A U.S. Army Major, Kojo Owusu Dartey, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a firearms smuggling operation to Ghana.

Dartey, 42, was found guilty by a jury on April 23, 2024, and convicted of multiple offences, including conspiracy, dealing in firearms without a licence, and smuggling goods from the United States.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Dartey played a key role in a 16-defendant marriage fraud scheme involving soldiers at Fort Liberty and foreign nationals from Ghana. He later provided a tip that led to the prosecution of the case.

During the trial of U.S. v. Agyapong between June 28 and July 2, 2021, Dartey lied under oath about his sexual relationship with a defence witness. Additionally, while the trial was ongoing, he purchased seven firearms in the Fort Liberty area and enlisted a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to acquire three more firearms and send them to North Carolina.

Dartey then concealed the weapons inside blue barrels, hiding them under rice and household goods. With the help of an Army Chief Warrant Officer, he smuggled the barrels out of the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, on a container ship destined for the Port of Tema in Ghana.

The smuggling attempt was thwarted when the Ghana Revenue Authority discovered the hidden firearms upon arrival at the Port of Tema. The seizure was subsequently reported to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attaché in Ghana and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.

Announcing the sentencing, Daniel Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, underscored the severity of the offences. The case was investigated by the ATF, the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement.

Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II presided over the sentencing, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Diaz prosecuted the case.

Dartey’s conviction highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to curb illegal arms trafficking and ensure that those who violate federal law face justice.

The Acting Head of the Ghana Customs Laboratory, Samuel Akrofi, has said the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has successfully reduced the number of uncleared containers at the Tema Port from 4,600 to 3,600, marking a 21.7 percent drop within ten days.

According to him, the pile-up, which started in July 2024 due to scanner breakdowns, had been slowing down trade and increasing congestion at the port.

“The breakdown of scanning equipment led to delays in processing cargo. By December, the number of containers at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) had risen to 4,600. The situation was getting out of hand,” he said.

“The companies responsible for the scanners made efforts to resolve the breakdowns by flying in experts, but the issues persisted, causing significant delays,” Mr Akrofi said on Eye on Port, a programme by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

To address the issue, he said Customs introduced new measures in January 2025. One key action was to move uncleared containers to internal container depots (ICDs), where they would undergo physical inspection instead of being scanned.

“We needed to clear the backlog without compromising security, so we transferred the containers to depots like the Golden Jubilee Terminal for further checks,” Akrofi noted.

He emphasised that although the containers were not scanned, they were strictly inspected manually to ensure that security was maintained.

“The scanners complement our work, but Customs has other technologies and processes to verify shipments. We did not take any risks,” he said.

Also, he said beyond addressing the backlog, Customs is making efforts to improve efficiency in cargo clearance through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) – a digital platform that streamlines trade processes by reducing paperwork, enhancing risk management and improving collaboration among agencies.

Furthermore, he highlighted that Customs has shifted from a border-focused approach to a supply chain-based system.

“We no longer just check goods at the border. Now, we track shipments throughout the supply chain using technology. The use of risk profiling allows trusted traders to clear goods faster, while high-risk traders face stricter checks,” he elaborated.

Moreover, he noted that Customs is also focused on increasing government revenue. Akrofi said that instead of checking every single shipment, it will use data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify non-compliant traders.

“Most shipments are compliant, but a few pose a security threat. Our job is to find and stop those ones without slowing down the entire process,” he explained.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Ocloo, has vis­ited some major mar­kets in Accra to assess sanitation challenges and outline plans for improvement.

The tour, which included the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Kane­shie, and Lapaz markets, was part of the National Democratic Congress’ “Clean Up Ghana” initiative.

During the visit, Ms Ocloo em­phasised that sanitation and waste management remained key priorities and announced plans to introduce a comprehensive waste management policy aimed at ensuring cleaner public spaces.

She said her plans would focus on promoting waste segregation, provid­ing garbage bins in public areas, and strengthening the sanitation depart­ments of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to improve efficiency.

She stressed the need for teamwork and dedication to achieve a cleaner and healthier Greater Accra, adding “The people of this region deserve a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous environment.”

The minister acknowledged the challenges facing the markets and assured traders and residents that solutions would be developed.

One major concern she raised was the increase in unauthorised struc­tures put up by traders, particularly in online markets.

Ms Ocloo revealed plans to partner with the Office of the President to address this and also a meet all coor­dinating directors to discuss measures and ways to improve sanitation.

Furthermore, Ms Ocloo em­phasised that sanitation and waste management were top priorities and announced plans to implement a comprehensive waste management policy under the National Demo­cratic Congress’ “Clean Up Ghana” initiative.

She also emphasised that achieving a clean environment would require teamwork and dedication from all stakeholders, adding that the people of Greater Accra deserve a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous region.

The minister assured traders and residents that the government was committed to ensuring a cleaner envi­ronment and urged everyone to play their part in maintaining sanitation in public spaces.

She described the visit as signif­icant, stating that it had helped the team to understand the real issues on the ground.

She reiterated that tackling these challenges would require proper planning and collaboration with coordinating directors and service providers.

 BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG

The Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Dr John Kwakye is opposing the idea of the lawmaker for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako to petition the  International Monetary Fund (IMF)  over the appointment of Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

Dr Kwakye says although the Fund may have jurisdiction over Ghana’s External Credit Facility (ECF), it does not have power over who becomes the Governor of the central bank.

He questioned the basis of roping in the Fund in the matter of the nomination of Dr Johnson Asiama as the Governor following the exit of Dr Ernest Addison.

Dr Kwakye’s comments come at a time when the Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised President John Dramani Mahama for allowing the discontinuation of criminal charges against Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, the acting Governor of the central bank.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 5th February, the Minority, led by Dr Gideon Boako, insisted that the prosecution should be allowed to proceed despite Dr Asiama’s appointment.

They argued that dropping the charges raises serious concerns about governance and accountability.

According to the Minority, the decision to discontinue the case could have far-reaching economic and political consequences for Ghana.

“Political and economic risk analysts will not be kind to Ghana given that some global financial institutions may refuse to do business with Ghana due to the uncertainty over these charges being re-instated by a future Attorney-General. This will likely increase the cost of Ghana’s international transactions,” they warned.

They stressed that halting the prosecution does not equal to clearing Dr Asiama of wrongdoing and that a future government could still reinstate the charges, potentially undermining confidence in his decisions as BoG Governor.

The Minority further questioned the implications of Dr Asiama’s position on Ghana’s international financial standing.

They argued that allowing an individual with unresolved legal issues to lead the central bank could create uncertainties in financial policymaking and damage Ghana’s credibility on the global stage.

As a result, the Minority announced plans to formally notify the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of their concerns.

“We will be writing to the IMF to draw attention to this, given that he will also, as Governor of the Bank, be a member of the IMF Board of Governors, exposing Ghana to international ridicule,” they stated.

They emphasised that transparency and accountability should not be compromised, particularly at a time when Ghana is under an IMF programme and requires strong financial leadership.

Reacting to this on his X page, Dr Kwakye said “Why should the IMF be brought into this matter? Can’t we deal with our issues internally ourselves? Even if it’s a legal issue, don’t we have our internal legal structures to address it?

https://t.co/RkaN4p2VsH. Those who think we should bring the IMF in to resolve our internal matters suffer from colonial mentality, to say the least. The IMF may have jurisdiction over our ECF program, but certainly not over the appointment of our central bank governor.

— J. K. Kwakye (@JohnKwabenaKwa1) February 5, 2025

“Dr Boako’s stated intention to petition the IMF in a purely internal matter shows his naivety and immaturity. Has he exhausted all internal structures and processes? And, by the way, when did the IMF become our schoolmaster?

https://t.co/RkaN4p3tif. Dr Buako’s stated intention to petition the IMF in a purely internal matter shows his naivety and immaturity. Has he exhausted all internal structures and processes? And, by the way, when did the IMF become our school master?

— J. K. Kwakye (@JohnKwabenaKwa1) February 5, 2025

“Those who think we should bring the IMF in to resolve our internal matters suffer from colonial mentality, to say the least. The IMF may have jurisdiction over our ECF program, but certainly not over the appointment of our central bank governor.”

https://t.co/RkaN4p3tif. Dr Buako’s stated intention to petition the IMF in a purely internal matter shows his naivety and immaturity. Has he exhausted all internal structures and processes? And, by the way, when did the IMF become our school master?

— J. K. Kwakye (@JohnKwabenaKwa1) February 5, 2025

As Ghana continues to evolve into a modern economic hub within West Africa and Africa at large, the concept of a 24-hour economy is gaining more attention than before. While it is not yet official policy, the potential of round-the-clock operations promises to revolutionize how businesses, supply chains, and consumers interact.

With growing urbanization, technological advancements, and increasing consumer demands, preparing for this shift is not just “Dwin Hw3 Kan”—it is essential for Ghana’s economic future.

The Potential Role of Just-In-Time (JIT) Strategy in a 24-Hour Economy

If Ghana were to transition to a 24-hour economy, the Just-In-Time (JIT) strategy would become an indispensable tool for streamlining operations. JIT minimizes inventory levels by ensuring goods are delivered exactly when needed, reducing waste and costs.

This approach would align perfectly with the demands of a 24/7 economy, where businesses would need to balance speed and efficiency without overstocking.

For example, retailers and logistics providers in Accra, Tamale, Western-Central and Kumasi could benefit from implementing JIT practices to meet consumer expectations for faster service while avoiding the financial burden of excessive inventory.

However, achieving this would require a robust infrastructure, reliable supplier networks, and investment in technology to track and manage inventory in real time. Preparing for such a framework now could ease the eventual transition when the 24-hour economy becomes a reality.

Preparing for Velocity: Anticipating Consumer Expectations

A 24-hour economy would bring an accelerated pace to Ghana’s supply chains. Customer expectations for rapid delivery, already evident in sectors like e-commerce and grocery delivery, would become the norm. Businesses must begin rethinking lead times and streamlining order-to-delivery cycles to adapt to this future demand.

Companies such as Jumia, Shopnaw, and supermarkets like Melcom and KFC can use the current landscape as a testing ground to refine their logistics capabilities and position themselves for a seamless shift when 24/7 operations become policy.

The Need for Agility and Resilience

Speed alone is not enough. Ghana’s businesses must prioritize building supply chains that are agile and resilient, able to withstand disruptions such as inconsistent road infrastructure, no rails, unpredictable fuel prices, and fluctuating market demands. Preparing for a 24-hour economy involves developing flexible resource allocation strategies, contingency plans, and robust partnerships to address potential challenges. For instance, logistics companies operating out of Tema and Takoradi ports can begin enhancing their capacity to handle increased trade flows and irregular operating hours.

Technology: The Foundation for 24/7 Readiness

Technology will be the cornerstone of Ghana’s ability to implement and sustain a 24-hour economy. While many businesses are already adopting solutions like real-time tracking, automated warehouses, and predictive analytics, scaling these technologies will be critical. Investing in IoT devices for visibility, blockchain for secure data sharing, and AI-powered demand forecasting tools will enable businesses to operate more efficiently and respond proactively to market trends.

Workforce Development: Preparing for 24/7 Operations

Transitioning to a 24-hour economy will have significant implications for workforce management. Businesses must begin preparing now by upskilling employees to handle advanced technologies and data-driven operations. Shift work and flexible scheduling will also require careful planning to ensure worker productivity and satisfaction. Establishing talent development programs in partnership with educational institutions and industry leaders can create a skilled workforce ready to support round-the-clock operations.

Collaboration as a Strategic Imperative

Ghana’s businesses must recognize that no single entity can prepare for or manage a 24-hour economy alone. Developing collaborative ecosystems that involve suppliers, logistics providers, technology vendors, and policymakers is essential. Early investments in building trust-based partnerships and integrating data-sharing mechanisms will provide a solid foundation for the coordinated planning and rapid response required in a future 24/7 operating environment.

Balancing Costs While Building Capacity

Preparing for a 24-hour economy also means balancing the costs of readiness with long-term profitability. Operating around the clock will increase expenses related to labour, energy, transportation, and technology. Companies must focus on optimizing processes now to avoid overburdening their budgets later. For example, exploring renewable energy options to power logistics hubs and adopting advanced inventory optimization techniques can mitigate operational costs while enhancing efficiency.

Charting the Path Ahead

Although Ghana has yet to officially implement a 24-hour economy, the groundwork for such a transformation must begin now. Businesses, policymakers, and supply chain leaders must align efforts to build the infrastructure, technological capacity, and workforce necessary for this shift. The benefits of a 24/7 economy—enhanced consumer satisfaction, increased productivity, and stronger global competitiveness—far outweigh the challenges, but only if the transition is thoughtfully planned and executed.

The future of Ghana’s economy is bright, and preparing for round-the-clock operations is a critical step toward achieving sustainable growth. By starting the journey today, Ghana can position itself as a leader in Africa’s supply chain innovation and ensure its readiness for a dynamic and competitive global marketplace.

All stakeholders should consider the Power of Now.

The time to act is now because in a 24/7 world, standing still is not an option.

Author’s Note: This article reflects my personal observations and research in Ghana’s digital finance sector. While I’ve attempted to be comprehensive, market conditions and user preferences continue to evolve. Please feel free to critique my work and share feedback with me. Let’s learn and seek knowledge together.

About the Author

Precious Baidoo is a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of experience in Supply Chain Management. He holds a Master’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management and is CIPS, GIPS and CMILT certified. He is also a certified Digital Finance Practitioner (CDFP) with a deep interest in digital payments, digital identity, and emerging technologies, Precious blends his expertise with a passion for innovation. A lifelong learner and student of life, He is committed to continuous growth and leveraging knowledge to drive transformative solutions.

The Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd (ECG) has recovered over GH¢29 million from its debtors in the Greater Accra Region through the intervention of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).   

The GH¢29,080,692.20 is out of a total indebtedness of GH¢33,807,691.20 for 2024, which was paid by 17 institutions – public and private.   

Madam Gifty Bruce-Nelson, the Greater Accra Regional Manager, PURC, said this at a media briefing on the various interventions the Commission had undertaken to provide quality services to citizens and ensure utilities’ viability and sustainability.  

She said the PURC, after writing to some customers to settle their debts to avoid disconnection, the 17 institutions, including Parliament, paid.   

Madam Bruce-Nelson said some customers within the region in 2024 had some adjustments (financial payments) totaling GH¢867,535.67, made in their favour after lodging complaints against ECG to the Commission.   

“In 2023, adjustments made and paid to customers amounted to GH¢634,167.48. We ensure that customers that have genuine cases are sorted out. Most often residential customers hardly owe huge amounts, it is the industries and government agencies,” she said.   

Madam Bruce-Nelson said the regional office received a total of 1,444 complaints against regulated utilities during the year under review, out of which came 1,436 complaints, representing 99 per cent that had been resolved.  

She said out of the 1,444 complaints, there were 1,151 against ECG, 207 against Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and 86 made by ECG against customers.   

“In 2023 the regional office received total complaints of 1,726 and out of this 1,584 representing 92 per cent were resolved,” the Regional Manager said.   

In a presentation on PURC’s Annual Year Complaints and Public Relations Activities for 2024, the sources of complaints were the electronic media with 778, phone-in complaints 267, written complaints 184, walk-in complaints 108, and field complaints 65.   

Top among them was quality of service, billing, metering, consumer service delivery, and unlawful disconnection.   

Source: GNA  

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), George Abradu Otoo, has vowed to reposition the company to ensure consistent food availability and contribute to price stability in the domestic market.

This will be done through the implementation of existing and introduction of new initiatives to curb inflation.

Currently, the country’s 13 of the top 15 inflation-driving items are food-related.

NAFCO, a wholly government-owned entity, is tasked with purchasing surplus maize, rice, millet, beans, sorghum, and soybeans from farmers, preserving these staples, and distributing them to state institutions.

Speaking exclusively to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a handover ceremony in Accra on Monday, February 3, Mr. Abradu-Otoo, an agricultural expert, outlined his vision for the company.

“Our focus is to fulfill our mandate by ensuring greater public access to foodstuffs, storing them for the lean season, and guaranteeing fair prices for farmers,” he said.

Despite advancements over the years, food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Ghana, with the World Food Programme (WFP) estimating that over one million people in the country are food insecure, while one million children under five are chronically malnourished.

Mr Abradu-Otoo reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening NAFCO’s operations by diligently working towards supporting the Government’s reset agenda through ensuring that food security was a tangible reality for all Ghanaians.

He acknowledged that while the company’s framework appeared solid on paper, a thorough review of its operations and financials was necessary to effectively reposition the buffer stock system.

Mr Abradu-Otoo commended the outgoing CEO and the NAFCO Board for laying a strong foundation and pledged to build on their achievements.

He expressed his intention to leverage the expertise of the outgoing CEO, the Board Chair, and all relevant stakeholders to enhance the company’s role in ensuring food security.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab, the immediate past CEO, urged his successor to prioritise initiatives that would improve long-term storage infrastructure.

Addressing NAFCO staff, Mr Abdul-Wahab said, “This marks a new phase for NAFCO. Give your full support to the new leadership in the interest of Ghana.”

Reflecting on his nearly eight-year tenure, he stated that there had been expansion of licensed buying companies from 100 to 1,200 and the extension of operations to all 16 regions, up from the previous three regional centres in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Northern regions.

Additionally, NAFCO’s storage capacity has grown to 100,000 metric tonnes, thanks to rehabilitation efforts and the One District-One Warehouse initiative.

The company also played a critical role in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, supplying food items to over 700 secondary schools nationwide.

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An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is expected in Accra Ghana from this weekend, February 8, 2025 to hold crucial discussions with government.

The discussions will center on the economy and the 2025 Budget, which sources say will be presented in Parliament in March 2025.

Other issues on the agenda during the five-day visit and meetings will be an assessment of progress made by government on negotiations with External Commercial Creditors and the Energy Sector debts.  

In addition, the IMF would seek some clarity on government’s plans to deal with the country’s energy situation and talks about privatising parts of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) operations.

Fourth Review and IMF visit

Sources have told JOYBUSINESS the visit is not a Review Mission, but an engagement that will focus mainly on the economy and the 2025 Budget.

The IMF is expected to carry out the fourth review of Ghana’s programme later this year.

The review, will be based on fiscal data on the economy ending December 2024.

If Ghana passes the test, the IMF will release another tranche of cash to the Bank of Ghana around June this year.

2025 Budget and discussions on the economy

As part of the assessment, the IMF will ensure that the 2025 Budget is in line with the Fund’s programme with Ghana, particularly to improve revenue mobilization.

Ghana’s programme with the IMF is centered on revenue mobilization and reducing the country’s debt stock to sustainable levels. 

Sources say the team will for instance seek clarity on government’s plans to fill the revenue hole that will be created, if the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson goes ahead to remove taxes like the Betting Tax, Covid-19 Levy and the E-Levy. 

It is estimated that Ghana could lose about 10 billion cedis every year, if the Finance Minister goes ahead to remove the taxes.

Also, the team will seek more answers on plans to re-set the economy and its impact the overall programme.

Programme Extension and more funding from the IMF

Dr.  Forson recently disclosed plans to push for an extension of the programme to seek additional funds to help stabilize the economy.

The visit will therefore offer both government and the IMF an opportunity to finalize discussions on this proposal.

The IMF has maintained that even though it is opened to talks aimed at reviewing the programme, any agreement that will be reached, must be in line with the broader focus of the programme.

Ghana’s Programme with the IMF

Since Ghana signed up to the IMF programme in May 2023, it has received about US$1.9 billion to support the economy.

The IMF in a statement after Ghana passed the third review, described the programme performance as generally satisfactory, with remarkable progress on debt restructuring.

“Economic growth in the first half of 2024 exceeded expectations, inflation has continued to decline, and the fiscal and external positions have showed marked improvements”, it added.

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Stack of newspapers | File photo

Below are some of today’s major news headlines:

THE CHRONICLE

Custody Blues: Baaba Sam still keeping child despite court orders

Nitiwul blows cover of ‘NDC land grabbers’

W/R chiefs approve Mahama’s ORAL

THE DAILY DISPATCH

Freemasonry is compatible with catholicism – A grandmaster responds to Bishop Osei-Bonsu

Prez Mahama nominates first batch of 13 deputy ministers

We will not allow those with NPP 2028 agenda to use Bawumia as a scapegoat – NPP guru

THE GHANAIAN TIMES

New Hajj fare pegged at GHC62,000

Give indigenes of employment at James Town Harbour

THE NEW CRUSADING GUIDE

Aowin traditional council members exposed

KD Asante leaves Ghana Gas

THE DAILY SEARCHLIGHT

Unclear mandate stops ‘Bagbin C’ttee’

“Sobolo” is natural cure for hypertension

Mahama submits lists of Deputy ministerial nominees to Parliament