MTN Ghana partners Gender Ministry, charter house and eve International Foundation to commemorate International Women’s Day
In commemoration of the International Women’s Day celebration, MTN Ghana partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Charter House and the Eve Foundation as it organised various programs to celebrate and support the development of women in Ghana. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection organised a health walk from Circle to the premises of the ministry, Accra to create awareness on women’s rights. The walk was organised under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” The purpose of the partnership was to highlight MTN Ghana’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advocating for the rights of girls. Addressing participants after the walk, Senior Manager for Corporate Communication at MTN Ghana, Georgina Fiagbenu, noted that the theme for this year’s celebration challenges all persons to reflect on the strides made towards empowering women and girls while acknowledging the barriers that still hinder full participation. She said, “this year’s theme resonates with MTN’s policy on equality and diversity. We are committed to breaking barriers that limit women in the workplace. We commit to achieving workforce gender equality by 2030 and gender pay parity as a key strategic measure to enhance the quality of diversity, equity and inclusion”. In her address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey congratulated all women on International Women’s Day. She said, “today’s walk is significant for all of us, it not just a walk to exercise but a walk to acknowledge and recognise that women cannot be left behind. It is a message we are sending across that women are poised to ensure that their voices are heard everywhere, their efforts and contributions to national development are acknowledged and properly rewarded”. At the National Women’s Summit and Expo organised by Charter House, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah Poku, shared her personal experiences on how she navigates through life as a career woman to encourage young professionals aspiring to climb the corporate ladder. She also shared details on how women could adopt technology to enhance their businesses and put their businesses on the global scale. Women in Makola were also educated on how they could use technology to access healthcare though the MTN mCare service which is being rolled out onto the Ghanaian market. Speaking at the EVE International Foundation event held under the theme, “Celebrating Women at The Grassroot of Economic Empowerment”, Nsroma Delanyo Amoateng, MTN Manager of Products and Services, demonstrated how women can use their mobile phones to access medical care at very affordable rates. International Women’s Day is a global movement that celebrates the achievements of women while advocating for gender parity. This year’s theme “Accelerate Action’ underscores the need to ensure that all women and girls, regardless of background, have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the ability to thrive in all aspects of life. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Officers of EPA Interdicted for Forgery and Fraud
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has interdicted two of its officers over allegations of fraud, document alteration, impersonation, and forgery of the CEO’s signature. The two officers, whose names have been withheld, are accused of unlawfully reproducing an official document bearing the forged signature of EPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. They allegedly altered the document’s content, redirecting proponents to an unauthorized location instead of the designated reception area. According to the original document, proponents were instructed to report to the Head Office at Ministries, Accra, specifically rooms 404 or 405, within 48 hours. However, the forged document redirected them to “the EPA Head Office, Room B13” instead, misleading stakeholders about the official process. A leaked internal memo, signed by Prof. Klutse, condemned the officers’ actions as “an egregious misrepresentation of official authority, amounting to forgery, abuse of office, and a fundamental breach of fiduciary duty.” The memo noted that their actions may contravene Ghana’s Criminal Code 1960 (Act 29), particularly provisions related to forgery, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unauthorized use of official documentation. The two officers remain interdicted pending the outcome of investigations. The EPA has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding strict protocols to safeguard the integrity and authenticity of its official correspondences. In a stern warning, the Authority emphasized that any unauthorized alterations or manipulation of official documents will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Forestry Commission Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Western Region
Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response and District Monitoring Teams have arrested 12 illegal miners and seized an excavator and two gold detector machines in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. The operation, carried out on March 11, 2025, targeted Compartments 17 and 63 of the forest reserve, which has been plagued by intense illegal mining activities. Among the arrested individuals were three Chinese nationals – Cheng Yung, 48, Yangedon, 40, and Lengtar, 45 – who were allegedly using an excavator for illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey”, in Compartment 17. Nine Ghanaian suspects were also arrested while engaging in “dig and wash” activities in Compartment 63. The suspects have been handed over to the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and prosecution. Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission is making arrangements to move the seized excavator to the Enchi Municipal Assembly premises for safekeeping. This latest operation follows a similar exercise carried out on March 9, 2025, when the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with 30 military personnel, seized eight excavators, one bulldozer, and a pump-action rifle in Compartments 17 and 20. The Enchi Forest District Manager, Mr. Joseph Appiah Frimpong, emphasized the Forestry Commission’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and logging in Ghana’s forest reserves. “The Forestry Commission will not relent in its efforts to protect our natural resources,” he warned, adding that those caught engaging in illegal mining could face imprisonment, fines, or both if found guilty in court. The Tano Anwia Forest Reserve remains a high-risk area for illegal mining, and authorities have vowed to intensify their operations to safeguard the environment from further degradation.
President Mahama Receives Letters of Credence from Five New Ambassadors
President John Dramani Mahama officially received letters of credence from five newly accredited ambassadors to Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports This significant event marked a major step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Ghana and its international partners. The new ambassadors include Madam Laura Ranalli of Italy, Mr. Julio Enrique Pujol Torres of Cuba, Mrs. Musu Jatu Ruhle of Liberia, Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos of the United Arab Emirates, and Mr. Ali Ghomshi of Iran. During the ceremony, President Mahama highlighted the historical ties between Ghana and Italy, noting that this was the first credential ceremony since he assumed office on January 7. He emphasized that Italy’s presence is a strong symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations. President Mahama also discussed energy cooperation with Italian Ambassador Madam Laura Ranalli, revealing that he recently held talks with Mr. Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Italian energy giant ENI. He expressed satisfaction with the resolution of previous challenges and confirmed that ENI remains committed to investing in Ghana’s energy sector. Currently, ENI supplies nearly 60% of Ghana’s total gas for power generation, with further collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) in the pipeline. The President acknowledged Italy’s significant contributions to Ghana’s development, citing major engineering projects such as the Akosombo and Kpone hydroelectric dams. These projects have played a crucial role in Ghana’s power generation and economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deadly Clash Erupts Between Rival Timber Logging Groups in Western North Region
A brutal confrontation between two rival groups of illegal timber loggers in Sefwi Agyemadiem, Juaboso District, has left five people dead and several others severely injured. The clash, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was sparked by a long-standing dispute over control of prime logging areas in the Western North Region. Eyewitnesses described the violent scene, with both groups wielding machetes, pump-action guns, and other tools used in their illicit activities. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in fatalities and destruction, including the burning of a Mitsubishi pickup truck. The identities of the deceased, all members of one faction, have yet to be confirmed by authorities. Police personnel have been deployed to the area to retrieve the bodies and restore calm. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The incident has heightened concerns over illegal logging and its impact on the region’s forests. Residents and local authorities are urging stricter enforcement of forestry laws to curb the growing lawlessness. The chief of Sefwi Boinzan, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, had warned of rising tensions among illegal loggers just weeks before the clash, calling on the government to take decisive action.
Budget statement proves that Mahama gov’t doesn’t only have the men but men with brains– BTU Lecturer praises Hon. Dr. Ato Forson
Awineyesema Abiire, a lecturer at Bolgatanga Technical University, has praised Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson’s budget statement, describing it as a testament to the Mahama government’s intellectual prowess. Mr. Abiire expressed admiration for the Finance Minister’s presentation, stating that it proves the government has “men with brains”. The lecturer’s commendation comes after Dr. Forson presented the budget statement to Ghanaians on Tuesday, outlining the government’s financial plans and policies. Abiire’s salute to the Finance Minister reflects the positive reception of the budget statement by some stakeholders. Read of his views Hon. Dr. Ato Forson and his team at the MoF have proven to all men of reasonable economic comprehension that the government did not appoint empty-headed men to run the economy. Even though some of my expectations, including extending School Feeding Program to Junior High Schools, increasing allocation to DACF to 10%, and committing a minimum of GHS 2,000 a month as allowance to Assembly members were not met, I would still rate the Economic Document as the best in a decade. The proposed VAT reforms will see expansive growth in businesses and enhance compliance Reducing the Tax Refund account from 6% to 4% is a prudent way of stopping the ongoing abuse and public financial misapplications The increased Growth and Sustainability levy from 1% to 3% is the best thing to do. A country whose natural resources do not take care of it is a demonic state controlled by cynical criminal leadership. In the long run, steps should be taken to negotiate for a Production Sharing Arrangements (PSA) of our natural resources The bold intention to commit 80% of DACF allocation to Assemblies is a plus. This, however, does not still comply with section 173 of Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) if the rationale for decentralization whose benefits remain beautiful in theory but lost in practice are to be realized Free SHS Program now has a dedicated funding after several years of helplessness. The GET Fund Act, when amended would lead to budget solvency in that wing of educational endeavours Proposed amendment of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) will see District Assemblies benefiting directly from petroleum receipts. This economic policy will significantly improve the development index of assemblies. To confront poverty and enhance local economic empowerment, however, would require capacity building for Assembly Members to actively participate in local government financial management The document has also largely brought an end to ‘kelewele’ approach to borrowing. The proposed prudent and planned management of public debts and guarantees will eventually lead us to Ethiopia’s public financial management strategy-RIS (Recognize, Improve and Sustain). Having identified the weaknesses and bringing the required practices and scrutiny to correct and improve our public financial performance, the integration of GHANEPS with GIFMIS will surely sustain our country in a league of dignified and respected countries in the global landscape It must, however, be noted that the budget is just an input document and until the seven pillars of Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) mechanisms are followed copiously, the output document (Auditor-General’s report) in less than 12 months from now will be littered with financial malfeasance and recidivism Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Swears in New Deputy Ministers Today
President John Dramani Mahama will swear in newly appointed Deputy Ministers at the Jubilee House today, March 12, at 1 pm. Apexnewsgh reports This milestone event follows the successful vetting and approval of the nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, chaired by Mr. Bernard Ahiafor. After a thorough review, the House unanimously approved the nominees, paving the way for their official induction into office. The new Deputy Ministers are expected to play a vital role in supporting their respective substantive ministers to implement policies and drive national development. As they prepare to assume their roles, the new Deputy Ministers will be tasked with helping to drive the government’s agenda, including initiatives such as the 24-hour economy policy, which aims to boost economic productivity and drive sustainable growth. With their swearing-in, the government is poised to take another step towards achieving its development goals. Find the list Below: 1. Ministry of Finance – Thomas Nyarko Ampem 2. Ministry of the Interior – Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi 3. Ministry of Defence -Ernest Brogya Gyenfi 4. Ministry of Education -Clement Abas Apaak 5 Ministry of Energy & Green Transition -Richard Gyan-Mensah 6. Ministry of Roads & Highways -Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini 7. Ministry of Justice & Attorney General- Justice Srem-Sai 8. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources -Yusif Sulemana 9. Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs -Rita Naa Odoley Sowah 10. Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources -Gizella Tettey-Agbotui I I. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts -Yussif Issaka Jajah 12. Ministry of Food and Agriculture -John Kofi Setor Dumelo 13. Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry -Samson Ahi The President has meanwhile nominated Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba as Minister of State, Public Sector Reforms. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government hits Parliament to Abolish Controversial Taxes Today
Government has announced plans to abolish several taxes, including the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the COVID-19 Levy, and the 10% tax on lottery winnings (betting tax). Apexnewsgh reports Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed that five bills will be laid before Parliament on Wednesday, March 13, to repeal these taxes. Dr. Forson expressed confidence that the repeals would be swift, given the simplicity of the bills. “Repealing the taxes will be one clause each. Repealing the betting tax is very easy, the e-levy and all of those things we are repealing are quite easy,” he stated. The Finance Minister also noted that the nature of the bills allows them to be presented under a certificate of urgency, ensuring a speedy process. In addition to scrapping the E-Levy and betting tax, the government has also proposed abolishing the Emissions Tax and other levies. Dr. Forson assured that once Parliament passes the bills, President John Dramani Mahama will sign them into law immediately. The move to abolish these taxes follows Dr. Forson’s announcement during the presentation of the government’s first budget statement on March 11. The government’s decision to scrap these taxes is expected to provide relief to individuals and businesses, and stimulate economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com