Category: Local News

Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo has cautioned former Hohoe MP John Peter Amewu to desist from tarnishing the reputation of the constituency, stressing that Hohoe is a peaceful place.

His statement follows reports indicating that some unknown assailants, on Wednesday, March 5, stormed the former MP’s residence and fired gunshots with one purporting to be a court bailiff.

In an exclusive interview on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, March 5, Tsekpo refuted claims that gunmen reportedly stormed the residence of Amewu in Hohoe.

He maintains that it was only a delegation which included a court bailiff and a security personnel, that had gone to post a court notice on the wall of Amewu’s residence, adding that no guns had been fired.

Tsepko posits that Amewu had miscommunicated the incident to the media in an attempt to perhaps score some political point.

Tsekpo insisted that the Hohoe is a peaceful constituency devoid of disorderliness.

“The former MP knows that the people of Hohoe, we have five traditional areas in Hohoe, we are a very peaceful people. That is why I said he should exercise patience when such things happen. You will think you are selling your party but you are giving Hohoe a bad name. I don’t think his life is in danger.

“We were in the constituency last two weeks together. He himself said in an interview that when he was the MP and a minister, he was driving alone, so he is safe,” he stated.

Dr. Edward K. Brown, an economist and Senior Director of Research, Policy and Programmes at the Africa Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), has emphasized the critical role of economic transformation in driving Africa’s development.

Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Dr. Brown highlighted the need for African economies to move beyond structural adjustments and focus on adding value to their products and exports.

“Absolutely, I think, in the 1980s and 1990s, we were talking about structural adjustments and so on. But if you are not transforming the structure of the economy into high value-added products and exports. Then you are not able to create jobs, you are not able to get the revenue that you need to finance social programmes.

“So, transformation is very critical; it will help to alleviate poverty, so rather than focusing on poverty, you focus on real outcomes.

He added, “If your economy is transforming, you are adding value to the products, and you are creating the jobs necessary, then you can reduce poverty, you can have an inclusive growth, and all those things come together around that framework.”

Dr. Brown stressed that economic transformation is essential for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.

He noted that by focusing on value addition, job creation, and inclusive growth, African economies can become more resilient and self-sufficient.

He also underscored the importance of export diversification to protect economies from external shocks, urging policymakers to prioritize strategies that drive long-term transformation.

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that this year’s 68th Independence Day celebrations will cost only a tenth of the amount spent last year.

The scaled-down event, set to take place at Jubilee House on March 6, reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence while preserving the significance of the occasion.

Speaking on preparations, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the event has been significantly streamlined to reduce costs.

“In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each. So we are talking close to 3,600 men and women and thousands of children who march.

“Now, everything has been scaled down to a little over 500 people. That includes both security personnel and schoolchildren who will be performing. This is to ensure that we do not incur the kind of costs we did in the past.

“I can reveal to you that the celebrations to be held here on Thursday will cost a tenth of what it took to host this event in Koforidua last year. That event cost GH₵15 million. What will be held here tomorrow will cost a tenth of that,” he stated.

Kwakye Ofosu further clarified that reducing the scale of the event does not diminish its importance.

“The scaled-down events in no way undermine the significance of the day. The Independence Day celebration is one that President Mahama takes very seriously. He believes it must be celebrated, but in a manner that allows us to make savings that can be redirected into other areas of expenditure,” he stated.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has advised the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, to avoid political controversies and maintain the independence of his office.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, during Dr. Asiama’s appearance to address concerns regarding the cost of the BoG’s new headquarters, Afenyo-Markin cautioned against selective scrutiny of the central bank’s actions.

“I recall that in the 2015 State of the Nation Address, Mr. President [John Dramani Mahama] raised concerns about poor supervision of the banking sector by the Bank of Ghana. The governor today was the deputy governor then. Are we now picking and choosing which matters we want the governor to brief us on?” he questioned.

He further urged Dr. Asiama to resist political influence, warning, “Mr. Governor, don’t make yourself a tool for political football. The role of the governor of the central bank is critical to the economy of this country. I do not want to politicise the office of the governor, and I urge others to do the same.”

Additionally, Afenyo-Markin called on the Majority in Parliament to approach economic discussions with caution, emphasizing that their handling of such matters could have significant consequences for Ghana’s financial stability.

His remarks came amid ongoing debates over the BoG’s new headquarters, with the Minority opposing the session, arguing that due process had not been followed, while the Majority defended its legitimacy.

52 outstanding students from public and private schools across Ghana’s 16 regions have been honoured at the 32nd President’s Independence Day Awards Ceremony for their academic excellence in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The ceremony, sponsored by Nestlé Ghana, recognized 32 students from public junior high schools, 16 students from private institutions, and four students with hearing and visual impairments.

The awardees received plaques as a symbol of their excellence, a laptop each, and educational supplies from Nestlé Ghana.

Addressing the students, on March 5, Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, emphasized the need for a collective effort to revamp the country’s educational system. She also commended the students for their outstanding performance and encouraged them to continue excelling in their academic pursuits.

“Let me congratulate you on how far you have come. Yes, you have come far, but you have much further to go. This is a good step, keep going, realize your potential, and pursue your dreams. Do not stop yourself, and do not allow others to stop you,” she stated.

The Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Georgios Badaro, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing the value chain and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are working closely with our suppliers to improve the value chain, as well as enhance quality and sustainability. We are also exploring regenerative agriculture options to promote sustainable farming practices in Ghana,” he said.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, has revealed that furnishing the Central Bank’s new headquarters will cost $11 million.

The state-of-the-art facility, located in Accra, was inaugurated on November 20, 2024, by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with key government officials, BoG executives, and financial sector leaders in attendance.

The BoG had faced heavy criticism over the project, with the then-Minority in Parliament demanding the resignation of former Governor Dr. Ernest Addison and his deputies.

Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, Dr. Asiama defended the decision, stating that the old BoG office had structural defects and was no longer fit for purpose.

He stated, “Furniture and furnishings were awarded at $11.1 million.”

Dr. Asiama reassured Parliament of the central bank’s commitment to prudent financial management and its role in maintaining financial stability.

The new facility is expected to enhance the BoG’s ability to regulate Ghana’s financial system while aligning with the government’s broader agenda for economic stability and financial sector growth.

The Bank of Ghana has hinted at commissioning the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) to conduct a value-for-money audit on its $261m new headquarters project. 

This has become necessary as the central bank faces public scrutiny over the cost of the facility.

Appearing before Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama said the audit forms part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of the project.

“The reconstituted Bank of Ghana Board will be sworn in next week and the board will begin reviewing some of these legacy issues. We have scheduled for a board agenda of a detailed briefing of the new BoG building by the project management, and we intend to seek authorisation from the Board to engage AESL for a value for money audit into the new building.

“We believe this will bring clarity to the matter and closure to the issues of our new Bank of Ghana Building”.

The audit comes amid mounting pressure from civil society and opposition groups questioning the cost of the new headquarters, which forms part of the broader infrastructure upgrade agenda by the Bank of Ghana.

AESL – a state-owned consultancy firm, will be assessing whether the cost of the project aligns with prevailing market rates and provide recommendations on cost-efficiency.

The central bank reiterated its commitment to prudent financial management amidst its core mandate of price stability in line with Ghana’s broader economic recovery efforts.

“The Bank of Ghana remains committed to its responsibility which is to ensure financial sector resilience and foster economic growth. These are the priorities that guide our action. As an independent Central Bank, we recognize that public trust is fundamental to our operations and that trust is built on transparency, sound decision making and a demonstrated commitment to prudent financial management,” the Governor added.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has provided an update on the financial status of the Bank’s headquarters project.

Addressing Parliament, Dr Asiama disclosed that as of February 2025, a total of approximately $230 million had been paid towards the construction of the new Bank of Ghana headquarters.

However, an outstanding balance of $31.8 million still needs to be paid to the contractor to complete the project.

Dr Asiama also highlighted that a significant amount of $48.3 million had been paid in taxes and levies related to the construction. This figure underscores the extensive financial commitments associated with the project.

In his address, Dr Asiama emphasised that the expenses go beyond the core building. Separate contracts were awarded for various infrastructural components essential to the headquarters. These include ICT systems and network infrastructure, which were awarded at a cost of $8.6 million.

Additionally, integrated electronic systems were contracted at a cost of $15.8 million, while furniture and furnishings were awarded at $11.1 million.

“Mr Speaker as of February this year a total of $230 million approximately has been paid towards the project with an outstanding balance of $31.8million to be paid to the contractor. Mr Speaker, a total of $48.3million has been paid in taxes and levies that were related to the construction.

“Mr. Speaker beyond the core building separate contracts were awarded for other infrastructure. This include ICT systems and network infrastructure which was awarded at a cost of $8.6million integrated electronic systems which was also awarded at a cost of $15.8m and furniture and furnishings that was also awarded at $11.1million.”

Some oil marketing companies have begun marginally reducing fuel prices at the pump following the start of the first pricing window in March.

This marks the second consecutive reduction after three successive price hikes earlier this year.

Total Energies has led the latest adjustment, lowering the price of both petrol and diesel from GHS 15.99 in the second pricing window of February to GHS 15.79 per liter in the first pricing window of March

Shell has also adjusted it fuel prices downward for the first pricing window of March. The price of petrol has been reduced from GHS 15.89 per litre in the second pricing window of February to GHS 15.72 per litre.

Similarly, diesel now sells at GHS 15.77 per litre, down from GHS 15.99 per litre in the previous pricing window.

The reductions are being attributed to falling crude oil prices on the international market and a slight depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.

This development signals a potential trend, with other oil marketing companies expected to follow suit in the coming days.

In response to growing concerns from commuters, Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza has issued a directive to contractors working on the Ofankor to Nsawam junction rehabilitation project to ensure the road remains passable for motorists while construction is ongoing.

Agbodza highlighted the need for continuous grading and watering of the road to mitigate the adverse effects of the project’s slow progress on drivers.

“They’ve run out of money. We are not expecting them to be working at the same space as if nothing is wrong, but the fact that they were almost nonexistent at the site, and today we can see some of the things the public was complaining about are being done.

“One of them is their inability to water the road to reduce the dust. Today we can see a lot of watering going on, we can see a lot more reshaping and rolling going on, which means that at least the surface will be better than it is.

“That is what is we are asking them to continue to do until a significant payment is made to them…They should continue to do their best to make sure that the public is comfortable…It should be reasonably motorable,” he said when he inspected the road on Wednesday, March 5.

Minister Agbodza reassured the public that the government is committed to providing the necessary funding to ensure the project’s timely completion.

He emphasised the importance of addressing the current challenges to deliver a fully operational road for the benefit of the community.

“The president is committed to completing all ongoing projects as long as the fiscal space and the financing of this project can be made available by the finance minister…We are not in a good place financially. Despite that we are committed to completing this project, because this is another priority project,” he stated.

Project Manager Abdulai Mahama shed light on the factors contributing to the delays, citing issues with compensation, the relocation of utilities, and other unforeseen challenges.

These hurdles have significantly impacted the project’s timeline, but efforts are being made to overcome them and expedite the completion process.