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Ghana card removed all ghost names from govt’s payroll- Bawumia claims

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue of ghost names on the government payroll with the Ghana Card.

During his tour in Bawjiase in the Awutu Senya West constituency, he emphasized that the payroll database is under ongoing scrutiny to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing government resources.

Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of the government’s digitalization agenda in combating corruption, noting its effectiveness in eliminating ghost names from the SSNIT and National Service Scheme payrolls.

He revealed that, with the assistance of the Ghana Card, they identified 29,000 ghost names on the SSNIT payroll, resulting in savings of 400,000 cedis, and found 44,000 ghost names among national service personnel, saving over 300 million Ghana cedis.

Dr. Bawumia assured that his administration will continue striving for a corruption-free payroll system.

“Through the Ghana Card, we have made significant progress in eliminating ghost names from government payrolls. Our initial operation focused on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), where we identified and removed 29,000 ghost names, resulting in savings of 400,000 cedis,” he said.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Telecel Ghana Empowers SMEs Through Sustainability Workshop

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Telecel Ghana -The SME Month

Telecel Ghana has taken a significant step in empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by hosting a workshop focused on integrating sustainable business practices into daily operations. As part of Telecel’s SME Month celebration this September, the initiative aims to support, strengthen, and accelerate the growth of emerging businesses.

The workshop, organized in collaboration with environmental and climate advocacy organization Mckingtorch Africa, brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs and employees from leading SMEs such as Landmark Homes, CTA Investments, Abii National Savings and Loans, Equity Health Insurance, G&J Ghana, Reime Ghana, and Moolre Limited, among others.

In a statement issued by Telecel, it was highlighted that participants gained insights into adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, key to driving long-term business success. The workshop emphasized how sustainable practices can make SMEs more attractive to investors, unlock grants, and secure long-term global support.

Telecel Ghana

Makafui Awuku, Founder and CEO of Mckingtorch Africa, led the discussion on the business case for sustainability, offering valuable tips on design thinking, reducing waste, ecological sourcing, and increasing energy efficiency. Awuku stressed that profitability and sustainability go hand in hand, urging SMEs to embed sustainable practices into their core business strategies from the outset.

“Integrating sustainability is not just about doing good; it’s a pathway to profitability,” Awuku said. “By conserving water, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly sourcing, SMEs will not only save money but also create a positive impact on the environment and their communities.”

Tawa Bolarin, Director of Enterprise Business and Wholesale at Telecel Ghana, expressed excitement about the outcomes of the workshop: “It’s been an eye-opening and practical experience for all participants. The knowledge and hands-on skills gained will help SMEs adopt sustainable practices that can unlock investments and drive their business growth.”

Attendees also participated in interactive breakout sessions, learning creative ways to upcycle waste into useful products. From crafting earrings and lip balm containers out of glass and plastic to developing art pieces from recycled materials and discarded insulation foams, the workshop showcased how SMEs can turn waste into valuable artefacts and reduce their environmental footprint.

With a focus on sustainability, Telecel Ghana is helping SMEs thrive in the marketplace and make a lasting, positive impact on their communities and the environment.

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Banks Report High Profit Rate for First Half of 2024

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Banks Report High Profit Rate for First Half of 2024

The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in its July Monetary Policy report, revealed that despite banks achieving higher profit-before-tax (PBT) and profit-after-tax (PAT) in June 2024 compared to the same period last year, the growth rate of these profits has slowed. Profit growth moderated to 25.5% in June 2024, down from 51.4% in the same period in 2023.

According to the BoG, while all income lines in the banking sector saw increases, they did so at a much slower pace than last year. For instance, net interest income grew by 19.4%, reaching GH¢11.8 billion, a significant drop from the 41.4% growth recorded in June 2023. Similarly, interest income rose to GH¢18.0 billion, reflecting a 19.1% increase compared to a much higher 44.3% growth last year.

The BoG attributed the slowed growth in interest income to lower rates on money market instruments and a general decline in lending rates during the first half of 2024, when compared to 2023. In addition, interest expenses also grew, reaching GH¢6.2 billion—an 18.6% rise, which is notably lower than the 50% increase recorded in June 2023.

In a broader context, the BoG’s January 2024 macroeconomic and financial data report highlighted the state of the Ghanaian economy in several key sectors, including interest rates, price developments, and external sector performance. This report provided insights into the overall fiscal operations, capital market performance, and the developing payment system in Ghana.

The banking sector’s performance in 2024 and 2023 has been shaped by several challenges, including the lingering effects of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the government’s domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP). The DDEP, which required significant cooperation from banks and financial institutions, posed severe financial consequences but was necessary for navigating Ghana’s economy from near-recession to recovery and sustainable growth.

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Odehyieba Priscilla Joins Mates For Jama As She Completes SHS

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghanaian gospel sensation Odehyieba Priscilla has officially completed her three-year academic journey at St Louis Senior High School, joining the ranks of over 400,000 students who sat for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). At just 18, Odehyieba has captured the hearts of her fans, not only with her powerful voice but also with her vibrant spirit as she marks this significant milestone.

After finishing her last exam, Priscilla was spotted celebrating with her classmates in true St Louis SHS fashion. Videos of the young gospel singer chanting and singing Jama with her mates surfaced online, reflecting their collective joy at reaching the end of their SHS journey. One tradition she proudly participated in was demanding that the school’s security officer open the gates—a symbolic gesture that marks the transition from student to alumna at St Louis SHS.

Speaking about this momentous occasion, Priscilla explained the significance of crossing the white line by the school’s gate. “You can only cross it with permission or during vacations. Otherwise, you risk being punished. But after our last paper, we crossed it to show that we were no longer students,” she proudly shared.

Fans took to social media to congratulate Odehyieba Priscilla, reminiscing about their own experiences at St. Louis SHS. One user wrote, “This reminds me of when I completed school and crossed the white line without getting into trouble. I still miss St. Louis!” Priscilla also hinted at her post-SHS plans, humorously saying, “Tomorrow, no school! I’m going to eat and sleep!”

The young star, who gained attention when she joined St Louis SHS as a fresher, attracted notable celebrities like Lil Win to her school events. As she celebrates this new chapter, her fans, including Ghanaian music and Kumawood stars such as Lil Win and Celestine Donkor, have showered her with congratulatory messages, marking not only her academic success but also her 18th birthday with love and admiration.

Odehyieba Priscilla’s journey from gospel prodigy to a proud SHS graduate continues to inspire many, and her future looks as bright as ever.

Don’t forget to like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079.

Nana Kwame Bediako Hints Running Mate is a Female

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Nana Kwame Bediako

Independent presidential aspirant Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, has revealed that his running mate for the upcoming election will be a woman, adding to the excitement surrounding his candidacy. While the official unveiling is still pending, Cheddar hinted that the announcement is set to create quite a buzz.

In a recent interview, he explained his decision to keep her identity under wraps for now. “We will unveil when we are ready,” he said, teasing the moment. “When I unveil, you will see everything clearly, but for now, everyone will be kept in suspense.”

Nana Kwame Bediako, cheddar

Cheddar emphasized the importance of having a female running mate, adding, “It is a she, of course. I will not come with a ‘he’ alone. Think about how we were made. It takes both a man and a woman to put us here. I’m coming with the same structure, the tree I came from.”

As anticipation builds, many are eager to find out who Cheddar‘s female counterpart will be, and how this choice will shape his campaign as he vies for the highest office in Ghana.

Don’t forget to like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079.

Africa shouldn’t be left to carry the weight of climate change alone- Akufo-Addo

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged global leaders to take immediate action against the severe impacts of climate change, especially in Africa.

In his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, Akufo-Addo highlighted that while Africa contributes only a small fraction of global emissions, it disproportionately experiences the adverse effects, including floods and desertification.

He stressed that tackling climate change is not just an option but a critical necessity requiring collective effort.

“Africa cannot continue to bear the burden of a crisis it did not create,” he asserted, calling for “fairness, not charity.

The President emphasized the necessity of climate justice, advocating for a system that benefits all rather than just a selected few.

“At the heart of today’s crisis is the climate emergency, which threatens humanity’s very existence. While Africa contributes the least to global emissions, it bears the heaviest burden. We are already facing devastating impacts, from floods to desertification, and despite numerous promises, the vulnerable remain neglected,” he said.

In his address, Akufo-Addo highlighted that over 700 million people, or 8.57% of the world’s population, still live in extreme poverty.

He stressed that the widening gap between the rich and the poor should be a significant concern for global leaders.

“As president, the vast gap between the rich and poor should weigh heavily on our conscience. Over 700 million people representing 8.57% of the world’s population still live in extreme poverty,” he stated.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Trade Value: Ghana Records Third Consecutive Trade Surplus

By
Ivy Hollys
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trade

Government Statistician Professor Samuel Anim presented a report on the Ghana Statistical Service Quarterly Newsletter on Trade Statistics: Ghana 2024 Second Quarter Export and Import Flows, Values, and Price Changes. 

Speaking yesterday (September 24) in Accra, he said the total trade value in the second quarter of 2024 reached GH₵123.0 billion, comprising GH₵64.2 billion in exports and GH₵58.8 billion in imports. This presents exports surpassing imports by GH₵5.4 billion.

This puts Ghana on a continued positive trajectory in the second quarter of 2024, recording a trade surplus for the third consecutive quarter. 

This represents an increase from the GH₵3.1 billion trade deficit recorded in the second quarter of 2023 but a slowdown on the GH₵11.5 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

While gold leads the way, the cocoa slump continues.

According to the report, gold remained the driving force behind Ghana’s export earnings, accounting for a substantial 57.6 percent of the total exports. 

However, the share of cocoa beans and products declined slightly during the quarter from 21 percent to 20 percent.

The report also indicated that the export value of cocoa beans declined from GH₵5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024 to GH₵1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2024. This caused a slowdown of GH₵4.0 billion in export value.

In percentage terms, for the fifth consecutive quarter there was a decline in the export value of cocoa beans with a decline of 26.9 percent being recorded in the quarter.

Asia and Europe continued to be Ghana’s primary trading partners, with Asia maintaining its lead as the country’s top export destination. 

Notably, the share of imports from Europe has been decreasing, while imports from Asia have been steadily rising. This indicates a significant shift in Ghana’s trading patterns.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the leading destination for Ghana’s gold exports, accounting for 39.9 percent of them. UAE surpasses Switzerland (35.6 percent), South Africa (16.2 percent), and India (7.5 percent). Together, these four countries accounted for nearly 99.2 percent of Ghana’s gold exports.

In terms of imports, China remained the primary source, contributing over a fifth of Ghana’s total imports. The UAE and the United Kingdom followed closely.

The GSS also highlighted price increases for both exports and imports during the quarter. Export prices surged by 40.5 percent year-on-year, primarily driven by the rising gold prices while import prices also increased by 18.9 percent.

Despite the substantial increase in nominal trade values, the real trade values (adjusted for price changes) have remained relatively stable over the past three years. 

“In the computation of nominal and real trade values, we have denominated it in Ghana cedis. The nominal values were more than doubled from 46.3 billion Ghana cedis around the second quarter of 2021 to the current figure of 123 billion Ghana cedis. So we have adjusted for price changes from a cedi-denominated perspective,” Prof. Anim said. 

Professor Anim also cautioned about how the figures in the report are interpreted.

He said the price of commodities in the report must be interpreted in conjunction with their prices in the international market at well as the production output from the country.

Highlights of Q2 2024 Trade Statistics

– In Q2 2024, the total trade value was 123.0 billion Ghana Cedis, comprising 64.2 billion in exports and 58.8 billion in imports, 

– Trade surplus was recorded for the third consecutive quarter although the value was more than halved from GHC11.5 billion to GHC5.4 billion between the first and second quarters of 2024

– The dominance of gold as the main export commodity has been further consolidated with an increase in its share of about 10.0 percentage points (from 47.5% to 57.6%) between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024.

– The export value of cocoa products decreased by about GHC4.0 billion between Q2 2024 and Q1 2024

– China remains Ghana’s main origin of imported commodities, with dominance in five of the 10 product classifications

– The United Arab Emirates surpasses Switzerland as Ghana’s main gold destination

– Year-on-year export and import price changes for Q2 2024 were 40.5 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively.

– Nominal trade values have more than doubled in the last three years, but real trade values have recorded marginal increases over the same period.

Source: graphiconline

5 Unions On Strike: 5 More to Join By End of September

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana could face a wave of strikes that could bring vital sectors to a standstill. Five unions already on strike are to be joined by five others by the end of September.

Here is a list of the unions, their dates of strike, and their demands;

Groups Already on Strike

National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE): On strike since September 18, 2024. The NCCE demands better working conditions and timely negotiations of proposals by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana: The strike began on September 16, 2024. The workers are calling for improved working conditions and the fulfillment of government promises made during previous negotiations. These include vehicle maintenance allowances and Tier Two pension deductions.

Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU): TEWU declared an indefinite strike starting September 20, 2024, joining other unions in protesting the government’s failure to meet their demands. These demands include implementation of vehicle maintenance and off-campus allowances. They also request unresolved issues regarding delayed Tier Two pension deductions.

Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG): Initiated their strike on September 18th. The strike is primarily driven by demands for better working conditions. They are also asking for the fulfillment of the government’s previous commitments.

Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA): Started their strike on September 18, 2024, over unpaid outstanding allowances despite a previous agreement with the government.

Groups Planning to Strike

  1. Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG): Set to strike at the end of September 2024 over conditions of service and the implementation of the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) arbitrary awards.
  1. Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG): Planning to go on strike on September 26, 2024, due to poor working conditions, unpaid salary arrears, and lack of adequate personal protective equipment.
  1. University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG): Threatening to strike by the end of September 2024, demanding a total ban on all forms of small-scale mining and illegal mining to protect public health and the environment.
  1. Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG): CLOGSAG is set to go on strike on the 25th of September 2024 over conditions of service.
  1. Organised Labour: Also planning to strike by the end of September 2024, calling for an order to halt all forms of mining in forest reserves and water bodies. They also demand evacuation of all mining equipment in forest reserves and around water bodies. 

They are also calling for the immediate revocation of LI 12462 and withdrawal of all licenses that have been granted for prospecting mining in forest and protected reserves and also around water bodies. Organized Labour in Ghana encompasses a variety of unions and groups under its umbrella, primarily coordinated by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). 

The TUC alone comprises 21 affiliated unions, representing a diverse range of professions and industries. They include;

  • Communications Workers Union (CWU)
  • Construction and Building Materials Workers Union
  • General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU)
  • General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union
  • Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL)
  • Ghana Mine Workers Union
  • Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)
  • Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU)
  • Ghana Union of Teachers (GUT)
  • Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU)
  • Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU)
  • Local Government Workers’ Union (LGWU)
  • Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union
  • National Union of Seamen, Ports and Allied Workers (NUSPAW)
  • Public Services Workers Union (PSWU)
  • Public Utilities Workers’ Union (PUWU)
  • Railway Workers’ Union (RWU)
  • Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU)
  • Timber and Woodworkers’ Union (TWU)
  • Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA)

Potential Impact

The simultaneous strikes by these diverse groups threaten to disrupt essential services, including education, civic administration, and critical labor sectors. If the strikes proceed as planned, the impact on public services, education, and the economy could be profound, potentially leading to a national crisis.

The government and relevant stakeholders must act swiftly to address the concerns of these groups. Failure to do so could result in a nationwide halt, with significant socio-economic consequences. The nation watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that avoids widespread disruption and maintains the stability of essential services.

Source: myjoyonline

ADB and MoFA Partner to Transform 75,000 Hectares of Abandoned Farms

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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ADB and MoFA Partner to Transform 75,000 Hectares of Abandoned Farms

In an exciting new initiative, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), through the OVCF program, has teamed up with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Central Citrus Processing Limited (CCPL) to breathe life back into Ghana’s citrus industry. Backed financially by Ghana Exim Bank, this collaboration will rejuvenate over 75,000 hectares of abandoned citrus farms in the Central Region, specifically in Cape Coast. This ambitious effort is expected to generate a whopping GHC600 million within four years.

More than 3,000 farmers across three districts, including the AAK District, along with 5,000 youths and women, are already benefiting from crop improvement programs and the introduction of new citrus varieties such as Pisie oranges and passion fruits, spearheaded by CCPL. As the third-largest citrus processing plant in Africa, CCPL is set to process over 15 tons of oranges per hour, transforming them into fruit juice. The collaboration with Ekumfi Juices and Processing Factory will help position Ghana as a dominant player in the natural fruits and juices industry.

The initiative promises to create over 20,000 sustainable jobs through value chain and outgrower support programs, all while reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported fruit juice—a burden that currently costs the country $200 million annually. CCPL will source its fruit directly from Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Factory to blend its popular Eku tropical varieties, ensuring high-quality products with enhanced flavors.

According to GIZ evaluations, Ghana boasts two of the best orange varieties globally, making this venture a sound investment for ADB. Despite past challenges in the citrus sector, including poor revenue, pest infestations, and unproductive processes, this partnership aims to uplift the industry, providing farmers with improved income and supporting the entire citrus value chain.

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, crucial for nutritional health. With the ADB’s financial support and MoFA’s expertise, this collaboration promises to revive Ghana’s citrus industry and boost the economy, bringing sustainable income to thousands of Ghanaians.

Don’t forget to like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079

2024 election: NDC to form own security to protect ballot boxes, citing a lack of trust in the EC

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Opposition National Democratic Congress is planning to establish private security teams to oversee and safeguard the ballot boxes at polling stations during the upcoming elections.

During the campaign launch at the Manhyia North constituency on Sunday, Ashanti Regional Chairman, Andrews Nana Akwasi revealed the party’s intentions.

The party cited concerns about the electoral commission’s credibility as the driving force behind this initiative, with the goal of ensuring a transparent and fair election process.

Mr. Akwasi said the party will constitute its own private security to guard the various polling stations because they do not trust the EC.

“We are telling the NPP that this time around, our polling agents and branches will establish our own security teams to safeguard our ballots. So, our polling agents here should know that the party will be forming a security team to ensure the protection of the ballots,” he stated.

“For any NPP members who may not be aware, if on December 7 you attempt any tactics to disrupt activities at the polling stations, the NDC is prepared because we lack trust in the EC. Sp we’re going to prepare ourselves,” he further indicated.

Supporters of the NDC flooded the streets of Manhyia North, clad in the party’s attire as part of the constituency’s campaign launch.

The supporters expressed their confidence of a potential victory for their party.

Parliamentary candidate Hamza Swallah stated that the significant turnout indicates a potential victory for the opposition.

He expressed confidence in winning the constituency for the first time, attributing this to the mismanagement and lack of development by the NPP in the area.

On her part, former attorney General and Minister of Justice, Betty Mould Iddrisu is convinced the NDC will poll significant votes in the governing NPP’s stronghold.

“We are in Kumasi, which consists of 11 constituencies that have traditionally resulted in significant losses for us in the NDC. In the 2020 election, we experienced a major defeat here, but this time around, we are very optimistic. The enthusiasm displayed by the average person on the street, especially us Ashantis, has been truly marvelous and miraculous,” she stated.

Regional Secretary, Dr. Frank Amoakohene criticized the NPP on the neglect of the national stadiums, resulting in their deterioration as well as the introduction of the betting tax.

He said, “When the NPP came into power, we had our sports stadiums. The football matches that bring joy to Ghana have been disrupted by the current government, leaving our stadiums in a sorry state. It’s disheartening that the Black Stars now have to play their matches outside of Ghana. We even had to ask Cote D’Ivoire for a venue, but they declined, fearing that Akuffo Addo and Bawumia would also damage their stadium.”

Dr. Frank Amoakohene also said that when Ghana sought assistance from Nigeria, they were turned away.

“The current administration has caused significant harm to the football sector in the country. A 10 percent tax has also been imposed on sports betting, despite the fact that it often yields minimal returns thereby affecting the earnings of the youth,” he stated.

By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng

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