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Alidu Seidu Backs Bawumia for NPP Victory

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Hon. Alidu Seidu

Speaking on Orange Sunrise, Hon. Alidu Seidu, condemned recent remarks by a Member of Parliament who referred to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a “servant.”

He described the comment as unfortunate and contrary to the values of the New Patriotic Party. According to him, the NPP promotes unity, respect, and teamwork, not division among its members.

Hon. Seidu reaffirmed his full support for Dr. Bawumia, citing his leadership, innovation, and commitment to national progress. “Dr. Bawumia has proven himself as a visionary leader capable of leading the NPP to victory,” he said.

He urged party members to remain united and focused as the NPP prepares for future elections.

Evangelist Richard Prah Urges Tougher Cyber Laws to Curb Online Misconduct in Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Evangelist Richard Prah

Evangelist Richard Prah has urged authorities to take cyber security more seriously to curb rising online misconduct in Ghana. Speaking on Orange Sunrise, he noted that many Ghanaians misuse social media for insults instead of productivity.

He observed that people in other countries earn income and build reputations through digital platforms, while some Ghanaians use them irresponsibly. He emphasized that such negative behavior damages the nation’s image and must be addressed with urgency.

Evangelist Richard therefore called for stricter laws and punishments against online abuse. He also encouraged citizens to use social media for learning and productive engagement.

“We must use technology to build lives, not destroy reputations. Social media should empower, not embarrass,” he stated.

Prof. Ebo Turkson Urges Government to Use 2026 Budget for Economic Restructuring

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Prof. Ebo Turkson

Economist Professor Ebo Turkson is urging government to use the 2026 budget for full economic restructuring.

He says the current macroeconomic stability provides the right opportunity to diversify Ghana’s economy.

Prof. Turkson believes the government must reduce dependence on commodities and strengthen local production systems.

He explained that the recent stability is partly due to favourable gold prices and stronger fiscal performance.

“We need to structurally transform our economy. Most of what we are seeing now is also coming from the fact that the balance of payment is good. Gold is good, the gold for reserves has helped us a lot but these are based on commodities and you cannot depend on commodities to build the resilience so we need to change the structure of the economy. This is the time the government should prioritise how we can diversify our production base,” he stated.

According to the Bank of Ghana, the cedi has appreciated by 37 percent against the US dollar.

Inflation has also fallen to 9.4 percent in September 2025, down from 11.5 percent in August.

This marks Ghana’s first single-digit inflation rate in four years.

“The 24 hour economy is on board so if the right infrastructure is built to support that 24-hour economy we are going to see diversification in the production base of the economy and also our export base,” Prof. Turkson added.

The 2026 budget will be presented on November 13 by the Mahama administration.

It will be the government’s first full-year fiscal policy since returning to power in 2025.

The budget is expected to outline strategies for sustaining growth and driving long-term transformation.

Bosomtwe Assembly Covers Dangerous Galamsey Pits Near Konkomba School

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Bosomtwe District Assembly has started reclaiming abandoned galamsey pits near the Konkomba Basic School and clinic. The pits, left by illegal miners, posed serious risks to pupils and health workers in the area.

The operation, supervised by District Chief Executive Engr. Abdullah Hamid, uses two excavators under police oversight. Authorities say the move will restore the land and curb future illegal mining activities.

Although the Assembly calls the exercise successful, some residents believe it is not yet complete. They claim sections close to the school remain uncovered and unsafe.

Konkomba Assembly Member Stephen Abrokwa urged the Assembly to finish the reclamation quickly. He said full restoration would ensure community safety and protect the local environment.

FABAG Calls for Business-Friendly 2026 Budget

By
Ivy Hollys
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fabag

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has called on the government to present a business-friendly 2026 budget that prioritises industrial recovery, stabilises the economy, and rebuilds confidence among local manufacturers.

In a statement, FABAG Executive Chairman John Awuni said the food and beverage industry is facing “mounting challenges” that are eroding investments and threatening jobs. He stressed that reducing nuisance taxes and ensuring macroeconomic stability are vital for competitiveness and long-term growth.

Seven Key Expectations from the 2026 Budget

  1. Reduction in Nuisance Taxes: FABAG urged the government to review multiple levies, including the COVID-19 levy, excise duties, environmental excise tax, and container fumigation fees. The group also called for targeted tax reliefs for local producers and SMEs.
  2. Foreign Exchange and Inflation Management: The Association said stabilising the cedi and curbing inflation are essential for predictable production costs and investor confidence.
  3. Support for Local Manufacturing: FABAG recommended incentives such as affordable credit and lower energy costs to boost productivity, value addition, and exports.
  4. Halt on New Taxes: The group warned against introducing new levies in 2026, arguing that businesses are already overburdened.
  5. Streamlined Regulation: FABAG called for better coordination among regulatory agencies like the GRA, FDA, and GSA to reduce bureaucracy and cost overlaps.
  6. Sustainability Incentives: The Association proposed tax rebates for companies adopting eco-friendly packaging and production methods.
  7. Investment and Job Creation: FABAG urged policies to attract investment in agro-processing and manufacturing to create jobs.

FABAG concluded that a growth-oriented 2026 budget will strengthen production capacity and position Ghana as a manufacturing hub in West Africa.

Ghana, Germany Tighten Bonds as Steinmeier Lands in Accra

By
Ivy Hollys
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His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the relationship between Ghana and Germany is poised to become even stronger and more beneficial for both nations.

Mr. Ablakwa made this remark as he welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Ghana on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed Ghana’s excitement over the high-profile visit.

“The inseparable bond between Ghana and Germany is about to get even stronger and more beneficial to the citizens of our two countries. God bless Ghana and Germany,” he wrote.

President Steinmeier arrived in Accra on Monday, November 3, 2025, for a three day State Visit. He is accompanied by a high level delegation from Germany.

The official visit began with the inspection of a full military Guard of Honour at the Forecourt of the Presidency. This was followed by a closed-door meeting between Presidents Mahama and Steinmeier, after which both delegations engaged in bilateral talks at the Credentials Room.

Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and development partnerships. A State Luncheon was held later in honor of the German leader and his delegation at the Presidential Banquet Hall.

President Steinmeier will continue his visit on Tuesday in Kumasi, where he is expected to meet Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and participate in other engagements before his departure later that evening.

The visit underscores the growing diplomatic and economic partnership between Ghana and Germany, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual growth.

No New Taxes! Food Industry Dares Gov’t Ahead of Budget

By
Ivy Hollys
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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finace
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finace

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has urged government to refrain from introducing new taxes in the upcoming 2026 Budget, warning that excessive taxation is crippling the industry.

In a statement issued ahead of the budget presentation, the Association said the sector is already struggling under high import duties, rising production costs, unstable exchange rates, and inflationary pressures. It warned that the situation is threatening jobs and Ghana’s attractiveness to investors.

FABAG called on the Minister of Finance to eliminate or reduce so-called “nuisance taxes”, including the COVID-19 levy, excise duties, Environmental Excise Tax, and container fumigation fees.

“The cumulative taxes have raised the cost of doing business, undermined competitiveness, and encouraged smuggling of cheaper imports,” the statement read.

The Association insisted that businesses are overburdened and cannot absorb further taxation.

“We expect a firm assurance from government that no new taxes will be introduced in 2026,” FABAG stated.

Instead, the group urged the government to improve tax collection efficiency, expand the tax net, and promote local manufacturing. It also called for stable exchange rates, inflation control, and a more predictable policy environment.

FABAG advised the government to streamline the overlapping roles of agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to reduce bureaucracy and operational costs.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national growth, noting that a business-friendly 2026 Budget could “stimulate investment, enhance revenue, and improve the welfare of Ghanaians.”

Mahama Will Punish Any NDC Member Involved in Galamsey — Sewoekpor

By
Ivy Hollys
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A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, Delali Sewoekpor, says President John Dramani Mahama will punish any NDC member involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

Mr. Sewoekpor said the President remains firm in his resolve to end illegal mining and will not allow politics to interfere.

“Pollution may be local, but its effects are global. I trust President Mahama to fight galamsey with full commitment,” he said. “If any NDC member engages in it, the President will act immediately.”

Mr. Sewoekpor noted that Ghanaians have lost patience with impunity in the mining sector. He said President Mahama has made it clear that no appointee has the right to own a mining license or lease.

“Ghanaians no longer tolerate impunity,” he said. “The President’s message is clear no appointee, NDC or not, should take part in mining.”

He praised the government’s work through the National Inter-Ministerial Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). He said its efforts prove the administration’s strong will to end illegal mining.

“NAIMOS’s work shows how serious this government is about fighting galamsey,” he said. “Even the opposition should commend President Mahama’s leadership.”

Mr. Sewoekpor urged all political parties and citizens to support the national campaign to stop galamsey and protect the environment.

Education Minister Vows to Continue Viable Projects

By
Ivy Hollys
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Minister

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue projects started by previous administrations if they provide value for money and support national development.

He made this known at the commissioning of a 160-bed dormitory and a 24-unit girls’ sanitary facility at Bimbilla Senior High School in the Northern Region on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

The previous government began the project in partnership with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). President John Dramani Mahama’s administration completed and inaugurated it. Students and staff celebrated the new facilities, describing them as a timely solution to their accommodation problems.

Mr. Iddrisu praised the former administration for its initiative and urged continuity in governance. “I will be the first to acknowledge the initiatives of the previous government and to assure you that President John Dramani Mahama, under his resetting agenda, will continue with worthy, viable initiatives of the previous government,” he said. “If it supports Ghana’s development, especially in building manpower, President Mahama will continue it.”

He also cautioned that the government would review projects that fail to deliver value for money. The minister criticised the neglect of several GETFund projects in the past, calling it wasteful and unfair to taxpayers.

“We will not behave like them, when a number of GETFund projects were left to rot,” he said. “Such actions deny taxpayers value for their money.”

Trump Threatens Military Action in Nigeria

By
Ivy Hollys
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Donald Trump
Donald Trump| Leon Neal/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the American military to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants.

Trump made the statement on Saturday, claiming that “Christian genocide” was underway in Nigeria and warning that he could send troops “guns blazing” unless President Bola Tinubu’s government intervenes.

“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.

He said all U.S. aid to what he called “the now disgraced country” would be cut, adding that the Department of War was “preparing for action.”

Nigeria Responds to Trump’s Warning

An adviser to President Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, told the BBC that while Nigeria welcomed U.S. support in fighting extremists, the country remains “sovereign.” He added that jihadists have killed people of “all faiths or none,” rejecting claims that Christians were being targeted disproportionately.

Tinubu dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying, “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.”

Background: Ongoing Islamist Insurgency

Nigeria has battled jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for over a decade. The insurgency has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, mostly in the country’s northeast.

Analysts say most victims have been Muslims, while in central Nigeria, deadly farmer-herder clashes have claimed thousands of lives on both sides.

Trump’s statement has triggered alarm across Nigeria, with many urging the government to strengthen its security response and prevent foreign military involvement.

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