Kofi Ahovi

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New 20% VAT Will Not Trigger Price Hikes, GRA Assures Traders Amid Abossey Okai Protests

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has firmly rejected claims by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association that the newly implemented 20 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) regime under the VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151), will drive up consumer prices, distort competition and increase the cost of doing business. The Authority described the concerns as stemming from a “fundamental misunderstanding” of how the revised VAT system operates, insisting that the new structure is designed to lower the effective tax burden on traders rather than increase it. In a detailed statement, the GRA explained that the transition from the previous 4 per cent Flat Rate Scheme to the standard 20 per cent VAT regime does not automatically translate into higher prices. Under the former flat-rate system, traders paid input VAT of 21.9 per cent on purchases, which was not deductible. This meant the tax formed part of their cost base. However, under the new regime, input VAT of 20 per cent is fully deductible,...

NPRA Investment Guidelines and the Question of True Diversification in Ghana’s Pension System

By Delali Herman Agbo Some months ago, I wrote about the over-investment exposure of Ghana’s pension funds to Government of Ghana (GoG) assets. That discussion sparked important debate within the pensions and investment community. However, upon a deeper review of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) Investment Guidelines, it has become increasingly clear that the issue is not merely one of fund manager preference, but one embedded within the structure of the permissible asset allocation framework itself. While the NPRA guidelines are well-intentioned and designed primarily to protect contributors through capital preservation, their current configuration has resulted in a pension system that is highly conservative and structurally concentrated around a single issuer that is the Government of Ghana. Understanding the NPRA Investment Guidelines Under the current NPRA investment guidelines, pension funds...

Implement measures to ensure local production of Fugu - Gabriel Agambilla to government

The Founder of Alagumgube, Gabriel Agambilla, has stated that the recent surge in patronage of the popular local fabric, Fugu triggered by President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Zambia represents a significant boost for the local Fugu industry. Offering his perspective on this trending issue, Agambilla noted that local producers of Fugu stand to benefit the most, as they will reap substantial gains from the heightened demand and enhanced visibility. However, Agambilla urged President John Dramani Mahama and the Government to implement measures that safeguard and promote local production of the fabric. He emphasised that the Government and key stakeholders must ensure local fabric producers retain exclusive rights to produce the popular and prestigious Fugu fabric. According to Agambilla, concerted efforts are required to prevent foreigners from exploiting the surge for personal gain. He advocated for a robust crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit or fake v...

I’ve been intentional about wearing Ghana – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says he has deliberately chosen Ghana-made clothing as part of a broader effort to stimulate the local garment industry. In a television interview on the sidelines of his state visit to Zambia, the President said his personal wardrobe policy is designed to back local designers and project confidence in Ghanaian craftsmanship. One of the things I’ve brought into my presidency is to promote the local garment industry,” Mahama said on Friday. “All my clothes are made in Ghana, they are sewed by Ghanaian designers.” He explained that the decision is not symbolic but a daily practice that aligns leadership with policy direction. So all these costumes I wear are sewn by local designers and that is what I wear every day,” the President added. Mahama has, in previous engagements, encouraged public officials and institutions to prioritise locally produced goods, arguing that consistent patronage is critical to building competitive domestic industries. His adm...

BoG Pushes Structured Framework to Guide Commercial Banks’ Listing on GSE

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, has called for the development of a clear and practical framework to guide commercial banks seeking to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, corporate governance and capital mobilisation in the financial sector. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Steering and Technical Committees of the Commercial Bank Listing Project, Dr. Asiama said the initiative is central to building a more resilient and transparent banking system that can better support Ghana’s economic growth. My task for you is to develop a practical framework and credible system that will support Ghana’s banking and financial sector,” he told committee members. The Steering Committee is mandated to provide strategic direction and policy oversight for the project, ensuring effective coordination among key regulatory institutions, including the Bank of Ghana, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and t...

Aduana Edge Kotoko as Nations FC, Medeama and Attram De Visser March On in MTN FA Cup

Asante Kotoko’s hopes of retaining the MTN FA Cup title came to a crashing halt yesterday after they were edged out by Aduana FC, while Nations FC, Medeama SC and Attram De Visser also secured places in the quarterfinals following an eventful round of matches across the country. The headline fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, lived up to its billing as Kotoko and Aduana FC battled fiercely but failed to break the deadlock in regulation time. Both sides created chances in open play, yet clear-cut opportunities were scarce in a tightly contested encounter. Kotoko’s best chance came early when captain Samba O’Neil stepped up to take a penalty in front of the home crowd, but his effort was saved in what proved a turning point. Aduana FC later had strong appeals for a penalty waved off, much to the displeasure of their technical bench. With scores locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the game was decided on penalties, where Aduana FC showed greater composure, converting four s...