Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, Larry Dogbey, has criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for using Facebook to announce the temporary closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., instead of issuing an official government statement.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 27, Dogbey said a matter of such gravity demanded a formal communication approach. He cautioned that relying on social media for high-level decisions could erode public trust and weaken government credibility.

“This is a very damning thing. You just do not go on your Facebook page and put a thing like that there. Issue an official statement and sign it, or use your PR office and explain what you found and that it is being investigated further. Then it becomes a government statement. But putting it on your Facebook makes you open yourself up for some of this attack,” he stated.

The minister’s announcement, posted on Monday, May 26, revealed that the embassy had been temporarily shut down following the findings of a special audit. The audit uncovered a fraudulent scheme involving abuse of office and financial misconduct at the mission.

According to Ablakwa, the closure is part of a broader effort “to finalise the ongoing restructuring and systems overhaul” within the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s operations abroad.

He described the decision as regrettable but necessary to protect integrity and restore public confidence in Ghana’s foreign service.

However, Dogbey insisted that while the decision itself was laudable, the channel of communication was inappropriate.

“This isn’t a personal issue, it’s a national crisis involving an international mission. The appropriate channel would have been an official press release, backed by the Ministry, to show leadership, transparency, and seriousness,” he said.

Ablakwa’s Embassy shutdown sends strong anti-corruption message – Elikem Kotoko

President John Mahama has outlined a comprehensive strategy to sustain the recovery of the economy, focusing on fiscal discipline, private sector collaboration and innovative financing. 

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana CEO Summit in Accra yesterday, the President emphasised the need to learn from past mistakes while charting a sustainable path forward.  

The summit, which was on the theme: “Leading Ghana’s economic reset: Transforming business and governance for a sustainable futuristic economy,” brought together government officials, including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama; Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, and Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Seth Emmanuel Terkper.

Others were captains of business and investors who discussed collaborative solutions for national development.  

Past lessons

President Mahama highlighted the economic achievements of his previous administration (2013-2016), including the introduction of medium-term bonds, a sinking fund for debt repayment and responsible Eurobond issuances.

He, however, said that subsequent mismanagement had led to the country’s first-ever debt default, which the President said had eroded investor confidence and shrunk the private sector.  

To help sustain a resilient economy, President Mahama detailed an eight-point plan to restore economic stability and growth.  

Measures

First, the President said the government would ensure a disciplined completion of the IMF Extended Credit Facility programme, with plans to exit by 2026 and transition to a Policy Support Instrument for long-term fiscal responsibility.  

He said they would also work to reopen access to domestic and international capital markets, and ensure future borrowing was tied to commercially viable projects that can self-finance repayments.  

President Mahama said amendments to the Public Financial Management Act would make contributions to sovereign funds mandatory, while local governments would be empowered to issue infrastructure bonds for development projects.  

Next, he said the government would clear verified arrears based on an upcoming Auditor-General’s report, and enforce stricter controls on new expenditures to prevent recurring debt.  

The President said public financial management reforms would be accelerated, including the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and real-time budget monitoring systems to enhance transparency.  

He said the Ghana Ex-Im Bank would be repositioned to support non-traditional exports, agro-processing, and SMEs to boost foreign exchange earnings and job creation.  

Additionally, President Mahama said the government would pursue its ambition of becoming West Africa’s commercial and digital hub, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for expanded trade and investment.  

He gave an assurance that critical infrastructure projects in roads, energy and housing would resume through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing models rather than excessive borrowing.  

Business platform

President Mahama further announced the establishment of a National Business Consultative Platform, which will convene twice a year to align government policies with industry needs, adding, “We will borrow responsibly to avoid crowding out private sector credit”.

He commended businesses that had reduced prices following the cedi’s appreciation and urged others to follow suit to ease the burden on consumers.  

“The time has come to lift the gloom, restore confidence and build again. Together, we can reset Ghana’s economy for a prosperous future.”

Inflation outlook

The BoG Governor highlighted improvement in economic indicators, saying headline inflation declined to 21.2 per cent in April 2025, down by 2.6 percentage points since the start of the year.

He projected that inflation would return to the BoG’s target band of 8±2% by early 2026, through disciplined monetary policy and foreign exchange market reforms.

The cedi has also appreciated by 24.1 per cent against the US dollar year-to-date, driven by enhanced remittance channels and stricter market surveillance rather than reserve depletion.  

“Our growth prospects remain strong as our real sector indicators are all pointing to a pickup in economic activities, mainly driven by exports, credit to the private sector and construction activities,” Dr Asiama said.

The Governor also outlined structural reforms, including a new Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) policy requiring banks to hold reserves in the same currency as their liabilities, effective June 5, 2025.

He challenged CEOs to drive Ghana’s economic reset through a four-point “CEO Manifesto” of boosting productivity via innovation, investing in future-ready talent, expanding value-added exports and upholding strong governance. 

Public-private dialogue

To improve policy alignment, Dr Asiama said the BoG would launch a CEO Forum for structured engagement with industry leaders, inspired by global models such as the US Federal Reserve’s regional councils.

The bank has also begun inviting business representatives to observe Monetary Policy Committee meetings to ground decisions in real-time market insights.

The Governor also announced plans to regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) by September 2025, to address the country’s growing crypto adoption.

Other initiatives include operationalising Open Banking guidelines, embedding climate risks into supervision, and reviving domestic capital markets through SOE listings and bond market reforms.

Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has raised GH¢2.23 billion through the issuance of 56-day bills in its latest open market operation (OMO), as the central bank sustains efforts to absorb excess liquidity and reinforce its monetary policy stance.

The auction, conducted on Monday, May 26, 2025, cleared at an interest rate of 28%, aligning with recent monetary policy rate levels as the BoG seeks to anchor inflation expectations and support the cedi amid ongoing macroeconomic adjustments.

The central bank did not disclose the total amount of bids received from participating banks, nor did it indicate a target size for the operation.

BoG bill, which is a short-term debt instrument issued under the central bank’s liquidity management framework, is a key monetary policy tool deployed to sterilise liquidity in the banking sector and steer short-term interest rates.

While not classified as traditional government debt, proceeds from such issuances are often used to provide short-term financing to the Treasury.

Market participants in the May 26, OMO viewed the outcome as consistent with the BoG’s current tightening bias, with the 28% yield on the bills broadly in line with the bank’s policy rate.

The central bank, which maintained its policy rate at 28% at its most recent MPC meeting, has reiterated its focus on stabilising prices while supporting economic recovery under an IMF-supported programme.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Economist and professor of finance, Godfred Alufar Bokpin, has raised red flags about Ghana’s potential premature exit from its IMF programme in late 2025, warning that the country may not be ready to stand on its own feet without the oversight and support.

Professor Bokpin voiced strong concerns during a discussion on the Joy FM Super Morning Show today, May 27.

“Given our current progress, if we essentially exit by December 2025 when reviews are complete around mid-2026, I think it will be premature to say, ‘yes, we’re walking away completely’. I see the government’s damage control approach of transitioning to a policy support instrument rather than full exit, but the reality is we all would prefer Ghana to stand independently,” he underscored.

Ghana has sought IMF help 17 times since independence, with previous premature exits leading to quick relapses.

Professor Bokpin highlighted Ghana’s troubling history without IMF supervision: “If you check our records with the IMF, the government is actually more accountable to citizens when under an IMF programme. There’s greater transparency, collaboration and disclosure to the people of Ghana under IMF supervision than when we’re on our own.”

He was particularly concerned about alarming discrepancies in Ghana’s fiscal reporting, with the two major political parties in Ghana using different formulas when it suited them.

He believes this does not present a standard framework to identify the critical problems and propose effective solutions.

“In early 2022, when we highlighted that the Bank of Ghana was monetising debt (essentially printing more cedis), the central bank denied it. We said, ‘Wait until the IMF applies their Debt Sustainability Framework.’ The truth came out – our debt-to-GDP ratio in present value terms was 109%, while before the IMF came in, we were reporting less than 80%. Ghana’s public debt had become multiple choice – you picked the number based on which party you supported.”

While Professor Bokpin acknowledged some economic gains, he pointed to persisting institutional weaknesses.

Professor Bokpin further questioned whether Ghana had developed sufficient institutional maturity,”We’ve aged but haven’t matured. On our own, we can’t hold ourselves to the accountability and discipline required for medium- to long-term progress. Can we demonstrate operational independence of a Fiscal Council that provides real oversight, not just theoretical?”

Some experts have proposed that Ghana maintain some form of IMF engagement beyond 2025 while strengthening domestic fiscal oversight institutions.

Other proposals have included the implementation of binding fiscal rules with enforcement mechanisms and enhancing transparency in debt reporting and monetary operations.

Economists warn that without maintaining discipline, Ghana risks repeating its boom-bust cycle and returning to the IMF sooner than expected.

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.

A delegation of 32 Dutch agribusiness leaders from 19 companies is embarking on a high-impact trade mission aimed at strengthening Dutch-Ghanaian collaboration in Ghana’s burgeoning horticultural sector.

The mission, which will be led by the Dutch Vice Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr Marten van den Berg, will take place from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana in partnership with the Netherlands-Africa Business Council (NABC), the mission convenes companies, government institutions, and knowledge organisations from both countries.

Its objective is to explore business opportunities, foster sustainable trade, and build partnerships across the horticultural value chain.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the Netherlands’ ongoing commitment to integrating development cooperation with private sector engagement in Ghana. Through business matchmaking sessions, site visits, and policy dialogues, the mission aims to:

• Stimulate interest among Dutch businesses to invest in Ghana’s growing horticulture sector;
• Showcase how development cooperation contributes to an improved business climate; and
• Identify challenges businesses face when considering investment in Ghana, using those insights to inform Dutch agricultural policy.

In his address at the Horticulture Trade Mission Reception at the Dutch Embassy in Accra, Mr Marten van den Berg remarked, “This networking event exemplifies how collaboration comes to life, with so many organisations and institutions from both Ghana and the Netherlands coming together, including robust government-to-government engagement. Our shared goal is to deepen this partnership and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.”

The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr Jeroen Verheul, added, “Within this broader partnership, our focus for trade and investment lies particularly in horticulture and cocoa—two sectors where Dutch expertise and Ghanaian potential are strongly aligned. Through strategic programmes and private initiatives, we seek to strengthen value chains, support innovation, and create long-term opportunities for businesses in both countries.”

High-level engagements and practical collaboration

Highlights of the mission include:

• A business reception bringing together Ghanaian government officials and key stakeholders in horticulture and trade.
• Site visits to leading horticultural enterprises in the Volta Region, such as Iribov and Fruitmaster Greenhouse;
• A Farmer Field Day, organised by Ghanaian smallholder farmers, the Horticultural Business Platform, and Dutch agricultural firms operating in Ghana.

These activities will spotlight the impact of Dutch expertise in seed development, sustainable greenhouse production, cold-chain logistics, agri-financing, and vocational training, especially in promoting farming as a business to students.

A Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking session will be held, where 40 Ghanaian institutions and firms will be connected to members of the Dutch delegation.

Furthermore, a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Agricultural Working Group will be signed between Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, H.E. Eric Opoku, and Vice Minister Marten van den Berg. This signing represents a renewed commitment to shared goals and ongoing cooperation in agricultural development.

The first Agricultural Working Group meeting of the year will also serve to officially inaugurate the Technical Working Groups, which will focus on three key areas: seeds, agribusiness, and cocoa.

A catalyst for investment and innovation

This mission is not solely about trade, it seeks to build lasting relationships. The Netherlands believes that fostering a stable and inclusive business environment through development cooperation ultimately enhances investment outcomes.

First-hand insights from both Dutch and Ghanaian stakeholders are essential to formulating aligned and effective policies.

Dutch companies will be encouraged to tap into Ghana’s dynamic agricultural sector, contributing to innovation, job creation, and food security. The initiative also reinforces the Netherlands’ role as a reliable, long-term partner in Ghana’s agricultural transformation.

Speaking at the reception, Vice Minister van den Berg noted, “Dutch farmers have set high benchmarks for productivity, efficiency, and innovation—building an agrifood sector that drives economic growth and enhances food security. Ghana also recognises the value of agricultural innovation. Collaboration, therefore, is crucial.”

Ambassador Jeroen Verheul echoed this sentiment, “This trade mission—comprising 19 Dutch companies—reflects our shared ambition to deepen commercial ties and explore new avenues for joint value creation. The Netherlands values partnerships rooted in local realities, aligned with national priorities, and grounded in mutual benefit. Ghana is not just an investment destination, but a strategic partner in achieving inclusive and sustainable development.”

HortiTrade: The Netherlands and Ghana in numbers

The timing of this mission is particularly significant. In the face of climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanisation, improving agricultural productivity and sustainability is now central to policy discussions.

Agriculture accounts for 22.2% of Ghana’s GDP and employs 40% of the workforce. Despite this, local production of staples such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions continues to lag behind rising demand. Moreover, there is an increasing urban appetite for nutritious and high-value crops such as cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage.

Ghana’s horticulture sector is therefore emerging as a major growth area, recording a 10% growth rate in 2024, well above the overall agricultural growth of 3%.

Despite the fact that 80% of sown seed in Ghana still originates from informal seed systems, imports of Dutch quality seeds have risen sharply, up 55% year-on-year, from €1.8 million in 2023 to €2.8 million in 2024. Ghana is now the second-largest importer of Dutch horticultural seeds in West Africa.

Nonetheless, the country still relies heavily on fresh fruit and vegetable imports, emphasising the need for deeper collaboration beyond input supply to the development of the full horticultural value chain.

As the second-largest agricultural exporter in the world, the Netherlands boasts a private sector filled with global leaders in cutting-edge agriculture. The integration of Dutch expertise and Ghanaian opportunity presents a compelling win–win proposition for sustainable agricultural transformation.

This is particularly relevant in light of the recently launched Feed Ghana Programme, inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama on 11th April 2025.

The initiative aims to enhance domestic vegetable production through backyard and community gardening, promote institutional farming to empower youth, and revitalise the country’s poultry sector.

The Netherlands is already active in Ghana’s education sector, working with tertiary and agricultural colleges to promote “farming as a business” as part of their horticultural curricula, training over 2,000 students to date.

Past joint initiatives such as Ghanaveg, Hortifresh, and the Community Garden Project in Adenta have successfully trained over 1,000 home gardeners in vegetable cultivation and entrepreneurship.

In the Brong Ahafo Region, Dutch partnerships have also trained nearly 10,000 farmers in sustainable agricultural practices.

The current trade mission builds on these achievements, providing a platform for renewed investment and innovation in Ghana’s horticultural sector.

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.

File photo of containers at the Tema Port

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has revealed that only 40 out of the 2,637 containers consigned to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been cleared at Tema Port, according to official data from port authorities.

In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 27, 2027, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, Richmond Rockson, stated that the ongoing investigation into the long-standing issue of unaccounted-for ECG containers has uncovered significant discrepancies.

He said, “In fact, out of that number, the data provided to us by the port authorities suggests that ECG has cleared only 40 containers. That is the data we have now.”

This comes amid a joint investigation involving the Ministry of Transport, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The probe was launched after earlier reports indicated that over 1,300 ECG containers were unaccounted for, more than doubling the initially reported figure.

Rockson emphasised that the new findings surpass the Ministry’s initial estimates.

He referenced a related discovery earlier this year, where ECG containers were found in a privately owned Indian warehouse through an auction process.

“Also, in March or April, some containers were retrieved from an Indian warehouse, where they disclosed that they had purchased them through an auction. That’s why the investigations are still ongoing. As of now, we are not certain of the number of containers ECG possesses because ECG’s own data reflects fewer containers than what we have retrieved. That is a matter of concern, and it points to the procurement practices over the years by past management,” he added.

He further criticised past procurement practices at ECG, highlighting purchases that he claims were wasteful and poorly managed.

“It’s unfair that a company like ECG would handle procurement this way. First, they buy goods that arrive at the port but are not delivered. Second, in some instances, they purchase goods they wouldn’t need for the next 15 years or already have enough stock for that duration. There are goods that have been bought but remain unused, and yet they continue to buy the same items,” he added.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has emphasized that the active involvement of the private sector is essential to unlocking Ghana’s energy potential and achieving the country’s goal of universal access to electricity by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, at the Mission 300 Ghana Compact Review Workshop, the Deputy Minister underscored the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline while pushing for innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to drive energy access.

“Projects under Mission 300 must be financially viable and structured within the framework of Ghana’s existing international commitments,” Hon. Nyarko Ampem stated. “We are committed to designing initiatives that attract concessional finance, leverage private sector capital, and utilize innovative financing models such as blended finance and public-private partnerships.”

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the energy sector, development partners, and financial institutions to review Ghana’s progress under the National Energy Compact and chart a pragmatic path forward.

According to the Deputy Minister, the government is fully aware of the fiscal implications of expanding energy infrastructure and is determined to pursue strategies that avoid increasing the country’s contingent liabilities. He explained that Ghana’s energy projects must be aligned with broader economic and fiscal priorities to avoid jeopardizing debt sustainability.

“Our approach must ensure that energy projects contribute positively to economic growth without imposing unsustainable financial burdens on the state,” he said.

The Mission 300 initiative aims to connect underserved communities to reliable and affordable electricity while advancing Ghana’s commitments to climate resilience and sustainable development. Central to this mission, Hon. Nyarko Ampem said, is ensuring that energy investments are bankable and attractive to investors, both domestic and international.

“We must promote private sector participation through risk-sharing frameworks that protect public finances,” he emphasized. “This is not just about investment; it’s about creating a viable ecosystem for growth that benefits our citizens while ensuring fiscal integrity.”

The Deputy Minister further outlined four key financial priorities that will guide Ghana’s strategy for the energy transition including maximizing concessional and climate finance to reduce the cost of capital; promoting private sector involvement through de-risked investment models, focusing on scalable, cost-effective renewable energy solutions and strengthening financial governance and transparency.

“These strategic pillars will form the bedrock of our financial stewardship under Mission 300,” he noted. “We must move beyond reliance on state funding and embrace the private sector as a true partner in development.”

This, he assured participants that the Ministry of Finance would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition (MoEnGT), as well as with development partners and regulatory agencies, to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy investment.

“We must harmonize fiscal policies and investment incentives to build investor confidence and deliver results,” he said. “Together, we can unlock the economic potential of universal energy access while preserving Ghana’s fiscal integrity and positioning our nation for resilient growth.”

In closing, the Deputy Minister urged all stakeholders to approach the deliberations with “a commitment to pragmatic and fiscally responsible solutions,” calling the workshop a crucial step in Ghana’s journey toward a sustainable and inclusive energy economy.

The Mission 300 Ghana Compact is part of the country’s broader commitment under the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative and forms a key pillar of Ghana’s energy and climate strategy. As the nation seeks to bridge the energy access gap, the call for deeper private sector collaboration signals a new chapter in Ghana’s energy transition agenda.

The Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers (CLGB) has welcomed the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) decision to extend the deadline for the transition to the new gold trading licence regime.

Under the revised directive, individuals and companies operating with licences previously issued by the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and/or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources can continue doing business until 21st June, 2025. This marks a one-month extension from the earlier deadline of 21st May, 2025.

GoldBod announced the change after receiving multiple petitions from industry players and associations calling for more time to adjust to the new regulatory system.

“Upon consideration of several petitions from stakeholders,” the board said in a statement, “any person who holds a licence issued by the defunct PMMC and/or the Ministry… can continue to purchase and deal in gold with the said licences until 21st June, 2025.”

After this date, however, only entities licensed under the GoldBod regime will be legally allowed to buy, sell or trade in gold. The board emphasised that using licences issued under the old system beyond the new deadline would be in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), and subject to sanctions.

In a further clarification, GoldBod stated that although applications for the new licence may still be submitted after the deadline, such applications will not confer the right to operate in the interim.

It also confirmed that from 22nd May, 2025, any export rights attached to licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have ceased to be valid. Only GoldBod, as a corporate entity, retains the authority to export gold.

In response, the Chief Executive Officer of the CLGB, Kwaku Amoah, described the extension as a timely intervention.

This, he indicated, is not just about shifting a date. It gives legitimate operators the breathing space to align with the new framework without disrupting their businesses.

Amoah, in a statement welcoming the decision, added that the move “reflects a willingness on the part of GoldBod to listen to industry voices and work collaboratively toward a transparent and well-regulated gold trading environment”.

The CLGB has urged all licence holders to use the grace period to regularise their operations and ensure they meet the new requirements. It also expressed its readiness to work with GoldBod and other agencies to promote responsible and ethical mineral trading in Ghana.

The Ministry of Energy has retrieved 2,637 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), twice the number of containers presumed to have gone missing with their contents.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic’s Timothy Gobah in Accra on Monday (May 26), the Spokesperson for the ministry, Richmond Rockson, said the committee investigating the 1,300 containers said to be unaccounted for, rather discovered 2,637 containers at the Port of Tema consigned to the ECG, a number far above the initial missing items.

He said as of April 30, 2025, ECG had 2,583 outstanding containers at various locations.

Mr Rockson said 860 of the containers were found at Meridian Port Services, 1,237 at GPHA Terminals, while 272 were evacuated by National Security personnel.

He added that 194 were located at Amaris Terminal, while 20 were retrieved at ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal.  

Background

In March this year, during an official interaction between the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the power distributor claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment at the Tema Port.

The minister subsequently set up a committee chaired by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah to investigate the claims.

The committee found out that while ECG claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment, an independent audit at the port found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,357 missing.

Mr Jinapor expressed concern about the situation and assured the public that it would be investigated.

“The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.

Thereafter, the minister set up a committee made up of the National Security, the Ministry of Transport, GPHA and Customs to investigate the ECG’s containers that could not be accounted for.  

Clearance window

Mr Rockson said further analysis showed that 2,437 containers surpassed the 60-day clearance window and were classified as uncleared cargo list (UCL), with 41 verified lists cleared from the port, leaving 2,583 containers.

He said delays in clearing those containers resulted in excessive port charges.

Mr Rockson said ECG and port authorities would engage on the roadmap for outstanding payments.

The Spokesperson for the ministry said the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, had directed that all retrieved containers should be evacuated immediately to ECG’s safe warehouses. 

According to the directive, inventory must be taken to ensure all the materials are accounted for.

He said the Energy Minister recognised that the challenges resulted from the procurement method used by ECG, where the items were consigned to the company without clearing them. 

Procurement

Consequently,  he said Mr Jinapor had directed that ECG should depart from this method of procurement.

“Suppliers must clear and deliver to ECG any item procured,” Mr Rockson said.

The minister had further directed ECG to suspend all non-essential procurements, pending the review of its procurement policies. 
 

A-G to advise

Mr Rockson disclosed that the former Managing Director of ECG, Subik Mahama, had been invited by the security agencies and his caution statement taken.

“Some ECG staff have been asked to step aside due to the investigations,” he said.

Mr Rockson said the Office of the Attorney-General would advise on the way forward.

“You’ve the assurance of the minister that anyone found culpable will be held responsible,” he stressed.

— A Satirical Reflection on Ghana’s Road Toll Resurrection

It all began with the gospel according to St. Bawumia, Chapter One, Verse One:

“In the beginning was the Ghana Card, and the Ghana Card was with the people, and the people knew it not.”

They laughed.
They scoffed.
They tweeted with more confusion than a goat on astroturf.
But lo and behold, from the political wilderness of opposition cometh one John the Digital Baptist—His Excellency John Dramani Mahama—proclaiming boldly:

“Every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana Card… cross the East Legon bridge, and we simply take a picture of your car. The toll charge goes straight to your MoMo or bank account. Just pay 1 cedi.”

Suddenly, the same Ghana Card that once took the punches of political ridicule has been baptized afresh—this time in the digital waters of the East Legon Bridge.

Ghana Card Resurrection: Credit Where Credit Is Juicy

Social media did not disappoint.
One digital disciple exclaimed:

“Bawumia is a prophet! He said the Ghana Card was more important than interchanges, and now his enemies are laying it at the altar of toll collection!”

Another added, with a splash of sarcasm:

“Ghana, where even the vision of the blind is copied by the sighted.”

Indeed, the toll booth debate has become the latest episode in Ghana’s long-running series: ‘Politics of Petty & Poetic Justice.’

The Vision—and the “Revision”

The emerging plan, as envisioned by Mahama, is nothing short of science fiction dipped in kelewele oil. A digital sticker, synced with your Ghana Card and bank account, will sit gallantly on your windshield. Each time you cross a designated toll zone, a camera captures the sticker and quietly deducts GHS1 from your wallet.

No stopping.
No arguing with toll collectors.
Just “ka-ching!” and you move.

Some call it innovation. Others call it creative plagiarism. But as the elders say, “If the chicken lays golden eggs, who cares if it came from the neighbour’s coop?”

Visionaries vs. Revisionaries

This isn’t just about toll booths; it’s a battle for digital bragging rights.
One side shouts, “We saw it first!”
The other retorts, “We’re doing it better!”
Meanwhile, the average Ghanaian motorist—still dodging potholes deeper than political promises—just wants to get home with their shock absorbers intact.
As our forebears put it, “Even the fowl must thank the hawk if it teaches it to fly higher.”

If Mahama’s new road toll strategy is riding on Bawumia’s digital wave, let the nation benefit. Let the camera click and the cedi slip—so long as the roads don’t strip our vehicles bare.

From Kenkey to Card: Ghana’s Hypocrisy Parade

And then came the comments:

“So Ghana Card is not a waste anymore? Kenkey is no longer our priority? Now we agree it’s better than interchanges?”

Another netizen dropped this spicy bit:

“This is unity in irony. The NDC walks in NPP’s digital sandals, and both pretend it’s Italian leather.”

Ah, Ghana. Where policy resurrection is more dramatic than a Kumawood courtroom scene.

Conclusion: A Nation on Toll Control

In the end, the toll saga is a metaphor for our republic:
Everyone wants to drive, few want to pay, and nobody wants to fix the brakes.
But if we must go digital, then let’s go all in. Let every toll booth become a data hub. Let potholes be geo-tagged. And let our leaders stop borrowing each other’s speeches like borrowed Kente at a weekend funeral.

Because in this republic of recycled rhetoric and rebranded reforms, we know one thing for sure:

A bad road does not care who made the asphalt speech.

---

The writer, Jimmy Aglah, is a media executive, author, and sharp-eyed social commentator. His debut novel, Blood and Gold: The Rebellion of Sikakrom, now available on Amazon Kindle, explores power, rebellion, and the soul of a nation. When he’s not steering broadcast operations, he’s busy challenging conventions—often with satire, always with purpose.

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.