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W/R: CEO, Staff of Focus 1 Group pay courtesy call on EKMA MCE

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Chief Executive Officer of the Focus 1 Group, Kwame Adu-Mante and staff have called on the newly confirmed Chief Executive (MCE) of the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam, to officially congratulate him on his appointment.

As part of the visit, Mr. Adu-Mante voluntarily paid his property rate totalling GH₵36,000 to the assembly, covering his residential properties and office complex within the municipality.

Mr. Adu-Mante emphasized the importance of fulfilling property tax obligations as a vital contribution to local development.

“EKMA has over 5,000 houses and buildings. If all the owners pay their property rates religiously, EKMA will have enough Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to do a lot of things for all of us in the assembly,” Mr. Adu-Mante noted.

He also pledged the continuous support of Focus 1 Media in helping the municipality disseminate important messages and developmental information.

“On behalf of myself and Focus 1 Group, we want to officially congratulate you on your appointment and confirmation as MCE. Our doors are always open to you—if you need us to publicise or disseminate any message or communique,” he added.

Receiving the payment, MCE Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Adu-Mante for the gesture and stressed the impact such voluntary compliance could have on the development of the municipality.

“We are so grateful as an assembly to have you willingly come to pay your property rate. The assembly can drive a lot of development if we have property owners pay. We will put in measures to ensure that is done,” the MCE stated.

The MCE further commended Mr. Adu-Mante for his consistent support to the municipality, citing his contributions to health infrastructure in the area.

“We are also aware of what you have been doing in the municipality. Just yesterday, I was informed of the medical laboratory construction at Whindo and what the health committee, of which you’re a part, has done. We thank you so much for supporting the assembly at every opportunity,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating EKMA’s commitment to fostering partnerships and collaborations that will enhance the development of the municipality.

“Our doors are always open for partnership and collaboration to drive the development of EKMA for the betterment of its people,” the MCE assured.

Mr. Adu-Mante’s move is expected to inspire other property owners within EKMA and beyond to honour their property rate obligations and strengthen the assembly’s revenue base for accelerated development.

A/R: Labour Department commences awareness campaign on job opportunities

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Labour Department in Ghana has initiated a flagship program called “Just One Bold Step” aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for job seekers across the country.

This initiative will also provide a platform for employers to advertise job vacancies, making it easier for them to find suitable candidates.

The program began in Konongo, located in the Ashanti Region, on April 30, 2025, and is set to continue in other towns, including Obuasi, Mampong, and Bekwai, on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

The goal of this campaign is to change the narrative and facilitate easier access to jobs for graduates and other job seekers in the Ashanti Region and throughout Ghana.

During the launch of the initiative a few months ago, the Acting Chief Officer of the Labour Department, Dawudu Ibrahim Braimah, stated that the platform will effectively bridge the gap between job seekers and employers in the country.

The Public Relations Officer for Labour, Jobs, and Empowerment, Rev. Miss Charlotte Hanson, noted that data collection is one of the challenges facing the country’s employment sector.

She observed that this initiative will help gather data that can inform government decision-making.

The Technical Adviser at GIZ Ghana, Dr. Lillian Amankwah Forbi, indicated that they have supported the Labour Department, including vehicles and office spaces, to improve their working environment and enhance employment opportunities in Ghana.

Government supports plastic recycling companies with $7 million in grants

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The government is set to provide $7 million in grants to eight plastic recycling companies across the country to support their growth.

The Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology has stated that these companies, including Universal Plastic Products and Recycling Ghana (UPPR) Limited, part of the Jospong Group of Companies, will utilise the funds to enhance their capacity for collecting, recycling, and reusing plastic waste.

As part of the initiative to assess readiness for the funding, Sector Minister Murtala Mohammed recently toured several recycling companies in Accra, stating the importance of increasing support for businesses within the circular economy.

“We look forward to expanding this grant assistance to more entities that have the expertise to manage plastic waste. If we are only able to recycle 10%, what happens to the remaining 90%? They contribute to the environmental degradation and hazards we face,” he remarked.

Minister Mohammed also mentioned that a decision regarding the funding will be made after visiting various facilities.

He urged the beneficiary companies to create job opportunities once they receive the funding.

On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Minister visited four plastic waste recycling facilities, including UPPR, Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Limited (IRECOP), Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Maternal Recovery Facility, and Nelplast Ghana Limited.

Gov’t should provide conducive environment for plastic recycling companies – Recycle Up Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Executive Director of Recycle Up Ghana, Abdul-Rahim Shaibu Issah, has called on the government to create a favourable business environment for plastic recycling companies in Ghana.

He believes that rather than the government directly establishing plastic waste processing facilities, it should foster an environment that supports the activities of recycling firms.

“I don’t believe that the government should set up recycling factories. Instead, it can create a conducive environment to encourage recycling and waste management companies in the country,” he stated.

Both past and current governments have taken some steps, including financial allocations, to address the country’s waste challenge.

Speaking with Plastic Journalist, Fatawu Bayaga as part of a plastic recycling documentary titled “Beyond The Bin”, Mr. Issah acknowledges that, while these efforts are commendable, more action is needed.

He urged the government to facilitate easier access to permits and suitable land through community engagement and other processes to support these companies’ operations.

Abdul Rahim stated that, they’re planning to establish a plastic recycling industry but the money involved is very huge, as they need not less than 500,000 dollars to complete the entire plant.

“We’re setting up a facility to recycle plastics and it’s not been easy because it’s heavily capital intensive, and I’m not talking about 100,000 dollars or 200,000 dollars. We’re looking at in excess of over 500,000 dollars to set up a complete recycling system,” he explained.

He added that accessing this kind of capital is difficult.

However, he believes the government can work with bilateral and multilateral partners to facilitate financing opportunities for local companies.

Abdul-Rahim Shaibu Issah further appealed to the government to subsidise import duties at the ports for recyclers, as he has recently paid a huge amount in taxes to clear goods.

“If I told you how much I paid in taxes just to clear some goods, you would be surprised, because I looked at the money and said this can pay about 10 employees for two years,” he indicated.

While Mr. Issah believes an outright ban on plastic importation seems unlikely for now, he suggests that the government consider a gradual phase-out of problematic materials, such as plastic bags.

Countries in Africa, like Uganda, introduced legislation in 2007 to ban the sale of lightweight plastic bags under 30mm thick and penalise the sale of thicker bags at a punitive rate of 120%.

Although the laws were implemented in September of that year, they have not been enforced and have not significantly reduced the use of plastic bags.

Mr. Issah believes that a proactive government, or a bold Ministry of Environment, could gradually phase out plastic bags over the coming years to drastically reduce this environmental menace in Ghana.

Beyond The Bin: I spend my profit on electricity bills- Local plastic recycler laments

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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At the end of each month, a huge portion of my profit goes towards paying electricity bills. This has been the struggle for a local plastic waste recycler in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

Kwasi Benua Amenyona has been operating in the plastic recycling industry for several years, and he describes the situation as very challenging.

He pays over 10,000 cedis, just a little over 976 dollars, every month for electricity, even without using very advanced equipment.

“At the end of the month, all my profit goes into settling ECG bills. I pay approximately 2,500 cedis weekly, totalling more than 10,000 cedis a month,” he explained.

Speaking with Plastic Journalist, Fatawu Bayaga as part of a Plastic recycling documentary dubbed “Beyond The Bin,” Amenyona noted that his previous meter worked well, resulting in moderate bills, but since it was changed by ECG, his bills have been steadily increasing.

This financial burden impacts the daily operation of his business, making it difficult to maintain adequate funds for ongoing expenses.

Amenyona urges the government to create a more supportive environment, including providing electricity subsidies, to assist plastic recyclers.

He has considered leaving the business due to the severity of the challenges, but the lack of alternatives in Ghana keeps him motivated to continue.

Plastic waste is prevalent throughout Ghana, yet another challenge for recyclers is the insufficient collection rates, which fail to meet the needs of various companies.

Globally, plastic waste is a menace, with many countries adopting measures to combat this problem.

Some nations, including Thailand, Rwanda, and Palau, have banned the importation of plastic to reduce pollution, while others are ramping up recycling efforts.

In Ghana, the situation is alarming, as only 5 per cent of the approximately one million tons of plastic waste generated annually is collected and recycled—a fact that raises concerns among many.

Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Communication Manager of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), the largest recycling facility in Africa, also expresses concern about the situation.

He calls on the government to support local recycling companies to help alleviate these challenges.

He suggests that if sanitation issues were effectively addressed, the government would not need to spend large sums of money on remediation efforts.

Mr. Amo-Asamoah proposes implementing penalties for sanitation violations to deter improper disposal of plastic and other waste.

Fuel Prices to Plummet Even Further as Cedi Eases Import Costs

By
Ivy Hollys
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Fuel prices dip slightly as the cedi appreciates.

Fuel prices have declined slightly at the start of the June 2025 pricing quarter, providing modest relief for drivers and private vehicle owners across Ghana. This drop is largely due to the continued appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar.

The stronger local currency has helped reduce import costs for petroleum products. However, it remains uncertain how much of these savings will be passed on fully at the pumps. In recent pricing windows, fuel prices have followed a consistent downward trend, with some Oil Marketing Companies now selling petrol and diesel at just over GH₵13 per litre.

Currency appreciation remains the central factor driving this reduction. As the cedi continues to firm up, the pricing environment for petroleum products improves correspondingly. Analysts suggest that if the trend holds, further cuts in fuel prices could be expected in the coming weeks.

Cedi Gains Continue to Influence Fuel Market

Market analysts remain optimistic about additional reductions in fuel prices, citing the cedi’s resilience and reduced import-related expenses. The strengthened currency has created room for downward pricing, though experts argue there is potential for even steeper declines.

During the final pricing window of May, some energy analysts stated that fuel prices could have dropped further. Despite observed reductions, they pointed to missed opportunities for deeper cuts. Still, the latest developments have brought wider benefits.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) recently announced a 15% reduction in transport fares. The union cited declining fuel prices and a relatively stable exchange rate as the main drivers behind the decision. This move aims to transfer some of the cost savings to commuters and businesses alike.

As the cedi continues to hold firm, pressure is expected to grow on fuel retailers. Consumers and advocacy groups are likely to demand that more of the currency-related savings be reflected in actual fuel prices at the pump.

With exchange rate gains influencing the petroleum import landscape, the outlook for fuel prices remains cautiously optimistic for the coming weeks.

Background

in recent developments, Fitch Solutions, a UK based research firm revised their previous projection with the currency now expected to end 2025 at GH₵13.00 to the US dollar. This marks a significant improvement from its earlier projection of GH₵15.50, reflecting recent cedi strength in the foreign exchange market.

According to the UK-based research firm, the revision follows a 16% to 30% appreciation of the cedi between late April and May 2025. This performance is attributed mainly to rising global gold prices, which have boosted Ghana’s export earnings and supported the currency.

Fitch forecasts the cedi to appreciate again by 12.9% in 2025, compared to the projected end-2024 rate of GH₵14.70 to the dollar. The updated Ghana Cedi value forecast suggests increased currency stability, benefiting both inflation control and monetary policy planning.

Ghana Cedi Value Forecast: Fitch Lowers 2025 Projection to GH₵13.00

By
Ivy Hollys
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thomas nyarko on ministry of finance discrepancies
Black hand with suit holding 3D rendered Ghanaian cedi notes isolated on white background

The Ghana Cedi value forecast has been revised by Fitch Solutions, with the currency now expected to end 2025 at GH₵13.00 to the US dollar. This marks a significant improvement from its earlier projection of GH₵15.50, reflecting recent cedi strength in the foreign exchange market.

According to the UK-based research firm, the revision follows a 16% to 30% appreciation of the cedi between late April and May 2025. This performance is attributed mainly to rising global gold prices, which have boosted Ghana’s export earnings and supported the currency.

Fitch forecasts the cedi to appreciate again by 12.9% in 2025, compared to the projected end-2024 rate of GH₵14.70 to the dollar. The updated Ghana Cedi value forecast suggests increased currency stability, benefiting both inflation control and monetary policy planning.

Cedi Strength Expected to Ease Inflation and Spur Monetary Policy Shift

Fitch Solutions indicates that a stronger cedi will help lower inflationary pressures throughout 2025. This trend is expected to provide the Bank of Ghana (BoG) with room to ease its tight monetary policy stance.

Ghana, as a net importer of essentials such as fuel, cereals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, is set to benefit from reduced import costs. The firmer currency will likely have a disinflationary impact on these goods, reinforcing positive consumer effects.

Despite raising the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28.00% in March 2025, the BoG may soon adopt a different path. The Ghana Cedi value forecast by Fitch anticipates a 200 basis points cut in the second half of 2025. This would reduce the policy rate to 26.00% by year-end, creating more favorable borrowing conditions.

Inflation Trends Improve as Cedi Outlook Strengthens

Headline inflation began to decline after a difficult start to the year. By April 2025, year-on-year inflation dropped to 21.5%, from 23.5% in January. Fitch forecasts an average inflation rate of 18.0% for 2025, with year-end inflation expected to reach 13.1%.

This level approaches the pre-pandemic average of 12.4%, recorded between 2015 and 2019. With the Ghana Cedi value forecast showing continued strength, inflation could fall further, boosting household purchasing power and consumer demand in the second half of the year.

Fitch believes the combination of disinflation, currency appreciation, and interest rate cuts will create a more supportive economic environment for growth.

BoG Emphasizes Market-Based Policy Over Targeted Exchange Rates

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has clarified the central bank’s position on exchange rate management. He rejected claims that the BoG is pursuing a specific exchange rate level.

Speaking after the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Dr. Asiama affirmed that policy actions are not based on arbitrary rate targets. Instead, the BoG’s approach focuses on mitigating excessive exchange rate volatility.

“We don’t have such a plan on the table that says when the cedi reaches a certain point, we must move to ease the appreciation,” he stated.

The Ghana Cedi value forecast remains subject to global and domestic market dynamics, with the central bank emphasizing a flexible, market-oriented stance in its exchange rate strategy.

Kintampo North MP commends KSRELIEF for a solar-powered borehole

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Member of Parliament for the Kintampo North constituency in the Bono East Region has expressed his joy after the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre established a solar-powered borehole in the town.

The area has faced a water crisis for years, lacking meaningful support from successive governments to address the issue.

Residents, particularly women and children, have had to walk long distances to access this precious resource, often finding the quality of the water compromised.

Naa Zakari Baki Musah, the Dagomba Chief of Kintampo, took the initiative to lobby for the borehole.

During the commissioning ceremony, the MP revealed that he had spent no less than 70,000 cedis transporting water tankers to schools and communities to alleviate the water shortage.

He noted that Kintampo is a low-lying area where many boreholes dry up by March, leading to acute water shortages.

“I’m very joyful that we’re Commissioning this borehole today, among other things we’re not getting water because this place is a low-lying area, and all boreholes that have been drilled for us, by March when the water systems go low, they’re not able to get enough water for our people,” he stated.

He commended the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre for alleviating the residents’ plight and called for more projects from the organisation to help tackle these challenges effectively.

To complement the efforts of NGOs in collaboration with the current Municipal Chief Executive, a community water and sanitation project has been commissioned in Sunyani to conduct a feasibility study.

The study will explore tapping water from the Black Volta, located about 45 kilometres away from Kintampo, to supply the area.

The Municipal Chief Executive for the area, Isaac Donkor, expressed his happiness at witnessing such an important initiative in his municipality.

As a native, he was already aware of the water crisis before taking office, and he expressed excitement at the project’s launch.

“I’m well aware of the Water challenges before I even came to power because I’m a native. If this NGO has come to donate this source of water for us, I am the happiest person, more than even the community members themselves,” he stated.

He further noted that this initiative would alleviate some of the pressure on the municipal assembly, as many communities are continually requesting water facilities.

“I am very impressed, and may the good Lord replenish them so they can do more for us. Our communities still face serious water challenges, and we need more support,” he appealed.

I’m very happy to see this borehole- Kintampo Dagomba Chief on KSRELIEF water project

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Dagomba Chief of Kintampo, Naa Zakari Baki Musah, has lauded the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre for providing the town with a solar-powered borehole project.

He explained that the proposal for the project was submitted to the implementing partner after the assembly member for Bridgate, an electoral area in Kintampo, wrote a letter highlighting the water challenges faced by residents.

Naa Zakari assured him of his support in addressing the issue.

One day, he received a call from the implementing partner, Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin Humanitarian Service, informing him that they would conduct a feasibility study for the project.

“When they arrived, we toured the entire area before finding this place as the suitable location for the project,” he added.

Naa Zakari further noted that the community is filled with joy as the project has now been commissioned.

He expressed his gratitude to the KSrelief Centre and all stakeholders involved, including Member of Parliament Joseph Kwame Kumah, the assembly member, and the entire community for their cooperation.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Executive Director of the Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin Humanitarian Service, Ismail Mohammed Kamil, the implementing partner, thanked the KSrelief Centre and the community for their support.

“I stand here today with great joy and deep gratitude that we gather here today to inaugurate this solar-powered borehole — a source of clean, reliable water for the resilient people of Kintampo.
This project, fully funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, is a testament to the enduring power of partnership, compassion, and shared humanity,” he indicated.

He added that water, has always been seen as a basic necessity of life, yet access to clean water remains a daily challenge for many rural communities across Ghana and beyond, but the story changed for the people of Kintampo.

“Thanks to the generous support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and with the facilitation of Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin Humanitarian Service, we are proud to commission this borehole — not only powered by solar energy but also powered by love, compassion, and a vision of dignity for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, another water project was also commissioned at Kadelso near Kintampo to address their acute water shortage issue faced by residents for years.

The locals were visibly excited about the project and expressed gratitude to the organization.

Anloga Junction Undergoes Desilting Exercise Following Orange FM Report

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Anloga Junction Undergoes Desilting Exercise Following Orange FM Report
Anloga Junction Undergoes Desilting Exercise Following Orange FM Report

A major desilting exercise is currently underway at Anloga Junction, one of Kumasi’s flood-prone areas.
This follows a documentary by Orange FM titled “Submerged Streets,” which highlighted severe silt buildup.
The film showed heavy accumulation of waste and debris blocking the stream, increasing flood risks.Local residents had raised concerns about the clogged drains ahead of the rainy season.


They pointed to plastic and scrap waste as major contributors to recurring flooding incidents.
The blocked drainage system had long prevented proper rainwater flow through the area.
Many feared this would result in severe property damage and health risks during upcoming storms

In response, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), with support from key partners, launched a desilting exercise.
Among the supporting institutions is the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), which offered logistical assistance.
The desilting work is focused on clearing silt, debris, and solid waste from the drainage system.

Media Report Triggers Prompt Desilting Exercise

The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of NADMO, Prince Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, praised Orange FM’s investigative effort.
He acknowledged the role of journalist Fatawu Bayaga, who produced the documentary exposing the environmental hazard.

“Fatawu Bayaga, your major concern is solved,” Mr. Abubakar stated in a WhatsApp message to the journalist.

Mr. Bayaga commended NADMO for acting swiftly on the concerns raised in the documentary.
He emphasized the importance of continued oversight and public engagement in such civic issues.
The desilting exercise aims to mitigate future floods and restore normal water flow across Anloga Junction.

Local residents have welcomed the intervention and expressed hope for lasting solutions to the flooding problem.
The desilting exercise is expected to continue until all affected drainage channels in the area are cleared.
This proactive step marks a crucial turning point in addressing Kumasi’s urban flooding challenges.

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