s where they use it to develop the whole of Ghana,” he noted.

“So Ghana is developing on the back of mining. But for mining, Ghana would not be where we are.”

But he warned against placing the blame solely on mining companies for the underdevelopment of host towns.

“If you single out a local community and bring the mining company into that community, you might have a coin.

“But we also have to blame the people responsible for development, whether it’s the mineral royalties that come back, whether at the state level or the local level. What are they being used for?”

He said once those questions are answered, a better policy conversation can begin.

“Then we can say, ‘Okay, maybe the revenue going back is small. Should we increase it? Should we tie it to specific projects?’ That’s what we think should be done.”

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Lawmakers in Washington are moving to block a landmark California law that would have banned the sale of petrol-only cars in the state by 2035.

The Senate followed the House in voting to effectively kill the law, nullifying a waiver granted to the state that had allowed it to set stricter auto emissions standards than those set by the federal government.

The vote is a win for Republicans, energy firms and carmakers. It’s a blow to Democrats and environmental groups, which saw the rule as a key step to addressing pollution and climate change.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure, setting the stage for a legal battle.

“This federal government overreach is illogical, politically motivated and it comes at the expense of Californian’s lives and livelihoods,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who said the state would sue over the move.

Trump had previously attacked California’s plan to phase out gas cars, which, in part because of the state’s size, was expected to have significant influence over the wider car industry in the US.

Roughly a dozen other states, including New York, Massachusetts, Colorado and New Mexico had intended to follow the California rules, representing more than a third of the car market, according to the industry.

Electric vehicles, including hybrids, represented about 10% of new car sales in the US, compared with roughly 30% in the UK last year, according to the International Energy Agency.

In the UK, the government has put forward a plan to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

In the US, critics had argued that the standards – which included the requirement that electric cars make up 35% of new car sales in 2026 – were unachievable.

Carmakers had argued that a related credit scheme – in which manufacturers earned and traded credits for selling electric vehicles – would result in car companies having to buy credits from Tesla, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles. If they had to buy credits to meet a legal requirement, it would hinder their ability to invest in producing their own electric cars, the companies argued.

“The concerns were about the mandate – not the technology,” said carmaker lobby group president John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

But the Natural Resources Defense Council said halting the standards made “no sense”.

“They reduce costs for drivers, boost domestic manufacturing, improve air quality, and help address the climate crisis,” president Manish Bapna said.

“If other states don’t like California’s approach, they don’t need to follow it—but federal lawmakers shouldn’t be intervening to block states from providing cleaner air and a healthier environment.”

California, where electric cars made up about a quarter of new car sales last year, has received waivers from the EPA to establish stricter standards for decades, in order to address the state’s long-running air quality issues.

Trump in his first term moved to strip California of its powers, setting off a legal battle that fizzled out when former President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.

Congress has historically stayed out of the fight.

Both the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian, who is charged with interpreting Senate rules, said Congress was not following proper procedure to repeal the rule.

The leader of the Democrats in the Senate had accused Republicans of using a “nuclear option” to block the waiver, implying it could take similar steps against other agency rules.

The measure ultimately passed 51-44, on largely partisan lines.

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