Category: Local News

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.

Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has revealed that AT’s debt portfolio currently stands at $200 million following a debt restructuring arrangement.

According to him, the company continues to face financial challenges, with monthly operating losses amounting to GHS20 million.

Addressing the press in Accra on Wednesday, April 9, George emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, stating that steps are being taken to negotiate haircuts with creditors to ensure AT’s viability.

The Minister criticised the previous government’s acquisition of Airtel Tigo, which was rebranded as AT, for a reported purchase price of $1.

He described the decision as “ill-informed and reckless,” highlighting that the company had a debt portfolio of $400 million at the time of purchase and lacked sufficient revenue to cover its overhead costs.

Sam George also pointed out that the core and dealing platforms had reached the end of their lifecycle, with no significant investments made by the former operators of Tigo, in the preceding five years.

“The previous government acquired Airtel Tigo and rebranded it as AT with a reported purchase of $1. Nothing could have been more disingenuous and unpatriotic. When the company was bought its debt portfolio stood at $400million and its revenues could not meet its monthly overheads.

“The core and dealing platforms have reached the end of life and both Bharti and milicom which operated Tigo had failed to make any meaningful investments in both companies over the preceding five years.

“The decision to step in at the time can best be described as ill informed and reckless. It was an abdication of responsibility by the then administration and minister to the best interest of Ghana.”

“…Today after a debt restructuring arrangement, the debt portfolio at AT sits at about $200million, rising every month as the company makes a monthly operating loss of GHS20million.

“The bleeding needs to be thrashed and urgent steps are underway to engage the companies creditors in negotiating haircuts to ensure the company’s viability,” Sam George stated.

Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has issued a strong condemnation of the police following allegations that they shot some youths in Bawku. His statement comes amidst rising tensions in the area after the reported incident.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 9, the MP refuted claims that he had instructed police officers to allow residents to access the local market or purchase goods.

“I totally condemn the actions of the police in shooting some youth in Bawku today. Also, I have never had any discussion with any police and directed them to allow anyone to attend any market or purchase anything from anyone. Such matters are not my responsibility,” he stated.

He explained that such operational decisions rest solely with law enforcement agencies, stressing that he has no authority over their actions.

“They are matters within the purview of law enforcement officers, and no decision of a law enforcement officer should be blamed on me because I don’t control them operationally,” Ayariga clarified.

The MP also called on security forces to cooperate with traditional authorities in the area to restore calm and maintain order.

“The law enforcement officers are advised to work with Abugrago Azoka II, the Zugran and overlord of Kusaug to maintain law and order in his Traditional Area.”

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has unveiled a set of measures aimed at enhancing the quality of telecommunications services across Ghana.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, April 9, the Minister acknowledged the growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of mobile network operators.

“I have noted several complaints about the quality of service of almost all the network providers in the country,” he said.

In response, Sam George announced that he has approved technology neutrality for MTN Ghana and has authorized the National Communications Authority (NCA) to offer additional spectrum to both MTN and Telecel Ghana.

“I have taken decisive policy to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana. I have also directed the NCA to make an additional spectrum offer to Telecel Ghana,” he stated.

According to him, the move is intended to equip telecom providers with the necessary tools to enhance their service delivery.

“This will provide operators with more resources to improve their service offerings and quality of services,” he explained.

The Minister also issued a stern warning to service providers, stating that the NCA will closely monitor improvements and enforce penalties for non-compliance.

“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin a rigorous enforcement of quality of service on the providers. Failure to provide an improvement and quality of service by the network operators will result in stiff fines,” he warned.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has defended the recent dismissal of several staff members from his ministry, describing the move as a necessary step to sanitise the institution.

According to the Minister, the decision was taken to curb potential corruption and reinforce transparency within the ministry’s operations.

He explained that the action is consistent with ongoing governance reforms designed to enhance efficiency and accountability in the public sector.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Sam George disclosed that the ministry had obtained clearance from the World Bank to begin a new recruitment process to replace the dismissed staff.

He stressed that the recruitment would be conducted with strict adherence to due diligence, ensuring that only candidates who meet high standards of professionalism and integrity are selected.

“When I took office, I took decisive action, in consultation with the World Bank office in Accra, to terminate the contract of 13 staff under the project implementation unit of the World Bank funding Ghana Digital Acceleration Programme,” he stated.

“This became necessary to show our zero level of tolerance for any semblance of graft or corruption in the ministry. This termination was a patriotic action to save the state from any representation that affects our international image,” he added.

Officials of the National Intelligence Bureau(NIB) have besieged the residence of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour to arrest him, according to the General Secretary of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong.

#SayNoToStateIntimidation, Justin Kodua wrote in social media post on Tuesday, April 9, signaling what he described as a growing trend of political harassment.

The development follows days of political uproar after the Assin South MP alleged that two suspicious flights landed at the Kotoka International Airport under circumstances suggesting possible drug trafficking and money laundering.

While government officials have dismissed the claims as baseless, the latest twist has raised concerns about possible intimidation of opposition figures who speak out on sensitive national matters.

The National Intelligence Bureau is yet to comment on the alleged arrest attempt.

The Supreme Court has indefinitely adjourned a case challenging three petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The adjournment, on Wednesday, April 9, was prompted by the absence of the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who had secured an excuse from the Chief Justice due to an ongoing training for lawyers at the Office of Attorney General. Dr. Ayine had requested an adjournment of all cases from April 7 to April 10.

Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, who presided over the case, decided to adjourn the hearing indefinitely.

However, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who represents the plaintiff, expressed surprise at the absence of Dr. Ayine and his deputy, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, due to the training workshop for state attorneys.

It is uncertain when the hearing will resume, as no new date was announced despite Mr. Dame’s request to adjourn until Monday, April 14.

The case, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenges the constitutional process initiated by former President John Mahama after receiving three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.

Mr. Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the President consults the Council of State under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. He claims that failing to notify her beforehand violates her right to a fair hearing and undermines judicial independence.

The Supreme Court was expected to determine whether the President’s actions comply with the constitutional provisions governing the removal of a sitting Chief Justice.

In response, the Chief Justice has officially addressed the petitions following President Mahama’s 10-day ultimatum.

Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, has taken a swipe at the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of hypocrisy and dishonesty in its commentary on Ghana’s economic challenges.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Boako criticised the NDC for what he described as a sudden shift in narrative regarding the impact of global crises—particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war—on Ghana’s economy.

“You can spread all the propaganda and make all the noise when you’re in opposition, but eventually, reality will catch up with you,” he wrote, referencing recent comments by Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, who acknowledged that external shocks significantly contributed to the country’s economic woes.

Dr. Boako pointed out what he termed an inconsistency in the NDC’s stance, stating, “Just a few months ago, he and the NDC appeared on national television and dishonestly criticised the NPP administration for citing those very same reasons.”

He defended the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s handling of the economy, insisting the party was merely highlighting global realities, not shirking responsibility.

“We did not mislead Ghanaians, nor were we trying to evade accountability. Our opponents, however, chose to ride on cheap propaganda, ignoring the significant and ongoing impacts on the global economy,” he argued.

Dr. Boako likened the NDC’s recent acknowledgements to reluctant confessions.

“Now, reality has indeed caught up with them. Like a witch undergoing exorcism, they are beginning to confess—left, right, and centre.”

He also highlighted the economic strides made under the NPP before leaving office, claiming the party successfully restored the economy to pre-COVID levels.

“We recorded a growth rate of 5.7%, and in nominal terms, achieved a historic GDP of over a trillion cedis – unprecedented in our nation’s history,” he noted.

Dr. Boako challenged the current administration to build upon what he described as the solid economic foundation laid by the NPP.

African trade ministers from across the continent are scheduled to meet on April 14 to assess the implications of President Donald Trump’s imposition of a sweeping new tariff policy that will see a 10 percent tax levied on all goods imported into the United States from more than 100 countries.

The meeting will bring together key policymakers, economists, trade experts, and representatives from regional economic communities to explore how the African continent can best position itself in the face of growing global protectionism.

Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, addressed the media from Washington, D.C., calling the U.S. tariff a wake-up call for Africa.

Wamkele Mene emphasised that the decision by President Trump underscores the urgent need for African nations to fast-track the implementation of policies that promote intra-African trade and reduce overreliance on global powers.

“President of the United States has given us a wake-up call. And the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on April 14 to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”

Mene’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among African leaders and trade officials that global shifts toward economic nationalism and unilateral trade decisions by major economies demand a proactive, unified African approach.

The new tariff threatens to increase the cost of African exports to the U.S., potentially diminishing their competitiveness in the American market.

Many African economies rely on exports such as textiles, agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods, much of which are currently traded under preferential access agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has assured Ghanaians that transport fares will remain unchanged for now, despite recent reductions in fuel prices.

His assurance comes amid growing public calls for a decrease in fares, particularly after previous threats by transport unions to raise prices during fuel hikes.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. Nikpe said the Ministry is in continuous engagement with transport unions and operators, noting that any fare adjustment is guided by a well-established formula.

“I am in constant touch with the unions and transport operators. We have a formula in which we use to either increase or reduce prices, and we have not gotten there yet,” he said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to maintain stability in the sector, reassuring commuters that prices will hold steady for now.

“We are in good touch. We are working together, and Ghanaians should be rest assured that prices will be kept for some time before any of the adjustments will be made,” Mr. Nikpe added.

The Ministry’s stance aims to balance commuter relief with the operational sustainability of transport operators, as discussions on possible fare reviews continue.