Mobile Money Transactions in Ghana Hit Record High in 2023, Surpassing GH¢1.9 Trillion
According to the Bank of Ghana’s January 2024 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, the total value of Mobile Money transactions in Ghana reached an all-time high of GH¢1.912 trillion in 2023. This significant increase from the previous year’s GH¢1.07 trillion indicates the growing popularity and usage of Mobile Money in the country. The data further revealed that by the end of the first 10 months of 2023, total Mobile Money transactions had already reached GH¢1.527 trillion. The month of December 2023 witnessed the highest monthly transaction value, with transactions amounting to GH¢199.3 billion. Throughout the year, Mobile Money transactions consistently surged, with all 12 months surpassing GH¢100 billion each. In January 2023, the value of transactions stood at GH¢130.1 billion, compared to GH¢76.2 billion during the same period in 2022. October 2023 set an all-time record with transactions reaching GH¢179.2 billion. Although the impressive performance of Mobile Money transactions in 2023 is commendable, there are uncertainties regarding the government’s achievement of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) target. The current E-Levy rate of 1.0% may pose challenges in meeting the set target for 2023. Overall, the surge in Mobile Money transactions highlights the increased reliance on digital financial services in Ghana and sets the stage for further growth and innovation in the mobile payment sector in the coming years. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Alarming Statistics on Sexual Behavior of Married Men in Ghana Revealed
A recent survey conducted by the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, administered by the Ghana Statistical Service, has shed light on concerning statistics regarding the sexual behavior of married men in 2022. The survey, which involved interviews with 7,044 men, revealed that two out of ten married men engaged in sexual relations with two or more partners during the year. This finding highlights a significant issue within marital relationships in Ghana. Furthermore, the survey disclosed that 15 percent of men aged 15-49 had two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months. Shockingly, 35 percent of these men admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with individuals who were neither their wives nor cohabitants. Of particular concern is the fact that among the married men who engaged in extramarital sexual activity, 17 percent confessed to not using a condom during their last sexual encounter. This lack of protection poses serious risks not only to themselves but also to their spouses or partners. The survey also examined the sexual behavior of women. Among the 15,014 women surveyed, 23 percent reported having sexual intercourse with individuals who were neither their husbands nor cohabitants in the last 12 months. What is surprising is that only 11 percent of these women reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter with such partners. Additionally, the survey explored attitudes towards HIV among individuals who were aware of the virus. The results revealed a shocking reality: 78 percent of women and 72 percent of men expressed discriminatory attitudes towards individuals living with HIV or AIDS. This stigma hinders efforts to combat the spread of the virus and provide support for those affected. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address sexual health practices and attitudes towards HIV in the Ghanaian population. The data obtained from the survey provides valuable insights that can guide public health strategies aimed at promoting responsible sexual behavior and reducing discrimination against those living with HIV. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko Voices Disappointment and Quits Party Over Lack of Recognition for Achievements
Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his deep disappointment in the party’s failure to acknowledge its own achievements. He made this known on Asaase Radio monitored by Apexnewsgh on Wednesday. This frustration has led him to make the difficult decision to retire from local politics. During the interview, Mr Otchere-Darko candidly stated, “I get somehow frustrated by the narratives, and the big disappointment I have is with the governing New Patriotic Party itself.” He emphasized the lack of recognition for the party’s hard work as a major source of disappointment, stating, “It is the lack of recognition of the work that they have done.” Reflecting on the challenging year of 2022, Mr Otchere-Darko acknowledged the difficulties faced by various sectors of the economy. He noted, “There is one thing we must admit: 2022 was extremely difficult. 2021 to 2022 were extremely difficult.” He further expressed his concern about the lack of identifiable beneficiaries from the crisis, saying, “You know when there are crises, there are people who benefit from crisis, but I don’t know who benefited from the crisis of 2022.” The impact of the crisis was felt by different industries, as Mr Otchere-Darko highlighted the struggles faced by banks, retailers, and manufacturers. He stated, “The banks suffered, retailers suffered, manufacturers suffered, I mean it was everywhere.” This honest and critical assessment of his party’s handling of their accomplishments and the hardships faced by the nation has led Mr Otchere-Darko to step away from domestic politics. While his departure marks a significant loss for the NPP, it underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating achievements to maintain a strong and united political party. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
President Akufo-Addo Urges Global Community to Harness AfCFTA Potential
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on world leaders and the global business community to seize the potential income of $450 billion generated from continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by 2035. He also highlighted the significance of increasing Africa’s share of global trade from two percent to three percent, which could result in an additional annual income of $70 billion for the continent. To achieve these goals, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the private sectors in advanced economies and African economies. The President urged the global community to support a new investment approach that prioritizes these partnerships, as well as propositions that encourage the sustainable development of Africa. Addressing the issue of illicit financial flows, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the urgency of tackling “tax-dodging” practices by multinational corporations. These practices are responsible for 60% of the $88 billion illicit financial flows from Africa each year, hindering the continent’s progress. While acknowledging the challenges faced by African infrastructure projects, where 80% fail during the feasibility and planning stages, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that suitable reforms and interventions could unlock annual investments of $550 billion in infrastructure, as highlighted by McKinsey & Company. The President highlighted that Africa’s biggest challenge is not the scarcity of financing, but rather poor governance, risky perceptions, and an unfavorable environment for attracting investors. He expressed confidence in creating a de-risked landscape that attracts investment from private sources, international financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds, urging governments to prioritize transformative investments in infrastructure for Africa’s development. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s infrastructure financing needs will reach $170 billion annually by 2025, with a gap of approximately $100 billion per year. President Akufo-Addo stressed the urgency to address reliable electricity, affordable housing, improved transportation networks, and accessible healthcare infrastructure, particularly in light of Africa’s growing population of 2.5% annually. In light of recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and turmoil in the Middle East, which pose threats worldwide, the President underscored the need for African policymakers to achieve inclusive and sustainable long-term growth through structural transformation. Overall, President Akufo-Addo’s message at the Africa-Italy Summit aimed to mobilize support from global stakeholders in realizing the immense potential of the AfCFTA and driving Africa’s economic development sustainably. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
When they bring the material things and stuff, take them and vote against them–John Mahama to Ghanaians
Former President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to accept any monetary influence offered by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming national election but still vote against them. He made this plea while addressing the chiefs and people of Frankadua in the Asuogyaman Constituency of the Eastern Region. Mr. Mahama urged the electorate to follow the example set by voters in the recent Assin North by-election. These voters took money meant to buy their vote but still chose to vote against the government’s candidate. He emphasized that the money belongs to the people and encouraged them to ignore any false claims that taking the money will harm them spiritually if they don’t vote for the NPP. The former president acknowledged that the NPP would bring money and material goods to influence voters. He urged the electorate to accept these offerings but to vote genuinely based on their own convictions during the election. Mr. Mahama was accompanied by Ex-Speaker Doe Adjaho, who also warned against selling one’s vote. Mr. Adjaho cautioned the people of Frankadua about the potential consequences of accepting money for their vote, stating that they may not receive such financial benefits in the future, which could negatively affect their families. He pleaded with the chiefs not to be deceived and advised the electorate to avoid engaging in tribal politics. Mr. Adjaho stressed the importance of electing a representative from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Parliament while electing John Mahama as president. He urged the people of Frankadua to prioritize their future and not be swayed by short-term gains. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of practicing the values they have been taught rather than succumbing to divisive tribal politics. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Campaign Stagnates, Highlighting Failed Justice System
According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Campaign has shown no improvement in the past four years. The index for 2023 reveals that Ghana’s stagnant score of 43 out of 100 reflects a global trend of failed justice systems, creating an environment where corruption persists. Since 2020, Ghana has consistently scored 43 out of 100 on the corruption perception index, indicating a persistent failure in addressing corruption. If corruption perception were compared to an examination paper, Ghana would have consistently failed for over a decade with scores below 50. Analyzing the historical data, it is evident that former president John Mahama had inherited a corruption perception index of 45 in 2013. He managed to improve it to 48 in 2014, which was Ghana’s highest score since its inclusion in the index in 2012. However, there were subsequent drops, and Mahama’s final score in 2016 fell to 43. After taking over, President Akufo-Addo experienced a decline in 2017, bringing Ghana’s index to 40 out of 100. Although Ghana managed to regain a score of 43 in 2020, after consecutive scores of 41 in 2018 and 2019, there has been no further improvement under the Akufo-Addo administration. The report on the corruption perception index emphasizes the strong connection between Ghana’s CPI score and its performance in the Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project. Evidently, Ghana’s weakened justice system directly contributes to its low score in the corruption perception index. The Ghana Integrity Initiative highlights the need to prioritize addressing the weaknesses within the justice system as a fundamental aspect of anti-corruption efforts. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Former Speaker Urges Electorate to Reject Vote Selling in Upcoming Elections
In a recent speech during former President John Mahama’s visit to Frankadua in the Eastern Region, ex-Speaker Doe Adjaho passionately encouraged voters not to succumb to the temptation of selling their votes in the forthcoming national elections. Addressing the chiefs and people of Frankadua, Mr Adjaho warned against being deceived by monetary offers, emphasizing that accepting such deals would mean compromising one’s birthright. He further explained that this short-term gain may not be received again in the future, ultimately affecting the well-being of their families. In his plea to the chiefs, Mr Adjaho urged them to resist falling prey to such tactics. Additionally, he advised against practicing a “skirt-and-blouse” voting approach, whereby voters select a chief from one party but elect a representative from another party. Instead, he urged them to elect a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to represent their interests in Parliament, while also electing John Mahama as President. Highlighting the challenging times the country currently faces, Mr Adjaho implored voters to look beyond temporary gains and prioritize the betterment of their collective future. He urged them not to be swayed by offered money, but rather to vote against those engaging in such practices. The former Speaker also emphasized the importance of steering clear of tribal politics. He cautioned against allowing individuals to manipulate them through such divisive tactics, instead urging the electorate to uphold the values they have been instilled with and make decisions based on merit and national interests. Mr Adjaho’s message serves as a reminder to the people of Frankadua and the wider electorate that their votes hold immense significance and should not be compromised for short-term personal gain. By resisting vote-selling, they can uphold the integrity of the electoral process and contribute to a better future for themselves and their families. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062