Ghanaians are increasingly raising concerns over DStv’s pricing, calling for reductions in subscription fees following reports that users in countries like Nigeria enjoy lower rates.

In a recent Vox Pop conducted by GhanaWeb, many expressed frustration over the perceived unfairness and questioned why some African countries have seen up to 30% reductions in DStv charges, while Ghanaians are facing a 15% increase.

“I think DStv should reduce the price because what’s the reason for other countries benefiting from a 30% reduction while Ghana is being hit with a 15% increase? We are all African countries, so whatever someone else is enjoying, we should enjoy too,” a subscriber told GhanaWeb.

Another subscriber pointed out that with the recent drop in the dollar exchange rate, prices should have been adjusted downward rather than increased.

“If the dollar rate is down, then it has to be reduced,” another subscriber said.

Others complained that the shows and channels offered in Ghana are not the same as in other countries, even though Ghanaians sometimes pay more.

While a few called for significant reductions, others believed that even a small cut would help ease the financial burden on subscribers.

Many believe it’s time for MultiChoice Ghana to review its pricing structure and address what they see as unfair treatment compared to other African countries.

Watch a video of their remarks below:

DR/MA

Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the seizure of a luxury Lamborghini Urus SUV from popular Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.

The vehicle is said to be linked to convicted Ghanaian-American fraudster Nana Kwabena Amuah, also known as Philip Osei Tutu.

The high-end vehicle, which was in the possession of Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale at the time of the seizure, was reportedly acquired using proceeds from Amuah’s multi-million-dollar romance and business email compromise schemes in the United States.

In a statement, EOCO revealed that the confiscation followed a formal request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice, who had identified the vehicle as an asset purchased with fraudulently acquired funds.

EOCO said Shatta Wale, who was present when its officials visited his residence, initially resisted efforts to take the vehicle.

However, he later complied and voluntarily handed over the keys after learning the true nature of the matter.

EOCO’s statement clarifies that the agency acted within its legal mandate under Ghana’s Proceeds of Crime Act.

The car was among several properties flagged in the US judgment that sentenced Amuah to 64 months in prison and ordered him to pay over $4 million in restitution to his victims.

“The vehicle has been duly secured and will be handed over to the United States authorities in accordance with the judgement issued by the US District Court,” EOCO said in its release.

EOCO has reiterated its commitment to assisting international law enforcement efforts and urged the public to cooperate in similar cases as the country strengthens its asset recovery and anti-money laundering framework.

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.

Ecobank Group has reported a profit before tax of $398 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 23 per cent increase from the same period last year. 

The rise in earnings was driven by stronger revenue and improved operating efficiency across its regional and business segments.

In a statement, the Pan-African bank said net revenue grew by 12 per cent year-on-year to $1.1 billion, while its cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.1 per cent, the best it has seen in over a decade. 

Customer deposits also grew by $3.4 billion during the period, reaching $23.9 billion, with a large share of these in low-cost current and savings accounts.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori, disclosed that the Group’s financial performance for the first half of 2025 demonstrated resilience in the face of macroeconomic uncertainties. 

“This showcases the advantages provided by the Group’s diversified business model and the effectiveness of our Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy,” he said

Growth

The Corporate and Investment Banking division recorded a strong performance, with profit before tax rising 44 per cent to $323 million. 

According to the Group, this was supported by better asset and liability management and increasing client demand for trade finance and foreign exchange services.

The Consumer and Commercial Banking division also contributed to overall growth, delivering a 10 per cent rise in profit before tax to $216 million. 

The performance was boosted by steady growth in the small and medium-sized enterprises segment, as well as in services for high-value individual clients.

Ecobank’s regional results showed broad-based improvements. 

Francophone West Africa posted a 12 per cent increase in profit before tax to $176 million, while Anglophone West Africa delivered $175 million, up 19 per cent, a rise attributed to Ghana’s positive performance.

Digital drive

In the last six months, Ecobank has stepped up investments in its digital infrastructure and customer experience platforms.

A major development in this area is the Group’s partnership with Google Cloud, aimed at improving data architecture, enhancing security and driving payment innovation across the continent.

The bank also said it had rolled out hundreds of new ATMs and invested in technology for loan management, transaction banking and wealth management. 

These are expected to improve service delivery and reach more customers in underserved areas.

“As the Group approaches its 40th anniversary, we remain committed to delivering world-class financial services, deepening inclusion and unlocking long-term value for customers, partners, shareholders and communities across Africa,” he said.

Strategy

Ecobank said it would continue to pursue its GTR strategy to drive performance in the second half of the year. 

The Group remains focused on innovation, operational excellence and regional integration to support long-term growth across Africa.

Management emphasised that the Group’s diversified presence in over 30 African countries positions it well to weather economic shocks and benefit from new opportunities in trade, technology and financial inclusion.

“We are building for the future by investing in systems, people and platforms that create value across the ecosystem,” he said.

Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang pictured with staff of Afriwave Telecom Ghana Ltd

Afriwave Telecom Ghana Limited has paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang extending its congratulations on her assumption of office and using the occasion to discuss key developments and challenges within Ghana’s telecommunications sector.

During the meeting, the Afriwave team briefed the Vice President on the operations and impact of the Interconnect Clearinghouse (ICH), which the company manages under license from the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Afriwave highlighted the ICH’s crucial role in ensuring seamless connectivity among all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana by enabling interconnection between their networks.

According to Afriwave’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Francis Poku, the ICH has significantly improved efficiency in the sector by managing billing data, reconciliation processes, and dispute resolution across networks.

Poku noted that all MNOs and licensed International Wholesale Carriers (IWCs) are linked through the ICH platform, helping streamline operations and reduce inconsistencies.

He said the national interconnect traffic has grown considerably from an average of 800 million minutes per month in 2016 to over 1 billion minutes per month as of the second quarter of 2025.

One key issue raised was the sharp decline in foreign exchange inflows from IWCs, which have dropped from about $20 million to under $1 million over the past five years.

Poku attributed this to pricing constraints imposed by MNOs and the growing popularity of internet-based calls such as WhatsApp, which bypass traditional voice networks.

He appealed to the Vice President for government intervention to help address financial and policy bottlenecks that threaten the sustainability of the ICH and Afriwave’s operations as a wholly Ghanaian-owned company.

In her response, Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

She assured Afriwave of the government’s intention to introduce policies that will enhance the growth of indigenous companies and enable regional expansion.

Afriwave Telecom Ghana Limited is the sole operator of Ghana’s Interconnect Clearinghouse, a centralised platform that facilitates interconnection between network providers and helps ensure transparency and accountability in the telecom ecosystem.

SP/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing standoff between the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing it as “needless” and damaging to the economy.

The NIA recently disconnected the GRA from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform due to the latter’s failure to settle a debt of nearly GH₵376 million.

This decision has disrupted key processes within the import and export sector, as the Ghana Card — issued by the NIA — is now central to verifying the identities of importers and exporters.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Mr. Asaki said the fallout between the two state institutions is costing the country significant revenue and causing frustration within the business community.

“This is not a situation where a government agency is dealing with a private agency — these are two state institutions under the Ministries of Interior and Finance,” he noted. “I want to believe that these two ministries are in communication and working to resolve this issue.”

He warned that the disconnection is having direct consequences on import and export activities, as delays in verification mean goods cannot be cleared on time, which could lead to port congestion, demurrage fees, and overall losses to the state.

“This is a needless fight, unhealthy, and should not be entertained in this dispensation. I want to call on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Interior to quickly summon their CEOs to resolve this,” he urged.

The NIA’s IVS system is critical for identity verification across government services, especially those linked to revenue mobilisation and trade.

GACL may not be liable for $64m Evatex contract termination – Amable

The Ghana NCD Alliance, a coalition of civil society organisations and individuals living with non-communicable diseases, has warmly welcomed the recent passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as ‘MahamaCares’.

In a statement issued today, August 5, the alliance commended the government’s “bold and timely intervention” but also raised critical concerns, calling for a comprehensive framework to limit the involvement of industries whose products contribute to NCDs.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, and subsequently assented into law by President John Dramani Mahama.

The President’s personal donation of his six months’ salary as seed funding was hailed by the alliance as a “testament of the government’s commitment” and a “profound understanding of the urgency of the NCDs crisis”.

“We receive this bold and timely intervention with profound gratitude and renewed hope,” the statement read.

“Transforming from a party campaign manifesto promise to its official launch and the successful passage of the Trust Fund in Parliament… is a testament of the government commitment to reducing the catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses people living with NCDs and families face daily just to access treatment and care.”

The alliance noted that for too long, Ghanaians, especially the poor and vulnerable, have struggled with inadequate access to essential NCD services and limited financial protection.

The Ghana NCD Alliance also praised the appointment of Madam Obuobia Darko-Opoku as the administrator of the Fund, describing her role as a “pivotal responsibility that offers an opportunity to build a robust and sustainable mechanism for NCD care in Ghana.”

They urged her to adopt a multisectoral approach, collaborating with various ministries, agencies, civil society groups, and professional associations.

While expressing gratitude, the alliance raised two critical concerns regarding the new law:

1. Limited Stakeholder Engagement: The alliance noted with concern the “limited stakeholder engagement” that preceded the fund’s passage. Citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, they stressed that “it is essential that patients, caregivers, civil society, and professional bodies are meaningfully engaged in every step, from policy formulation through to implementation and monitoring.”
2. Risk of Industry Infiltration: The second and most significant concern was the open-ended provision in Clause 3 of the Bill for funding sources. The alliance warned that without “explicit safeguards, the Fund risks infiltration by industries whose products—such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages—are known contributors to NCDs.”

The alliance stressed that allowing contributions from these “unhealthy commodity industries” would “create dangerous public health contradictions, legitimise these industries’ role in national health policy, undermine excise tax policies, and could also erode public trust in the Fund.”

Recommendations for a Sustainable Fund:

To ensure the fund’s sustainability and independence, the Ghana NCD Alliance proposed several recommendations:

• Ring-fencing Excise Taxes: At least 50% of the excise tax revenues on products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks should be “ring-fenced to support the Funds.”
• Increased Excise Taxes: The alliance called on the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to increase excise tax rates on these harmful products and to reject any industry lobbying for tax reductions.
• Decentralization: They urged the government to strengthen the decentralization measures in the Act to ensure the fund “reaches those who really require the financial protection and support” in rural and underserved communities.
• Comprehensive Care: The fund, they stated, must guarantee equitable access to NCD diagnostics, treatment, and care, and should integrate “psychosocial support systems and mental health services,” which are often neglected.

The alliance concluded by affirming Ghana’s exemplary leadership in the global response to NCDs, citing its active role in various international forums and its own national policies.

They believe the new Ghana Medical Trust Fund further cements the country’s position as a beacon in Africa and beyond, serving as a statement of Ghana’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.4, which aims to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

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.

Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

The Bank of Ghana has officially inaugurated the Bank of Ghana Chair in Finance and Economics at the University of Ghana, as part of efforts toward deepening collaboration between academia and economic policymaking.

Speaking at the inaugural event on August 5, 2025, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Ghana’s “intellectual sovereignty and policy future.”

“The ability to share ideas with academia is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Because policy without intellect is blind, and theory without policy is sterile,” Dr Asiama said.

He added that the Chair would support cutting-edge research in areas such as inflation, exchange rate management, digital finance, and the regulation of virtual assets, challenges central to Ghana’s current monetary landscape.

Themed “From Cowries to Crypto,” the Governor’s speech traced Ghana’s monetary evolution and called for forward-looking financial policy in the digital era.

He cited Ghana’s leadership in piloting the e-Cedi and the forthcoming regulation of virtual asset providers as proof of the central bank’s commitment to innovation grounded in stability.

“Our job, as regulators, academics, and citizens, is to shape that evolution with wisdom… and ensure that the Ghana Cedi, whether in coin, note, or code, remains a symbol of national confidence,” he noted.

Dr Asiama also announced the launch of the Governor’s Future Leaders Fellowship, a new programme to identify and mentor high-performing economics and finance graduates for global training and national service.

The Chair is expected to be held by Professor Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede, and will serve as a hub for scholarship, student mentorship, and policy development.

The Governor urged students not to “sit on the sidelines of national discourse,” but to actively engage in shaping Ghana’s economic transformation.

MA

Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor (middle) addressing the media

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has officially launched preparations for the 2025 National ICT Week Celebration, scheduled for August 25 to 29 in Accra.

Speaking at a media event today, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Dr. Kevor announced the theme for this year’s event: “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub – Innovation, Policy, and Partnerships for the Future.”

He described the theme as “a forward-looking blueprint that encapsulates Ghana’s vision to become a vibrant hub of digital activity, a center of excellence in innovation, and a catalyst for transformative partnerships and policies.”

The National ICT Week aims to celebrate Ghana’s digital achievements while rallying stakeholders to position the country as a leader in Africa’s digital trade landscape.

Dr. Kevor emphasized Ghana’s readiness, citing the country’s strategic geographical position along the Gulf of Guinea, progressive policies, innovative human capital, and robust public-private partnerships.

He emphasized that Ghana recognizes the new reality of a global shift toward digital trade driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics.

He noted the government’s effort to capitalize on the shift, noting, “Our ambition is not just to be digitally active but to be digitally competitive.”

He outlined details of the four-day event, which will feature a range of activities designed to foster dialogue, showcase innovation, and advance policy frameworks.

The opening ceremony on Day One will include speeches from development partners and ICT industry leaders, followed by a panel discussion with stakeholders.

On Day Two, key frameworks such as Ghana’s Digital Trust Framework and the Africa PKI Consortium will be unveiled to strengthen trust in digital trade. Day Three will focus on e-commerce, digital payments, and logistics, with discussions on last-mile delivery networks, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and scaling mobile money solutions.

An eCommerce Guidebook will also be launched. Day Four will center on data exchange, deliberating on the National Data Exchange Platform and Data Governance Framework, with a focus on harnessing AI and machine learning for innovation.

Dr. Kevor highlighted the event’s objectives, which include exploring Ghana’s potential as a digital trade powerhouse, shaping forward-thinking policies, and igniting cross-sector collaborations.

“The National ICT Week is more than a commemoration. It is a platform for engagement, education, innovation, and policy advancement,” he said.

The event will attract a diverse audience, including government officials, tech and fintech companies like MTN and Zeepay, e-commerce platforms such as Jumia, investors, startups, and academia.

A startup pitch session and exhibition will allow businesses to showcase cutting-edge products and services.

The Director-General underscored the power of partnerships, stating, “The path to becoming Africa’s digital trade hub cannot be traveled alone. It requires a coordinated effort across sectors and borders.”

He acknowledged partners like the World Bank, GIZ, and the African Development Bank for their vital support.

Dr. Kevor also issued a national call to action, urging the private sector to invest in scalable platforms, policymakers to create forward-looking regulations, and the youth to “be bold” and “seize the platforms that ICT Week will offer to showcase your talent.”

The event is expected to yield significant outcomes, including high-level policy commitments, stronger public-private partnerships, and actionable strategies to integrate SMEs into regional digital markets. Dr. Kevor concluded with a rallying cry: “Let us not look back five years from now and say we missed our moment. Let ICT Week 2025 be the spark that ignites a decade of transformation.”

GA

Shatta Wale has called out the EOCO boss of leading an alleged raid on his home

Ghanaian reggae/dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah aka Shatta Wale has accused the Economic and Organised Crimes Office of an unprovoked armed raid on his residence.

In a strongly worded post on Facebook on August 5, 2025, Shatta Wale called out the Executive Director of EOCO, Raymond Archer, for leading the armed raid, adding that Archer’s actions would cost the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) its seat in government.

“Raymond Archer, EOCO boss, ibe you go make NDC go out of power next 4 years. Bringing guns to my house was uncalled for!!!” he posted.

He further lambasted Archer, accusing him of harassing Ghanaian citizens.

“EOCO boss, the President of Ghana didn’t put you in that office to come and humiliate the citizens of this country… remember, God no go sleep!!” he added.

See the post below:

ID/MA

President John Dramani Mahama’s recent call for the construction of new sports stadiums across the six newly created regions and other underserved areas is, on the surface, a welcome policy.

It promises inclusivity and the expansion of Ghana’s sports infrastructure footprint. However, as promising as this vision is, it must be pursued with a strategic, value-driven lens — one that prioritises remodification of existing stadiums over cosmetic refurbishments, and insists on infrastructure that aligns with international best practices.

Lessons from the past: Ghost centres and forgotten dreams

Under the previous administration, a collaboration between the National Youth Authority and the National Sports Authority led to the construction of ten sports resource centres in towns such as Ho, Wa, Axim, Dormaa, Dunkwa-on-Offin, Kaneshie, Navrongo, Yendi and Nyinahin. These centres were intended to become hubs for sports development, counselling and entrepreneurship.

Today, however, many of these projects are either underutilised, incomplete, or abandoned altogether. The question remains: What has become of these centres and the promise they held? In their current state, these facilities have neither stimulated local economies nor developed sustainable sporting ecosystems.

If new infrastructure is to be meaningful, we must first conduct a surgical review and overhaul of our existing facilities.

Refurbishment vs Remodification: Business case for transformation

Ghana’s sports infrastructure cannot be globally competitive if we continue to apply surface-level fixes to deeply rooted structural and operational challenges. While refurbishment may offer short-term political wins, remodification is the only viable long-term investment. Here’s why:

1. Outdated structural designs

Most Ghanaian stadiums were built decades ago, based on now-obsolete engineering and architectural standards.

They fall short on basic requirements like emergency exits, roofing, seating layout, and drainage systems. As a 2021 FIFA report put it: “Several stadiums in Africa… require holistic redesigns to align with modern codes.”

2. Non-compliance with international standards

Ghana’s stadiums are not equipped with the facilities required by global sporting bodies such as CAF, FIFA, or the IOC. Key gaps include:

Inaccessible design for persons with disabilities Poor athlete and media zones Substandard medical and anti-doping areas

Weak security infrastructure

CAF’s 2023 report is clear: “Facilities that do not meet international regulations are ineligible to host global or continental tournaments.”

3. Technological Obsolescence

Modern stadiums are becoming digital hubs. Ghana’s facilities lag behind in offering:

Smart ticketing systems

High-speed Wi-Fi

LED scoreboards and VAR installations

A 2022 PwC Sports Outlook noted: “Without foundational upgrades, African stadiums will struggle to keep pace with global fan engagement trends.”

4. Sub-par fan experience

Today’s fans expect more than just a seat. Poor visibility, limited food and restroom facilities, uncomfortable seating, and congested walkways hurt the fan experience. A 2022 Deloitte report said: “Modern fans demand a holistic, immersive experience.”

5. Lack of commercial spaces

Globally, stadiums have evolved into year-round commercial assets, offering:

Hotels

Retail outlets

Event spaces

Fitness centres

Ghana’s stadiums are idle for most of the year, unable to monetise beyond match days. A 2023 KPMG advisory warned: “A stadium that cannot operate 365 days a year is a liability.”

6. No alignment with sustainability goals

Modern facilities incorporate green designs such as solar power, water recycling, and eco-friendly materials. Ghanaian stadiums are yet to make such transitions — putting us out of sync with global ESG trends.

7. Poor Emergency and Crowd Management

Many local stadiums lack:

Clearly marked evacuation routes

Fire suppression systems

Real-time crowd monitoring tools

In the age of heightened safety concerns, this is a glaring risk.

8. Limited Revenue Diversification

Remodified stadiums can be reconfigured to host concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and community events — unlocking new revenue streams. As per EY’s 2021 Sports Facilities Report: “Remodification allows for increased monetisation through diverse programming.”

Road ahead: Sustainability, Profitability and Prestige

Ghana has an opportunity to make a bold, forward-thinking investment — not just in sport, but in infrastructure that fuels local economies, creates jobs, and builds national pride. The remodification of our stadiums is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity.

When done right, it could position Ghana as a preferred destination for continental and global sporting events, while ensuring that the facilities serve communities economically and socially throughout the year.

As the government prepares to add new stadiums, let us not forget to fix what is broken — and transform what we already have into engines of opportunity, not relics of missed potential.

(The writer is a media practitioner and sports marketing official, currently studying Sports Business Management and Policy at Manchester Metropolitan University)

The Ministry of Health has announced that it will host the Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Forum on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.

According to a press statement issued on August 4, the forum is being organised in collaboration with the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

It will focus on mobilising sustainable financing to support vaccine development and manufacturing in Ghana.

The statement said the theme for the forum is “Mobilising Sustainable Financing to Accelerate Vaccine Development and Manufacturing in Ghana: The Role of Financing Institutions and Development Partners.”

The Ministry disclosed that the Special Guest of Honour will be His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, while the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, will serve as the Guest of Honour.

The statement highlighted that the forum will bring together government agencies, financial institutions, investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, development partners, and research institutions to explore innovative financing strategies to advance Ghana’s vaccine production goals.

It added that although Ghana has made progress in health regulation, research, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing, access to financing remains a major challenge.

The forum aims to attract investment to bridge the estimated US$2.5 billion funding gap required to establish a complete vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.

The Ministry noted that development partners such as GIZ and the World Bank have been supporting Ghana’s self-sufficiency drive in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing since 2021.

It also mentioned that GIZ, on behalf of the German Development Ministry and the European Union, is implementing a programme called PharmaVax Ghana, which aligns with the goals of the National Vaccine Institute.

The statement further revealed that local pharmaceutical firms like Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd and DEK Vaccines Ltd have signed agreements with global partners for technology transfer and vaccine fill-and-finish operations in Ghana.

Key objectives of the forum, as outlined in the statement, include: facilitating dialogue among public and private sector stakeholders; exploring blended financing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs); identifying policy and regulatory measures to attract long-term investments; and generating concrete proposals and partnerships to support vaccine self-sufficiency.

The Ministry stated that the event will be held in a hybrid format to allow broad participation from both local and international stakeholders.

It concluded by encouraging all relevant stakeholders and development partners to take part in the discussions and help secure the financial resources needed to protect lives, drive innovation, and build a stronger, more resilient Ghana.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is Ofoase/Ayirebi MP and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy Committee

Member of Parliament for Ofoase/Ayirebi and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the government of deceiving cocoa farmers with its recent announcement of a new producer price.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on August 4, 2025, Oppong Nkrumah questioned the real benefit of the announced increase, arguing that the actual increment to farmers is minimal.

According to him, when converted into Ghana cedis, the rise amounts to just GH¢28 per bag, moving from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.

Government recently announced a 62.58% increase in the dollar value of cocoa, raising it from $3,100 to $5,040 per tonne for the 2025/2026 season.

The pricing, approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, takes effect Thursday, August 7.

However, Oppong Nkrumah insisted that farmers are more concerned with the price per bag than global trade metrics.

“The cocoa farmer is not interested in the FOB price they came to quote. The farmer is only interested in the price of a bag of cocoa,” he said.

He further accused the ruling NDC government of breaking its own promises made while in opposition, reminding Ghanaians that the same party had once pledged to pay GH¢6,000 per tonne.

“If they had actually pegged the price at GH¢6,000 as promised, then today they would be announcing a reduction from GH¢6,000 to GH¢3,228. Does anybody believe this? That is hogwash,” he stated.

He described the situation as a scam, accusing authorities of manipulating figures to create a false sense of progress, while farmers see no meaningful improvement on the ground.

DR/MA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

By Stanley Senya

Accra, Aug. 5, GNA – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has donated medical equipment and supplies to Aplaku medical centre as part of its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery in under-resourced communities.

The donation, presented by the Accra West Area and Accra Collection of the GRA, includes a wide range of hospital and sanitation items such as a hospital bed, wheelchairs, stretchers, air conditioners, assorted medicines, digital thermometers, and hygiene products.

In total, 23 different items were donated, including 30 plastic chairs, 10 mattresses, medical tools like stethoscopes and oximeters, and large quantities of detergents and tissue supplies.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mrs. Anna Marian Atua, Accra West Area Director of GRA, emphasized the importance of public health to national development.

She explained that the GRA’s focus on healthcare stemmed from its understanding that a healthy population was essential for economic productivity and, by extension, tax compliance.

“Because we collect taxes, we need people to be healthy and economically active in to contribute to national revenue,” she said.

“This year, our CSR efforts were directed at a deprived health facility, and after visiting Aplaku, we saw that the community hospital was in urgent need of support,” she added.

According to the Director, the initiative was made possible through the combined efforts of GRA management, staff, and the Customs Division, who all contributed towards purchasing the donated items.

The donation also featured products tailored to support the hospital’s maternity and emergency services, as well as general sanitation and infection control.

The director reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to community development beyond revenue collection.

“We are here not just as tax administrators, but as partners in national growth. This is our small way of ensuring that the people of Aplaku remain healthy, productive, and empowered to contribute to the economy,” she added.

This intervention, she noted, was expected to enhance healthcare delivery in the area, strengthen community trust, and ultimately feed back into the nation’s economic growth through improved wellbeing and tax contribution.

GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba