The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider his decision to abolish the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

“I would suggest that, if possible, the government should not abolish the E-Levy,” he said.

He explained that the proceeds from the tax should be used to support Ghanaian traders, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including the President’s proposed Women’s Development Bank.

“We can use the proceeds from the E-Levy to provide access to finance for SMEs and for the women that the President is so concerned about.”

Before winning the 2024 election, President Mahama promised to abolish the E-Levy, which was introduced by the Akufo-Addo government. In his campaign to empower SMEs, he also promised to establish a Women’s Development Bank—a financial institution that would offer loans to women at low interest rates.

Dr Obeng argued that the President would need money to establish the bank and suggested that the E-Levy could serve as a potential source of revenue to support this initiative and help various SMEs.

“This is my view, and I am expressing it because if we want to raise funds to support the informal sector, SMEs, and women, we must also think about how to generate this money.”

He added, “I have already said that we should rationalise taxes, and if there is one tax I would recommend maintaining, it should be the E-Levy. It is not only businesses that pay this tax—it is paid by all of us. Moreover, it is an existing tax that is already in place and is ongoing.”

Dr Obeng was speaking on JoyNews’ Newsdesk on Wednesday, January 8.

The E-Levy, introduced by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was designed to broaden the country’s tax base and generate revenue for national development.

However, the tax has faced significant criticism from many Ghanaians. In response to the backlash, the government reduced the initial 1.5% charge to 1%.

Meanwhile, the Special Aide to the new President, Joyce Bawah, reassured the public earlier on JoyNews’ AM Show that the new government would abolish the E-Levy, as well as the COVID-19 levy.

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.

Nana Akua Afriyie, the Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ablekuma North, has vowed to persist relentlessly in asserting her victory in the constituency’s parliamentary elections.

Speaking at the collation centre in Accra on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Afriyie expressed her unwavering commitment to ensuring that the truth prevails in the electoral process.

“We have 281 polling stations in Ablekuma North. It was left with 62 and by the grace of God truth will stand. In the first place, I appreciate the justice system that we should go and collate, and I am firm. I want to say on record that I will fight till the end because I know I won,” she declared.

Afriyie highlighted her meticulous preparation, stating, “I have all my 281 pink sheets scanned. I did it immediately before the gentleman who came and tore everything from the EC.”

“…Gradually we are left with three polling stations. By the grace of God, I am leading comfortably and that is the fear.”

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer for the Ablekuma North Constituency, Vincent Obeng, has announced his decision to discontinue the collation of results in the area.

He informed the Electoral Commission (EC) to find a replacement, citing frustrations encountered during the collation process on January 8, 2025.

Obeng revealed that, out of seven polling stations, results from four had already been collated, leaving just three remaining.

The World Bank has acknowledged the significant challenges confronting Ghana’s cocoa sector and has pledged to offer recommendations to help revitalize the industry.

On January 8, 2025, during a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama, Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, emphasized the untapped potential within Ghana’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on cocoa.

“On cocoa, Ghana is one of those countries where we have prepared what we call country-climate under-development. And we have indeed identified the potential that exists in the agricultural sector. Particularly is cocoa and at the same time what are the challenges the sector has faced?

“We have Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire together, even though there are similarities. We have some recommendations that the team can discuss with you at some point. In that regard, and see how we can use our existing programme because we have some dedicated programmes that exist already in Ghana in order to contribute to addressing those challenges that have been mentioned.

Ghana’s cocoa sub-sector contracted by 26% in the third quarter of 2024, marking its fifth consecutive decline and highlighting ongoing struggles in one of the nation’s most vital export industries.

This significant drop contrasts sharply with the broader economy, which grew by 7.2% during the same period. Excluding oil, Ghana’s economy expanded in current terms to Ghȼ254 billion, compared to Ghȼ194 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

The cocoa sector’s challenges, which began in the third quarter of 2023, have worsened throughout 2024. The first quarter recorded the steepest contraction of 20.2%, followed by back-to-back 26% declines in the second and third quarters, signalling a deepening crisis.

This prolonged downturn threatens the stability of Ghana’s cocoa sector, a critical driver of rural livelihoods and a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

Weak cocoa production impacting COCOBOD amid record high prices – IMF

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Tuesday 7th January 2025 will go down into the annals history as one of the significant days in Ghana’s history or “her story”

This is the day Ghana inducted a female to the highest office of a Vice President. After Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang took her oath of office. I wrote on my WhatsApp status; “I saw this in my lifetime” I was elated about this.

I’m still counting to the day we shall have a woman President. Which I’m optimistic will be soon.

It was a beautiful and colorful ceremony, the Black Stars Square saw a captivating transformation. Following the conversation on Facebook and other platforms the credit for the transformation and stellar production was going to one gentleman with the name Stan Dogbe. Mr. Dogbe, you and your team have done a great job.

If you are an ardent follower of my blog, you know my forte is in fashion. So my piece will focus on the fashion and looks i saw at the event.

My opinion is going to be factual devoid of preferences and straight to the point.

Those who put in the work will get their ccolades and those who decided to make a mess will get it straight and firm.

So let’s dive in;

Thank you ladies for blessing the TL with your looks. Cheers and a happy new year.

Photo credit: social media platforms and other news portals.

The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to fostering economic growth in African nations, with a special focus on financing key development initiatives in Ghana.

Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for West and Central Africa at the World Bank affirmed the institution’s dedication to supporting African countries in overcoming the challenges of sustainable economic growth.

He made these remarks during a high-level delegation visit to President John Mahama’s office in Accra on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The discussions centred on strategies to strengthen partnerships and enhance development efforts across the region.

“In the last couple of months since the arrival of the new president Ajay Banga, there is a concept that we call the better and bigger World Bank. But we are now focusing on the better bank before actually getting to the bigger bank.

“So with the better bank, obviously the elements of ownership for government, client, partnership will be the order complementing the financial assistance that we are providing with the knowledge aspect because as a global institution, obviously we work with all of the countries and this has allowed us to gain a lot of experience.

“As we mentioned on the formality aspect, how we can bring resources into the economy, making sure that those are not part of financing the economy…In particular in West African countries, this challenge that Ghana is facing in that area is the same that we see in Senegal, Kenya, etc. So we are happy to bring our department working in the area into the conversation with Ghana and see how we can really widen the resource base, making sure that the domestic organisation part of financing the economy also increases.

“On cocoa, Ghana is one of those countries where we have prepared what we call the country climate and development and we had indeed identified the potential that exists in the agricultural sector, in particular, the whole of cocoa but at the same time the challenges the sector has faced.

“So we have some recommendations that the team can discuss at some point and in that regard see how we can use our existing programme because we have some dedicated programmes in order to contribute in that sector,” he stated.

Dumsor: Mahama calls for urgent action on looming power crisis

The Returning Officer for the Ablekuma North Constituency, Vincent Obeng, has announced his decision to discontinue the collation of results in the area.

He informed the Electoral Commission (EC) to find a replacement, citing frustrations encountered during the collation process on January 8, 2025.

Obeng revealed that, out of seven polling stations, results from four had already been collated, leaving just three remaining.

Speaking to Channel One News’ Hanson Agyemang, Obeng explained, “I hope you have all seen what is going on. Yesterday January 7, we were left with 7 polling stations to go. We came today [January 8], and we have been able to do four out of the seven.

“So we’re left with three more. We brought our presiding officers here, two came and they couldn’t authenticate the statement of the poll and the declaration form. One said she couldn’t come, so that is the three now.

“It’s so unfortunate for me to make this statement that I’m done with Ablekuma North. They should find a new Returning Officer to continue their work for them.”

In his response, the Director of Training, EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe expressed regret over the comment by the Returning Officer.

Chaos erupted at the Greater Accra Regional Office during the resumption of the collation of results for Ablekuma North by the Electoral Commission (EC), sparking heightened tensions.

The incident stemmed from accusations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the EC was collaborating with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manipulate election results in the constituency.

The NDC’s Constituency Organiser, Musa Kalamu, alleged that the EC was aiding the NPP in doctoring figures from pink sheets of outstanding polling stations.

The situation occurred after the EC resumed the collation of the results after it temporarily suspended the collation process for the Ablekuma North constituency due to unresolved issues with results from seven outstanding polling stations, on January 6.

This decision comes as the EC sought to verify and authenticate the results from these polling stations before proceeding with the final collation.

Out of the 20 outstanding polling stations before the collation exercise on Monday, January 6, presiding officers have successfully authenticated 13 of the pink sheets submitted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to abolishing the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) and the COVID-19 levy.

This pledge, a key feature of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, aims to provide relief to Ghanaians burdened by these levies.

Speaking on the matter, Madam Bawah Mogtari assured the public that the government remains resolute in its determination to deliver on this promise, emphasizing its dedication to easing the financial pressures on citizens.

“The E-levy has been a significant concern for many citizens. In a country where several banks have collapsed, some intentionally, mobile money services have become the main avenue for financial transactions. It is critical to ensure that this platform remains accessible and affordable for all. These levies will be scrapped,” Joyce Bawah made these remarks during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show.

She expressed disapproval of the 1.5% rate of the levy, comparing it to other nations where taxes are limited to 0.5%.

In her view, the increased rate has rendered the levy burdensome for the average Ghanaian, emphasizing its wider consequences, particularly its effects on international development.

“For those who have no other options but to transact business using mobile money, this levy is not just inconvenient but stifling.

“Many development partners used to distribute resources through mobile money platforms. However, the introduction of the E-levy has disrupted these processes, adding unnecessary strain to an already fragile system.”

Additionally, Joyce Bawah questioned the continued collection of COVID-19 by the Akufo-Addo administration years after the pandemic had subsided.

“If we still have these levies in place and yet have not completed crucial projects like Agenda 111, we need to ask ourselves whether these levies serve their intended purpose..”

Dumsor: $90m needed to avert looming power crisis – GRIDCo report

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Bernard Owusu-Twumasi Esq

The results of the last election were a clear call for change. Ghanaians voted overwhelmingly for it, delivering a decisive victory to President John Dramani Mahama with an extraordinary margin of two million votes.

This historic comeback not only signals a shift in political direction but also underscores the nation’s deep desire for transformation.

In response to the ex-president’s State of the Nation Address, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah of Ellembele aptly captured the frustrations of the electorate: economic hardship, unsustainable debt, and a collapsing currency.

These are the burdens the average Ghanaian seeks to overcome. The grim reality is this: in January 2022, the cedi traded at 5 GH₵ to 1 USD, yet by December 2024, it had plummeted to 15.5 GH₵ per dollar—an astronomical depreciation of over 300%. Despite this dire economic performance, the former president claimed to be leaving Ghana in a better state. Was this delusion, denial, or sheer audacity?

President Mahama now carries the monumental responsibility of addressing these bread-and-butter issues. However, his position as a one-term president offers him a unique advantage.

Free from the pressures of re-election, he has the opportunity to take bold, necessary decisions that past leaders shied away from.

With four years at his disposal, he can cement a legacy that rivals Ghana’s most iconic leaders, such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and establish a governance standard future presidents will aspire to uphold.

While working to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians, the president must not ignore the grave misdeeds of his predecessor’s administration. Accountability is essential.

Those who have looted and squandered the country’s limited resources must be held to account through due process. The president must invoke the law on willfully causing financial loss to the state, which provides a critical tool for addressing these offenses.

In the landmark Quality Grain case(The Republic vrs Ibrahim Adams, et al), Justice Kwame Afreh of blessed memory, emphasized that foreseeability is key to the intention and the action of the state actor to fall foul of the law.

The law applies not only when a state actor directly benefits from their actions but also when it is foreseeable that their decisions could harm the state. Any state actor who fails this test has a case to answer.

A relentless pursuit of looters, reckless state actor may stem the tide of impunity that has put the state at the mercy of ‘fortune hunters”.

In conclusion, I humbly urge President Mahama to act decisively and courageously.

He must seize this moment to correct the injustices Ghanaians have endured over the past eight years and rebuild trust in governance. May he lead with wisdom and boldness, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.

Koku Anyidoho, President of the Atta Mills Institute and former Deputy General-Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed a reflective and composed reaction to the damage inflicted on the statue of the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills at Asomdwe Park.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Anyidoho revealed his emotional response to the act of vandalism while invoking faith and hope for the nation.

See More ❯

A scene at the collation centre

Chaos erupted during the re-collation of election results in the Ablekuma North constituency on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, over the authenticity of pink sheets.

The exercise, meant to clarify results from some outstanding stations in the constituency triggered heated exchanges among polling agents and agents of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who accused the EC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of conspiring to rig the elections in favour of the NPP candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Director of Elections for the NPP, Evans Nimako, emphasised the importance of adhering to legal procedures in resolving electoral disputes.

He reiterated that political parties had been directed to submit their copies of the Form 8A results, either in hard or soft copy, for verification by the EC.

According to him, this process is essential to maintain the integrity of the electoral outcomes.

“The public must allow the law to operate, we have 276 constituencies, of which 275 results have been declared. However, in Ablekuma North, seven polling stations are still pending due to unresolved issues,” he noted.

The EC temporarily suspended the collation process on Monday, January 6, due to unresolved issues concerning results from seven polling stations.

Out of 20 initially outstanding polling stations, presiding officers were able to authenticate 13 pink sheets submitted by the NPP.

This re-collation follows a High Court ruling that directed the EC to address the disputes and re-collate results in four constituencies, including Ablekuma North.

However, the process has only deepened tensions, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

JKB/AE

You can also watch some videos of MPs ahead of their swearing-in

Nana Amoasi VII the Executive Director, Institute for Energy Security has finally declared the New Patriotic Party (NPP) did not inherit dumsor.

According to Nana Amoasi VII, the NPP instead inherited an improved power generation system.

Former President Akufo-Addo in his last SONA boldly stated he is leaving the office of government with the lights on.

See More ❯

Accra, Jan. 8, GNA –The MTN Ghana Foundation has brought joy to over 1000 basic school children in three regions during the festive season.  

The events, which took place at the Aburi Methodist School in the Eastern Region, Adzintem D/A Basic School in the Central Region, and Gethsemane Chorkor Basic School in the Greater Accra Region, featured an exciting lineup of activities.  

A statement issued in Accra by Samuel Bartels Acting Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, said these include musical chairs, dancing competitions, and poem recitals followed by a sumptuous feast of quality meals and refreshments.  

It said the excitement reached its peak as winners of the various activities were awarded prizes, while all participants, including tutors, received souvenirs.  

The events highlighted the MTN Foundation’s dedicated to supporting education and community initiatives as well as providing children with a memorable Christmas celebration and a chance to unwind during the festive season.  

Mr George Frimpong, Education Portfolio Advisor for the MTN Ghana Foundation, said, “It is thrilling to celebrate   

Christmas with children in our communities. As a Foundation, we are committed to sharing in the joy of the season with these children.”  

The school authorities expressed heartfelt gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for bringing the spirit of Christmas to life and wished the Foundation continued success in its community efforts.  

Since its establishment in 2007, the MTN Foundation has hosted annual Christmas parties for children in selected communities across Ghana, making a positive impact on the lives of young people.  

GNA  

Kwadwo Twum Boafo, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority has questioned the sincerity of immediate-past president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision to extend an olive branch to the newly-installed John Dramani Mahama government.

Contributing to a panel discussion on Metro TV ahead of the swearing-in and inauguration of the Mahama government, Twum Boafo outrightly rejected the gesture by Nana Akufo-Addo, asserting that the move is devoid of honesty and ingenuity.

In rubbishing the decision by former President Akufo-Addo, Twum Boafo who is a victim of state-sponsored harassment and persecution, pointed out the ill-treatment of John Dramani Mahama and appointees of his erstwhile government as justification for his stance.

The respected NDC member stated that John Mahama himself was not left out of the mistreatment as elements of the NPP forced him out of the building that served as his residence while he was serving as president.

Twum Boafo argues that but for the humiliating defeat the NPP suffered in the 2024 elections, Nana Akufo-Addo would have made no such offer.

“Suddenly President Akufo-Addo says let’s forgive each other. When did he discover brotherhood? When he flat-out terrorized some of us, appointees of President Mahama including President Mahama himself. They threw out his (John Mahama) things. People were sent to turf out a former president out of his residents.

“Today he has discovered that we are brothers. After terrorizing us, he has now discovered brotherhood. It was the verdict of Ghanaians that made him discover brotherhood,” he said on Metro TV.

About Mahama’s second coming:

John Dramani Mahama has been sworn in as the President of Ghana at the Black Star Square in Accra.

This occasion follows his decisive victory in the general elections held on December 7, 2024, where he secured a commanding mandate from Ghanaians.

The event attracted a wide range of international dignitaries, including 21 Heads of State, diplomats, and representatives from various global organisations.

The Vice President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has also taken the oath of allegiance and the oath of Vice President, making her the first female Vice President in the country.

He becomes the first non-consecutive President in the Fourth Republic after a landslide victory in the 2024 presidential polls.

His closest contender, Dr Mamudu Bawumia, outgoing Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), polled 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61 percent.

His massive victory takes him to historic realms of Ghana’s political history.

Mahama became President of Ghana from July 24, 2012, to January 7, 2017, following the death of President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills. His Vice Presidency lasted from January 2009 to July 2012.

The First Vice-Chairman of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Clement Boateng, has donated GH₵40,000 to support the reconstruction of the Kantamanto market, which was devastated by a fire on January 2, 2025, around 1 a.m.

During the donation, Mr Boateng emphasized the need for financial institutions to reschedule loan payments for traders affected by the fire.

He appealed to banks and other financial bodies to reconsider repayment timelines to ease the burden on affected traders.

He also urged Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies to allocate a portion of the funds collected from traders toward insurance schemes. According to him, this would provide a safety net against similar unforeseen events in the future.

“I will take this opportunity to appeal to the banks because I know that there are a lot of people here who have taken some facilities from the bank. So, I want to make an appeal to all the financial institutions that our members have taken facility from, to please reschedule their facility arrangement, so that the time that they are supposed to repay the facility will be extended for them to have some bit of respite.

“For some time now, we have not had a well-structured market in the country. Almost all the markets we have are made by the indigenes. This is the time for the government to collaborate with the private sector so that we can build more well-structured markets for Ghanaians to trade,” The Director of Communications of GUTA, Joseph Paddy added.

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