The Member of Parliament for Gushegu and former Deputy Transport Minister, Alhassan Tampuli, has taken aim at the newly introduced ‘Dumsor Levy’, arguing that it imposes a far-reaching burden on Ghanaians, regardless of whether or not they directly purchase fuel.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, June 5, Tampuli claimed the levy is so pervasive that “even when you are walking,” you end up paying for it.

In his critique, the legislator contrasted the Dumsor Levy with the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) introduced by the previous administration, which he described as an “innovative” attempt to broaden the country’s tax net.

“E-Levy was an innovative one. We wanted to expand the tax net. But even with that, if you are sending momo, you don’t pay,” he said, highlighting that exemptions were designed into the previous levy.

Tampuli expressed concern over the economic ripple effect of the Dumsor Levy, explaining that its basis in fuel pricing makes it a more burdensome tax.

“With this Dumsor Levy, even when you are walking you pay, because you know how price of fuel affects everything in this country,” he asserted. H

e pointed to the inevitable rise in transport fares, food prices, and general cost of living as indirect consequences of the policy.

His remarks come amid mounting criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil society groups who argue that the levy contradicts the ruling government’s own promise to eliminate “nuisance taxes.”

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.

Prominent broadcast journalist and Atinka TV news anchor, Ebenezer ‘Kewaw’ Madugu, known on social media as LordKnowsMadugu, has issued a strong call to the Ministry of Tourism and the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, to address the long-standing Keta tidal wave crisis, warning that the much-promoted VisitVolta campaign risks becoming “meaningless” without immediate intervention.

Speaking during a live discussion with Bernard Lav, host of Atinka TV’s Morning Show, Madugu expressed frustration over the lack of progress since President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Agavedzi on 6th March this year. Despite presidential assurances of swift action, Madugu stated that no tangible effort has been seen on the ground, and coastal communities continue to suffer.

“VisitVolta will be meaningless without attending to the Keta Tidal Wave challenge,” Madugu asserted. “For a very long time now, the people of and some communities in the Volta Region have not had their peace of mind because of the tidal wave challenge.”

He warned that if the tidal waves, which have consistently threatened Agavedzi and surrounding coastal towns, are not urgently mitigated, key parts of the region could be severely affected. He noted that the geographical vulnerability of the area means floodwaters could submerge major communities, wiping out both homes and tourist attractions.

“Reports say that when the water crosses the road you see between the sea and the other side of the community, it is likely to flow and cover a huge portion of the region,” Madugu emphasized. “And the Keta communities will be affected most. And you and I can never downplay the importance of Keta in the region’s tourism storytelling.”

The VisitVolta initiative, which was launched to promote the Volta Region as a prime tourism destination in Ghana, has drawn attention for its focus on natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism. Madugu, however, insists that such campaigns ring hollow in the face of preventable climate and environmental disasters.

“Volta Region is the best place to go and relax. The oxygen is clean and everywhere is green. We love the place,” he said passionately. “Let me appeal to our leaders: Save Agavedzi now.”

The Keta tidal wave issue has been a recurring concern for decades, with periodic flooding displacing residents, damaging infrastructure, and threatening economic activities, including fishing and tourism. Experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for a comprehensive coastal defense strategy to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

As calls mount for government accountability and swift action, Madugu’s comments have reignited public interest and scrutiny on the real cost of inaction in Ghana’s vulnerable coastal regions.

The nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has plunged emergency services at major government hospitals into disarray, leaving patients stranded and healthcare delivery severely disrupted.

On the second day of the industrial action, facilities such as the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) have witnessed deserted outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency wards. Patients arriving for urgent care find themselves without assistance, as the absence of nurses has brought routine operations to a standstill.

Medical doctors report a drastic reduction in patient turnout, with numbers dropping from an average of 600 to just 100 daily, attributing the decline to the unavailability of nursing support. Even rotation nurses have failed to report to work.

JOYNEWS correspondent Collins Frimpong, reporting from Greater Accra Regional Hospital Hospital, observed a chaotic scene at the ambulance unit, with no staff available to assist patients.
“The emergency department is completely deserted,” he noted.

A patient who had travelled all the way from Takoradi in the Western Region to seek treatment at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital said she was unsure when, or if, she would be able to see a doctor.

Two frustrated patients told JOYNEWS they were deeply concerned about the strike’s impact on their health. One woman, who returned to the hospital for an eye review, said she could not access any help: “I came here for a follow-up because of an eye problem, but I can’t even see a doctor. There’s nobody to help.”

Another patient, visibly distressed, called on government to act swiftly: “We need the government to intervene now. If they don’t, this could turn into a national catastrophe.”

The strike, which began on June 4, follows the government’s failure to implement improved conditions of service agreed in the 2024 Collective Agreement. Despite emergency directives from the Ministry of Health aimed at maintaining critical services, the GRNMA insists the strike is necessary, citing longstanding systemic neglect of nurses’ welfare.

Pregnant women in Kumasi struggling
In the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi, the strike continues to bit at the various government hospitals in the city. “This is my first time, but I couldn’t access healthcare. They turned me away,” one patient told JOYNEWS’ Clinton Yeboah.

In reaction, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the strike illegal and has ordered the GRNMA to return to work and resume negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Meanwhile, as the standoff continues, patients across Ghana’s public hospitals are caught in the middle, with many fearing that delays in care could prove fatal. Calls are mounting on the government to urgently resolve the impasse and restore essential healthcare services.

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.

The newly inuagurated GIADEC board

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) Governing Board, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest for industrialization.

The Board is tasked with overseeing the development of Ghana’s vast bauxite and aluminium resources, with a focus on responsible and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of Ghana’s aluminium industry in driving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

He described the aluminium value chain as the key to unlocking Ghana’s long-standing industrialisation ambitions, especially in the context of the global green transition.

“The aluminium industry holds immense potential to transform our economy, but only if developed responsibly, sustainably, and strategically”.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah outlined a set of urgent priorities for the Board which he believes, will enhance value addition by shifting from raw bauxite exports to domestic refining and production.

The Minister further charged the Board to stop the unsustainable haulage of bauxite and work towards enhancing value addition.

The Deputy Minister, Hon. Yussif Sulemana, has also urged the Board to uphold the highest standards of integrity and work collaboratively under the Ministry’s oversight.

On his part, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kweku Sarfo-Buabeng, pledged the Board’s readiness to deliver results and position GIADEC as the heartbeat of Ghana’s industrial transformation.

The 11-member Board brings together a diverse team of professionals from academia, industry, and public service, poised to drive Ghana’s aluminium-led industrialization agenda.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, continues to appreciate on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢10.22 and a selling price of GH¢10.23 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢13.86 and sold at GH¢13.88, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢11.68 and a selling price of GH¢11.69.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on June 5, 2025, at 8:20 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢11.95, while the pound is selling at GH¢15.90 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢13.90 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has announced that Ghana is expected to receive $360 million from the IMF in June 2025 to further stabilise the cedi.

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Ghanaian women have been urged to embrace digital innovation as a critical tool for scaling their businesses and remaining competitive in today’s fast-evolving global economy.

Founder and Managing Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Evaluation Development (CEED), Mrs Gifty Volimkarime, who made the call described digitalisation as a necessity rather than a luxury in modern business. 

She was speaking during a graduation ceremony in Accra, where 75 women entrepreneurs completed a digital literacy and entrepreneurship training programme under the theme: “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Bridging the Digital Divide for Sustainable Business Growth.”

She stressed the importance of adopting emerging technologies to break barriers and access wider markets.

“Women must begin to innovate and align with modern digital trends. The world is changing rapidly, and businesses that fail to evolve will be left behind,” she said.

Mrs Volimkarime encouraged female entrepreneurs to leverage digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and social media tools to build their brands and expand their customer base beyond local borders.

While acknowledging the challenges associated with digital adoption—particularly for women with limited access to technology or training—she urged participants not to be deterred.

“Growth often comes with discomfort. If you want to transform your business, you must be willing to take up the challenges,” she added.

The initiative, spearheaded by CEED in partnership with Hazakat Community Finance based in UK and funded by the Welsh Government, targeted women and youth from underserved communities. The training covered digital skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and online marketing strategies.

Mrs Volimkarime revealed that over 900 women initially registered for the programme. However, logistical challenges—including incompatible devices and conflicting schedules—reduced the final cohort to 75. Despite the drop-off, organisers hailed the programme a success for introducing participants to tools such as artificial intelligence and digital branding.

Highlighting the gendered digital divide in Ghana, she noted that only 60% of women own smartphones, compared to 72% of men. “This inequality affects how women access opportunities online. Bridging this gap is essential for inclusive economic growth,” she said.

Media and Digital Strategist Emelia Enyonam Kuleke also addressed the graduates. She challenged them to step out of their comfort zones, explore new business models, and adopt strategies that reflect the realities of the digital age.

“The global marketplace is no longer confined to borders. If you’re visible online, you can sell in Accra, Nairobi, or London,” she said.

Ms Kuleke urged participants to prioritise customer engagement tools, online branding, and search engine optimisation to remain competitive. She also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and development organisations to support digital inclusion.

“Empowering women digitally is more than a social initiative—it is an economic imperative for Ghana’s future,” she said

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately cancel what it describes as an unnecessary and financially wasteful contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

According to the Association, the contract continues to drain over $1.4 million from state coffers each month, despite a 2024 presidential directive suspending SML’s upstream petroleum agreement and a subsequent audit conducted by KPMG.

The group argues that the downstream component of the deal remains in force and is redundant, as its functions are already being carried out by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit described the ongoing payments to SML as a violation of prudent financial management, particularly at a time when the country is facing significant economic challenges.

“This contract undermines principles of good governance and fiscal responsibility,” Mr. Awingobit stated.

He further demanded full public disclosure of all payments made to SML since 2018 and called for the prosecution of any public officials found complicit in the arrangement.

He noted that the Association’s call adds to growing public scrutiny over the SML deal, with stakeholders urging greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI), a project launched in 2013 by the Environmental Protection Author­ity (EPA) to establish favourable framework conditions to promote the development of a sustainable recycling industry for e-waste in the country has been brought to an end.

The project, which was jointly implemented by six organisations, namely EPA, Ghana National Cleaner Production Centre, Moun­tain Research Institute, Institute for Material Science and Technol­ogy (EMPA), Oeko Institute and World Resources Forum (WRF) was funded by State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Speaking at the closing cere­mony held in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, noted that the event marked not only the end of a significant project, but the beginning of a lasting commitment to sustainable e-waste management in the country.

He stressed that at the time the project commenced in 2013, the country was faced with severe chal­lenges in managing e-waste, partic­ularly in areas like Agbogbloshie, the largest e-waste recycling cluster in West Africa.

The Minister stressed that Ag­bogbloshie became notorious for unsafe practices like open burning of cables and dismantling of elec­tronics in hazardous conditions, resulting in significant environmen­tal and health risks.

“But today, we celebrate how far we have come, thanks to collab­orative efforts and the steadfast support of the Swiss Government through SECO, a framework for the environmentally sound man­agement of e-waste in Ghana has been established,” he said.

“Ghana ratified the Basel Convention and domesticated it through the Hazardous and Elec­tronic Waste Control Act, 2016 (Act 917), and L.I. 2250, however, prior to the SRI project, there was no specific e-waste policy or legis­lation, and most e-waste was man­aged informally under unsound practices,” the Minister added.

Dr Muhammed said the pro­vided valuable support for the establishment of a framework for environmentally sound manage­ment of e-waste along the value chain, included awareness creation, capacity building both for the for­mal and informal sectors, financing mechanisms, technology part­nerships, conformity assessment and management of hazardous components.

The Minister noted that the im­pact of the project was significant as it provided safe and sustainable jobs for the youth, protection for value chain workers, retrieval of valuable components, and promo­tion of downstream industries.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse, whose speech was read on her behalf by the Direc­tor, Climate Change and Ozone Department of EPA, Mr Felix Ad­do-Okyireh, said sustainable waste management especially sustainable e-waste management was critical to the attainment of a number of SDGs.

She said the SRI project had supported the authority to effec­tively have capacity building for personnel across the entire e-waste value chain; scrap dealers, regula­tors, recyclers, importers, policy support through policy briefs, busi­ness support through the expert pool and development of technical guidelines to support effective regulation of the sector.

 BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA

Businesses should encourage regular file reviews

Across Ghana’s growing digital economy, more businesses and government institutions are embracing cloud technology as a foundation for modern operations. From Accra to Kumasi, organisations are turning to the cloud for everything from data storage and application hosting to remote collaboration and security.

But while the promise of cloud computing includes greater flexibility, easier scalability, and potential cost savings, many businesses are discovering that—without careful management—cloud expenses can escalate quickly and unexpectedly. For many companies, especially SMEs and public sector organisations working with tight budgets, this can be a serious concern.

Subscription models – A blessing or a budget burden?

Most cloud services—from Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to Google Cloud and even local data centre providers—use subscription-based pricing. You pay based on the number of users or how much you use the service. In Ghana, where budgeting tends to be done annually and with limited room for variation, this model can be tricky. Underestimating the number of users or keeping inactive accounts running can lead to bills that are difficult to justify. IT leads must regularly audit user access and service subscriptions. Deleting old user accounts and consolidating tools across departments can result in significant savings.

Save money by cleaning up digital clutter

Whether it’s a government agency storing outdated memos or a fintech company keeping logs of old transactions, data builds up quickly. And cloud storage, even when affordable, is not free. Businesses should encourage regular file reviews.

Every quarter, staff can be asked to delete unnecessary files or archive infrequently used data to cheaper storage tiers. Tools like Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint offer localised storage options and archiving features that can help. It’s a small step, but when multiplied across departments, the savings can be substantial.

Avoid leaving cloud systems running after hours

One of the easiest ways to lose money in the cloud is by leaving services running when they’re not in use. This is especially common in software development environments, where virtual machines and databases are often left active overnight or over the weekend. A Ghanaian health startup recently cut its monthly bill by 65percent simply by automating the shutdown of cloud services after working hours. That’s money that could go back into product development or customer engagement. With scheduled shutdown scripts or cloud automation tools, businesses can avoid paying for idle resources.

Embrace automation to do more with less

Labour costs in Ghana are relatively affordable compared to Western countries, but skilled IT professionals are still a valuable (and sometimes scarce) resource. Cloud automation—such as automatic server provisioning, daily backups, or monitoring—can reduce manual work and eliminate costly human errors. Whether you’re a telco managing thousands of customer records or a university offering remote learning services, automation ensures consistency and frees up your IT team for innovation instead of maintenance.

You’re not stuck with one cloud vendor

Just because your business started with one provider doesn’t mean you’re tied to them forever. Many Ghanaian organisations hesitate to switch vendors, often due to perceived complexity or lack of local support. However, cloud pricing changes often—and there may be better, more cost-effective plans available. Some cloud providers offer pricing benefits depending on where your data is hosted.

Hosting in Africa (such as Microsoft’s data centres in South Africa) might provide better rates or data sovereignty compliance. It’s worth regularly reviewing your contract, comparing pricing tiers, or even negotiating directly with your provider or local reseller.

Looking ahead – Cloud for growth, not for gaps

Ghana is on the rise digitally. With government-led initiatives like Ghana.gov, growing tech ecosystems in East Legon, Spintex, and beyond, and local cloud experts increasingly available, the conditions are right for cloud transformation. But to make the most of the cloud, organisations must manage it wisely.

Smart cloud use isn’t just a matter of technology—it’s about strategy. With good planning, regular reviews, and efficient management, Ghanaian businesses can harness the full potential of cloud computing without overstretching their budgets.

Private legal practitioner and governance advocate, Professor Kwaku Asare, has waded into the national conversation on the newly introduced GH¢1 per litre levy on petroleum products, warning that without accountability and structural reform, the policy risks becoming another bailout for elite failure.

In a detailed Facebook post titled “Pair the Levy with Reform & Accountability,” Prof. Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, acknowledged the urgent financial pressures facing Ghana’s energy sector, including a $3.1 billion debt burden, depleted World Bank and GNPC guarantees, and the rising cost of thermal fuel—expenses that are not currently reflected in electricity tariffs.

“The government’s proposed amendment to the Energy Sector Levies Act (2025) is an attempt to stabilize the sector,” he noted. “The rationale is clear… but a critical pillar is missing.”

Levy Alone Not Enough

According to Prof. Asare, the new levy, which is expected to raise between GH¢5–6 billion—roughly 60% of this year’s estimated GH¢1.2 billion thermal fuel requirement—may help avert blackouts, avoid steep electricity tariff hikes, and restore Ghana’s financial credibility with development partners.

However, he cautioned that the social costs are real and immediate arguing that the levy reduces fuel purchasing power for ordinary citizens, adds fiscal pressure to households and businesses, and disproportionately affects the poor.

“This crisis didn’t appear overnight,” he wrote. “It is the result of inflated contracts, procurement abuse, weak financial discipline, and the misuse of previous energy levies. Without accountability, this levy will only reinforce a broken cycle.”

A Reform Blueprint

Kwaku Azar proposed a three-pronged framework for pairing the new levy with meaningful reforms:

1. Accountability First

   • Launch a forensic audit into the past decade of energy spending.

   • Prosecute public and private actors involved in malfeasance.

   • Recover misappropriated funds and blacklist corrupt suppliers.

2. Transparent, Targeted Use

   • Ring-fence proceeds strictly for fuel procurement and debt repayment.

   • Mandate quarterly public reports on collections and expenditure.

   • Tie energy sector SOE funding to performance metrics.

3. Structural Reform and Fiscal Discipline

   • Gradually adjust tariffs to reflect actual energy costs.

   • Renegotiate predatory Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts.

   • Scale up renewable investments to reduce thermal reliance.

   • Make the levy time-bound and subject to measurable targets.

   • Require parliamentary reauthorization every two years and cap levy rates unless independently justified.

Call to Action

“The levy may be necessary, but it is not sufficient,” Prof. Asare stressed. “We cannot be asked to tighten our belts while those who caused the looseness go free.”

He called for the Energy Ministry and the Finance Ministry to present a credible roadmap that restores both power supply and public confidence.

“This is not just about raising revenue. It is about restoring trust. We cannot levy our way out of inefficiency—and we cannot fix a broken system by pouring more money into it without fixing what broke it,” he concluded.

Background

The  Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces a GHS1 increase in the levy on petroleum products. The measure is expected to generate an additional GHS5.7 billion annually to reduce energy sector debts and ensure a reliable power supply.

The GH¢1 fuel levy, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is part of the government’s effort to close a financing gap in thermal fuel procurement. While government sources insist the levy won’t raise fuel pump prices due to favorable exchange rates, the policy has stirred strong public debate.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has strongly criticised the government’s introduction of the GHS1 levy hike on petroleum products, describing it as a “blow” to their operations.

In an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, June 4, Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Alhaji Abass Imoro, expressed disappointment over the government’s decision without prior consultation with the association.

He argued that the move contradicts the expectations they had based on prevailing economic indicators.

“It is going to be a blow to us. We just reduced our lorry fares by 15%…We thought the reduction of the fuel due to the cedi appreciation was going to materialise just for the next day to hear another thing. It is something that we need to get a clear understanding of to know our way forward. One cedi on a litre means a lot for a professional driver because anytime fuel prices are reduced, we get a lot of breathing space.

“They should have engaged us. We, the professional drivers, use the fuel a lot so at least they shouldn’t have forgotten to have any discussion with us,” Imoro noted.

Read also…..

GH¢1 Fuel levy risks undermining economic gains – GNCCI