Ghana’s Hajj Village to Double as Transit Facility for Airport Passengers
President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the proposed Hajj Village, currently under construction, will serve not only pilgrims traveling to Mecca but also as a transit facility for passengers passing through Kotoka International Airport. Apexnewsgh reports This announcement comes amid criticism over the project’s necessity and timing. The President emphasized that the facility will provide essential amenities for all travelers, enhancing their airport experience. This move aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring fairness in national policies, enabling citizens to fulfill their spiritual obligations regardless of financial status. Ghanaian pilgrims have historically faced harsh accommodation conditions and physical difficulties before embarking on the holy journey. The new Hajj Village aims to address these challenges, offering improved facilities and services. Under the Reset Agenda, the Ghana Airport Company is constructing a transit terminal that will be used as a Hajj Village during the Hajj period and as a comfortable transit center for departures. This facility will be available for other passengers in transit through Kotoka International Airport after the Hajj period. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Returns Home After Key Meeting with Nigerian Counterpart
President John Dramani Mahama has returned to Ghana after a one-day working visit to Abuja, Nigeria, where he held crucial discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting focused on strengthening the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and collaboration on fighting terrorism and violent extremism. During their meeting, President Mahama expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration on January 7, 2025, as the Special Guest of Honour. They also discussed ways to enhance regional cooperation and address security concerns in the Sahel region, particularly in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). President Mahama briefed President Tinubu, the current Chair of ECOWAS, on his recent engagements with the leaders of the AES countries. The two leaders emphasized the need for continued dialogue to foster unity and cooperation within the region. They also expressed concern for the safety and well-being of citizens in these countries, who are disproportionately affected by the crises. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Sports Ministry Gets Boost with GH₵65.9 Million Budget Allocation
The Parliament of Ghana has approved a budget allocation of GH₵65,899,456 for the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This approval comes after extensive deliberations, during which Members of Parliament expressed concerns over the lack of dedicated funding for maintaining the country’s sports infrastructure. Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the house that the Ministry is committed to addressing the issue. He revealed that the Accra Sports Stadium is slated for a major renovation after Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad. This announcement has been met with mixed reactions, as stakeholders in the sports community have long called for improvements to key facilities across the country. MPs noted that while the approved budget supports the operational and developmental needs of the Ministry, there remains a critical need to prioritize the maintenance of existing sports infrastructure. Minister Kofi Adams emphasized that the renovation of the Accra Sports Stadium marks the beginning of a broader effort to upgrade sports facilities nationwide, essential for promoting local and international sporting events in Ghana. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation was recently established as a separate entity, decoupling from the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. This restructuring aims to enhance focus on sports development and recreation in the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government’s Sustainability Levy Draws Fire from Dr. Amin Adam
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament and former Minister for Finance, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to reintroduce the Sustainability Levy. Apexnewsgh reports He argues that this move unfairly penalizes businesses and stifles private sector growth with excessive taxation. According to Dr. Amin Adam, the extension of the sunset clause from 2025 to 2028 will have significant financial implications for Category A companies. These include banks, non-bank financial institutions, breweries, insurance companies, and telecommunications companies, among others, which will now be required to pay a 5% levy on profit before tax. Dr. Amin Adam questions the rationale behind the levy, stating that the government has failed to provide a clear justification for its return. He emphasizes the need for transparency in fiscal management and criticizes the government’s reliance on taxation instead of implementing prudent economic policies. The former Minister warns that such policies will ultimately lead to increased prices for consumers and a decline in business confidence. He urges Parliament to resist the measure, arguing that businesses should be incentivized to reinvest their earnings rather than being overburdened with additional levies. This debate comes on the heels of Parliament’s recent decision to repeal the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on households and businesses. The E-Levy was introduced in 2022 to tax electronic transactions, but its repeal is expected to boost disposable income and stimulate economic activity. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s E-Levy Repeal: A Boost to Disposable Income?
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has thrown his weight behind the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), arguing it would increase disposable income for individuals and households. Apexnewsgh reports The proposed repeal aims to alleviate the burden of deductions on electronic transactions, allowing Ghanaians to retain more money for essential expenses like school fees, housing projects, and family milestones. Repealing the levy would result in a fiscal loss of approximately GH¢1.946 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. However, Acheampong believes this loss would translate into a gain of GH¢2 billion for the Ghanaian populace, effectively putting more money into citizens’ pockets annually. Acheampong emphasized that the financial boost would have a lasting positive impact, stimulating economic growth, promoting digital transactions, and fostering a business-friendly environment. He urged his colleagues in Parliament to support the bill, stressing its importance in enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians and encouraging participation in the digital economy. As discussions on the repeal continue, stakeholders remain divided on balancing revenue generation with alleviating financial pressures on the public. The final decision by Parliament will have far-reaching implications for the economy and ordinary citizens. This development comes amidst efforts to boost Ghana’s economy, including initiatives to promote the creative industry. For instance, renowned actor Idris Elba plans to establish film studios in Ghana and Tanzania, aiming to transform African narratives and promote local talent. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Justice of Ghana Seeks Copies of Petitions for Removal
The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has written to President John Dramani Mahama requesting copies of petitions seeking her removal from office. Apexnewsgh reports In the letter, also addressed to the Council of State, Justice Torkornoo expressed concerns over the lack of due process, citing constitutional provisions and legal precedents that require an accused person to be informed of charges against them before further action is taken. Justice Torkornoo highlighted that a statement from the Presidency on March 25, 2025, confirmed receipt of three petitions, which were forwarded to the Council of State for consultation under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. However, as of March 27, she had not received copies of the petitions, prompting her to request access to respond to the allegations. The Chief Justice referenced the Supreme Court case of Agyei-Twum v Attorney-General and Akwettey [2005-2006] SCGLR 732, emphasizing that both the evidence in the petitions and her response should guide consultations between the President and the Council of State before forming an investigative committee. She requested at least seven days to respond to the petitions. Justice Torkornoo’s request raises significant constitutional and legal questions about the fairness and transparency of the ongoing process. Observers and legal experts are closely watching how the Presidency and the Council of State will handle her appeal. The Supreme Court is set to hear an injunction application on April 2, 2025, filed by Vincent Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, challenging the process initiated by the President. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Idris Elba’s Vision for Africa’s Film Industry Takes Shape in Ghana
Renowned British filmmaker and actor Idris Elba has been in Accra, meeting with key figures, including President John Dramani Mahama, to discuss his vision for revitalizing Africa’s film industry. Apexnewsgh reports Elba’s commitment to promoting African stories has led him to collaborate with the Ghanaian government on establishing a film and creative village near the Osu Castle. The proposed project aims to develop a cutting-edge hub to train and employ creatives, featuring modern production facilities and a dedicated school to nurture young talent. Elba emphasized the importance of bringing African narratives to the global stage, ensuring the continent becomes a focal point for filmmaking. During his meeting with President Mahama, Elba highlighted the initiative’s potential to boost Ghana’s creative industry and provide significant employment opportunities for the youth. The project reflects Elba’s broader vision of transforming the perception of African cinema by creating sustainable, world-class infrastructure dedicated to storytelling and creativity. Elba’s vision extends beyond Ghana, embracing a Pan-African approach that involves collaborating with other countries, including Tanzania. His goal is to reclaim African narratives, promoting authentic representation and diverse storytelling. The proposal has garnered positive reactions from local filmmakers and creatives, who see it as a crucial step toward enhancing Ghana’s cultural and economic landscape through film and art. With the Ghanaian government supporting the initiative, Elba’s vision for Africa’s film industry is taking shape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Reschedules Reopening Date for Single-Track Senior High Schools
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has rescheduled the reopening date for single-track senior high schools (SHSs) from March 29, 2025, to April 23, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This change was announced in a circular dated March 27, 2025, and addressed to all regional education directors. The initial reopening date was set for March 29, 2025, but due to the Eid-Ul-Fitr public holidays on March 30 and 31, it was pushed to April 1, 2025. Further considerations led to the extension to April 23, 2025, to avoid unnecessary travel disruptions for students, particularly given the sequence of holidays. According to Cassandra Twum-Ampofo of the GES Public Relations Unit, reopening schools just before a series of holidays would not be ideal, as it would subject students to unnecessary travel risks. To ensure a smooth instructional period, the GES management decided to shift the academic calendar. Measures are in place to compensate for lost instructional time, with an additional instructional hour added to make up for breaks of this nature. This will ensure that final-year students preparing for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are not adversely affected. The adjustment applies only to single-track SHSs, while double-track students remain unaffected and will continue their academic calendar as planned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
$350 Million Cocaine Bust: NIB Foils Major Trafficking Operation
the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) intercepted a massive cocaine shipment on March 4, 2025, seizing approximately 3.3 tonnes of the illicit substance. Apexnewsgh reports The operation, which involved a tipper truck traveling from Takoradi to Weija, was sparked by intelligence gathered by NIB officers. Acting on the intelligence, NIB officers stopped the truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast and discovered 143 sacks of cocaine hidden beneath sand. Two suspects, Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah, were immediately apprehended and later remanded in custody. On March 8, NIB officers conducted further investigations, leading them to a suspect’s residence where they uncovered 13 more sacks and an additional bag of suspected cocaine, totaling 345.07 kilograms. Laboratory tests conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the consignment’s total weight of 3,319.68 kilograms, with purity levels between 50% and 70%. The seized cocaine is valued at over $350 million on the street, making it one of the largest cocaine busts in Ghana’s history. Authorities believe the cocaine entered Ghana by sea through fishing vessels, highlighting the need for enhanced maritime surveillance and cooperation with international partners. The NIB has identified additional suspects who remain at large and is actively pursuing their arrest to ensure all involved are brought to justice. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of Ghana’s law enforcement agencies to combat narcotics trafficking and protect the country’s borders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com