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A/R: AGI chair urges gov’t to lower electricity tariffs after launch of the 24-hour economy

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Kwesi Nyamekye, has stated that businesses are already struggling due to a 14.5 percent increase in electricity tariffs, and the government’s recent imposition of an additional 2.45 percent increase will worsen the situation.

Some business operators are now urging the government to consider reducing electricity tariffs to support local businesses.

This appeal follows the launch of the 24-Hour Economy policy on July 2, 2025 in Accra.

Speaking on Orange FM’s Sunrise , Mr. Nyamekye said the tariff hikes are likely to negatively affect the business sector.

Business Community Hopes for Incentives Under 24-Hour Economy

According to him, “The general view is that we are still negotiating and discussing the details. I heard that there may be some incentive packages for businesses that operate in shifts. For instance, if a business currently operates 8 hours and decides to move to 16 hours—that’s two shifts—they may receive a 25 percent reduction in certain charges. And if a business operates for 24 hours, which is three shifts, they could enjoy up to a 50 percent reduction. Unfortunately, I did not hear this officially mentioned during the programme,” he revealed.

Nyamekye further called on the government to enhance competitiveness within Ghana’s business environment, emphasizing that such efforts are essential for the successful implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy.

“A lot of work needs to be done. Government must make production in Ghana more competitive compared to our neighboring countries. We are currently not competitive. I used to export to Mali, for instance, but now my goods are too expensive, and I’m unable to continue. This is happening even though the cedi may be appreciating,” he stated.

He added, “The cost of doing business in Ghana is extremely high. Energy costs in particular are higher than those of our neighboring countries. Government must look at this holistically—especially how we clear goods, the duties, taxes, and more. If the government wants this policy to succeed, they must be clear and deliberate about their support.”

He also expressed concerns about the unavailability of foreign exchange in local banks particularly dollars, despite the recent appreciation and stability of the Ghanaian Cedi.

Digital Expert Urges Business Owners to Embrace Digital Marketing

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Coordinator for the Professional Digital Marketing Certification Programme, Kwabena Buabeng, has encouraged business owners to take advantage of digital marketing to elevate and expand their businesses.

Speaking on Orange FM’s Sunrise, Mr. Buabeng explained that digital marketing enables individuals to promote their products and services globally, leading to improved visibility and increased sales.

“If you’re doing business digitally or handling your marketing online, the whole world is available for you to explore. We have people running businesses in Ghana who have customers all across the world,” he said.

Mr. Buabeng, who is also a passionate poultry farmer, shared a personal experience to illustrate the power of digital marketing.

He revealed that in December last year, a Ghanaian business owner based in Dubai purchased about 500 chickens from his poultry farm, KB Farms, located in Kasoa, Accra. The buyer intended to surprise his workers with the chickens as a Christmas gift.

Digital Expert Highlights Global Business Reach and Career Opportunities Through Online Marketing

“If we hadn’t invested in the digital marketing aspect of promoting KB Farms, how would someone in Dubai have found us and placed such a big order?” he asked.

He noted that with digital marketing, businesses in Kumasi can reach customers in Accra, Takoradi, and across the entire country—and even beyond.

“That is what makes digital marketing exciting—not when you limit yourself to your local community,” he added.

Mr. Buabeng further stressed that digital marketing offers more opportunities than many people realize.

“As the coordinator, I can confidently say there’s so much potential in this field. Many organizations are knocking on our doors because they need digital marketers. Almost every company is embarking on a digital transformation journey, and they need people with knowledge and practical skills in digital marketing,” he stated.

He also identified some new job roles emerging from the growth of digital marketing:

“When you take a digital marketing program, you can become a Digital Marketing Manager, Content Creator, or Social Media Manager. These are some of the new opportunities emerging within organizations. It’s important that we recognize this shift and understand the importance of technology in today’s business landscape.”

545 Recruits Pass Out at Kumasi Police Training School: COP Ernest Nana Owusu Urges Officers to Serve with Honour

By
Ivy Hollys
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545 Recruits Pass Out at Kumasi Police Training School: COP Ernest Nana Owusu Urges Officers to Serve with Honour

A total of 545 police recruits, including 298 females and 247 males, have successfully graduated from the Regional Police Training School in Patasi, Kumasi. The colorful passing-out parade, held on Friday, July 4, 2025, attracted dignitaries from the Ghana Police Service, traditional authorities, and heads of sister security agencies.

The Reviewing Officer for the event, COP Ernest Nana Owusu, Director-General, Services of the Ghana Police Service, delivered the keynote address, describing the ceremony as the beginning of a noble journey of national service.

“Today marks a great day in the lives of our passing-out recruits. Very soon, they will be admitted formally as men and women into this noble profession of the Ghana Police Service,” COP Owusu said.

He praised the recruits for their impressive turnout and discipline, noting that their drill performances reflected dedication, resilience, and quality training.

Recruits Lauded for Discipline, Resilience, and Readiness

“Smartness in uniform shows mental alertness and sound mind in a sound body,” he added.

COP Owusu also conveyed warm wishes and congratulations from H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, who commended the recruits for their hard work and commitment to national security.

Touching on Ghana’s evolving security threats, including cybercrime, violent crime, and communal conflict, the Reviewing Officer emphasized the need for a skilled, adaptive, and motivated police force. He acknowledged reforms under the leadership of IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, which have already begun yielding results.

“In response to these developments, the Police Administration moved quickly to restore morale and refocus operational units,” he noted.

Highlighting the Ghana Police Service’s support for the government’s 24-hour economy policy, COP Owusu announced the establishment of a 24-Hour Economy Security Secretariat at the Police Headquarters. The unit will coordinate nationwide security for round-the-clock business operations and public safety.

“The Ghana Police Service plays a cardinal role in the success of this policy,” he explained. “We must provide the needed security to ensure Ghanaians go about their activities without fear.”

As the new recruits prepared to take their oath, COP Owusu urged them to uphold the Service’s motto: “Service with Integrity.” He reminded them that their badge represents a commitment to justice, not power.

“The badge on your chest is not a license to intimidate, but a pledge to serve with humility, courage, and honour,” he stated.

He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to support the Police, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”

“Let us demand accountability, show respect and cooperate with the Police. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Ghana,” COP Owusu said.

Sowutuom: Woman Arrested for Arson and Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend After Catching Him with Another Woman

By
Ivy Hollys
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Sowutuom: Woman Arrested for Arson and Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend

The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old unemployed woman, Augustina Adoma, for allegedly setting fire to her ex-boyfriend’s belongings and stabbing him during a heated altercation in Sowutuom, a suburb of Accra.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Emmanuel Otabil, a commercial driver, is currently recovering at the University of Ghana Medical Centre after undergoing emergency surgery.

According to police sources, the suspect attacked Otabil’s residence at Race Course, Sowutuom, on the morning of Thursday, June 26, 2025, where she allegedly found him in the company of another woman. In a fit of temper,she reportedly poured a bucket of water on them and left the scene with the victim’s Samsung mobile phone.

Later that day, around 4:00 p.m., Ms. Adoma is said to have returned to the victim’s residence while he was away. Using a spare key, she allegedly gained access to his kiosk room and set fire to several personal belongings, including a mattress, carpet, blankets, and bedsheets.

The situation escalated when Otabil confronted her in the evening to demand the return of his phone. During the altercation, Adoma allegedly grabbed a knife from a nearby orange seller and stabbed him in the left side of the chest.

Otabil was initially rushed to Race Course Hospital, then referred to Lapaz Community Hospital, and finally transferred to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for advanced treatment. Medical officials say he is currently stable and responding well to treatment.

Suspect Allegedly Sets Fire to Ex-Boyfriend’s Belongings

The suspect was arrested at the Tesano Police Station, where she had earlier gone to file a separate assault complaint against the victim and submit a medical report. Investigators were able to retrieve the victim’s stolen phone from her possession.

Police have since launched a full investigation into the matter.

In a statement, the Accra Regional Police Command cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, especially in domestic or relationship-related disputes.

“The law provides proper and peaceful channels for resolving grievances. No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands,” said Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region.

The case remains under investigation as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police Arrest Man in Viral Video for Wearing police Uniform without Authority

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Antoakrom, Ashanti Region –The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man identified as Osei Kwame, popularly known as “Nsafufoo,” for unlawfully wearing a police uniform and appearing intoxicated in public.

The incident occurred at Antoakrom in the Manso Nkwanta District of the Ashanti Region, where the suspect was captured in a viral video dressed in a full police uniform, exhibiting signs of drunkenness.

Public Outrage Over Misuse of Police Uniform

According to police sources, the suspect had no lawful authority to possess or wear the uniform. His actions have raised public concern over the misuse of official security attire and the potential risk of impersonation.

“This behavior undermines the integrity of our security services and poses a threat to public safety,” a police spokesperson said.

The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. Authorities have launched a probe to determine how he obtained the uniform and whether any accomplices are involved.

The Ghana Police Service has reminded the public that impersonating security personnel is a serious offence under the law and warned that such acts will be met with full legal consequences.
Uniform Without Authorities

Tensions Rise as EC Meets NDC, NPP Over Ablekuma North Election Dispute

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Tensions Rise as EC Meets NDC, NPP Over Ablekuma North Election

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has renewed efforts to resolve the prolonged stalemate surrounding the parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North Constituency by holding a high-level meeting with representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The meeting took place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and was a follow-up to an earlier engagement held on Thursday, June 12, 2025. It was aimed at giving both parties the chance to update the Commission on any progress or changes in their positions regarding the unresolved election results.

However, both parties maintained their previous stance,with no compromise reached.

The NDC insisted that a rerun should be conducted in all 37 polling stations where the pink sheets used in the collation process were destroyed and replaced with scanned copies reportedly submitted by the NPP. The party argued that using scanned results raised credibility concerns and called for a full rerun in those areas.

Ablekuma North Tensions Deepen Over Scanned Pink Sheets

On the other hand, the NPP argued that only three polling stations remained unresolved and that the results from the remaining 34 should be accepted, since, according to them, NDC polling agents had already verified and confirmed those scanned pink sheets.

The Commission explained that the central issue remains the use of scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were not original copies. These scanned documents were submitted by the NPP after several pink sheets were allegedly destroyed during a chaotic incident at the collation centre on December 7, 2024.

According to the EC, political party supporters had stormed the collation centre and destroyed several pink sheets, bringing the collation process to a halt and leaving the final declaration of results in limbo for over seven months.

The Commission has assured the public that it is working closely with all stakeholders to find a resolution that respects the electoral process and ensures credibility. Further updates are expected ahead of the rerun scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, in 19 polling stations confirmed for fresh voting.

A/R: NSA commits to tackling corruption within the institution

By
Ivy Hollys
-
A/R: NSA commits to tackling corruption within the institution

Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Authority, Fynn Emmanuel Reagan, has assured the public of a renewed commitment to tackling corruption within the institution, following a recent scandal that rocked the organization.

He emphasized that the Authority is working tirelessly to eliminate corrupt practices and restore public trust.

This initiative has become especially crucial after a major scandal involving some former managers of the institution.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise on July 2, 2025, Emmanuel Reagan reiterated the Authority’s resolve to address these concerns.

“The Director-General has made it emphatically clear that under his watch, the issue of ghost names will be a thing of the past. I also want to reecho what my Director-General said — that under our tenure, National Service will not be known for corruption scandals. Instead, it will be known as the backbone of the nation’s food security. That is why we are embarking on the agriculture project. So, if our system experiences any temporary shutdowns, it is all in line with these reforms,” he stated.

Service Personnel Encouraged to Embrace Private Sector Opportunities over Institutions

He also encouraged service personnel to accept postings to the private sector, saying it offers better prospects for long-term employment.

“The chances of being retained in the private sector are very high. We are advising and encouraging most of our personnel to consider private sector placements. After going through the stress of our educational system, it would be unfortunate to remain unemployed. That is why we want personnel to embrace private sector opportunities,” he added.

Reagan further noted that many personnel often request postings to organizations like the DVLA and COCOBOD, but clarified that such institutions are facing internal challenges.

“COCOBOD, for example, was bankrupt at the beginning of this year and owes the National Service Authority a huge sum of money,” he disclosed.

He further revealed that the Authority is expanding into agriculture not only to generate employment but also to enhance national food security.

“The perception has been that National Service is only for deploying tertiary graduates. We are moving beyond that into income-generating ventures. One of the most profitable and sustainable businesses in Ghana and across Africa is agriculture,” he said.

Reagan explained that during his regional tour, he urged all district directors to identify and secure land within their jurisdictions to develop National Service farms.

Currently, two major farms are operating in the region — one in Ejura, covering 20 acres, and another in Agogo.

Stringent Licensing Process Fueling Illegal Mining – Small-Scale Miners Secretary Claims

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Michael Adu Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, has raised serious concerns about the overly stringent procedures that small-scale miners must undergo to obtain licenses.

According to him, these strict requirements are contributing significantly to the rise in illegal mining activities across the country.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise on July 1, 2025, Mr. Gyamfi said, “I cannot sit here and say that all small-scale miners are doing things right. Within the small-scale mining sector, if we have at least 100 people operating in Ghana now, only about 10 could be classified as having legal documents to do the work. So, if we are being so stringent and insisting that those without documents cannot work, we will virtually collapse the entire sector,” he revealed.

Mr. Gyamfi also blamed politicization and corruption as major challenges hindering the fight against illegal mining.

Some Galamstop operators have switched to small scale mining.

He stated, “We need total commitment from our politicians. One thing I’ve realized is that politicians take undue advantage of the sector. Anytime the government makes decisions to regulate the sector, those tasked with enforcing these directives often end up being compromised.”

He further alleged that some former security personnel who were once part of anti-galamsey taskforces including, GalamStop and Operation Vanguard are now actively engaged in small-scale mining themselves.

“I am aware of some soldiers who were part of GalamStop and Operation Vanguard who are now doing small-scale mining,” he stressed.

Source-Esther Amankwah

Security Boss Targets Fake Anti-Galamsey Taskforces

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Security Boss Targets Fake anti -galamsey Taskforces

The Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari, has announced that plans are underway to arrest individuals operating as unauthorized anti-galamsey taskforces.

The Ashanti Regional Security Team is set to clamp down on all illegal taskforces posing as anti-galamsey operatives across the region.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise on July 1, 2025, Mr. Jabari said that individuals impersonating national security on anti-galamsey officials. He then said, “these individuals will be apprehended as part of efforts to sanitize the mining sector”.

This action follows reports that such individuals are harassing small scale miners in several communities.

Anti-Galamsey Taskforce Crackdown

He noted that he appreciates the miners’ concerns. He added that it appears some constituencies have been affected by illegal groups preparing to harass miners in the coming weeks.

“We are apprehending those people who have seen themselves into taskforces or bodies on their own to do those operations,” he stated. “So it’s quite difficult for them to differentiate who is coming from here or there.”

“That is something I appreciate that I met their chairman. We had a whole conversation about it.

“We have some people we are going to be picking up very soon who have become bodies or authorities on their own,” he added. “They are engaged in some of these acts.”

Jabari believes the fight against illegal mining can be won but emphasized the need for all miners to comply with existing regulations.

He further highlighted that illegal mining has persisted for a long time and stressed that certain areas are strictly off-limits.

He stressed , “If you want to do mining, you can’t do it in the forest, along water bodies, or on road networks. You also can’t do it with foreigners who don’t have a license to work.”

Axle Load Scandals National Security Clamps Down on Akom Station Over Missing Millions

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Afigya Kwabre North, Ashanti Region June 30, 2025,National Security officials in the Ashanti Region have taken over operations at the Akom Axel Load Station in the Afigya Kwabre North District following reports of massive corruption and misappropriation of state funds.

The takeover, according to Deputy Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Nje, follows credible intelligence that some individuals at the station were diverting government revenue for personal gain.

“We discovered disturbing trends, including failure to weigh trucks as required, with proceeds being pocketed by individuals instead of being paid into government accounts,” . “For now, we’ve taken full control of the station to restore discipline and protect public interest.” Alhaji Nje emphasize.

He noted a glaring disparity between expected revenue and actual records. “On June 4, nine trucks were intercepted, yet just days later, during my visit on June 9, only one vehicle was captured in the records. This raises serious questions,” he added.

The development has sparked political tension as well. Kwame Yallo, Constituency Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Afigya Kwabre North, expressed dismay over what he described as “internal looting” by party members just months after assuming power.

Akom Axle Load Station Corruption in Afigya Kwabre North.

According to him, some individuals allegedly bypassed standard procedures at the station, allowing unweighed trucks to pass in exchange for cash. “I was even offered a bribe a car every week to keep quiet,”Kwame Yallo revealed.

He warned that the actions of a few greedy individuals were not only depriving the state of vital funds but also contributing to the deterioration of roads due to overloaded trucks.

Kwame Yallo called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways, as well as the appropriate government agencies, to step in and ensure transparency at axle load stations across the country.

The National Security Secretariat says it will maintain control of the Akom station until a thorough audit and investigation are completed.

Source-Esther Amankwah

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