Category: Local News

Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has justified the government’s decision to abolish the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and several other taxes, emphasizing that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promises and will boost financial inclusion.

Speaking on the OXFAM Tax Dialogue on Channel One TV on the topic “The Tax Implication of the 2025 Budget,” Ampem Nyarko stated that eliminating these taxes was not just a policy decision but a fulfillment of Mahama’s commitment to Ghanaians.

“We have taken out some taxes in fulfillment of a campaign promise. Mahama promised that he would remove E-Levy, the betting tax, and several others—and he has delivered. We have done this to respect the social contract that President Mahama made with Ghanaians,” he explained.

He further argued that the decision was not merely political but necessary to address broader economic challenges, particularly in the digital and informal sectors.

“We did not just promise the removal of taxes—we were convinced they had to go. E-Levy, for example, was something every Ghanaian knew we opposed from the beginning. We still believe it hinders financial inclusion, and there is a report to support that,” he added.

The E-Levy, introduced to generate revenue from electronic transactions, particularly mobile money payments, was widely criticized for discouraging digital transactions and reducing financial accessibility for many Ghanaians.

With its removal, the government hopes to stimulate digital transactions, ease financial burdens, and enhance economic participation across various sectors.

A 24-year-old sales agent at the Mile 8 branch of Obrempong Cold Store in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for dishonestly appropriating his employer’s cash.

Kelvin Ofori Sakyi was found guilty of using GH¢75,895 for sports betting, leading to his conviction by the Tarkwa Circuit Court presided over by Hathia Ama Manu.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced accordingly.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joyce Odame told the court that the complainant, Priscilla Aidoo, is the manager of the Mile 8 branch of Obrempong Cold Store and resides in the same community.

She said although Sakyi had other duties, he was responsible for receiving frozen products from the complainant daily.

ASP Odame stated that the complainant noticed that whenever Sakyi rendered sales accounts and there was a shortage, he claimed customers had bought on credit.

Following an audit, it was discovered that between October and November 2024, Sakyi could not account for GH¢75,895 worth of frozen products entrusted to him.

A complaint was filed against him, leading to his arrest. Investigations revealed he had used the unaccounted funds mainly for betting.

The prosecution said Sakyi’s mobile money transaction history from MTN showed that between October and November 2024, he spent GH¢75,173 on sports betting, which he admitted in his caution statement.

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed appreciation to the outgoing heads of the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for their dedicated service to the nation.

The outgoing officials are Isaac Kofi Egyir, former Director-General of Prisons; Julius A. Kuunuor, former Chief Fire Officer of GNFS; and Kwame Asuah Takyi, former Comptroller-General of GIS.

In a Facebook post following a meeting with them on Monday, March 17, 2025, President Mahama conveyed his gratitude for their leadership.

“I am grateful to have met you to express my sincere appreciation for your dedicated service to Ghana. Thank you for your leadership and commitment!” he stated.

In a related development, the President on Monday swore into office their successors at a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House following their appointment on Friday.

The new appointees include Patience Baffoe Bonnie, who previously served as Deputy Director-General of Prisons (DDGP); Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong, former Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) of GNFS; and Samuel Basentale Amadu, who was the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI).

The official X account of former President John Dramani Mahama has been compromised, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).

In a statement, the CSA revealed that unauthorized access to Mahama’s verified social media account was detected on Monday, March 17, after it began promoting suspicious cryptocurrency-related content.

The breach has raised concerns among citizens, with many questioning the security measures in place for high-profile political figures.

However, the CSA has assured the public that it is working closely with X and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue and prevent future breaches.

The first signs of the hack emerged when Mahama’s account started posting promotional content about a cryptocurrency project called Solanafrica.

The fraudulent scheme falsely claimed to be linked to the Solana blockchain, promising seamless and cost-free payments across Africa.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecasted thunderstorms and rain in parts of the country from mid-afternoon into the evening today.

According to the agency, mist or fog patches will form in some coastal, forest, and hilly areas early in the morning, while the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy skies. However, sunny conditions will dominate as the day progresses.

By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms or rain of varying intensity are expected in most parts of southern Ghana.

The affected areas include Koforidua, Kumasi, Obuasi, Tarkwa, Sefwi Bekwai, Kete Krachi, Sunyani, Goaso, and Techiman, where thunderstorms are expected with a 30-40% probability.

Meanwhile, the extreme upper regions of the northern sector, including Bolgatanga and Nalerigu, will remain slightly hazy. Coastal cities such as Accra, Takoradi, and Cape Coast are likely to experience partly cloudy conditions.

GMet has advised residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions as the weather changes.

Ghana Post, the designated postal administrator and the country’s leading courier service provider, has announced the appointment of Rita Sraha as Managing Director and Stephen Kingsley Bennieh as Deputy Managing Director, Finance & Administration.

A New Era for Ghana Post

Their appointments mark a new phase in the organization’s efforts to enhance efficiency, expand digital capabilities, and strengthen its position in Ghana’s evolving logistics and postal sector.

During an official visit to introduce the new leadership, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, outlined his vision for transforming Ghana Post into a modern, technology-driven institution. He emphasized positioning the company as a 360-degree government post office, integrating e-commerce logistics, financial transactions, and digital services alongside traditional postal operations.

Key Areas of Modernization

The minister highlighted three priority areas for Ghana Post’s transformation:

• Innovation: Leveraging technology to improve efficiency and expand service offerings.
• Staff Welfare: Enhancing training, career development, and workplace conditions.
• A 24-Hour Economy: Establishing Ghana Post as a round-the-clock logistics and service provider to meet growing customer demands.

Leadership for Strategic Growth

Rita Sraha, a Chartered Accountant and business consultant, brings expertise in finance, corporate governance, and strategic management. Her leadership is expected to drive financial discipline, operational efficiency, and digital transformation within the company.

Stephen Kingsley Bennieh, the newly appointed Deputy Managing Director, Finance & Administration, will oversee financial planning, compliance, and administrative functions at Ghana Post. With a background in law and academia, he is expected to strengthen governance frameworks, financial oversight, and operational policies to ensure efficiency in resource allocation and corporate management.

Future Prospects for Ghana Post

As Ghana’s official postal administrator and a leader in courier services, Ghana Post aims to:

• Expand digital services to improve accessibility and customer experience.
• Strengthen partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms.
• Enhance logistics and last-mile delivery for improved parcel distribution efficiency.
• Boost revenue generation through diversified services and strategic business models.
• Ensure financial stability and operational efficiency through enhanced fiscal oversight and administrative improvements.

Looking Ahead

In the coming weeks, the new leadership will engage with key stakeholders, industry partners, and corporate clients to align strategies and drive Ghana Post’s transformation agenda. As the organization seeks to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving postal and logistics sector, innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction will remain at the heart of its operations.

Cocoa farmers have been encouraged to prioritize their children’s education and seek alternative income sources to support their families.

A community development leader at Beyond Beans Foundation, Lewis Dwumah, made the call during the launch of the Numereso Cocoa Farmers Susu Association in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

He emphasized that cocoa farmers often face financial hardship during the off-season, underscoring the need for a reliable support system.

To address these challenges, the foundation has introduced the Accelerator Programme to provide financial relief and long-term sustainability. The initiative aims to support the education of at least six children of cocoa farmers, facilitate the planting of shade trees, assist in pruning cocoa farms, and establish a susu (savings) scheme to reduce poverty among farmers.

Some beneficiaries described the susu initiative as a game changer, particularly in easing the financial burden of their children’s health and education.

Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has raised concerns over the proposal to construct a new parliamentary chamber and establish a dedicated hospital for Members of Parliament (MPs).

He described the initiative as untimely, arguing that Ghana’s current economic challenges make such an expenditure unjustifiable.

His comments come in response to a proposal by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who advocated for improved security measures and better healthcare facilities for MPs.

The Effutu MP made the suggestion during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, emphasizing the need for modern infrastructure that reflects the importance of the legislative body.

Speaking on Citi FM, Fuseini criticized the timing of the proposal, recalling that a similar suggestion in 2019 was widely opposed even when the economy was in a relatively better state.

“The call for a new chamber at this crucial time in our economy is very misplaced. Even in 2019, when the country was not bankrupt, civil societies rejected the idea, arguing that it was not the time for a new chamber but rather a time to save the country from economic downturns.

“So to make that statement now, when the country is bankrupt and under IMF support and programs, is shocking. I don’t think such a proposal should have come from the Minority Leader at all.

“A new chamber does not protect MPs in any way. Since the day I entered Parliament until today, there has been a massive improvement in security. Scanners have been installed at both gates of Parliament to prevent people from entering without being scanned.

“It wasn’t like that before, so clearly, there have been improvements. Maybe in the future, when our financial situation improves, and we can balance our budget, make savings, and the country is prosperous, then we can consider spending money on such things,” he stated.

A 40-year-old man, Yaw Abakah, has drowned in a well at Enyan Abaasa in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region.

According to residents, Abakah, a renowned well digger from Agona Nsabaa in the Agona East District, had built a reputation for his expertise, securing jobs across the Central Region.

He had traveled to Enyan Abaasa with his workers to desilt a well when he met his untimely death.

Information gathered by Adom News indicates that he entered the well while his workers waited outside for instructions to commence work.

After several minutes of silence and no response when they called his name, the workers grew alarmed.

The Gomoa Fire Service Command was called to the scene, but upon arrival, they retrieved his lifeless body, which was covered in mud. The retrieval followed traditional rites, including the pouring of libation by local authorities.