Ride-Hailing Fares Unlikely to Drop Despite Cedi Appreciation
Users of ride-hailing apps should not expect a reduction in fares despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and falling fuel prices. Apexnewsgh reports According to the Ghana Online Drivers Union, the union was not consulted in the Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) decision to implement a 15% fare reduction across public transport services. The President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, Francis Tengey, stated that the fare cut cannot be extended to ride-hailing services because they were excluded from the decision-making process. Tengey explained that the GPRTU’s directive does not apply to ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Yango, as their union is not recognized by the GPRTU or the Trade Union. Tengey appealed to the government to step in and regulate the sector, allowing the union to engage directly with ride-hailing platforms to ensure passengers benefit from favorable economic trends. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group CUTS International is calling for firm action from the government to ensure Ghanaians benefit from recent fuel price reductions. The group is urging authorities to empower local assemblies to deregister and sanction commercial drivers who refuse to implement the 15% fare cut. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Expands Free SHS Policy to Private Schools
The government has announced plans to expand the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to cover private schools, starting from the next academic year. This move aims to increase capacity and gradually phase out the double-track system. The announcement was made during the release of revised guidelines for the selection of schools for candidates preparing to write the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Under the new guidelines, candidates will now be allowed to select seven schools, up from the previous six choices. The selection process will run from May 27 to June 6. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, explained that the inclusion of private schools in the FSHS policy is part of the government’s campaign promise. He stated that meetings have been held with private schools, and they are eager to participate in the program. Dr. Appak believes that this move will help bring an end to the double-track system and increase access to quality education for more students. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Modern Digital Road Toll System Unveiled
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for a modernized, digitized road toll system aimed at enhancing revenue collection and streamlining toll operations across Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit in Accra, President Mahama revealed that the proposed system would eliminate traditional toll booths, leveraging digital technology and Ghana Card integration instead. Under the proposed system, every vehicle would be linked to its owner’s Ghana Card. As vehicles pass through toll points, automated cameras would capture their license plates and instantly bill the owner a fixed amount of GH¢1.00. The bill would then be deducted directly from the owner’s mobile money wallet or bank account. President Mahama explained that this new digital system would make toll collection efficient and hassle-free. The move is part of broader discussions to modernize revenue collection and improve efficiency in road infrastructure funding. President Mahama emphasized that the digital system would eliminate the need for traditional toll booths with attendants lifting barriers, making it a more convenient and efficient way to collect tolls. The announcement was made at the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit, held under the theme “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy.” The summit brought together top business leaders, policymakers, and economic stakeholders for strategic dialogue, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to shape Ghana’s economic direction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Attorney-General Defends Impeachment Proceedings Against Chief Justice
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has issued a formal response to objections raised by suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, over the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her. Apexnewsgh reports In a detailed legal opinion, the Attorney-General defended the constitutional process being undertaken, dismissing several concerns raised by the Chief Justice and her legal team. The Attorney-General emphasized that the decision to conduct the proceedings in-camera is not discretionary but a constitutional imperative, designed to protect the integrity of the Chief Justice and the judiciary. He noted that this safeguard cannot be waived, highlighting its importance in maintaining public confidence in the judicial process. The Attorney-General rejected calls for the recusal of two Supreme Court justices, Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu and Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, who are part of the panel probing the petition. He clarified that Justice Adibu Asiedu did not take part in any previous injunction hearing related to the case, and therefore, there is no legal justification for excluding him from the proceedings. Regarding Justice Pwamang, the Attorney-General argued that his previous handling of legal matters involving one of the petitioners does not meet the threshold of bias required for disqualification. The Attorney-General refuted allegations that committee members had not taken their oath of office, stating that all members have duly taken the required oaths in accordance with the law. He concluded that the Chief Justice’s application for an injunction lacks legal merit and fails to establish sufficient grounds to halt the proceedings. Source: Apexnewsgh.com