Author: charles Akor

Pope Francis Celebrates 12 Years as Pontiff While Hospitalized Pope Francis is set to mark the 12th anniversary of his election as the leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, March 13, 2025. However, instead of celebrating at the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia for nearly a month. Pope Francis’ Health Update: Signs of Improvement According to the latest Vatican updates, Pope Francis’ condition is improving, and he is no longer in immediate danger. However, officials have not provided a definitive timeline for his discharge. His…

A recent report by Old Mutual has uncovered a significant financial advisory gap in Ghana, revealing that 90% of Ghanaians do not rely on professional financial advisors when making key financial decisions. Even more concerning, 50% of respondents admitted they do not know where to seek financial advice. Findings from Old Mutual’s Financial Service Report Speaking at the Old Mutual Financial Service Monitoring Debriefing Meeting in Accra on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Vuyokazi Mabude, Group Head of Knowledge and Insights at Old Mutual Limited, highlighted the lack of financial advisory services as a critical issue. “Across the market, 90% of…

President Mahama Advocates for Ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War President John Dramani Mahama has voiced strong support for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a vital step toward peace and stability. Speaking during a credentials ceremony where five newly accredited ambassadors to Ghana presented their letters, Mahama emphasized the need for diplomacy to end the prolonged conflict. Welcoming Peace Efforts: Mahama’s Discussion with Italy’s Ambassador In a conversation with Italian Ambassador H.E. Laura Ranalli, Mahama expressed optimism about the potential for negotiations that could emerge from the ceasefire. “We’re pleased to note President Zelensky’s call for…

Kevin Hart Embraces Comfort Over Style as He Ages Renowned comedian and actor Kevin Hart has opened up about how aging has transformed his fashion choices, revealing that he has completely abandoned jeans in favor of comfortable slacks and sweatpants. Appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the 45-year-old entertainer explained that jeans no longer feel comfortable on his body, emphasizing how they now hurt his knees, waist, and overall mobility. “I don’t wear jeans anymore because I’m getting older. It’s all pants, all slacks. I mean, I’m over 40, and I feel like a good pair of pants is necessary.”…

Residents Call for Urgent Action Against Roaming Cattle in Accra Residents in various parts of Accra are calling on local authorities to take immediate action against herdsmen who allow their cattle to roam freely in the city. The unregulated movement of livestock is creating severe sanitation problems, obstructing traffic, and disrupting everyday life for many citizens. Stray Cattle Causing Traffic and Sanitation Issues During a visit to Dansoman, several cows were spotted loitering in the streets without supervision. The presence of these animals not only obstructs vehicular movement but also poses significant safety hazards to pedestrians and motorists alike. Residents…

Bank of Ghana Requests GHS53 Billion Bailout In a startling revelation, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) is seeking a GHS53 billion bailout to address its negative equity challenges. This disclosure was made during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11. The bailout underscores the severe financial difficulties faced by the central bank and the urgent need for intervention to stabilize its operations. For more details on Ghana’s economic policies, visit the Ministry of Finance’s official website. Government Arrears Hit GHS67.5 Billion Dr. Forson…

GH¢67.5 Billion Debt: A Growing Financial Burden Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the government owes contractors and suppliers a staggering GH¢67.5 billion. This revelation came during his presentation of the 2025 budget to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11. The figure highlights the significant financial pressures facing the government and underscores the urgent need for fiscal reforms to address these obligations. A Wave of Payment Requests Hits the Finance Ministry Upon assuming office, Dr. Forson was met with a flood of payment requests from contractors and suppliers who had provided goods and services to the government…

Financial Sector Faces Ongoing Challenges Despite 2024 Clean-Up Ghana’s financial sector continues to grapple with legacy issues despite a GH¢30.3 billion clean-up exercise completed in 2024. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on March 11, emphasized that an additional GH¢10.45 billion is needed to resolve outstanding challenges and mitigate emerging financial risks. For official details, visit the Ministry of Finance. Why GH¢10.45 Billion is Needed Dr. Ato Forson highlighted that the financial sector remains vulnerable, requiring urgent intervention: GH¢26.9 billion was previously allocated to stabilize banks, Savings & Loans companies,…

Government Announces Major Tax Cuts in 2025 Budget The government has unveiled plans to abolish several key taxes in the 2025 budget, a move aimed at boosting disposable incomes and supporting business expansion. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson detailed the tax cuts during his budget presentation in Parliament, emphasizing their positive economic impact. For official details, visit the Ministry of Finance. Key Tax Abolitions in 2025 Budget During the budget presentation, Dr. Forson announced the removal of multiple taxes that have been considered burdensome by businesses and individuals: 10% Withholding Tax on Lottery Winnings (Betting Tax) 1% Electronic Transfer…

2025 Budget to Unveil Economic Realities The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated that the 2025 budget will expose the inefficiencies and economic mismanagement of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. According to him, the budget will reveal the dire financial state left behind by the former administration. Speaking ahead of the budget presentation on Tuesday, March 11, the Ellembelle MP expressed deep concerns about the economic crisis inherited from the previous government. For official government reports, visit the Ministry of Finance. NPP’s Economic Legacy Under Scrutiny Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah asserted that the NPP’s…