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Ghana Passes New VAT Bill, Scraps COVID-19 Levy in Major Tax Reform

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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E-LEVY
PARLIAMENT REPEALS E-LEVY

Ghana’s Parliament has approved a new Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill, marking the country’s most significant tax system overhaul in over ten years. A key part of this reform is the official cancellation of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy.

The changes deliver on a major government promise made in the 2025 budget to create a fairer and simpler VAT system. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the new law will remove complexities, encourage businesses to comply, and improve economic efficiency.

Key Benefits of the New VAT Law

The new structure introduces several important benefits for individuals and businesses:

  • Abolished COVID Levy: The removal of the COVID-19 levy is expected to return GH¢3.7 billion to the economy in 2026 alone.
  • Reduced Business Costs: The bill reintegrates GETFund and NHIL levies into the VAT base, making them eligible for tax deductions. This move is projected to lower the cost of doing business by about 5%.
  • Support for Small Businesses: The VAT registration threshold has been raised. This change prevents small, micro-enterprises from being burdened by complex VAT registration and compliance costs, allowing them more freedom to grow.

A Move to a Digital Tax System

The reform also modernizes tax collection. The government will introduce electronic devices to track transactions and implement digital VAT collection for cross-border online shopping. A new VAT reward scheme will also encourage consumers to always request receipts, helping to improve overall tax compliance.

The Ghana Revenue Authority will soon begin a nationwide education campaign to ensure a smooth transition for all businesses and consumers. The government believes these comprehensive reforms will boost investor confidence, support local industries, and stimulate job creation.

Minister Advocates Flexible Charter System for Private Universities

By
Ivy Hollys
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Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu says the government is preparing a policy amendment that will make the acquisition of a Presidential Charter optional for private universities. The ministry is finalising a cabinet memo to seek approval for the new framework, which aims to address long-standing concerns from private tertiary institutions.

Private universities have often argued that the chartering process is rigid, slow, and limits their ability to innovate. A Presidential Charter grants full autonomy to confer degrees and certificates. However, many institutions say the current model delays growth and creates unnecessary administrative pressure.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the Kwaku Ansa-Asare Committee report in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said the ministry is close to completing the memo for Cabinet consideration. He added that, if necessary, the ministry may request executive approval from President John Mahama due to time constraints.

He emphasised the need to acknowledge the contribution of private universities to national development. According to him, the ministry remains focused on access, relevance, and quality. He noted that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission will continue to enforce strong quality assurance standards.

Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, welcomed the proposal and described it as long overdue. He said feedback gathered from visits to private universities showed broad support for an optional system. Ranking Member Dr Yaw Adutwum has also endorsed the call for flexibility.

Mr Nortsu-Kotoe highlighted the financial relief private universities provide to the state. Studies indicate that the government saves about GH₵50,000 for every student enrolled in a private institution. He added that high enrolment levels in private universities reduce pressure on public university infrastructure.

Black Stars Assigned to Pot 4 for 2026 World Cup

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Pot 4 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw, scheduled for December 5 in Washington DC.

They join Jordan, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, the four UEFA play-off winners, and the two FIFA Play-Off Tournament qualifiers in the same pot. Their placement reflects their ranking among the lowest-seeded teams to have qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament.

Meanwhile, other African nations sit in higher pots: Morocco and Senegal in Pot 2, and Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa in Pot 3.

Under FIFA’s draw procedures, Ghana could face a top-tier team from Pot 1 such as Argentina, Spain, or England, along with a Pot 2 side like Croatia, Japan, or Uruguay. The rules also ensure that no group will feature more than one African team.

Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup after topping Group I with 25 points, finishing ahead of Mali, Madagascar, Chad, the Central African Republic, and Comoros.

Kwakye Ofosu Backs Government’s Transparency on Petitions

By
Ivy Hollys
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Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has justified the Mahama administration’s decision to publicly update citizens on sensitive petitions involving public officials. He said the approach is a deliberate effort to promote transparency and strengthen public trust in state institutions.

Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP addressed concerns surrounding a petition reportedly submitted by Electoral Commission staff member Joseph Blankson Adumadzie. The petition seeks the removal of EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies. According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency has not yet confirmed receipt of the document.

He explained that petitions addressed to the President are usually received by the Secretary to the President, who then initiates an established internal process. He noted that once confirmation is received, the public will be informed.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said he is not aware of any additional petitions of a similar nature. He stressed that any such document, once verified, would be disclosed in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Responding to questions from host Evans Mensah about the government’s more proactive communication style, he said the shift reflects the administration’s belief in open governance. He added that officials hold public office in trust and must therefore keep citizens informed about actions taken with public resources and authority.

He argued that withholding information about petitions only creates suspicion, especially when such matters involve high-ranking officials. He cited the recent case involving the Chief Justice as evidence of the administration’s commitment to openness.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that the new communication approach respects the law and supports responsible governance. He said transparency remains essential to strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

King Promise and Davido Release ‘Bad Habits’ Music Video.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghanaian star King Promise has teamed up with Nigerian superstar Davido for a stylish new music video. The official visual for their collaborative single, ‘Bad Habits,’ has just premiered on YouTube.

The video was filmed in the romantic city of Paris, France. It features stunning backdrops of the Eiffel Tower and other iconic locations, providing a beautiful setting for the track.

‘Bad Habits’ delivers a smooth Afrobeats sound that highlights the strong musical chemistry between the two artists. This release marks their second major collaboration this year, and it has been met with immediate excitement from fans.

The response online has been overwhelmingly positive. Many listeners are calling the song a must-have for their playlists, and social media is already filling up with fans sharing their favorite dance moments from the video. The successful partnership continues to bridge the vibrant music scenes of Ghana and Nigeria.

Kweku Smoke’s Revival Concert 2025: Expanded Festival Details

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghanaian rap star Kweku Smoke has announced a major expansion of his popular “Revival Concert.” This year’s event, titled “The Rebirth,” will transform into a large-scale festival. It is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2025, at GHUD Park.

The concert is set to be his biggest yet, with organizers expecting over 15,000 fans. This announcement comes after a standout year for the artist. His latest album, “Walk with Me,” quickly reached the top of the Apple Music Ghana charts. He was also named one of the most-streamed Ghanaian artists on Spotify in 2024.

Building on the success of the first Revival Concert in 2024—which was praised as a top December event and featured stars like Sarkodie and King Promise—this year’s edition is growing into a full cultural experience.

More Than Just a Concert: A Full Festival Experience

“The Rebirth” is designed to be a full-day lifestyle event, not just an evening of music. The gates will open at 1:00 PM to give attendees time to enjoy all the activities before the main concert begins.

The expanded festival will feature:

  • A showcase of luxury cars.
  • Pop-up shops selling limited edition merchandise.
  • A skate presentation celebrating Ghana’s growing skate culture.
  • A basketball competition with teams from across the country.

Organizers have also promised special guest performances, adding to the excitement for the night. This shift to a festival format marks a significant step for Kweku Smoke’s brand, ending his year with a major cultural gathering for his fans.

Catholic Bishops Challenge Minister on Religious Rights Comments

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has criticised Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu for comments cautioning schools against violating students’ rights to practise their religion. The Conference said the remarks were unnecessary and risked reviving tensions that major religious groups had recently resolved.

Addressing Parliament on November 25, the Minister stated that no student should be restricted from practising their chosen faith. He added that the Ministry of Education would not tolerate any infringement on the religious rights of students. His comments followed a Supreme Court directive asking Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to respond to claims that it limits the religious freedoms of Muslim students. The suit was filed by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman.

President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, told Citi News that all major religious bodies signed a Memorandum of Understanding three months ago to strengthen religious tolerance in schools. He said the MoU involved Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, the SDA Church and the Police Service.

He noted that the agreement allows schools founded by religious bodies to operate according to their core values while ensuring fair treatment for students of minority faiths. He explained that parents who choose a Catholic school should understand the institution’s ethos, just as Catholic students in Muslim or Presbyterian schools are expected to respect the rules of those institutions.

Most Rev. Gyamfi expressed surprise that the Minister would revisit a matter that stakeholders had resolved through dialogue. He warned that political leaders must avoid actions that risk creating religious tension.

He added that religious bodies remain committed to the MoU and see no justification for reopening issues that have already been settled.

President Mahama: Minister Appointments in 2026

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed calls for immediate appointments of two ministerial positions.
These are for Defence and Environment, Science, and Technology.

He spoke during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 25.
The remarks followed the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Muhammed.

President Mahama urged the public to avoid speculation about replacements.
“They say Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades and we haven’t filled those positions yet,” he said.

He stressed that rumours about imminent appointments were unfounded.
“I can see people speculating he is going to appoint new Defence minister, new Environment minister.

The President assured that the government will make the appointments early next year.
“We will do those appointments next year. After the holiday, the Christmas and the holiday, we will fill those positions,” he said.

He encouraged the public to disregard claims of immediate announcements.
The two ministers were among eight people who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The crash occurred while they were travelling to a national assignment in the Ashanti Region.

Woman Arrested for Torturing 9-Year-Old Sister

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Tafo Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region has remanded a 36-year-old woman.
She is accused of pouring hot water on her nine-year-old sister and cutting her with a knife.

The accused, Beauty Alakwe, faces charges of assault and causing harm.
The victim, Ruth Wisdom, is now under Social Welfare care in Kwabre East.
Officials are overseeing her treatment and safety.

The case came to light after a report.
Minister for Gender and Social Protection, Naa MoMo Lartey, directed intervention.

Co-tenants say Alakwe has repeatedly abused the girl
Neighbours say the latest attack occurred after the child defecated in the room.

Residents claim the woman often locks Ruth and her own child in the room overnight.
The room has no toilet facility, forcing the children to use a nearby public toilet.

Neighbours and co-tenants rescued the girl and rushed her to Manhyia Hospital.
Health workers found multiple old bruises, indicating long-term abuse.

Court proceedings took place on Tuesday, November 25.
The accused requested legal representation, which the court granted.
Judge Festus Fovi Nukunu initially remanded her in police custody.

She will be moving to prison custody due to poor police cell facilities.
The court approved the request, and she is now in prison.
Alakwe is to reappear in court on December 12, 2025.

Daddy Lumba’s Family Denies Funeral Date,Calls it Invalid

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The family of highlife music legend Daddy Lumba has publicly disowned a funeral date circulating for the late star. They have declared that the announced date of December 13, 2025, is completely unauthorized and does not represent their plans.

In a recent statement, close family members, including the singer’s sister, expressed their frustration. They called out a former funeral planning head, Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu, for organizing public announcements and billboards without the family’s consent. The family had already disbanded the previous funeral committee, making these actions invalid.

The family explained that the December date is not feasible for several important reasons:

  • Key processes, including autopsy investigations in Ghana and Germany, are not yet complete.
  • Some of the artist’s children who live abroad are in the middle of important exam periods and cannot travel yet.
  • Family members and international fans need more time to secure time off work and arrange international travel for a proper farewell.

Serious Financial and Legal Concerns

The situation escalated with a major financial allegation. The family claims that Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu illegally withdrew 200,000 Ghana Cedis from a bank account, directly ignoring a court order that prevented him from accessing funds.

This act, along with the unauthorized funeral announcement, breaks earlier agreements that were meant to ensure a collaborative and transparent planning process. The family finds the rush to set a December date “suspicious” and stresses that no official funeral date exists.

They are now asking the public, media, and all traditional leaders to ignore the unofficial date. The family promises to announce a true date themselves once they can ensure a dignified, well-planned ceremony and after a full and transparent investigation into the ongoing issues is complete.

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