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CCC’s Spirit of Revival Conference will change hearts- Pastor Joshua Obeng

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Pastor Joshua Obeng, Resident Pastor at Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC), Ayigya

The Calvary Charismatic Church (CCC) in Kumasi has announced the start of the Spirit of Revival Conference with Rev. Eastwood Anaba. The conference will start from the 21st to the 23rd of April 2026.

Speaking on the Orange UrbanMix, Resident Pastor of the Church, Pastor Joshua Obeng, said the conference is “a meeting that is set to revive the people of Kumasi and to stir up a new purpose and vision in them”

The resident pastor added that he is optimistic that after the conference, people will become more passionate about advancing the Kingdom of God.

“We are hoping that after this revival, people will be as stirred and become passionate again to do good works and to do what the Lord has called them to do in their society”, he said.

He extended a passionate invitation to all and sundry, calling on politicians and leaders to be part of the conference, which he said promises to hearts.

” I believe that a heart of revival is more powerful than a policy revival, because a heart revival will change policies, but a policy revival might not change the heart”

Pastor Joshua Obeng concluded that the conference will help change hearts and minds and help change policies and attitudes in Ghana.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Kejetia market fire: jockey pumps did not work- Reuben Armeh

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Reuben Armeh

General Secretary of the Kumasi Traders Association, Mr Reuben Armeh, has revealed that the fire system in the Kejetia Market is not fully functional, warning that, but for the intervention of traders, the fire outbreak at the market on Monday, April 20, 2026, would have been worse.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise this morning, Mr Armeh explained that while the fire outbreak was successfully controlled yesterday, the Jockey Pump failed. He recounted that the jockey pump was not working on March 15, 2023, when fire ravaged certain parts of the market.

A jockey pump is a small, multi-stage centrifugal pump used in fire protection systems to maintain water pressure, preventing the main fire pump from starting unnecessarily. It compensates for minor leaks, keeping the system pressurised and ready.

” The fact of the matter is that yesterday, the jockey pump did not work; for a very long time now, the jockey pump has not been working. The first hydrant that we went to pick from had no water”, he stressed

Mr Armeh also attributed the recurrent fire incidents in the Kejetia market to what he calls the growing indiscipline of traders. He urged authorities to educate traders on how to prevent fire outbreaks, adding that there have been several unreported fire outbreaks in the Market this year.

“The indiscipline is becoming too much. We are not treating the market as our livelihoods, and that is where we live our lives”, he said.

Mr Armeh emphasised the need for authorities to enforce regulations and educate traders on chemical reactions that could cause fire.

” I am telling the authorities, both the fire service and the management, that if you don’t begin to educate us for all of us to fall in line, that if I am selling this product, I cannot bring them together over here; one day, we will be laughing at the wrong side of our mouths.

This comes after the Ghana National Fire Service managed to successfully put out a fire that engulfed a shop in the market in the early hours of yesterday, Monday, April 20, 2026.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Mining Sector Pushes for Full Removal of Growth Levy

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghana Chamber of Mines is calling for the complete elimination of the Growth and Sustainability Levy (GSL), citing sector pressures stemming from the current fiscal regime.

In a statement issued on April 20, 2026, the Chamber argued that while the government’s recent decision to reduce the levy from 3% to 1% is a step forward, it falls short of addressing deeper structural challenges within the tax regime governing the sector.

At the heart of the industry’s concern is the cumulative impact of multiple taxes applied to mining companies—particularly those calculated on gross revenue rather than profit. According to the Chamber, both the GSL and mineral royalties are “cost-insensitive,” meaning companies are taxed regardless of their operational costs or profitability.

This structure, the Chamber warns, disproportionately affects high-cost, mature, and marginal mines, where profit margins are already under pressure due to declining ore quality, rising input costs, and operational complexities.

“Reducing the levy to 1% is directionally positive, but it does not sufficiently ease the overall tax burden,” the statement noted, emphasizing that overlapping revenue-based taxes can create significant financial strain across the industry.

Ghana risks losing competitiveness if revenue-based taxes continue to pile up

Beyond immediate cost pressures, the Chamber raised broader concerns about Ghana’s position in the global mining landscape. It cautioned that maintaining multiple layers of revenue-based taxation could make the country less attractive to investors compared to competing mining jurisdictions.

Drawing on international experience, the Chamber argued that excessive taxation—particularly when not aligned with profitability—can discourage new investments, limit expansion projects, and ultimately shrink the revenue base governments seek to protect.

In this context, the Chamber framed its proposal not as a challenge to government revenue goals, but as part of a longer-term strategy to optimize fiscal returns.

“Eliminating the GSL should be seen as a necessary step toward creating a more balanced and sustainable tax regime,” the statement suggested, adding that a competitive fiscal environment is key to ensuring continued inflows of capital into the sector.

The mining industry remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to export earnings, employment, and public revenue. However, stakeholders say sustaining this contribution will depend on policies that strike the right balance between taxation and investment incentives.

The Chamber is therefore urging the government to move beyond incremental adjustments and pursue comprehensive reforms that align Ghana’s mining taxes with global best practices—ensuring the sector remains both profitable for operators and beneficial to the national economy.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

The Minority calls on John Dramani Mahama to come clean with Ghanaians over OSP and attorney general standoff

By
Ivy Hollys
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The minority on president mahama coming clean

The Minority is demanding that John Dramani Mahama publicly clarify his position in the ongoing OSP and attorney general dispute, arguing that his stance appears inconsistent with actions taken by his administration.

They contend that while the president is perceived to support the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), legal arguments from the attorney general’s office suggest otherwise. In their view, this creates a contradiction that must be addressed openly.

The group stressed that the president must make a definitive choice and communicate it clearly to Ghanaians, insisting that the country deserves transparency on whether he supports the independence of the OSP or efforts they believe could weaken it.

At the heart of the minority’s argument is the fear that the OSP and attorney general tension could lead to increased executive control over anti-corruption prosecutions.

They referenced claims attributed to the Deputy Attorney General, suggesting that the OSP may be required to seek approval before pursuing cases. In simple terms, the minority argues this would mean the special prosecutor cannot act independently but would have to rely on the attorney general’s office for each step.

They illustrated this concern by questioning whether every prosecution would require clearance, effectively giving the executive branch influence over which cases move forward and which do not.

The Minority believes such an arrangement defeats the purpose of creating an independent anti-corruption body, warning that it could allow selective justice based on political considerations.

To support their position, the Minority revisited the rationale behind the establishment of the OSP, tying it directly to the ongoing OSP and attorney general debate.

They explained that the office was created to address a fundamental gap in governance — the difficulty of a government prosecuting itself. According to them, the attorney general’s role within the executive makes full independence in prosecutions challenging.

They further argued that Ghana’s past experiences with corruption influenced the creation of the OSP, as cases tend to be harder to pursue when those in power also control prosecutorial decisions.

The minority claims current developments risk reversing that progress, suggesting that recent legal actions could reintroduce the very weaknesses the OSP was meant to fix.

The group made it clear it will not remain passive in the OSP and attorney general dispute. Instead, it plans to use all available legal and parliamentary channels to challenge what it describes as an attempt to weaken the OSP.

They emphasized their intention to keep the public informed, framing the issue as one that affects the integrity of national institutions rather than just political actors.

In a firm closing remark, the Minority stated, “We will not rest until this campaign is exposed, resisted, and defeated ultimately,” underscoring their commitment to opposing any measures they believe threaten the independence of anti-corruption efforts.

OSP and attorney general: Minority insists OSP mandate remains valid amid legal tussle

By
Ivy Hollys
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osp and attorney general_minority

The Minority has declared that the OSP and attorney general dispute does not invalidate the operations of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), insisting that its mandate remains fully intact despite the recent High Court ruling.

According to the minority, “Act 959 remains valid and in force. The OSP’s mandate continues in full.” They urged the special prosecutor to proceed with his duties without hesitation. “We urge the OSP to continue his work, not to be intimidated or operationally paralyzed by a ruling that is itself constitutionally void for want of jurisdiction,” the statement said.

The Minority reaffirmed its backing for the OSP, stressing that all prosecutions remain legitimate. “The minority stands firm with the OSP’s stated position. All prosecutions commenced and about to be commenced by the OSP remain valid, and the office must proceed on the basis of its statutory mandate until the Supreme Court sees otherwise.”

This position places the ongoing OSP and attorney general standoff at the center of a broader constitutional debate about prosecutorial authority and institutional independence.

The Minority outlined a series of demands in response to the High Court ruling. First, it called for swift legal action to challenge the decision. “The High Court’s ruling must be immediately challenged and stated. We call on the OSP to immediately appeal the decision of the High Court and immediately also apply for a stay of execution at the High Court.”

They further urged escalation of the matter to the apex court. “And we dare also add that he must also proceed to the Supreme Court with a writ of certiorari to quash the decision of the High Court.”

Additionally, the minority emphasized the need for urgency at the Supreme Court level in resolving the dispute involving the OSP and the attorney general. “The Supreme Court question must be resolved definitely and authoritatively by the court that alone has jurisdiction to resolve it,” they said. 

They also appealed directly to the chief justice to treat this as a matter of great public importance, warranting urgent scheduling. Beyond the courts, the minority is also demanding accountability from the attorney general through Parliament. They argued that the conduct of the state’s chief legal officer raises constitutional concerns within the context of the OSP and attorney general dispute.

“The Attorney General must be summoned before Parliament to account for his position,” they said. “It is constitutionally unacceptable for the state’s chief legal officer to actively argue against a statutory institution of the Republic in judicial proceedings without parliamentary accountability.”

The Minority signaled its readiness to take further steps. “The minority will table appropriate questions and, if necessary, move for a formal parliamentary inquiry.”

OSP’s creation and underlying rationale

The Minority argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor was established to address structural weaknesses in Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. According to the minority, past experiences informed the need for an independent prosecutorial body. They accused the current administration of attempting to reverse these safeguards

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor was created by the Supreme Court. It was created because Ghana recognized a fundamental truth that you cannot rely on a government to prosecute itself,” the statement explained. It was created because the attorney general, however distinguished, serves at the pleasure of the president. It was created because history has shown repeatedly and painfully that corruption in Ghana’s public life festers most vigorously when those who hold power are also those who decide whether to prosecute or not. What the NDC government has done through the repeal bill, through the petitions, through the Supreme Court filings, and now the High Court, is to attempt to restore exactly the structural vulnerability that the OSP was designed to cure.”

The ongoing OSP and attorney general dispute continues to raise critical legal and constitutional questions, with the minority pushing for judicial clarity and institutional independence.

Auditor-General apologises over payroll audit error linking civil servant to GH₵427 million

By
Ivy Hollys
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auditor-general

The auditor-general has issued an apology after a major error in its nationwide payroll audit report wrongly linked a public servant to an unearned salary exceeding GH₵427 million.

The clarification follows the nationwide payroll audit covering the period January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025, after a media report cited Frank Oliver Kpodo as having received GH₵427,995,661.40 in unearned salary. The figure was first highlighted in a report by The Fourth Estate, which suggested that Mr. Kpodo received an average of more than GH¢14 million monthly in unearned payments.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the auditor-general said the figure resulted from a transpositional error and did not relate to Mr. Kpodo. The office clarified that the amount was wrongly attributed during the compilation of the audit findings.

“The GH₵427,995,661.40 relates to the Ministry of Education in respect of 3,476 unaccounted staff during the payroll audit,” the statement said.

The auditor-general extended an apology to Mr. Kpodo, the government, citizens, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, acknowledging the impact of the error. The office emphasized the seriousness of the mistake and its implications for public trust and individual reputation.

“We extend our most sincere and unreserved apologies to Frank Oliver Kpodo for the distress and unwarranted public scrutiny this error may have caused.”

CAGD rejects claims of payroll irregularities

Meanwhile, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has rejected claims circulating on social media that a senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defense received unearned salaries totaling GH¢427 million over 29 months. The department insisted that Ghana’s payroll system prevents such occurrences.

“The Government of Ghana payroll system runs on controls and automations that allow only approved pay structures by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to be processed for employees eligible by their conditions of service,” the department said.

The CAGD explained that salaries go through multiple layers of validation, including approvals by heads of covered entities and internal checks to prevent irregularities and overpayments. It noted that these mechanisms are designed to ensure accuracy and accountability within the public payroll system.

“Monthly salaries are paid to eligible employees on the Government of Ghana payroll after online validation… These monthly payments are further subjected to internal quality processes to validate each salary payment,” it added.

The auditor-general reiterated its commitment to accuracy and transparency in its reporting processes, stressing that corrective measures have been taken to address the error. The office also assured the public that systems will be strengthened to prevent similar occurrences in future audits.

AUDIT-SERVICE-PRESS-RELEASE on FrankDownload

Fire Service response swiftly to prevent major disaster at Kejetia Market

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Kejetia Market Fire

A potentially devastating fire outbreak at the Kumasi New Kejetia Market has once again drawn attention to fire safety concerns in Ghana’s largest commercial centres, even as a rapid emergency response helped avert a wider catastrophe.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 20, 2026, affected a retail shop, F2230, on the first floor of the market. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire caused significant smoke and heat damage to goods, many of which were highly flammable.

Personnel from the fire service, led by Station Officer I Maxwell Partey, arrived at the scene within two minutes of receiving a distress call. Firefighters encountered thick smoke billowing from the shop and quickly initiated containment measures to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent stalls.

Using portable extinguishers alongside the facility’s internal hose reel system, the team managed to bring the fire under control by 08:48 a.m., with full extinguishment achieved by 09:00 a.m.

Fire risks in densely packed trading hubs

While the swift intervention prevented the fire from engulfing a larger section of the market, the affected shop suffered notable losses. Items damaged included approximately 250 boxes of matches, nail polish chemicals, and multiple deodorant containers—products particularly susceptible to combustion and heat damage.

Fire officials indicated that much of the destruction resulted from intense smoke and heat rather than direct flames, though some goods were salvaged during the operation. Crucially, authorities estimate that merchandise worth millions of Ghana cedis was saved due to the rapid response.

Preliminary investigations point to the possible spontaneous ignition of flammable materials stored in a poorly ventilated space, raising fresh concerns about storage practices within busy trading environments like Kejetia.

Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries or fatalities were recorded, offering relief to traders and customers in one of Kumasi’s busiest marketplaces.

This underscores the importance of fire prevention measures, proper storage of combustible goods, and adherence to safety regulations in commercial hubs where high volumes of merchandise are stored in confined spaces.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

MoMo CEO Assures Seamless Customer Experience

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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CEO of Mobile Money: Shaibu Haruna

Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MoMo) is positioning itself for a new phase of growth following its transition to an independent fintech company, with leadership emphasising that the move is not just about regulatory compliance—but a strategic step toward expansion and innovation.

Chief Executive Officer Shaibu Haruna says customers should expect uninterrupted services despite the company’s separation from MTN Ghana, as the restructuring has been carefully executed over several years.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on April 20, 2026, Haruna explained that the transition was driven by Ghana’s regulatory framework, particularly the Payment Systems and Services Act, which requires mobile money operators to function as distinct entities under the supervision of the Bank of Ghana.

“We became a standalone entity because it was necessary under the law,” he said, adding that the process has taken about five years and involved significant operational and structural adjustments.

However, beyond meeting regulatory obligations, Haruna framed the move as a catalyst for broader ambitions. By operating independently, MoMo can evolve from a basic digital wallet service into a more comprehensive financial platform capable of delivering a wider range of services.

Standalone structure to unlock innovation & partnerships

The standalone structure, he noted, will enable faster scaling and open the door to strategic partnerships across sectors—key ingredients for staying competitive in Ghana’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.

“Now we can build a system that allows us to go beyond wallet services, innovate faster, and collaborate with partners to deliver more value,” he said.

Despite the internal transformation, Haruna stressed that customers will see no disruption in how they access mobile money services. MoMo will continue to leverage MTN’s extensive distribution and agent network, ensuring continuity in service delivery.

“From the customer’s perspective, nothing changes in how they use our services,” he explained. “The difference will be in the level of innovation we bring.”

Looking ahead, MoMo is also eyeing a public listing as part of its long-term strategy. Haruna revealed plans to list the business on the Ghana Stock Exchange within the next three to five years, allowing local investors to own a stake in one of the country’s leading fintech platforms.

The planned listing underscores growing confidence in Ghana’s digital financial services sector, as well as a broader shift toward transparency, local participation, and capital market development.

MoMo’s transition reflects a wider trend in Africa’s fintech industry, where regulatory clarity and structural reforms are increasingly shaping how digital financial services are delivered—while creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, and financial inclusion.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Zambia collaborates with Ghana for Fintech and Digital ID Lessons

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Felix Mutati

Zambia is turning to Ghana as a model for strengthening its financial technology and digital innovation landscape, with a high-level delegation currently in Accra to explore partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Leading the delegation is Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, who says Ghana’s progress in fintech and digital infrastructure offers valuable lessons for countries seeking to modernise their economies.

Speaking during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on April 20, 2026, Mutati explained that Zambia is particularly interested in transitioning from fragmented digital systems to more integrated, platform-based solutions.

According to him, while Zambia has existing digital systems in place, the next step is to build interconnected platforms that can support scalable services across sectors—especially in financial technology.

“Moving from systems to platforms is critical,” he said. “Platforms allow you to integrate, scale, and connect services such as fintech more effectively.”

A key area of interest for the Zambian delegation is Ghana’s advancement in digital identification infrastructure, which Mutati described as a foundational pillar for building robust digital ecosystems. He noted that beyond investments in physical connectivity like fibre networks, digital ID systems are essential for enabling secure, interoperable services.

Ghana’s digital ID framework has been widely recognised as a catalyst for innovation in fintech, making it easier for businesses and consumers to access financial services, verify identities, and participate in the digital economy.

Mutati emphasised that adopting a platform-based approach, supported by strong digital identification systems, would enable Zambia to better align with emerging fintech solutions and integrate with innovations already taking shape in Ghana.

The visit includes approximately 16 Zambian innovators and startup founders, who are engaging with Ghanaian counterparts to explore collaboration opportunities, share ideas, and identify scalable solutions.

Mutati encouraged the delegation to take full advantage of the visit by learning from Ghana’s experience and building meaningful partnerships that can accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.

“I have urged our innovators and startups to be curious, to explore, and to discover opportunities for collaboration,” he said.

The engagement reflects a broader trend across Africa, where countries are increasingly seeking intra-continental partnerships to drive innovation, reduce duplication of efforts, and build resilient digital economies.

As both nations deepen cooperation, the exchange is expected to contribute to a more interconnected African tech ecosystem—one where shared expertise and regional collaboration play a central role in shaping the future of digital transformation.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

John Jinapor announces WhatsApp reporting system to tackle power outages

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Jinapor on power outages
john Jinapor on 150 off-grid

To ensure a swift response to power outages, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, says the government will introduce a WhatsApp-based system. 

John Abdulai Jinapor announced the initiative during the final day of the President’s resetting tour of the Northern Region on Monday, April 20.

John Abdulai Jinapor explained that the system will allow consumers to report faults instantly by sending a WhatsApp message with their location.

According to John Abdulai Jinapor, the new platform will eliminate delays associated with traditional call centers and improve communication between consumers and power providers.

John Abdulai Jinapor said the system will enable technical teams to respond quickly and fix faults in real time.

“We are going to launch a system where you don’t even need to call,” John Abdulai Jinapor said, adding that users can simply send a message and receive immediate assistance.

John Abdulai Jinapor noted that the move will improve customer experience and reduce downtime in electricity distribution.

He added that the initiative reflects the government’s effort to leverage mobile technology to strengthen service delivery in the power sector.

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