A former Deputy Finance Minister, Mona Quartey, has criticized the government’s decision to increase the Growth and Sustainability Levy on mining companies from 1% to 3%. She warned that this decision could have serious consequences for the extractive sector. During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson defended the levy increase as a strategy to ensure that Ghana benefits from rising global gold prices. He also proposed extending the sunset clause for the levy to 2028. Disagreement But, speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, March 15, Quartey, a member…
Author: nanabosompra
Representatives from the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, including Dr Kenneth Ashigbey and Senyo Hosi, have expressed urgent concerns to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources regarding the ongoing battle against illegal mining. Their key requests include: An investigation into mining companies linked to politicians. The declaration of a state of emergency in nine forest reserves affected by illegal mining. Measures to address the security threats posed by galamsey operations. A probe into how illegal miners are acquiring firearms. Political influence Dr Ashigbey noted that the fight against illegal mining, often referred to as galamsey, is being weakened by…
There was widespread jubilation within the police service on the night of Thursday, March 13, when the President sacked the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare. In some of the barracks, personnel were seen in viral videos drinking and shouting in jubilation. In a statement from the Jubilee House, the President appointed COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP. No reason No official reason has been given for Dr Dampare’s dismissal. Dr Dampare, who was appointed IGP in 2021, is widely known for spearheading key policing reforms, including community engagement initiatives and internal discipline measures within the…
Broadcaster Kofi Adomah, who is currently battling a life-threatening eye injury, has expressed his deep disappointment in Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, accusing him of neglect and betrayal. Kofi broke his silence regarding the injury he sustained during a musketry display at the Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro in December 2024, when gunpowder struck his left eye. Despite undergoing several procedures to save his sight, there has been considerable controversy surrounding his injury. Not Even a Phone Call At a press conference on March 13, 2025, Kofi revealed that he has not received a single phone call from the…
Canada has established its first air transport agreement with Ghana. This landmark deal, announced by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, and Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, includes the following provisions: Multiple airlines from both countries will be permitted to operate scheduled air services. Airlines will be able to serve any destinations in Canada and Ghana. The agreement allows for a total of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for airlines from each country. Opportunities A statement from the High Commission of Canada to Ghana, Togo, and Sierra…
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP). The ceremony took place on Friday, March 14, at the Jubilee House following the removal of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from office on Thursday. The decision, announced on Thursday, marked a significant shake-up within the Ghana Police Service. While no official reason has been provided for Dr. Dampare’s dismissal, sources suggest that the move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at reshaping the leadership and operational direction of the country’s law enforcement agency. Dr. Dampare, who was appointed IGP…
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed three new heads for the Ghana National Fire Service, Prisons Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service. DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie will head the Ghana Prisons Service while DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong will head the Ghana National Fire Service. DCI Samuel Basentale Amadu has also been appointed as the new Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service. The appointments were announced on Friday, March 14, after President Mahama swore in the COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police. Yohuno takes over from IGP George Akuffo-Dampare who had headed the Police…
Former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has stated that claims by the government to abolish three taxes — emission tax, betting tax and VAT on motor vehicle — is a deception. Reacting to the budget statement presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, Dr Adam, who is the Member of Parliament for Karaga, explained that these taxes have never been collected, and it is preposterous for the Minister to claim that the taxes would be abolished. In his presententation of the budget, Dr Forson stated, “We will abolish the…
The finance minister has announced a series of significant budgetary allocations aimed at addressing critical national priorities, including education, healthcare, social welfare, infrastructure, and economic development. These allocations underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable development. Key highlights include: GH¢13.85 billion: Allocation for the Big Push Programme. GH¢499.8 million: Allocation for the No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions. GH¢292.4 million: Allocation for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools. GH¢242.5 million: Allocation to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage. GH¢200 million: Allocation to support victims…