Archives

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has strongly refuted claims made in the April 7, 2025, edition of the Daily Guide newspaper, which alleged that the company’s “Zoomlion Landguards” were responsible for the destruction of property belonging to Turkish investors.

In a statement released by the company’s management, the company emphasized that it does not employ, contract, or engage the services of landguards in any form.

The company categorically denied involvement in any unlawful activities, asserting that it operates fully per the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

Zoomlion’s management expressed their commitment to ethical business practices, stating that the company has long adhered to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. They further reiterated that the company does not condone violence or the destruction of property and has worked with numerous reputable foreign entities over the years.

“These allegations are misleading and unjustifiable,” said the statement. “Zoomlion Ghana Limited is a responsible corporate entity, and it is both erroneous and damaging to associate us with any illegal actions.”

The company called on those with grievances or concerns to pursue the appropriate legal channels, assuring the public and its stakeholders of its continued commitment to lawful operations.

Zoomlion also affirmed its support for the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes and urged the general public to disregard the unfounded claims.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that it collected approximately GH₵41 billion in taxes during the first quarter of the year, surpassing its target of GH₵39 billion.

According to the Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, the performance across regions was commendable, with some regions exceeding expectations.

“I must say that the entire tax performance for the country as a whole was impressive. For the Ashanti Region, they have exceeded the target that we gave to them,” Sarpong said.

He emphasized the need for sustained effort to ensure the national target is met by the end of the year.

“I have already mentioned to them that it is the beginning, and I do want to expect that, as we have done in the first quarter, they will also deliver in the remaining quarter towards the entire national target,” he added.

Highlighting the scale of the achievement, Sarpong noted: “In the first quarter, the budget gave us GH₵39 billion, but I am happy to announce that we recorded GH₵41 billion for the first quarter.”

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, has reaffirmed the government’s position that public funds will not be used to construct the controversial National Cathedral.

Speaking on the matter, Kwakye Ofosu stressed that President John Dramani Mahama remains firmly committed to this stance.

“The president was clear that we are not going to use public funds to continue that project,” he stated.

Sharing his personal perspective, the Minister said: “I am very clear that we don’t need a national cathedral. If religious organisations, churches are minded to put up a cathedral and they request for land from government and government offers it and they are able to generate their resources to build it, all well and good.

“But I don’t believe that we should put public funds into a national cathedral.”

Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that this position has been consistently upheld by President Mahama and made it clear that no taxpayer money would be committed to the project.

“What is certain is that President Mahama is not going to put GHS400 million of taxpayers’ money into that project,” he added.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that the producer price of cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 season.

In a letter to the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana (LICOBAG), COCOBOD explained that the decision followed a thorough assessment of the operational and financial implications for the local cocoa industry.

“This decision comes after careful consideration of the operational and financial implications for the cocoa industry,” said Dr. James Kofi Kutoati, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, in the letter dated April 8, 2025.

The Board said the move aims to preserve stability and long-term sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Currently, the cocoa producer price is GH₵3,100 per 64kg bag, representing a slight rise of 0.03% from the previous rate set in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.

The adjustment, which translates to GH₵49,600 per tonne, is intended to align cocoa prices with current market conditions and provide additional support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

While COCOBOD acknowledged Côte d’Ivoire’s price hike, it hinted at a potential review of producer prices, fees, and margins for stakeholders in the 2025/26 season.

The decision comes at a time when both nations, who together produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa, are working to coordinate pricing through their joint Cocoa Initiative to better protect farmers’ incomes.

The government has officially dissolved the National Cathedral Secretariat, a project initiated by former President Nana Akufo-Addo as a national Christian worship center and a symbol of Ghana’s religious heritage.

The dissolution of the National Cathedral Secretariat marks a significant shift in the government’s stance on the controversial project. The initiative, championed by former President Akufo-Addo, was meant to be a monumental religious symbol for Ghana.

However, it has faced widespread criticism over the handling of its finances and execution, with several allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption surfacing throughout its development.

Meanwhile, speaking on Channel One TV’s  Face to Face programme, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, confirmed that the government would no longer provide funding for the abandoned National Cathedral project.

He stated that this decision is in line with the position consistently upheld by President John Dramani Mahama, who has been clear in ensuring that taxpayer money will not be used for the project moving forward.

“There are outstanding issues regarding the procurement processes, outstanding payments that the contractor is demanding, but nobody will answer because there is no National Cathedral.

“It remains a worthless home. As a point of determination, a decision is going to be made, but what is certain is that President Mahama is not going to put GHS400 millions of taxpayers’ money into that project.”

The Okada Riders Association has highlighted the importance of training in enhancing safety within the commercial motorcycle sector.

This comes in response to the recent proposal by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 LI 2180, to permit only persons aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles as part of the government’s plans to improve safety and accountability in the sector.

Speaking to Citi News, Public Relations Officer of the Okada Riders Association, Solomon Akpanaba, stressed that training is the key to promoting safety in the sector, rather than age limits.

“We have always said and will continue saying that if you want to bring discipline or reduce accidents drastically on the road, look at training, training of the rider. Let your focus be there, not age.

“That the 18-year-old guy, when he gets to the traffic light, when he is trained, he will know that between crossing the road because I am in a hurry and standing patiently for some two minutes before I go, which one more important.

“The 18-year-old guy given the training will know the right decision to take,” he said.

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the scrapping of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy), describing it as a strategic move aimed at enhancing digital financial services in Ghana.

The E-levy, which imposed a 1% tax on transactions conducted through electronic or digital platforms, was officially abolished on April 2, 2025.

While the decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some critics noting that the levy was a significant source of revenue for the government, President Mahama emphasized that the move would help make services more accessible to the public.

He made these remarks during his address at the Czech-Ghana Business Cooperation Seminar, held at the Mövenpick Hotel on Wednesday, April 8.

“In financial and digital services, Ghana is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. The recent repeal of the e-levy on electronic transactions, among other taxes, promises further growth and inclusion in digital financial services,” President Mahama stated.