The founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, has made what is believed to be his first public appearance since his release from jail.

Ato Essien was granted bail in July 2025 by the Court of Appeal in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties, after reports indicated that he was unwell and required medical attention.

Capital Bank Conviction: Court grants William Ato Essien bail

As part of his bail conditions, he was also required to deposit his passport at the court’s registry.

His release came after spending 21 months in prison for his role in the bank’s collapse.

In new photos sighted by GhanaWeb and shared on Facebook on Friday, December 19, 2025, by the Deputy CEO of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mustapha Abubakar, Ato Essien was spotted wearing a blue striped suit, while attending an event.

According to the post accompanying the pictures, the event was a press conference to commemorate the signing of an agreement between Cybele Energy and the Government of Guyana for the exploration of oil in the South American country.

Other photos from the event showed some key government officials and dignitaries attending the occasion alongside Ato Essien.

About Ato Essien:

Ato Essien was convicted in December 2022 for allegedly embezzling over GH¢90 million from Capital Bank, funds acquired through Bank of Ghana liquidity support.

Although initially spared a custodial sentence via a restitution agreement, he was later jailed in late 2023 after failing to fulfil the payment terms.

The state, under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government, entered an agreement under Section 35 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), with Ato Essien and settled on him paying GH¢90 million to avoid being jailed.

Presidential Amnesty: Why high-profile prisoners were left out

He paid GH¢30 million in cash before the settlement was adopted by the court, with the rest to be paid over a period of one year.

He, however, defaulted after paying GH¢9 million in addition to the GH¢30 million and was jailed for 15 years after the then Attorney General applied to the court for him to be sentenced.

See some of the photos below:

MAG/AE

What Cletus Avoka said that made Otumfuo warn him over Bawku conflict:

TWI NEWS

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prudent financial management, insisting that Ghana’s economy is making measurable progress under the current administration.

Contributing to the debate on the Appropriation Bill No. 2, 2025, in Parliament on Thursday, December 18, Dr. Forson said the gains recorded in the economy were evident and acknowledged across the political divide.

“Everyone in this chamber believes that President Mahama has made significant progress in this economy. Even our colleagues opposite know that Ghana is making progress,” he stated.

Dr. Forson stressed that fiscal discipline remains a central pillar of government policy, dismissing claims that the administration was being wasteful.

He defended discussions around the possible acquisition of a presidential jet, arguing that purchasing an aircraft could be more cost-effective than continuous leasing.

“We have been prudent, and we will continue to be prudent. I heard my colleague say that a government which is prudent is planning to buy a presidential jet. But the fact remains that it is better to buy than to rent, and the cost of buying is equivalent to what was spent on renting aircraft under the previous administration. That fact is there for all to see,” he said.

The Finance Minister also assured Parliament that the government would honour Ghana’s debt obligations, including a major Eurobond payment inherited from the previous administration.

According to him, the government is set to service a US$710 million Eurobond on January 3, 2026, despite the challenging fiscal situation it assumed upon taking office.

“When our colleagues were leaving the office, they left us with a big debt. A debt that has been restructured to the extent that on January 3, 2026, the government will have to service the Eurobond it borrowed to the tune of US$710 million. That debt is due for us to service, and this budget is going to pay that,” Dr. Forson told the House.

He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to meet its financial obligations while maintaining discipline in public spending, saying, “We are going to pay the debt you left behind.”

Company to roll out AI at ports lacks capacity, track record – Importers lament

Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office, has emphasized the need to address challenges in Ghana’s real estate sector to unlock diaspora investment.

Speaking at the 3rd Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo, he said, “Adequate housing is the indispensable gateway to all other human rights; it is the sacred ground upon which personal dignity is restored, communal stability is anchored, and a family’s future is permanently secured.”

Darko highlighted five key obstacles in Ghana’s real estate : land tenure insecurity, fragmented regulation, limited access to affordable financing, infrastructure gaps, and a trust deficit.

“The John Mahama Administration is committed to addressing these challenges through practical and sustainable reforms,” he said.

He emphasized the role of the diaspora in Ghana’s development, saying, “The Ghanaian diaspora brings patient capital, global standards, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to nation-building.” Darko encouraged development partners to focus on long-term, sustainable value creation, and financial institutions to innovate financing products for diaspora investment.

“Property ownership is one of the strongest anchors for diaspora reintegration,” Darko said, urging Ghanaians abroad to invest in Ghana. He commended the organizers of the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo for promoting diaspora investment, saying, “Let us move from hesitation to confidence. From fragmented systems to coordinated solutions. From obstacles to opportunity.”

The Ghana Property and Expo aims to promote Ghana as a destination for real estate investment and provide a platform for stakeholders to connect and explore opportunities in the sector.

The President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike, has warned that the rapid growth of Airbnb without proper regulation could undermine Ghana’s hotel industry.

He insists that the issue is not competition but an uneven regulatory and tax environment.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, Dr Ackah-Nyamike said hotels have never feared competition because they offer a range of services that go beyond room bookings.

“Our challenge has never been with competition at all, because the hotels have, if I should call it some monopoly in terms of the services that they provide,” he said.

According to him, hotels operate as full-service facilities, providing accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment, and recreational activities, and, in some cases, car rentals, all under one roof.

“We provide accommodation at the same place, we provide entertainment, and we provide food and drinks. We also provide some recreational activities and, in some cases, car rentals. So we have that unique niche in the market,” he explained.

Dr Ackah-Nyamike said the concern of hotel operators is rooted in regulation and taxation, noting that hotels are subject to multiple taxes, levies and regulatory fees that many Airbnb operators do not pay.

“What we have not been happy about is the regulation of that sector in terms of taxes, in terms of levies, in terms of the regulatory fees that we pay that they don’t pay, and so they end up providing services at cheaper rates,” he stated.

He acknowledged that short-term rental platforms sometimes support the hospitality industry, especially during peak periods when hotels are fully booked.

“To the extent that you can go to some hotel, the place is booked, and the only option that you may have is an Airbnb, so yes, it’s helping the industry as a whole,” he said.

However, he stressed that the unequal playing field created by weak regulation remains the core issue for hotel operators.

“It’s the unequal environment that it provides in terms of taxation. That’s what our issue has been,” he added.

Dr Ackah-Nyamike said the Ghana Hotels Association would have no objection to Airbnb operations if they were properly regulated and subjected to the same standards hotels are required to meet.

“So once that sector of the industry is well regulated, and they are paying their tax, they are paying their levies, they are doing all the regulatory things that we do, FDA, fire service, EPA and all that, we have no problem at all with that,” he said.

He warned that failure to address the regulatory gap could distort pricing in the hospitality market and place traditional hotels at a disadvantage, even as demand for accommodation continues to grow.

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.

Wisdom Gomashie says the argument by the minister is flawed

A mining consultant, Wisdom Gomashie, has challenged recent government claims suggesting that mining in forest reserves is banned in Ghana.

He insisted that under the country’s existing laws, mining in forest reserves remains legal unless the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) is amended.

Sharing these arguments in a detailed public post, Gomashie accused the government of “playing with words” and attempting to mislead the public, urging media houses to report accurately on the matter.

According to him, Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which has been at the centre of public debates, does not grant licences for mining in forest reserves and never did.

Mining in forest reserves banned as government revokes LI 2462

Rather, he explained that the LI was introduced to impose tighter mining and environmental control standards on companies that had already been granted leases in forest reserves.

“LI 2462 was a law meant to ensure stricter environmental and mining standards for companies operating in forest reserves, not to legalise mining there,” portions of his statement said.

He further cited examples of large-scale mining firms such as Chirano Gold Mine and Newmont Akyem, which were granted mining leases in forest reserves as far back as 2005 — about 17 years before LI 2462 was passed.

He noted that these companies continue to operate, demonstrating that mining in forest reserves predate the controversial Legislative Instrument.

He also argued that Ghana’s forest depletion cannot be blamed solely on LI 2462, pointing to data showing that between 2002 and 2023, the country lost about 143,000 hectares of humid primary forest, accounting for 8.9 per cent of total tree cover loss.

Galamsey Fight: Forestry Commission pushes for paramilitary status

From 2001 to 2023, Ghana reportedly lost 1.64 million hectares of tree cover — a 24 per cent decrease since 2000 — largely due to illegal mining, illegal logging and other activities that predate the passage of LI 2462.

“If the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and President John Dramani Mahama genuinely want to stop mining in forest reserves, the solution is straightforward.

“State it explicitly clear in the Mining Policy Amendment Document. Eg. ‘Ghana will not allow mining in forest reserves’,” he added.

More importantly, he stressed the need to amend Act 703 to reflect that policy direction.

Specifically, he called for amendments to Sections 4, 5, 9, 11, 13, 18, and Sections 31 to 47 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, to legally prohibit mining activities in forest reserves.

“Until these amendments are made, mining in forest reserves remains legal under the laws of Ghana,” he emphasised, warning that revoking LI 2462 alone would create significant legal and operational challenges for the government.

See his full post below:

AE

Former U.S. President Barack Obama released his annual music playlist on December 18, 2025, featuring 30 songs including tracks from Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Olamide, Seyi Vibez and Young Jonn. The playlist continues a tradition Obama started during his White House tenure of sharing favorite books, movies and music as each year concludes.

Burna Boy appears on the list with his 2025 single TaTaTa featuring American rapper Travis Scott from the album No Sign of Weakness. Olamide secured placement with the collaborative track 99, which features Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn and Daecolm from his album Olamid.

The inclusion marks recognition for Nigerian music on a global platform curated by the former president. Obama has maintained the annual tradition since leaving office in 2017, using the lists to highlight diverse musical selections spanning multiple genres and international artists.

Obama shared the playlist on X, formerly known as Twitter, encouraging followers to discover new music. According to his post, he wrote that he hopes people find something new to enjoy and invited recommendations for future listening.

The former president’s musical selections typically generate significant attention for featured artists. Previous playlists have included African artists, reflecting Obama’s connection to the continent through his Kenyan heritage and continued interest in global music trends.

Burna Boy has received international acclaim in recent years, winning a Grammy Award and collaborating with major American artists. His partnership with Travis Scott on TaTaTa represents another cross continental collaboration in his expanding discography.

Olamide remains influential in Nigerian music, having released multiple albums and mentored emerging artists. The track 99 showcases collaboration among several Nigerian performers, demonstrating the interconnected nature of the country’s music industry.

Young Jonn and Seyi Vibez continue gaining recognition beyond Nigeria’s borders. Their inclusion on Obama’s playlist provides exposure to audiences who follow the former president’s cultural recommendations.

The 30 song playlist spans various musical styles and represents artists from multiple countries. Obama’s annual lists often introduce mainstream audiences to artists they might not encounter through conventional channels.

Social media response to the playlist announcement typically includes appreciation from featured artists and increased streaming activity for selected songs. The cultural impact of presidential endorsements extends beyond political influence into entertainment spheres.

Nigerian music has experienced growing international prominence over the past decade. Artists from the country regularly appear on global charts and collaborate with performers from other nations, expanding the reach of Afrobeats and related genres.

Obama’s playlist tradition differs from typical celebrity endorsements by maintaining consistency over multiple years. The annual release creates anticipation among music fans and artists hoping for inclusion on future lists.

The December 18 announcement aligns with Obama’s pattern of releasing year end cultural recommendations. He typically shares separate lists for books and films alongside the music playlist.

Tax relief, exchange rate stability and easing inflation are making the cost of doing business in Ghana cheaper and more predictable for traders, according to the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana.

The association says recent fiscal and macroeconomic adjustments are helping importers and exporters better manage operating costs, particularly those linked to foreign currency transactions, port charges and day-to-day trade expenses. In its annual review, Executive Secretary of IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said government efforts to streamline taxes are already yielding tangible benefits for businesses.

He pointed to the removal of the one percent COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and recent adjustments to VAT as key measures easing financial pressure on traders and improving cash flow. Awingobit stated that “the removal of nuisance levies and VAT adjustments are helping to reduce the cost burden on businesses and improve predictability.” Such reforms are critical for trade competitiveness, he added.

Exchange rate stability has also emerged as a major relief for traders who depend heavily on the US dollar for imports, freight and port-related charges. Awingobit noted that the Ghanaian cedi has shown relative stability and modest appreciation against the dollar, helping to moderate import costs and reduce pricing volatility.

The gains in the cedi are particularly important for importers, as they lower the effective cost of international transactions, according to the executive secretary. This improvement has been reinforced by a sustained decline in inflation, which has eased pressure on both businesses and households.

According to IEAG, lower inflation, improved exchange rate stability and declining borrowing costs are creating a more predictable operating environment. This enables traders to plan pricing, manage cash flows and make investment decisions with greater confidence than in previous periods when macroeconomic volatility disrupted business planning.

Beyond macroeconomic conditions, the association highlighted operational gains at Ghana’s ports as another positive development. Improved processes and greater use of digital tools are contributing to faster cargo clearance, shorter delays and increased transparency. IEAG said these efficiency gains are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises operating on thin margins.

Port inefficiencies have historically added significant costs to trade operations in Ghana, with delays creating storage charges, demurrage fees and inventory management challenges. The reported improvements in clearance times and transparency represent operational cost savings that complement the macroeconomic gains traders are experiencing.

While welcoming ongoing port modernisation, IEAG cautioned that the adoption of artificial intelligence in customs and port operations must be carefully managed. Awingobit said any AI-driven systems must be transparent, secure and fully integrated with Ghana’s existing trade platforms, especially the Integrated Customs Management System.

The association supports innovation, but digital upgrades must align seamlessly with national systems to avoid duplication, system conflicts or disruptions to trade, he emphasized. The warning reflects concerns that poorly implemented technology upgrades could reverse efficiency gains if they create compatibility issues or require traders to navigate multiple platforms.

Ghana has invested substantially in port digitisation in recent years, including the implementation of ICUMS and other trade facilitation systems. However, the introduction of competing or incompatible systems has occasionally created confusion and delayed clearance processes, making integration a priority for the business community.

IEAG stressed that sustaining the current gains will require consistent policy support, continued investment in infrastructure and the responsible deployment of technology. The association noted that while progress has been made, maintaining momentum depends on avoiding policy reversals and ensuring that regulatory changes support rather than undermine business planning.

The combination of tax relief, currency stability and inflation control represents a significant shift from the challenging operating environment traders faced in recent years. Ghana experienced severe currency depreciation and inflation spikes that disrupted import pricing, eroded profit margins and forced businesses to adjust pricing frequently.

The return to relative macroeconomic stability has allowed traders to operate with greater certainty about input costs and pricing strategies. This predictability is particularly valuable for businesses that must commit to supply contracts or inventory purchases months in advance.

Even so, the association believes that VAT relief, a steadier cedi, falling inflation and gradual digital upgrades are already helping traders operate in a more stable, predictable and business-friendly environment. The improvements are expected to support trade volumes and competitiveness as Ghana seeks to position itself as a regional trade hub.

IEAG represents businesses engaged in import and export activities across multiple sectors, including consumer goods, industrial inputs and agricultural products. The association’s assessment reflects the experience of traders operating at different scales and in various segments of Ghana’s trade economy.

The organization has historically advocated for policy reforms aimed at reducing trade costs and improving the business environment. Its positive assessment of recent changes suggests that government efforts to stabilise the economy and streamline trade processes are being recognised by the private sector.

By Erica Apeatua Addo 

Tarkwa (W/R), Dec 19, GNA-The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a galamsey operator, Ebenezer Amissah, to eight years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 13-year-old girl in a bush.  

He pleaded guilty with explanation.  

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Veronica Tibson told the court presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu that the complainant was related to the victim, a Junior High School student.  

She said the victim lived with her siblings at Mile 5, near Nsuaem, in the Western Region.  

ASP Tibson said on July 26, 2025, the victim’s grandmother asked her to buy bread for her and while on the way, she met Amissah within the vicinity and he started exhibiting sexual interest towards the victim and even claimed he was in love with her.  

On July 27, 2025, at about 2200 hours, the prosecutor said Amissah chanced on the victim and told her to meet him behind their bathroom so he could give her some dresses as a gift.  

She said when the victim arrived at the location, Amissah lured her into a nearby bush, covered her mouth with his palm, and had sexual intercourse with her on the ground.  

ASP Tibson added that the victim screamed for help, and his brother, along with some youth in the community rescued her, arrested the convict, and handed him over to the police.  

The complainant took the victim to the police station, made an official complaint, and was issued a medical report form to send the victim to the hospital for examination, treatment, and report.  

The prosecutor said the complainant returned the medical form endorsed by a medical officer at the Nsuaem Government hospital.  

According to her, Amissah in his investigation caution statement alleged the victim gave her consent before he committed the offence.  

The court, however, rejected his explanation and handed over the sentence to him.  

GNA  

Edited by Justina Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba  

Ghana’s benchmark interest rate has fallen sharply in 2025, but new Bank of Ghana data shows lending rates have not declined at the same pace, keeping borrowing costs relatively high for businesses and households.

Between January and October this year, the Ghana Reference Rate declined from 29.72 percent to 17.86 percent, a reduction of 11.86 percentage points representing a fall of about 39.9 percent. Over the same period, the Average Lending Rate declined from 30.07 percent to 22.22 percent, a reduction of 7.85 percentage points equivalent to about 26.1 percent.

The figures show that although both rates are falling, the benchmark rate is declining much faster than the rate borrowers actually pay. This gap means many businesses and households have not felt the full benefit of monetary policy easing despite expectations that borrowing would become cheaper.

The Ghana Reference Rate is the guiding rate used by all banks in Ghana when pricing loans. According to the Bank of Ghana, it serves as a transparent benchmark for borrowers and is calculated using three key interest rates in the financial system: the 91-day Treasury bill rate, the Monetary Policy Rate set by the Bank of Ghana, and the interbank overnight lending rate.

The Treasury bill rate reflects how much the government pays to borrow in the short term. The Monetary Policy Rate shows the central bank’s policy direction on interest rates. The interbank rate reflects how cheaply banks lend to one another. By averaging these three rates, the Ghana Reference Rate provides a benchmark that all banks refer to when determining loan prices.

When the Ghana Reference Rate goes down, it signals that borrowing conditions in the economy are easing and loans should eventually become cheaper. However, the Average Lending Rate, which represents the mean of lending rates charged by banks, does not imply that all borrowers access credit at the same rate, the Bank of Ghana notes.

This means some borrowers pay less than the average, while others, especially individuals and small businesses considered risky, may pay much more. This distinction explains why many borrowers have not felt the full benefit of the sharp fall in the reference rate.

While banks start loan pricing from the Ghana Reference Rate, they add extra charges based on risk, borrower profile, collateral and profit margins. As a result, lending rates tend to fall more slowly than benchmark rates, creating what economists describe as a lag effect.

The lag effect refers to the time it takes for changes in policy and benchmark rates to fully reflect in lending rates. The Bank of Ghana has acknowledged in its monetary policy communications that lending rates respond gradually due to credit risk considerations and the structure of banks’ funding costs.

For Ghanaian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, the slow decline in lending rates remains a major concern. High borrowing costs limit investment, expansion and job creation. For households, expensive loans make it difficult to access mortgages, personal loans and other forms of credit, even as inflation shows signs of easing.

The wider economy also feels the impact. Lower lending rates are expected to reduce production costs, support private sector growth and eventually ease the cost of goods and services. When lending rates do not respond quickly to falling benchmark rates, these benefits are delayed, limiting the transmission of monetary policy to the real economy.

The gap between benchmark and lending rates has implications for monetary policy effectiveness. Central banks reduce policy rates to stimulate economic activity by making credit cheaper and encouraging borrowing for investment and consumption. When commercial banks do not pass on rate cuts quickly, the intended economic stimulus is weakened.

Banks justify slower adjustments by pointing to credit risk, non-performing loans and funding costs that do not fall as quickly as policy rates. They argue that lending rates must account for the actual risk of default and the cost of mobilising deposits, which may remain elevated even when benchmark rates decline.

However, borrowers and business groups have consistently called for faster transmission of policy rate cuts to lending rates. They argue that the current gap undermines efforts to revive private sector activity and makes Ghana less competitive compared to countries where lending rates track policy rates more closely.

As the year comes to an end, borrowers will be watching closely to see whether banks allow the continued decline in the Ghana Reference Rate to reflect more strongly in lending rates. A faster adjustment would make credit more affordable, support economic activity and improve household welfare.

For now, the data shows a clear divergence. Ghana’s benchmark rate has fallen by almost 40 percent while lending rates have fallen by only about 26 percent. Until that gap narrows further, the promise of cheaper borrowing will remain only partially fulfilled for many Ghanaians seeking credit to expand businesses, purchase homes or meet other financial needs.

The Bank of Ghana continues to monitor the transmission of monetary policy to lending rates as part of its mandate to ensure price stability and support economic growth. How quickly commercial banks adjust their lending rates in response to further benchmark rate declines will determine whether monetary policy easing translates into tangible relief for borrowers.

Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has questioned the transparency of funding sources listed in the Sports Fund Bill, warning against what he described as a possible rebranding of betting tax.

Contributing to the debate on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Shaib expressed concern over references to proceeds from special sports lotteries.

“Speaker, are we looking at betting? Is that also a way to redirect the betting tax? Are we being real with this?” he asked.

He insisted that if betting tax is the intended source, Parliament should state it plainly.

“If it is betting tax, we should say it is 10 percent of fees and charges accrued from the Gaming Commission,” he said.

Mr. Shaib warned that lack of clarity could undermine public trust in the Sports Fund, urging lawmakers to pursue honesty and openness in sports financing.

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 government has officially revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, a law that allowed mining activities in forest reserves, as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, or “galamsey.”  

The revocation, which took effect on December 10, 2025, is seen as a significant victory for environmental activists and civil society groups who had long criticized the law for undermining forest protection. 

L.I. 2462 allowed mining in forest reserves, sparking concerns over environmental degradation. 

The revocation aims to strengthen forest conservation and combat illegal mining. 

Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, presented the revocation instrument to Parliament, citing the need to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and combat galamsey.  

Environmental advocacy group A Rocha Ghana welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for urgent action to halt illegal operations and restore degraded forests. 

Meanwhile, a statement released on Thursday by 17 environmental civil society groups in Ghana has expressed their gratitude to the government and Parliament for successfully revoking L.I. 2462, a regulation that exposed the country’s forest reserves to mining risks. 

“We, the undersigned, express our profound gratitude to the government of Ghana and Parliament for the successful revocation of L.I. 2462,” the statement read.  

The groups commended the Lands and Natural Resources Minister for his efforts in laying a new Legislative Instrument before Parliament to annul L.I. 2462. 

The revocation is seen as a significant step towards restoring Ghana’s forest estate, which had been depleted due to unsustainable mining practices.  

According to data, L.I. 2462 had exposed 89 per cent of forest reserves to mining, putting over 50 out of 288 reserves at risk. 

The statement recommended the review of Act 703, which explicitly prohibited mining in forest reserves, and a shift towards sustainable mining practices. 

It also called for the development and implementation of a national forest protection strategy to protect and restore Ghana’s forests. 

“Let us tackle artisanal mining, poaching, and illegal logging in forest reserves. 

“And further ensure effective implementation of the program to restore degraded areas,” it said. 

The statement asserts that an enhanced capacity to address new-age threats to Ghana’s forests is essential. 

The groups emphasized that the revocation of L.I. 2462 was just the beginning and urged the government to take further action to secure Ghana’s natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future. 

Source: GNA 

A new initiative has been launched to bridge the vehicle‑financing gap for commercial riders by integrating electric motorcycles into Ghana’s ride‑hailing and delivery sector. 

The programme, a collaboration between ride‑hailing company Bolt and mobility firm MAX, aims to shift riders from petrol‑powered motorcycles to electric models in response to rising fuel costs and urban pollution.  

It also seeks to reduce daily operating expenses for commercial riders while creating a pathway to ownership for those excluded from formal banking systems. 

Mr Enoch Amobire, Operations Manager at Bolt, told the Ghana News Agency that the partnership was driven by a shared vision to address what he described as the “triple threat” of vehicle accessibility, high fuel costs and frequent maintenance expenses. 

“One of the biggest challenges we have right now is vehicle access and the fact that drivers’ earnings are impacted by maintenance and fuel costs,” he said. 

Mr. Amobire said the programme uses a subscription‑based rent‑to‑own model, allowing riders to pay for the motorcycle through the Bolt app.  

“Notably, eligibility is determined by a rider’s performance and consistency on the platform rather than conventional credit scores, which often exclude hardworking drivers,” he added. 

Data from the initial rollout indicates that switching to electric motorcycles could reduce operating expenses by 40 to 50 per cent due to the removal of petrol costs and the lower mechanical complexity of electric motors. 

Addressing concerns about range and charging times, Mr Abolaji Odukoya, Country Operations Manager at MAX Mobility Ltd, said the programme relies on a battery‑swapping network.  

“Instead of waiting hours for a charge, riders can visit one of over 30 designated swap stations across Accra to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in less than five minutes,” he said. 

Mr Odukoya said the initiative also provides insurance for both the motorcycle and the rider, as well as access to a specialised maintenance network to ensure commercial riders remain operational during peak periods. 

The rollout aligns with recent transport policy developments, including the legalisation of commercial motorcycle operations under the “Okada Bill” and an eight‑year import duty exemption for electric vehicles used in public transport under the National Electric Vehicle Policy. 

National data shows that these incentives are having an impact, with electric vehicle registrations rising from 200 in 2022 to more than 1,200 by October 2025. 

Source: GNA 

Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine is the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice

Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has exceeded its 2025 recovery target by an unprecedented margin, recording the highest recoveries in the agency’s history, according to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on December 18, 2025, Dr Ayine disclosed that although EOCO set a GH¢200 million recovery target for the year, it has so far retrieved GH¢337.4 million, beating the target by GH¢133.4 million.

“The economic and organised crime unit has not only met its target but has gone beyond our expectations. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of the agency’s staff and the strength of our institutions,” Dr Ayine said.

‘I can’t tell when Ken Ofori-Atta will be brought back’ – Attorney General Ayine

He explained that the total figure includes direct and indirect recoveries. According to him, direct recoveries, which are paid into EOCO’s exhibit account, currently amount to about GH¢194 million. Indirect recoveries, paid straight to state bodies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority or the Consolidated Fund, stand at GH¢142.4 million.

Dr Ayine stressed that these sums relate to concluded cases and highlighted the critical role of leadership in driving institutional success.

“This achievement shows that while institutions matter, strong leadership is essential for them to function effectively,” he noted.

The Attorney-General also disclosed that Ghana has recovered more than $15 million from an international organised online crime syndicate that defrauded citizens through cryptocurrency schemes. Speaking at the same event, he praised EOCO and other investigative bodies for safeguarding Ghana’s financial interests.

He explained that EOCO relied on domestic laws to freeze and retrieve virtual assets concealed abroad. As a result, on November 19, 2025, Zodia Custody converted the seized crypto assets and transferred $15,191,730.13 into EOCO’s exhibit account.

Dr Ayine said the criminal network deliberately targeted Ghanaians and laundered the stolen funds using digital currencies such as Bitcoin and USDT.

He described the recovery as a major win for law enforcement, noting that millions of dollars siphoned out of the country had been successfully brought back.

He added that affected victims will be identified and compensated, stressing that the recovery underscores the government’s determination to tackle transnational cybercrime, strengthen oversight in the financial and digital sectors, and uphold the rule of law.

Extradition of Ken Ofori-Atta, Ernest Akore now in the hands of US authorities – Dr Ayine

AK/AM