Site Logo
Site Logo
Site Logo
Site Logo

Category: Business

  • Gov’t to Reintroduce Advertising Bill to Parliament

    Gov’t to Reintroduce Advertising Bill to Parliament

    The government is set to reintroduce the Advertising Bill to Parliament, aiming to regulate the industry, promote ethical standards, and protect consumers. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi announced this at the 2025 Gong Gong Festival of Creativity & Awards in Accra.

    The bill will provide a modern legal framework to standardize advertising practices and sanitize the industry. Ahi highlighted the advertising sector’s significant contribution to Ghana’s economy, including job creation, innovation, and revenue generation. Specifically, the industry contributes over GHS 2.5 billion annually to Ghana’s GDP and supports various sectors such as agriculture, health, fintech, fashion, and manufacturing.

    Ahi emphasized the industry’s role in driving consumer demand, brand growth, and job opportunities for young Ghanaians. He noted that the sector offers opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship, particularly at a time when youth unemployment remains a challenge.

    The government reiterates its support for the creative economy, prioritizing advertising alongside manufacturing and commerce. Ahi urged the industry to innovate, particularly in the digital age, saying, “As AI and digital transformation reshape the world, Ghana’s advertising sector must keep evolving, telling stories that benefit both our people and our economy.”

    The 2025 Gong Gong Festival celebrated creativity and innovation in the advertising industry, honoring leading brands and agencies for their influence and creativity. The festival’s theme, “Disrupt & Inspire: Recognising Brands and Agencies that Challenge Norms and Redefine Creativity,” highlighted the industry’s potential for innovation and growth.

  • Ghana’s Telecom Sector Set for Transformation: Minister Outlines Plans

    Ghana’s Telecom Sector Set for Transformation: Minister Outlines Plans

    Ghana’s telecom sector to see transformation through engagement-led leadership, with focus on improving network quality, reducing data prices, and increasing investment.

    The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has pledged to adopt an engagement-led leadership style to revitalize Ghana’s telecommunications sector. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Mr. George emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes to benefit the entire ecosystem.

    The Minister stressed the need for healthy and sustainable competition in the sector, which he believes will lead to better services and price reductions in the long term. To improve network quality, Mr. George has mandated all Mobile Network Operators to make critical investments in their networks over the next quarter. The regulator will conduct a rigorous quality-of-service assessment in the final quarter of the year, with defaulting operators facing sanctions.

    Effective July 1, 2025, all data bundles will experience a 10% increase. Specific bundle upgrades include Airtel Tigo’s 400 GHC bundle increasing from 195 GB to 236 GB, Telecel’s 400 GHC bundle increasing from 190 GB to 250 GB, and MTN implementing a 15% increase across all its data bundles and restoring the 399 GHC bundle from 92.88 GB to 214 GB.

    The Minister acknowledged the financial strain this may impose on network operators but expressed optimism about the positive outcomes for consumers. Mr. George is also working to rationalize tax components that contribute to the high cost of data, aiming to reduce the 39% tax burden on data prices.

    The Minister expressed gratitude to the CEOs of the three major telecom companies for their commitment to invest approximately $1.2 million in network enhancements by the end of the year. The National Communications Authority (NCA) has established a reliable billing verification system to prevent arbitrary price changes.

    Mr. George reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Ghana, stating, “I will serve you with heart, with sweat, and with blood.” With these initiatives, the Minister aims to transform the telecom sector, improve services, and make data more affordable for Ghanaians.

  • 24-Hour Economy Policy: Tema and Takoradi Ports to Operate Round-the-Clock- Prez. Mahama

    24-Hour Economy Policy: Tema and Takoradi Ports to Operate Round-the-Clock- Prez. Mahama

    Ghana’s Tema and Takoradi ports will begin 24-hour operations on July 1, 2025, to boost productivity and exports under the new 24-hour economy policy.

    The government is set to launch the national 24-hour economy initiative on July 1, 2025, and as part of this effort, Tema and Takoradi ports will begin operating round-the-clock. President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement during the Ghana Horticulture Expo on June 11, 2025.

    The President highlighted the importance of logistics and exports in Ghana’s economic transformation, stating, “We are implementing a game-changing strategy, the 24-hour economy, to unlock Ghana’s production potential across all sectors.” He added that the policy aims to boost productivity and revenue generation by promoting continuous economic activity, particularly in sectors like agribusiness and exports.

    The initiative is expected to benefit the horticulture industry significantly, enabling the swift movement of perishable goods like pineapples, vegetables, and herbs from farms to international markets. “This policy will provide the framework for continued production, processing, and logistics in horticulture,” President Mahama explained. “It allows perishable goods to move swiftly from the field to international shelves, thereby minimising losses and maximising value.”

    To operationalise the 24-hour services at the ports, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Agri-business, and the Ministry of Transport are working closely with key agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the Ghana Shippers’ Council, he further disclosed.

  • Ghana’s President Mahama Implements Cost-Saving Measure: DSTV and Satellite TV Ban at Jubilee House

    Ghana’s President Mahama Implements Cost-Saving Measure: DSTV and Satellite TV Ban at Jubilee House

    President John Mahama has directed a ban on DSTV and other satellite TV subscriptions at the Jubilee House, citing cost-saving measures. Only local TV stations will be accessible.

    In a significant move to reduce non-essential public spending and promote fiscal responsibility, President John Mahama has directed a ban on DSTV and other satellite TV subscriptions at the Jubilee House. The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, confirmed that no office at the presidency is currently allowed to subscribe to pay-TV services.

    Details of the Ban

    The ban, already in effect at the presidency, is expected to be extended to all government agencies. In an interview with Evans Mensah on JoyNews, Felix Owusu Kwakye stated the move will help save significant costs and promote modesty in governance. Government offices will be limited to local TV stations only. “If you come to this house, there’s no office in this house that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television,” Mr. Kwakye said.

    Rationale Behind the Decision

    The government believes that this move will help eliminate unnecessary expenses and promote fiscal discipline. By cutting back on non-essential spending, the administration aims to make governance more efficient and transparent. “When you computed the cost, it was significant money,” Mr. Kwakye added.

    Future Plans

    More cost-cutting measures are expected soon as part of the administration’s efforts to make governance more efficient and transparent. Mr. Kwakye emphasized President Mahama’s commitment to making savings for the Ghanaian people and demonstrating modesty in governance. “This is a man deeply committed to making savings for the Ghanaian people. Governance necessarily involves taking tough decisions… but the citizenry must see corresponding levels of modesty on the part of government officials—and that’s what President Mahama is committed to doing,” he said.

    Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

    The President’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and transparency. By eliminating unnecessary expenses, the government aims to ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively and efficiently. This move is part of a broader strategy to promote fiscal discipline and responsible spending across government institutions.

    Impact on Government Agencies

    The ban on DSTV and satellite TV subscriptions is expected to have a significant impact on government agencies. By limiting access to local TV stations only, government offices will no longer be able to subscribe to pay-TV services. This move will help reduce costs and promote fiscal responsibility across government institutions.

  • GRA pushes back the implementation of the GHC1 fuel levy to June 16, 2025

    GRA pushes back the implementation of the GHC1 fuel levy to June 16, 2025

    The GRA has announces a short postponement of the GHC1 fuel levy implementation, now set to begin on June 16, allowing stakeholders time to adjust to the new rates.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of the GHC1 fuel levy to June 16, 2025, following strong opposition from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and other stakeholders. This decision was made after discussions between the GRA and COMAC in a bid to address concerns over the timing and potential impact on fuel prices and consumer burden.

    Background of the Fuel Levy

    The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy aims to raise additional revenue to address energy sector shortfalls, reduce legacy debts, and stabilize the country’s power supply. The levy was initially set to take effect on June 9, 2025, but was postponed due to stiff resistance from oil marketing companies.

    New Levy Rates

    The revised levy rates will affect various petroleum products as follows:

    – Motor Spirit (Super Petrol)*: GHC1.95 per liter (up from GHC0.95)

    – Diesel (AGO) and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): GHC1.93 per liter (up from GHC0.93)

    – Marine Gas Oil (Local): GHC0.23 per liter (up from GHC0.03)

    – Heavy Fuel Oil (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO): GHC0.24 per liter (up from GHC0.04)

    – Partially Refined Oil (Naphtha): GHC1.95 per liter (up from GHC0.95)

    – Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): No change, remains at GHC0.73 per kilogram

    Transitional Arrangements

    To manage the transition, the GRA has outlined key directives:

    – Products lifted by Petroleum Product Marketing Companies (PPMCs) before June 16 will still be subject to the old levy rates.

    – “Cash-and-carry” transactions by PMMCs for products lifted on or after June 1, 2025, will be subject to the new rates.

    Stakeholder Reactions

    COMAC had expressed strong opposition to the initial implementation date, citing inadequate industry consultation and potential disruption to operations. They described the GRA’s handling of the matter as an “institutional ambush” and “Rambo-style directive”. The postponement reflects the value of dialogue and partnership among stakeholders, allowing industry players adequate time to adjust to the new levy rates.

  • NRSA Imposes Sanctions on 9 Transport Companies and Unions

    NRSA Imposes Sanctions on 9 Transport Companies and Unions

    The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has imposed sanctions on nine transport companies and unions for failing to comply with mandatory registration requirements and regulatory notices. The affected entities include:

    Transport Companies

        – Express Transport

        – AY Transport

        – Dikyebu Transport

        – Ghana Express

        – KEK Transport

        – Nasara Transport

        – V3 Express

    – *Transport Unions:*

        – Commercial Transport Union

        – Vigilante Transport Union

    Penalties and Suspension

    The NRSA has imposed a total administrative penalty of GH₵ 462,000 on the nine entities. Each offending transport entity is liable to pay a monetary penalty of:

    – *GH₵ 6,000* for non-registration

    – *GH₵ 60,000* for non-compliance with lawful notices

    The NRSA has also ordered the immediate suspension of operations against Express Transport and six other commercial road transport companies until they comply with the notices or face additional sanctions.

    NRSA’s Stance

    According to Director-General of NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, “The Authority is in an enforcement mode and will not bend the rules for anyone. The task of improving service quality begins with recognising which entities work within our operational space.”

    Registration Requirement

    The NRSA Act and Regulations require all commercial road transport operators, institutional transport units, school bus services, ride-hailing firms, tyre service centers, and vehicle maintenance workshops to register with the Authority. The regulation became enforceable on March 30, 2025, aiming to improve accountability, service quality, and road safety standards in Ghana’s transport ecosystems.