Monday, May 20

Author: Nana Bentsi Oduro

Stress on the Job: Ghana Ranks 4th in Sub-Saharan Africa
News

Stress on the Job: Ghana Ranks 4th in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ghana has clinched the undesirable title of the 4th most stressful country for workers in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the 2023 Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report. In a startling revelation, Gallup's survey unveiled that Ghanaian workers grapple with stress on a daily basis, catapulting the nation into the upper echelons of stress-inducing work environments across the region. At the helm of the stress spectrum is Chad, where workers face the highest daily stress levels, closely trailed by Uganda, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. Ghana, vying for position, nestles closely behind Sierra Leone as the fourth most stressful haven for workers. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, a staggering 46% of workers endure daily stress, with nearly equivalent proportions among male and fema...
Parliament Dismisses Accusations Against Speaker
Politics

Parliament Dismisses Accusations Against Speaker

By Nana Bentsi Ghana’s Parliament has responded to accusations that Speaker Alban Bagbin is delaying the recall of Members of Parliament (MPs) due to his political affiliation, clarifying that the House is currently in recess with MPs attending to constituents, while Bagbin is on assignment in Dubai. In a statement released on Thursday, April 18, 2024, by the Parliamentary Service, it was emphasized that no MP has requested an early recall. The statement described attempts by outsiders to pressure a recall as “frivolous and vexatious,” and an unwelcome intrusion into parliamentary affairs. “It is instructive to note that no such request has been made by any Member of Parliament and so, the calls for a recall of Parliament by persons outside of Parliament is frivolous and vexatiou...
Four Persons Charged for Theft of Biometric Voter Registration Kits
Politics

Four Persons Charged for Theft of Biometric Voter Registration Kits

Four persons, including three officials of the Electoral Commission, have been arrested and charged with four counts of stealing and dishonestly receiving for the theft of Biometric Voter Registration kits. They have been remanded into Police custody. The accused individuals are Philip Lartey, a labourer; Benyamin Fianyi, a security officer; Joseph Blankson Adumadzie, a database administrator at the Electoral Commission; and Clifford Yeboah, a student. The three Electoral Commission staff members have been charged with counts of stealing and conspiracy to steal, while the student, Clifford Yeboah, has been charged with a count of dishonestly receiving. According to the facts of the case, five Dell laptops, part of the Biometric Voter Registration kits, were reported stolen. Further ...
IMF Forecasts Robust 4.4% Growth for Ghana in 2025
Business

IMF Forecasts Robust 4.4% Growth for Ghana in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a robust growth of 4.4% for Ghana in 2025, marking a significant increase from the 2.8% growth projected for 2024. The IMF made this announcement in its latest April World Economic Outlook at the ongoing spring meetings in Washington DC. This forecast underscores the growing optimism about Ghana’s positive economic trajectory and positions the country ahead of some major economies in Africa in terms of growth rate for 2025. The projection surpasses the World Bank’s projection of 3.3% for the same period. Despite facing various economic challenges, including high debt levels, double-digit inflation rates, and currency volatility post-COVID-19, Ghana’s economic prospects remain promising according to the IMF. The confidence in Gh...
EOCO Exonerates Ministry of Roads and Highways in Bribery and Corruption Probe
News

EOCO Exonerates Ministry of Roads and Highways in Bribery and Corruption Probe

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has been cleared of bribery and corruption allegations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following investigations into claims made by former GIMPA Rector, Prof. Stephen Adei. In a press release dated April 12, 2024, the Ministry stated that EOCO found Prof. Adei's comments to be "unfortunate and general within the context of perceived corruption in the country." The investigations concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous. Prof. Adei had claimed in an October 2023 interview that bribes determined who gets awarded road contracts, alleging that individuals seeking contracts were asked for an upfront payment of GH¢1 million. However, the Ministry had refuted these claims, asserting that the aw...
Methodist Church to Meet President Over Anti-LGBT Bill
News

Methodist Church to Meet President Over Anti-LGBT Bill

The Methodist Church of Ghana, led by Presiding Bishop, Most Rev Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, has announced plans to engage President Akufo-Addo over the perceived delay in signing of the Sexual Human Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 into law. The ongoing impasse between the President and the Speaker of Parliament continues to loom over the legislative process, following the bill's passage through a private member's motion in Parliament. President Akufo-Addo has cited a pending court case as his reason for hesitating to accept the transmission of the bill and assent to it. In contrast, the Speaker of Parliament has criticized this stance, arguing that it undermines the authority of the legislative branch. In response to these developments, Most Rev. Dr. Boafo expressed optimism ab...
World Bank Releases US$300 Million Loan to Ghana for Economic Recovery
Business

World Bank Releases US$300 Million Loan to Ghana for Economic Recovery

The World Bank has officially released a US$300 million loan facility to Ghana for budgetary support, marking a significant boost to the country's economic recovery efforts. The amount was credited to the Central Bank's account on Wednesday, March 27, 2023, and is the first in a series of three operations of $300 million each from the World Bank for crisis response and resilience in Ghana as part of the Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation. This fresh foreign inflow is expected to increase the Bank of Ghana's buffers, helping in the recovery of the economy and slowing the depreciation of the cedi. The fund is also aimed at restoring fiscal sustainability, supporting financial sector stability and private sector development, improving energy sector financial discipline, and s...
Gov’t Supported Banks During DDEP- Finance Minister
Business

Gov’t Supported Banks During DDEP- Finance Minister

Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam has announced significant progress under the operationalisation of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) as part of the structural measures of the Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). Addressing the media on Tuesday, March 26, Mr Adam highlighted the GFSF's role as an important safety net, mitigating the potential impact of government debt operations on the financial sector. He noted its particular importance in protecting state-owned banks and eligible indigenous financial institutions. Mr Adam mentioned that since November 2023, the GFSF has supported partly state-owned banks in recapitalising in line with their approved roadmap by regulators. Additionally, he mentioned progress in securing additional support under a $250 million World Bank loan ...
Asante Kotoko Lifts J A Kuffour Cup After Win Over Nsoatreman
Sports

Asante Kotoko Lifts J A Kuffour Cup After Win Over Nsoatreman

Kumasi Asante Kotoko defeated Nsoatreman to win the maiden edition of the J.A. Kuffour Cup in a game played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The Porcupine Warriors came from behind to a 2-1 victory against the Sunyani based side despite taking the early lead. Derrick Osei Bonsu of Nsoatreman opened the scoring with a nice strike after his side domination of the game. Back from recess, the Reds got back on level terms with a nice strike from Ugandan import Steve Mukwala. Nsoatreman had the opportunity to take the lead after referee awarded them penalty but midfielder Manaf Umar saw his effort saved by Fredrick Asare. Kumasi Asante kotoko after constant pressure got the winner through a Peter Amidu after receiving through ball from skipper Richmond Lamptey....
Dr. Bawumia Outlines Vision for Mining Sector: Transitioning Towards Responsible Practices
News

Dr. Bawumia Outlines Vision for Mining Sector: Transitioning Towards Responsible Practices

In a significant address delivered at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, unveiled a comprehensive vision for Ghana's mining sector. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the imperative of effective regulation, support for small-scale miners, and robust environmental protection measures. Highlighting the substantial involvement of Ghanaians in small-scale mining, estimated at approximately one million individuals, Dr. Bawumia underscored the necessity of transitioning these miners towards responsible practices. He articulated that such a strategy would not only generate more wealth but also contribute to environmental conservation endeavors. "About one million people are engaged in small-scale mining. Our goal would be to hel...