Remove COVID-19 Levy, VAT on transit cargo — Acting GPHA boss (Daily Graphic, Thursday, February 27, 2025 Page 2)

 

The acting Director-General (D-G) of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has advocated the removal of Value Added Tax and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo.

He said such a move would significantly enhance Ghana's competitiveness as a premier transit hub in the West African sub-region, position the country to attract greater international businesses and strengthen its economic standing.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono made the call yesterday when the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, paid a familiarisation visit to the GPHA headquarters in Tema.

The minister was accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials from the ministry

The acting D-G of GPHA argued that removing VAT on transit cargo would not only make Ghana's ports more attractive in global trade but also create substantial job opportunities, support the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and align with its 24-hour economy policy.

He stressed that the transit trade market was highly competitive, with neighbouring ports such as Lome and Abidjan constantly vying for business.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono suggested that any disruption in Ghana’s port operations, particularly through the imposition of additional levies, could result in businesses shifting to alternative regional ports. 

“Since the cargo in question is not destined for Ghana, it stands to reason that removing these VAT levies would not only boost business, but also generate additional employment opportunities,” he stated.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono further revealed that a joint team, comprising personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GPHA, had recently travelled to Lome to assess their port systems.

This followed a similar visit to Abidjan, where the team studied operational practices in an effort to enhance Ghana’s own port competitiveness and streamline its operations.

Vision

Outlining his strategic vision for the authority, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono highlighted key areas of focus, including the digitalisation of operations, building organisational resilience and fostering a corporate culture grounded in discipline, fairness and teamwork.

He expressed optimism that these initiatives, coupled with support from government agencies, would propel GPHA to new heights of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Stakeholders

In his response, Mr Nikpe expressed commitment to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the removal of VAT and COVID-19 levies.

He emphasised that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, remained dedicated to revitalising the country’s economy, with the maritime and port sectors identified as critical pillars in the strategic agenda.

He also commended Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono’s leadership, and urged GPHA staff and management to rally behind him to advance the authority’s mission.

The minister and his entourage visited Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Tema Shipyard where he discussed efforts aimed at expanding port infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and exploring necessary partnerships to strengthen the country’s maritime sector.

Writer's email; Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-remove-covid-19-levy-vat-on-transit-cargo-acting-gpha-boss.html

GPHA boss encourages staff to work to enhance growth, efficiency (Daily Graphic, Thursday, February 27, 2025 Page 29)

 

The acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has called on staff of the authority to sustain discipline, fairness and teamwork to enhance growth and efficiency.

Speaking at a staff durbar to officially welcome him, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono stressed the need for punctuality, commitment and collaboration among employees.

"Let's be disciplined. We must be punctual at work, and we must all lead by example. The second principle is fairness. I will treat everyone here fairly. This is the time to build this institution so that in 50 years, you can return and be proud," he said.

The event, attended by management and staff, marked the beginning of his tenure, and provided an opportunity for him to engage with the workforce.

He was warmly received by the employees who expressed their support for his leadership.

Outgoing DG

The outgoing Director-General of GPHA, Michael Achagwe Luguje, expressed gratitude for the support received during his tenure, and urged staff to rally behind the new leadership for the continued growth of GPHA.

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the experiences we've shared at GPHA. I also urge you to give the new Director-General your best cooperation.

If you supported me, I encourage you to increase that support tenfold for him because at the end of the day, every single progress GPHA makes benefits us all," he stated.

Engagement

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono held a preliminary meeting with GPHA management and staff union leaders.

The engagement allowed both parties to familiarise themselves and reaffirm their shared commitment to advance the authority’s mandate.

Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono brings extensive leadership, defence and legal expertise to his new role. 

Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies at Burma Camp, Accra.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-gpha-boss-encourages-staff-to-work-to-enhance-growth-efficiency.html

First green hydrogen system commissioned in Tema - Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre pilots (Daily Graphic, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Page 55)

 

A pilot green hydrogen facility has been installed in Tema, Ghana, at the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre, where it would produce hydrogen using solar power and store it for on-demand electricity generation through a fuel cell system.

The project, dubbed Green Hydrogen for Decentralised Energy Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (GH2GH) essentially demonstrates decentralised green hydrogen technology in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This system, consisting of a 20 kW electrolyzer and a 10 kW fuel cell, will store excess solar energy as hydrogen. The system has an electrical storage capacity of 600 kWh.

The project, funded under the Export Initiative Environmental Protection of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany, is aimed at demonstrating the potential of green hydrogen for decentralised energy systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Sustainable Technologies Laboratory at Bochum University of Applied Sciences coordinated the research project, supporting the project together with the corporate partners, namely Green Power Brains, SFC Energy as well as the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre.

Exploring the potential

Giving an overview of the project at an event last Thursday, the Head of Sustainable Technologies Laboratory, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Prof Semih Severengiz, said Green hydrogen, produced from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, presents a promising solution in Ghana, where energy demands were increasing rapidly.

The green hydrogen production facility

He said the installation of the system at the pilot site at the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre would offer researchers the opportunity to explore the potential of producing green hydrogen which could be scaled up for sub-Saharan African countries.

“Our research work with the method of life cycle assessment has shown that we can save 90 per cent of emissions by avoiding the diesel generator through a hydrogen-based photovoltaic mini grid system.

So, it has a large impact on the greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy of Ghana in my view”

Infrastructure  

A Senior Manager, Renewable Energy Regulations, at the Energy Commission Ghana, Julius Nkansah –Nyarko, said the project was not just an infrastructure but a bold step towards redefining how to generate, store and utilise energy sustainably.

He said globally efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change had never been more urgent, with countries setting their long-term low-emission development strategies, adding that while these commitments were largely driven by the increased use of renewable energy resources, global decarbonisation objectives were incomplete without solutions to mitigate carbon emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and transportation.

Mr Nkansah –Nyarko said in Ghana the government's commitment to green hydrogen was a testament to its dedication to sustainable development and energy security, and that through international partnerships and investing in innovative technologies, Ghana was not only keeping pace with global trends but positioning itself as a champion in Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy.

Relevant

The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, described the project as very relevant in the context of climate change and underscored the need for the Energy Commission to speed up the setting up of a regulatory framework in the green hydrogen sector as it was the best solution for Ghana.

He reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change through renewable energy initiatives.

Fr. Krzysztof Nizniak of the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre commended the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany and the consortium for choosing the institute for the pilot phase.

He was optimistic the facility would support the exchange of knowledge among the students and create valuable connections along the hydrogen value chain.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-first-green-hydrogen-system-commissioned-in-tema-don-bosco-solar-and-renewable-energy-centre-pilots.html

Govt committed to addressing power deficit -Minister(Daily Graphic, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Back Page)

 

Govt won't sell ECG-Minister (Daily Graphic, Monday, February 24, 2025 Back Page )

 

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has stated that the government has no intention of selling the electricity power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Rather, what the government wants to do is to make the power distribution company more efficient by bringing on board the private sector in the billing, collection and management of some aspects of the company.

Responding to concerns raised in the media and a section of the public during a tour of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) Tema Regulating and Metering Station at Bankuman last Friday, Mr Jinapor dismissed any suggestion that the government intended to privatise ECG.

“The assertion that we are selling ECG is not true. ECG will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about a high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” Mr Jinapor said.

The minister explained the financial strain caused by inefficiencies in the energy sector and stressed that the Minister of Finance should not under normal circumstances use the taxpayers' resources meant for other developmental projects such as roads, schools and hospitals to settle debts owed to energy suppliers such as WAPCo and Nigerian Gas (N-Gas).

Mr Jinapor emphasised that shares of ECG would remain intact, and no shares would be diluted. 

PUWU opposes

In January, this year, the Public Utility Workers' Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reiterated its opposition to any form of privatisation or diversification of the ECG.

PUWU's opposition to ECG’s privatisation was rooted in concerns about the potential consequences of private control over the electricity sector.

Workers from ECG have consistently opposed the privatisation process, submitting proposals to the government that demonstrated the value of maintaining public control.

The union's stance was also informed by its commitment to protecting the interests of its members and ensuring that the provision of essential services such as electricity remains a public responsibility.

As an entity representing utility sector workers, PUWU said it was resolute in its opposition to privatisation and diversification initiatives that might compromise the public interest.

Background

On assumption of office last month, the Energy Minister inaugurated a seven-member technical committee to spearhead consultations within the power distribution sector and devise a comprehensive plan for the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) within a month.

The committee, composed of energy experts and key stakeholders, is charged with crafting strategies to transition ECG to private sector management, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.  

“Let me assure the nation that we have not decided to sell ECG. Ours is to ensure that we get the private sector involved, and we also want to emphasise local participation,” he said at the inauguration of the committee.  

The Energy Minister underscored the importance of a transparent and inclusive approach in the privatisation process, tasking the committee to consult extensively with all relevant stakeholders.  

“We want this to be done in a transparent, effective and responsible way.

The committee is supposed to consult all stakeholders, including the workers, staff, unions, consumers, and those who matter,” Mr Jinapor explained.  

The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to chart a new path for ECG’s management, aiming to address long-standing inefficiencies and ensure reliable power distribution across the country.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-govt-wont-sell-ecg-minister.html

Ashaiman MP prioritises youth, health devt (Daily Graphic, Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Page 19)

 

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, Ernest Norgbey, has reaffirmed his commitment to improve the lives of his constituents.

During an inspection of ongoing projects in the constituency, Mr Norgbey assured the people of Ashaiman that he would prioritise initiatives with positive impacts.

The MP has initiated several projects, including a community AstroTurf, an antenatal block at the Ashaiman Polyclinic, and an emergency dialysis centre.

The AstroTurf project aims to empower the youth with football skills, while the antenatal block seeks to provide quality health care for expectant mothers and the dialysis centre is to provide the needed care for persons suffering from renal failure in the constituency and its environs.

Mr Norgbey also gave an assurance that deteriorated roads in the constituency were being reconstructed to bring relief to commuters.

He emphasised the importance of reciprocating the loyalty of Ashaiman constituents, who had consistently supported the NDC.

He pledged to lobby for development projects and ensure the constituency benefited from the government.

Health needs

Speaking to journalists last Monday, after the tour, Mr Norgbey said the dialysis centre in Ashaiman was critical in meeting the needs of the renal patients and alleviating the pressure on those in need of the service.

The Medical Superintendent of the Ashiaman Municipal Polyclinic, Mavis Amoako-Oppong, highlighted the need for the emergency dialysis centre, which, she said, would cater to renal patients in the constituency and the municipality.

 

 via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/ghana-news-ashaiman-mp-prioritises-youth-health-devt.html

ICUMS should not be abolished - Importers, exporters advocate (Daily Graphic, Saturday, February 15, 2025 Page 27)

 

The Importers and Exporters Association is advocating reforms to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) rather than its outright abolition, emphasising its role in boosting customs revenue and trade efficiency.

Despite concerns over implementing the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, the association maintains that the system remains essential for revenue collection. In 2024, ICUMS contributed to an increase in customs revenue, rising to GH¢44.3 billion from GH¢30.6 billion in 2023.

Addressing a press conference, the Executive Secretary of the group, Samson Asaki Awingobit, urged stakeholders to collaborate in refining the system.

Advertisement

He emphasised that the challenges associated with the UCR stemmed from policy-related issues rather than flaws within ICUMS itself.

“It is crucial to emphasise that the concerns surrounding the UCR implementation are not specific to ICUMS but are instead matters of government policy.

As such, addressing these challenges requires a broader policy dialogue at the governmental level,” he said.

ICUMS was introduced and implemented in June 2020, as Ghana’s trade to a single window system.

It was a more efficient system to help resolve the rising cost in port transactions, delayed clearance of goods and a huge leakage in revenue mobilisation.

Also, it was to end the use of multiple online platforms in assessing valuation, classification, risk management and payment, which were jointly managed by the Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet) Ltd and West Blue Consulting at the time.

Mr Awingobit said ICUMS should be seen as a work in progress and supported to become efficient.

“The journey towards a fully integrated and efficient customs management system is a marathon, not a sprint.

ICUMS has already brought us closer to the finish line, and we must not abandon it midway.

Let us remember that every great system evolves, and ICUMS is no exception.

“We appeal to the hearts and minds of all Ghanaians to see ICUMS as a work in progress—a system that is evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic global trade environment,” the Executive Secretary stressed.

Mr Awingobit further emphasised the need to help Ghana Link fix the problems rather than discarding the system, which had shown immense potential for revenue collection.

 

via:  https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-icums-should-not-be-abolished-importers-exporters-advocate.html

Stakeholders call for effective policies to enhnace trade facilicitation ( Daily Graphic, Friday, February 14, 2025 Page 29)

 

Trade Minister pledges support to private sector for job creation ( Daily Graphic, Friday, February 14, 2025 Page 17)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has said the government will support the private sector to expand and create employment for the youth. 

Speaking to journalists at the Free Zones enclave in Tema after a visit to the nation’s largest apparel manufacturer in West Africa, Dignity Do the Right Thing (DTRT) Apparel Limited; she said the private sector was the backbone of every economy, hence there was the need for a concerted effort to provide the appropriate environment for the sector to enable it to support the socio-economic development of the country.

The DTRT Apparel Limited was established in 2014 as a joint venture between a local Ghanaian clothing manufacturer (Dignity) and US investors (Do the Right Thing). The company currently employs 6,000 people, the majority of whom are women who manufacture various apparel, including sportswear, for the export market.

A new production plant is currently under construction and, upon completion, is expected to create an additional 6,000 new jobs.

Advertisement

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, who is the Member of Parliament for the Techiman North Constituency, was accompanied by the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), Sylvester Adinam Mensah, and other officials of the ministry.

Also present were the Managing Director of Dignity DTRT, Salma Salifu, and the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Ghana, Wasantha Perera, who also doubles as CEO of DTRT Apparel. The team also visited Tex Styles Ghana Limited in Tema, producers of Vlisco, GTP and Woodin fabrics.

The minister said one of the flagship policies of the government was the Free National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) to train interested youth in professions such as dressmaking and hairdressing.

She said the ministry would seek partnerships with businesses such as Dignity DTRT Apparel and others in the private sector to open up more opportunities for the training of the youth.

Support

The Founder and Co-Chief Executive of DTRT Group, Skip Richmond, said there was a huge opportunity in the country today because of what was going on around the world geopolitically, citing the trade war between the US and China, as well as social issues in other parts of the world that traditionally had been big apparel manufacturers.

“It is a competitive industry. We are not competing with anyone else in Ghana but against China, Vietnam and Bangladesh, where they have decades of experience in the industry.

“This is a new industry in the country. So we have to train more people as we grow, and that obviously requires money,” Mr Richmond said.

He said there was, therefore, the need to promote local production and diversify exports for long-term currency stability.

Regulatory environment

At Tex Styles Ghana Limited, the minister and her team were taken around the production floor by the Managing Director, Kodwo Agyenin-Boateng, and later interacted with some of the workers.

Mr Agyenin-Boateng appealed for the streamlining of the regulatory environment to address some of the challenges facing the sector.

“The major challenges that we have are more to do with piracy, as well as counterfeits that are on the market at the moment.

“It is our wish and hope that you will push the agenda forward by getting a task force to fight these on the market,” he said.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh 

 

via:  https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-trade-minister-pledges-support-to-private-sector-for-job-creation.html

Tema ECG courts support of public to protect vital assets, enhance service delivery (Daily Graphic, Saturday, February 8, 2025 Page 23)

 

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Tema has appealed to the assembly members, community and opinion leaders to help protect the vital assets of the company against the incessant vandalism on its installations. 

The company said that would enable it to provide better service to the people.

The Tema South District Manager of the ECG, Horace Nkansah, who made the call in Tema, mentioned that some of the company's substations had been turned into refuse dumps, a situation which he says impacts negatively on work and power supply. 

Interaction

Speaking during an engagement with selected community and opinion leaders, Mr Nkansah indicated that there was an alarming incidence of fuse theft, a situation which he said affected the power supply to the public.

The meeting was aimed at establishing strong partnerships and collaboration between the service provider and the customers for better service delivery.

He bemoaned the situation where some people break the padlocks to ECG's substations and use the inner perimeter as their storage facility.

This situation, he said, was very alarming and could cause fatalities.

He pleaded with the community leaders to encourage the community members to take their security seriously and refrain from such acts.

Concerns

During the interaction, the community leaders expressed concerns about unstable power supply and low voltage situations. 

The community leaders at the meeting were generally appreciative of the district's response to their challenges.

They were optimistic that such interactions and platforms would promote information flow between the stakeholders to address their concerns and help improve service delivery.

Acts of vandalism

ECG installations have often been at the receiving end of acts of vandalism by faceless people.

Last week, two of its transformers, a 50kVA and a 200kVA and a 100kVA unit were vandalised at Bogoso in the Western Region.

Also, last August, some unknown persons vandalised and stole components of a 100KVA, 33/0.433KV transformer located at the Asutuare Junction, valued at about GH₵75,000.

The transformer was discovered to have been vandalised during a routine patrol to check the network and fix a power outage.

Also, seven transformers were stolen in the Ketu South and North municipalities and the Akatsi North District of the Volta Region.

The transmitters were stolen in Wuduaba, Zuime, Segbe, Panyi, Ave Xevi, Adafianu and Tsape, affecting the power supply to those areas.  

Writer's email. Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-tema-ecg-courts-support-of-public-to-protect-vital-assets-enhance-service-delivery.html

LPG, PNP condemn parliamentary violence - Call for transparency in investigations (Daily Graphic, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Page19)

 

The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) and the People's National Party (PNP) have condemned the recent violent altercation among Members of Parliament (MPs) during the vetting of ministerial nominees last Thursday. 

The General Secretary of the LPG, Jerry Owusu Appauh, in a statement, condemned the acts of violence while the National Youth Organiser of PNP, Muniru Mohammed, on behalf of the party’s youth wing, told the Daily Graphic that such behaviour was not only unbecoming of the legislators but also sets a detrimental example for the youth of the country.

Advertisement

LPG

 "We condemn the acts of violence, misconduct and any behaviour that undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions and the trust of the Ghanaian people," it said.

The LPG emphasised that leaders must lead by example, prioritising the service of the people, protection of their interests and the development and progress of the nation and noted that any deviation from this sacred duty must be met with swift and impartial consequences.

Advertisement

The party acknowledged the steps taken by the Speaker of Parliament for the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter.

However, it urged the committee to ensure transparency, fairness and urgency in their investigations,” adding that “Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done."

The LPG called on stakeholders, including the media and civil society, to remain vigilant and ensure the investigative process is unbiased and uninfluenced by external forces.

It emphasised the critical role of the media in holding leaders accountable and bringing truth to light.

"We encourage all Ghanaians to remain calm and trust in the processes of our democratic institutions," it added.

The LPG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability and the rule of law, standing in solidarity with the victims of the incident and dedicated to building a better future for Ghana.

PNP

The PNP National Youth Organiser, Mr Mohammed, for his part, emphasised that the Parliamentarians should exemplify decorum, integrity and constructive dialogue, especially as future leaders of the country look up to them for guidance.

He commended the Speaker's decision for setting up a committee to investigate the incident,  stressing that it underscored the importance of accountability and reminded parliamentarians that no individual is above the law or ethical standards expected in public service.

He said the PNP Youth Wing fully supported the called for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He urged parliamentarians to reflect on their roles as leaders and recommit to upholding values of respect, integrity and constructive engagement.

"Parliament must remain a beacon of democracy and a source of inspiration for all Ghanaians," he said.

“The PNP Youth Wing remains dedicated to promoting positive leadership and advocating for accountability and ethical conduct at all levels of governance,” he added.

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/ghana-news-lpg-pnp-condemn-parliamentary-violence-call-for-transparency-in-investigations.html

 

Vision FC tame Accra Lions ( Daily Graphic, Monday, Frebruary 3, 2025. Back Page)