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COPEC Lauds Fuel Price Drop as Economic Policies Take Effect

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has welcomed the latest round of fuel price reductions by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), describing it as a sign of improving economic stability.

In the first pricing window of November, market leader Star Oil reduced petrol prices to GH¢11.97 per litre and diesel to GH¢12.47. This marks one of the most significant price cuts in recent months.

Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, said that the falling prices reflect the impact of recent government measures and the Bank of Ghana’s forex interventions. “The best measure of your economy is at the fuel pump. If prices are dropping due to sound management, then those handling the economy are doing something right. But they must stay alert, because if prices rise again, we will speak out strongly,” he warned.

The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) also expects further fuel price reductions in the coming weeks. Its Executive Director, Benjamin Nsiah, said global petroleum trends and a stronger cedi are likely to sustain the downward movement.

He explained that improving indicators such as stable inflation and reduced exchange rate pressures could bring more relief to consumers, especially ahead of the festive season. “Our analysis shows petroleum prices are unlikely to rise before December. The combination of lower international prices and a firm cedi suggests continued drops at the pump,” Mr. Nsiah said.

With global crude prices softening and the cedi showing resilience, analysts believe consumers may enjoy lasting relief. The development is expected to reduce inflationary pressures and support Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery.

SHS Graduate’s Complaint Over GH₵50 Daily Allowance Sparks Online Debate

By
Ivy Hollys
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cedis

This week on Orange Overdrive with MC Lawry, a viral video stirred up a heated discussion both in the studio and among listeners. The clip showed a young SHS graduate arguing with his mother, saying the fifty cedis she gives him each day is not enough. He suggested that she should rather use the money to start a business for him.

In the video, a bystander asked the young man how much he would need to start this business. Surprisingly, he could not give an answer. The argument became so loud that it drew the attention of neighbors in their compound house, with several tenants coming outside to watch the commotion unfold.

MC Lawry invited Kofi Boamah to share his thoughts on the show. Kofi noted that the boy’s attitude might be influenced by peer pressure.

“These days, many young people feel they have to live up to what they see on social media, even when their parents are doing their best,” he said.

Listeners joined the conversation through Orange FM’s phone lines and WhatsApp. Some agreed with the boy, saying his business idea showed initiative and that parents should help young people start small ventures. Others disagreed, arguing that he should be grateful for what his mother gives him and learn to manage it wisely.

One listener said, “If he wants to start a business, he should save up from what he’s getting.”

A few also joked that the boy probably has a demanding girlfriend, which is why his money never seems enough. “But that shouldn’t be his mother’s burden,” another listener added.

By the end of the discussion, MC Lawry and Kofi Boamah agreed that while ambition is good, gratitude and responsibility are even better.

“He should appreciate what his mother is doing for him,” Kofi said, “because many people wish they had that kind of support.”

Stowaway Bust! Navy Arrests 10 Nigerians on Panamanian Ship

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ghana Navy has arrested 10 Nigerian nationals who attempted to stow away on the MV Grand Venus, a merchant vessel sailing under the Panamanian flag, at the Tema Port.

A statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed that the arrest took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, following a distress call received from the ship’s crew.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways had secretly boarded the vessel while it was docked at the Lagos Port in Nigeria before it set sail for Ghana.

“The Ghana Navy has on Friday, 31 October 2025, arrested ten stowaways on-board the Panamanian-flagged Merchant Vessel Grand Venus in Tema following a distress call,” the statement read.

The Navy, acting swiftly on the alert, escorted the vessel to the main harbour, where the suspects were handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service, Port Control, and the Marine Police for further investigation.

The Ghana Navy wishes to assure the general public that additional details will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the GAF added.

The arrest highlights ongoing security challenges within West African maritime routes, where stowaway incidents have become increasingly frequent. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of vessels and crew operating within its territorial waters.

Investigations into the motive and background of the suspects are still underway. Authorities say outcomes will be made public upon completion of the probe.

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.”

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