Author: charles Akor

Afrobarometer Survey Reveals A recent survey conducted by the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG) and Afrobarometer highlights a significant increase in public support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia. The survey, released on February 20, 2025, tracks public perceptions over nearly two decades and reveals heightened awareness following President Joseph Boakai’s creation of the Office of the WECC in 2024. Key Findings from the Survey The survey, conducted from July 30 to August 21, 2024, focused on Liberians’ responses to the establishment of the WECC. Key findings include: 84% of respondents are aware of the government’s plan to establish the WECC. 78% of Liberians support the Court,…

Kantamanto Market Traders Seek Government Support After Devastating Fire The leadership of Kantamanto Market is urgently calling on the government to provide financial assistance to traders affected by a recent fire that destroyed numerous stalls and shops. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of January 2, 2025, has left many traders in distress, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance. Urgent Appeal for Soft Loans to Rebuild Businesses Adutwum Atta Manu, the Market Manager, has emphasized the need for soft loans to help affected traders recover and restart their businesses. Speaking on behalf of the traders, Manu highlighted the significant losses suffered, including capital and…

AWS to Implement New Taxes and Levies for Ghana Customers Starting March 1, 2025 Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced that it will begin charging additional taxes and levies on services provided to customers in Ghana, effective March 1, 2025. This move comes in response to local tax regulations introduced by the Ghanaian government, requiring AWS EMEA Sarl—the entity overseeing AWS operations in the region—to comply with these new financial obligations. Breakdown of the New Tax Charges The new charges include a combined 6% levy comprising: National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy (GETFL) Covid-19 Health Recovery Levy In addition, a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) will be…

President Mahama Urges International Partners to Sustain Cooperation Amid USAID Suspension President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana’s international partners to maintain their support and cooperation despite the recent suspension of USAID operations. During an official visit by UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Mahama highlighted the critical need for continued global collaboration, especially as Ghana faces challenges in accessing the international credit market. The Importance of Global Support for Ghana’s Development President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s young and growing population requires sustained investment to address pressing issues like job creation and economic stability. He noted that the suspension of USAID funding has created a $156 million shortfall in the national…

Heightened Security Measures Announced for President Mahama’s 2025 State of the Nation Address The Parliament of Ghana has announced heightened security measures ahead of President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. These measures are designed to ensure a smooth, secure, and incident-free event, reflecting the importance of this annual address to the nation. Strict Access Control and Movement Restrictions During the presentation of the business statement for the week, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga revealed that access to the parliamentary chamber will be strictly controlled once President Mahama arrives. Members of Parliament (MPs) are required to be seated by 9:15 a.m., after which National Security will enforce movement restrictions in and…

Nana Akufo-Addo Calls for African Unity to Drive Economic Growth and Development Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African nations to prioritize stronger cooperation and shared economic growth to advance the continent’s development agenda. Speaking at the launch of former Nigerian Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography on February 20, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming Africa’s economic challenges. Africa’s Potential: A Call for Unity and Collaboration During his address, Akufo-Addo highlighted Africa’s immense potential while acknowledging the obstacles hindering its progress. “Africa’s potential is undeniable, yet our progress continues to…

Renowned Actor Mawuli Semevo Passes Away: A Tribute to a Legendary Talent The Ghanaian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Mawuli Semevo, a celebrated actor whose remarkable talent left an indelible mark on stage and screen. Semevo tragically passed away on February 21, 2024, at Ridge Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for severe burns sustained in a domestic fire accident on February 7. The Tragic Incident: A Devastating Fire Mawuli Semevo, a resident of Adenta SSNIT flats, was asleep in his bedroom when a fire broke out in the hall of his home. In a desperate attempt…

Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Policy: Steady Progress Underway The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced significant progress in the implementation of Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy. This flagship initiative, a key promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections, aims to transform Ghana’s economy into a round-the-clock operation to boost productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth. What is the 24-Hour Economy Policy? The 24-hour economy policy is designed to ensure that businesses and key sectors operate non-stop, maximizing efficiency and creating opportunities for workers across various shifts. President John Dramani Mahama…

Minority in Parliament Appeals Koforidua High Court Ruling in Ernest Kumi Case The Minority in Parliament has announced that the legal counsel of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has filed an appeal against the Koforidua High Court’s ruling in the case involving Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia. This development follows the court’s decision on Wednesday, February 20, 2025, to convict Kumi of contempt and issue a bench warrant for his arrest. What Led to the Contempt Ruling? The Koforidua High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, found Ernest Kumi guilty of contempt for defying an…

Government Approves 10% Wage Hike for Public Sector Employees In a significant move to address the rising cost of living, the Ghanaian government has approved a 10% wage increase for public sector employees. This decision follows successful negotiations between the Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama, who personally engaged with union leaders to secure their support. The wage adjustment, which takes effect on March 1, 2025, marks the second pay rise in less than a year, following a 23% increase approved in 2024. What Led to the Wage Increase? The wage hike is the result of ongoing negotiations between…