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Ghana Gains Relief as U.S. Removes 15% Tariffs on Cocoa

By
Ivy Hollys
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The United States has lifted the 15 percent tariffs placed on Ghana’s cocoa and several major agricultural exports. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development, noting that the reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, after a new executive order issued by President Trump.

Mr Ablakwa stated that American diplomats informed the government about the update. He explained that the revised policy now covers cocoa beans and a wide range of produce. The exempted items include cashew nuts, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and assorted peppers.

The Minister highlighted the major economic relief this decision will bring to Ghana’s export sector. Ghana exports about 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States each year. With spot prices averaging 5,300 dollars per metric ton, the tariff removal could generate an estimated 60 million dollars, equivalent to roughly 667 million cedis, in additional annual revenue.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana welcomes the policy shift. He noted that both countries will continue to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations.

The earlier tariff hike stemmed from a July 31, 2025, executive order issued by President Trump. That directive imposed a 15 percent reciprocal tariff on several countries, including Ghana. The decision raised concerns among exporters, particularly within the cocoa industry, which remains central to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings.

Ghana strongly opposed the measure. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi stressed that the country was ready to engage senior U.S. officials on the issue. He argued that the tariff was unreasonable, since the United States does not produce cocoa. Analysts said the situation highlighted the need for deeper African trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Bawumia Expands Lead in NPP 2026 Flagbearer Bid

By
Ivy Hollys
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Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia continues to hold a strong lead in the New Patriotic Party’s 2026 presidential primaries. A new Global InfoAnalytics survey, conducted from 17 to 21 November 2025, gathered responses from 3,500 delegates across all sixteen regions. The findings show a stable but competitive race as the party prepares for its January contest.

The poll reveals a slight dip in support for Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong compared to October. Despite this shift, Dr Bawumia maintains a firm advantage among likely voters. He records 42.7 percent support, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 17.7 percent. Dr Bryan Acheampong places third with 4.6 percent, while Dr Yaw Adutwum and Kwabena Agyapong each secure 0.3 percent.

A notable share of respondents remain undecided. About 14.9 percent declined to disclose their choice, and 19.3 percent have not settled on a candidate. Their eventual decisions could influence the final outcome.

Support becomes clearer among committed voters. In this group, Dr Bawumia rises to 63.3 percent, while Kennedy Agyapong reaches 28.6 percent. Dr Acheampong follows with 6.9 percent. These numbers highlight strong conviction among delegates who have already made up their minds.

Regional trends show Dr Bawumia leading in thirteen regions. Kennedy Agyapong leads only in the Volta Region. The Central Region remains evenly split, creating room for campaign manoeuvres.

The poll also tracks movement from the 2023 primaries. Eleven percent of Kennedy Agyapong’s previous supporters now favour Dr Bawumia. Dr Acheampong has also gained modest support from both leading contenders.

Dr Bawumia maintains the highest favourability rating at 92 percent. Global InfoAnalytics reports a 99 percent confidence level and a 2.12 percent margin of error, underscoring the reliability of the survey.

Minority Accuses Government of Stalling Anti-LGBTQ Bill’s Return to Parliament

By
Ivy Hollys
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goverment
Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour

The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of deliberately delaying the return of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill. According to the caucus, it has been five weeks since Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that the revised bill was undergoing final fine-tuning to prepare it for passage. Despite this assurance, the legislation has still not appeared before the House for consideration.

Raising the matter on the floor on Friday, November 21, lead sponsor of the bill and Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, expressed concern over what he described as a worrying silence. He urged leadership to place the bill back on the order paper next week. He warned that the delay is creating public suspicion about government’s commitment to the process.

“It is five weeks since Mr Speaker gave that ruling. Since then no attempt has been made by this House to have the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill addressed, even as the cancer of LGBTQ continues to devastate our norms and culture and threaten our family values,” he said. “The House must not create the impression that what was a priority in the Eighth Parliament has been thrown under the carpet. The attempt by the government to block the bill from being featured is a big disappointment. We demand that the bill be added to the order paper so that it will be laid and presented for first reading.”

Responding to the allegations, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the claim that the government is obstructing the bill’s reintroduction. He insisted that the Mahama administration remains committed to ensuring the passage of the legislation. He assured Parliament that the revised bill will be reintroduced in accordance with the rules of the House.

Australia To Ban Under-16s From Using Social Media

By
Ivy Hollys
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Photo by Kerde Severin

Australia will introduce a world-first social media ban for children under 16, beginning on 10 December. Under the new rules, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from creating accounts and must remove existing accounts belonging to children.

The government says the policy is intended to reduce the risks young people face online. A government-commissioned study found that 96 percent of children aged 10 to 15 use social media, with seven in 10 exposed to harmful content such as misogynistic posts, violent videos and material promoting eating disorders or suicide. One in seven reported experiencing grooming behaviours, and more than half said they had been cyberbullied.

The ban covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch. Gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord are not yet included, though both have introduced age-check features in anticipation of possible regulation.

Social media companies will be responsible for enforcing the ban. Parents and children will not face penalties, but platforms could be fined up to $49.5 million for repeated breaches. Companies must use age-assurance technology, which may include ID verification, facial analysis, voice recognition or age-inference tools. They are prohibited from relying on self-declared ages or parental confirmation.

Meta has already announced it will begin closing teen accounts from 4 December. Users mistakenly removed will need to verify their age using a government ID or a video selfie. Other platforms have not released their compliance plans.

Experts warn enforcement may be inconsistent, and some technologies could wrongly block users or fail to detect underage accounts. Critics also argue the ban may push teens toward riskier online spaces or isolate those who rely on social media for community and support.

The legislation also raises concerns about data privacy, although the government insists that any data collected for age verification must be used only for that purpose and then deleted.

Several countries, including Denmark, Norway, France and Spain, are exploring similar restrictions. Policymakers around the world are expected to watch Australia’s rollout closely.

Teens are already sharing tips online about avoiding the ban, including suggestions to use VPNs or creating accounts with fake ages. The government says platforms will be expected to detect and remove such accounts.

NPP Upholds Ban on Proxy Voting for 2026 Presidential Primaries

By
Ivy Hollys
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2026
Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Joe Osei Owusu

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will maintain its ban on proxy voting in the 2026 presidential primaries, despite receiving multiple petitions from members urging a review of the directive.

Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Joe Osei Owusu, confirmed the decision after the committee completed its consultations with stakeholders across the party. According to him, the committee carefully examined all concerns raised but concluded that the ban was essential to protect the integrity of the election.

“We’ve listened to all kinds of petitions. We’ve read every submission from the various sections of the party. After reviewing them, we reached one clear conclusion,” he said. “For the sake of an election that is incident-free, respected, accessible, and credible, the ban must be maintained.”

He stressed that the party would not permit any form of proxy voting in the upcoming primaries. “We will still not have proxy voting in this 2026 presidential primaries,” he added.

The decision requires all eligible delegates to be physically present at their assigned polling stations on election day. Delegates who fail to appear in person will not be able to vote.

Party officials say the move is intended to prevent electoral disputes, strengthen transparency, and ensure that ballot processes are free from manipulation.

The NPP’s presidential primaries are scheduled for January 31, 2026.

Asenso-Boakye Accuses Government of Violating Constitution in 2026 Budget

By
Ivy Hollys
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constitution
Francis Asenso Boakye

The Ranking Member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has accused the government of breaking the Constitution and the Local Governance Act in its handling of the 2026 Budget.

Addressing Parliament, Asenso-Boakye said the Budget unlawfully outlines Utilization Guidelines for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) before Parliament approves the DACF Formula. He explained that, by law, the Ministry of Local Government must prepare such guidelines in consultation with the Ministry of Finance only after Parliament gives approval. Issuing guidelines ahead of time, he argued, is outside the government’s legal mandate.

He referenced the new utilization proposal from the Minister of Finance, approved by Cabinet, which sets out the following allocations:

24-hour economy – 25%
Health facilities – 10%
Educational facilities – 10%
Potable water – 10%
School furniture – 10%
Administration – 7.5%

According to Asenso-Boakye, these allocations could centralize authority that should rest with local assemblies, undermining Ghana’s decentralization system. He noted that the DACF was created to give local communities the power to choose their own development priorities, not to follow directives imposed from Accra. “This Budget seeks to dictate how those priorities should be funded, effectively removing local discretion,” he said.

He cautioned that if Parliament allows the current approach to continue, it will be enabling a constitutional breach and giving the Minister of Finance control over resources that the Constitution assigns to local authorities.

Asenso-Boakye warned that such centralization destabilizes local governance and risks inefficiency. He said that once assemblies lose the freedom to allocate funds based on community needs, development becomes top-down and less effective.

He urged Parliament to protect its oversight role and resist any attempt to bypass legal procedures governing the DACF. The Minority, he said, will continue to push for transparency, legal compliance, and true decentralization.

“We must protect the autonomy of local assemblies and ensure that every cedi allocated through the DACF serves the people for whom it is intended,” he concluded.

Energy Minister Urges Nuclear Board to Advance Ghana’s Energy Agenda

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Board of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG)
Board of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG)

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a newly constituted Board of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), charging its members to accelerate the country’s long‑delayed nuclear energy ambitions. The directive, delivered on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, underscores government’s determination to fast‑track Ghana’s entry into the global community of nuclear‑powered nations.

Mr. Jinapor described the inauguration as a “significant milestone” in Ghana’s decades‑long pursuit of nuclear energy a vision first championed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah but yet to be realized. He emphasized that Ghana’s future energy security and industrial expansion depend on bold diversification, with nuclear power standing out as one of the most reliable options for delivering stable and affordable base‑load electricity.

“Global experience is clear. Every nation seeking long‑term industrial expansion needs access to stable, affordable base‑load power, and nuclear energy remains one of the most reliable pathways to achieve this,” he stated.

The Minister stressed that the newly appointed NPG board carries a critical responsibility to move the programme beyond its current slow pace. He urged members to break new ground, accelerate progress, and deliver on the long‑standing objective of Neadding nuclear power to Ghana’s national energy mix.

Mr. Jinapor further encouraged the board to embrace innovation, strengthen institutional capacity, and deepen collaboration with international partners. Such partnerships, he noted, will be essential in fast‑tracking Ghana’s nuclear rollout and ensuring that the country benefits from global expertise and best practices.

He assured the public that government remains committed to the highest global standards of safety, transparency, and regulatory oversight. According to him, successfully integrating nuclear energy will not only secure Ghana’s power future but also serve as a cornerstone for the country’s broader industrial transformation agenda.

By inaugurating the new board, the Energy Ministry has signaled a renewed urgency in advancing Ghana’s nuclear programme, positioning it as a strategic pillar for sustainable growth and energy independence.

Betway Champions Responsible Gambling Across Africa This November

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Betway promotes responsible gambling
Betway promotes responsible gambling

Accra, Ghana — November 20, 2025. As Responsible Gambling Month continues, Betway reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting safe, informed and mindful gaming across Africa. Under the banner of its campaign “Bet the Responsible Way,” Betway is calling on all players to take a moment to reflect on their gaming habits and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to betting.

In a region where sports betting continues to grow rapidly, Betway is leading the charge in ensuring that entertainment never comes at the cost of well-being. This November, the brand is amplifying four key messages that lie at the heart of responsible gambling:

Never Chase Your Losses – betting should be fun, not a way to recover money. Chasing losses often leads to deeper financial and emotional strain.

Remember to Take a Break – step away, recharge and return with a clear mind. Breaks help maintain perspective and control.

Have a Game Plan – set limits on time and money before you play. Know when to stop and stick to your plan.

Stay in Control – gambling is a form of entertainment, not a solution to life’s challenges. Always ensure you stay in control of your choices and your spending.

“Responsible gambling is not just a message—it’s a movement,” said Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah, Country Manager (Marketing) at Betway in Ghana. “We believe that by empowering our players with the right tools and knowledge; we can create a safer, more sustainable betting environment for everyone.”

Throughout November, Betway will roll out a series of educational initiatives, social media campaigns and community outreach programs across its African markets. These efforts are designed to raise awareness, provide support resources and encourage open conversations around gambling behaviour.

As part of its ongoing commitment, Betway also offers a suite of responsible gambling tools on its platform, including deposit limits, self-exclusion options and access to professional help services.

This Responsible Gambling Month, Betway invites all players to pause, reflect and Bet the Responsible Way.

About Super Group

Super Group (SGHC) Limited is the holding company for leading global online sports betting and gaming businesses: Betway, a premier online sports betting brand, and Spin, a multi-brand online casino offering. The group is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, with leading positions in key markets throughout Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The group’s sports betting and online gaming offerings are underpinned by its scale and leading technology, enabling fast and effective entry into new markets. Its proprietary marketing and data analytics engine empowers it to responsibly provide a unique and personalized customer experience. Super Group has been ranked number 6 in the EGR Power 50 for the last three years. For more information, visit www.supergroup.com.

Lightwave Solutions Refutes Health Minister’s Claims

By
Ivy Hollys
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lightwave
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health

Lightwave E-Healthcare Solutions Limited has strongly rejected claims by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh that Ghana’s medical data under the National E-Healthcare Programme is controlled from India. The company described the Minister’s comments, made in Parliament on October 28 and at the Presidential Accountability Series on October 29, as incorrect and harmful to public confidence.

In a statement, Lightwave clarified that all data generated through the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) is stored on servers owned and managed by the Ministry of Health in Accra. The company said it only provides licensed software, while the government retains full ownership and control of all health records.

“The healthcare data of Ghanaians is the property of the Government of Ghana and is stored within the Ministry of Health’s servers in Accra,” the company stated.

Lightwave outlined the history of the project, beginning with the first phase in 2016 under President John Mahama, which cost US$6 million and connected 23 facilities in the Central Region. A second contract worth US$100 million was signed in March 2019 to expand the system to 950 facilities nationwide. Costs were based on the complexity of institutions, with teaching hospitals requiring more infrastructure and accounting for 21 percent of the budget.

By December 2024, the company had completed installations in teaching hospitals, regional hospitals, and hundreds of district hospitals, representing 72 percent of the contract value and aligning with the US$77 million already paid.

Lightwave attributed delays to late government payments, administrative bottlenecks, COVID-19 disruptions, and supply chain challenges. The company emphasised that all hardware supplied met contractual standards and dismissed claims of shortages.

Lightwave added that it continued providing support after the contract expired in December 2024 without renewal or payment. Through its solicitors, it has requested arbitration and access to all investigation reports, calling for an evidence-based review of the project free from misinformation.

Trump & Mamdani to Meet at White House After Campaign Clashes

By
Ivy Hollys
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trump
Getty Images/Reuters

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump are expected to meet at the White House on Friday, marking their first face-to-face interaction after months of intense public clashes during the city’s heated election season.

Mamdani, 34, a Democratic socialist and former state assemblyman, won New York City’s mayoral race earlier this month by defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo with a nine-point margin. Once a relatively obscure figure outside New York, his victory has placed him in the national spotlight.

Trump confirmed the upcoming meeting in a statement, saying the “communist mayor” had requested the visit to the Oval Office. Mamdani’s team, however, described the engagement as routine.

“The Mayor-elect plans to meet with the President in Washington to discuss public safety, economic security and the affordability agenda that over one million New Yorkers voted for just two weeks ago,” spokesperson Dora Pekec said.

Unlike his predecessors, Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, Mamdani will have a high-profile one-on-one meeting with the president. The relationship between the two leaders has been tense for months. Trump has repeatedly labelled Mamdani as an extremist and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City after the progressive newcomer won the Democratic primary in June.

Trump even endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, Cuomo, in an unusual last-minute move that did little to change the outcome. After Mamdani’s victory speech, in which he urged Trump to “turn the volume up,” the president fired back on social media with the message: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”

Mamdani campaigned on affordability and protecting vulnerable communities in one of the country’s most expensive cities. He has also vowed to challenge Trump’s nationwide immigration crackdown, hiring additional lawyers and pledging that New York will “remain a city of immigrants.”

Friday’s meeting is expected to test whether the two can find common ground despite their sharply contrasting political visions for America’s largest city.

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