Kofi Ahovi

  Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding water bodies and forest reserves while allowing for responsible mining practices in Ghana. However, he was quick to clarify that while mining activities will continue, they will not occur in sensitive areas such as water bodies or forest reserves. His comments come in response to ongoing concerns regarding illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which have significantly harmed the country’s natural resources. Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, Dr. Prempeh emphasized that mining is a vital contributor to the nation’s economy and will not be halted. We will never stop mining. Mining has given the country a lot of benefits; how else would we be able to implement the Gold-for-oil Policy? But we will not mine in water bodies and forest reserves. “We will implement policies that will equip miners, be

  The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahene Aidoo, has revealed that Ghana lost an alarming 120,000 metric tons of   cocoa beans  to smuggling between 2022 and 2023. This significant loss poses a major threat to Ghana’s   cocoa  industry, a vital sector of the national economy. The smuggling of cocoa beans, a long-standing issue in Ghana, appears to have worsened in recent years, driven largely by the allure of favourable prices in neighbouring countries. Speaking at a press conference held in Accra on Monday, October 14, Mr Aidoo expressed deep concern over the growing trend of cocoa smuggling, lamenting that despite concerted efforts by COCOBOD and other governmental agencies, little progress has been made in curbing the illicit trade. Aidoo provided a detailed explanation of the situation, noting that an estimated 100,000 to 120,000 metric tons of cocoa were illegally transported out of Ghana during the two years in question. He highlighted that

The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has thrown its support behind growing calls for the merger of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission of Ghana. This proposal, which has been gaining traction among industry experts and policymakers, is seen as a way to streamline regulatory functions, reduce operational costs, and eliminate potential overlaps in the oversight of Ghana’s energy sector. IES argues that combining the two regulatory bodies into a single entity will not only lead to cost savings but also enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of energy regulation in Ghana. Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi IV, believes that a unified regulatory authority would significantly improve policy formulation and implementation within the sector, which he said is critical given the current challenges facing Ghana’s energy landscape. Nana Amoasi IV stressed that merging the PURC and the Energy Commission would address some of the energy challen

  The government of Ghana has officially resumed payments on its Eurobond debts after successfully completing a debt exchange programme with bondholders. The Ministry of Finance has made a total payment of $520 million, which includes a $120 million consent fee paid to bondholders who agreed to the terms of the exchange. The debt service, which began last Friday, includes $320 million in coupon payments that were frozen due to the government’s debt service suspension in 2022. Ghana managed to restructure $13 billion in Eurobond debt with a 98% participation rate from bondholders, allowing the resumption of payments. Regular coupon payments will be made starting in January 2025, with the next one scheduled for July 2025. The Bank of Ghana has assured that sufficient dollar reserves are in place to support these payments. Additionally, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced that a Sinking Fund is being established to manage the fiscal pressures of the repayments. Meanwhile, Gh

Ahmed Nangtomah, Director of External Relations and Communications-GCM  The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) has called for rigorous enforcement of mining regulations to specifically address individuals violating Ghana's mineral laws, rather than employing broad and generalized approaches. Speaking during a mining tour organized by the Chamber for the Journalists for Business Advocacy (JBA) at selected mining sites in the Tarkwa area of the Western Region, Ahmed Nangtomah, Director of External Relations and Communications, emphasized the need for distinction between responsible and illegal mining. There is a clear distinction between responsible mining and illegal mining. It is counterproductive to impose a ban on activities that are already illegal. What is required is effective enforcement to prevent these illegal actions," Nangtomah noted. He proposed that the focus should be on identifying and penalizing those engaged in illegal mining, particularly those operating in water bo

 Yara Ghana Limited, a leading fertilizer company dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture in Ghana, has partnered with Agrihouse Foundation for the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, as part of its mission to “Responsibly Feed the World and Protect the Planet.” This collaboration is aimed at supporting smallholder farmers by enhancing yields and boosting food security through innovative technological solutions. Scheduled for October 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, under the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches.” This year’s conference will focus on strengthening market linkages, promoting technological innovations, and increasing productivity within Ghana’s agricultural sector. Yara Ghana’s steadfast partnership with Agrihouse Foundation spanning over 14 years for the Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, underscores itsdedi