Search Results

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intercepted a total of 20.5 kilograms of concealed cannabis parcels intended for smuggling out of Ghana via postal and courier centers in Accra. According to NACOC, the operation was over a span of three days. “On Monday, April 15, 2024, routine examinations by NACOC officers identified four parcels concealed in wrapped boxes destined for the United Kingdom" "The following day, April 16, 2024, officers intercepted an outbound parcel containing 21 slabs of compressed cannabis weighing 5.80 kg. “On Friday, April 19, 2024, two outbound parcels containing a total of ten slabs of cannabis weighing 5.3 kg, with an additional four slabs weighing 1.4 kg, were intercepted" "Both parcels were headed to the United Kingdom. Similarly, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, officers discovered an EMS parcel containing concealed cannabis slabs weighing 5.3 kg bound for the United Kingdom,” the Public Affairs Department of NACOC stated. It continued “Another interception occurred on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, when officers found black soap packaged with cannabis slabs in a bathing pail, weighing 2.10 kg and destined for the United Kingdom" "Subsequent field tests confirmed the presence of narcotics in these parcels, prompting their transfer to NACOC Headquarters for further investigation and the initiation of an intensive investigations to apprehend the culprits.” NACOC further also reminded the public of the illegality of narcotics possession and transit is punishable by law. Credit: Starfm

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered a reassuring message to Ghanaians, declaring that the recent challenges in power supply, commonly known as "dumsor," have been effectively resolved. Addressing attendees at the annual May Day celebration in Accra, the President expressed his optimism and gratitude for the patience and understanding shown by the citizens during the trying times. During his address, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the recent difficulties faced by the nation with electricity supply, attributing them to issues surrounding transformers and gas supply. However, he emphasized that through concerted efforts, these challenges have been successfully addressed, resulting in a significant improvement in power supply reliability across the country. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for their patience and understanding during recent temporary challenges with electricity supply across the country," the President stated. He highlighted the successful resolution of issues related to transformers and gas supply, which have led to stable electricity supply in recent days, with no reported instances of load-shedding. President Akufo-Addo reflected on the collective efforts made over the past seven years to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the nation. He expressed confidence that the era of dumsor is now behind them and assured the citizens that they can expect reliable power supply moving forward. "For the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to keep the lights on, and I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return," President Akufo-Addo affirmed. The President's announcement comes as a relief to many Ghanaians who have endured periods of power outages in the past. With the assurance of stable electricity supply, businesses and households can now plan and operate with greater certainty, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a significant development reverberating across military and law enforcement circles, Major Kojo Owusu Dartey, a Ghanaian soldier serving in the United States Army, has been found guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated firearm trafficking operation. Following a meticulous investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, Dartey faces a potential maximum sentence of 240 months in prison for his involvement in smuggling firearms from the United States to Ghana. The conviction, handed down on April 29, 2024, sheds light on a transnational crime network that has raised concerns for both domestic and international security. Central to the case is Dartey's role in acquiring firearms from the Fort Liberty area and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the intent of exporting them to Ghana. Dartey's modus operandi involved concealing the weapons within blue barrels ostensibly filled with rice and household goods, a tactic aimed at evading detection during transit. The gravity of Dartey's actions is underscored by the arsenal of weapons he sought to transport, including handguns, an AR15, 50-round magazines, suppressors, and a combat shotgun. These items, carefully concealed within the innocuous facade of everyday goods, posed a severe threat to public safety on both sides of the Atlantic. However, Dartey's illicit activities did not go unnoticed. The Ghana Revenue Authority intercepted the contraband shipment upon its arrival at the Port of Tema, swiftly alerting authorities to the presence of the concealed firearms. Prompt action by law enforcement agencies, including the DEA attaché in Ghana and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division, led to the apprehension of Dartey and the dismantling of the smuggling operation. Beyond the immediate charges of smuggling firearms, Dartey's conviction also exposed his involvement in a separate criminal enterprise, a marriage fraud scheme detailed in U.S. v. Agyapong. Despite initially providing information to authorities regarding the scheme, Dartey's subsequent deceit during trial proceedings underscored the depths of his duplicity. The collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies in the United States and Ghana, as lauded by U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, serves as a testament to the necessity of international cooperation in combating transnational crime. From the diligent efforts of the Ghana Revenue Authority to the technical expertise of investigative agencies such as the ATF and Army Criminal Investigation Division, the case against Dartey exemplifies the collective resolve to uphold the rule of law and safeguard public safety. As Dartey awaits sentencing on July 23, 2024, the ramifications of his conviction resonate far beyond the confines of the courtroom. It stands as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to thwart the machinations of international crime networks and preserve the integrity of lawful governance. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a concerted effort to fortify regional maritime security, the Ghana Navy, United States Naval Forces Africa, and United States Marine Forces Africa convened for a landmark three-day African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium Africa in Accra. Officially inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the summit united top security officials from these institutions to deliberate on strategies for heightened collaboration in addressing maritime security challenges across the African continent. Themed "Cooperation at Sea: Safeguarding African Maritime Security," the summit, according to President Akufo-Addo, carries paramount importance in bolstering partnerships and consolidating collective capabilities to confront evolving maritime threats. President Akufo-Addo underscored his government's unwavering commitment to modernizing the Ghana Navy and the Armed Forces, citing the acquisition and commissioning of twenty vessels since his assumption of office in January 2017. Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he emphasized progress in procuring two Offshore Patrol Vessels and advancing the construction of a state-of-the-art Naval Base in the Western Region. These endeavors, he stressed, are pivotal in ensuring maritime security and nurturing the burgeoning blue economy. "The commitment of my government to retooling the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces, in general, has been amply demonstrated," President Akufo-Addo affirmed. "The process of acquiring two Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Navy is also far advanced. A major project to build a new Naval Base in the Western Region is also in its completion phase." Acknowledging the shared dedication of fellow African nations towards maritime security, President Akufo-Addo lauded the collaborative efforts with key partners as instrumental in fortifying security within Africa's maritime domain. The summit's deliberations, marked by robust exchanges and strategic planning sessions, serve as a testament to the collective resolve to safeguard maritime interests and foster regional stability in the face of evolving security dynamics. About Global Leaders Gather in Ghana for Historic Maritime Summit In a historic gathering, governmental and military leaders from more than 40 countries spanning four continents have convened in Accra, Ghana, to launch the second annual African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) and the third Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium-Africa (NILS-A). This year marks the first time these two significant events have been merged, offering a unique platform for participants to tackle shared concerns and bolster maritime cooperation and coordination. Admiral Stuart Munsch, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and commander of Allied Joint Force Command (IFC) Naples, underscored the importance of these gatherings in comprehending the challenges faced by maritime and naval forces across African shores and beyond. "AMFS and NILS-A provide invaluable opportunities to address pressing maritime issues and explore African-led solutions," stated Admiral Munsch, emphasizing the commitment to collaborative efforts. Over the course of the next three days, leaders from Africa and around the world will engage in a series of panels and focused discussions covering a wide array of maritime security challenges and opportunities. These discussions will delve into topics such as strategies for cooperation, models for combined operations, assessing security interventions, and countering illicit maritime activities, including piracy and illegal fishing. The inaugural AMFS was hosted by NAVAF in Cabo Verde in March 2023, while this year marks the third iteration of the NILS-A event by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF). The decision to amalgamate these leadership forums underscores the significance placed by the United States, its partners, and allies on unified efforts in addressing maritime challenges transcending borders and continents. U.S. Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF), hailed the conference as a historic opportunity to enhance interoperability, crisis response, and naval capabilities among allied and partner nations. "This conference serves as a platform to strengthen bonds and pursue common objectives," remarked Maj. Gen. Sofge, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving the discussions. As the host nation and a steadfast participant in regional exercises and operations, Ghana's Navy plays a pivotal role in fostering maritime collaboration. Through initiatives such as Obangame Express and Sea Lion, as well as facilitating port visits and conducting bilateral and multilateral patrols in the Gulf of Guinea, the Ghana Navy brings invaluable insights and expertise to the table. In conclusion, the AMFS and NILS-A represent more than just gatherings; they symbolize a concerted effort by global leaders to address maritime challenges collectively, reaffirming the commitment to safeguarding the world's oceans and promoting regional stability and prosperity. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a tragic turn of events, a military officer lost his life in Kasoa's Millennium City amid a heated land dispute. The incident, which transpired on Tuesday, April 30th, also witnessed two other officers narrowly escaping a similar fate. Reportedly, the deceased, alongside his colleagues, confronted individuals allegedly encroaching upon land purportedly purchased by one of the officers. Winnebo Ndego, facilitating the land transaction, corroborated the purchase but highlighted ongoing opposition from a group led by an individual identified as Fiifi, alleged to be a land guard. Despite previous police reports by the officers, the situation remained unresolved. Upon revisiting the disputed land, tensions soared as disagreements with workers stationed there escalated. The officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging cessation of activities and proposing a police station visit for resolution. However, the workers resisted, prompting the officers to seek further assistance at the Regional Command. Allegedly, they were obstructed by Benlord Ababio, also known as Nana Ben, purportedly a sub-chief. Refusing to yield, the officers pressed on, only to face gunfire allegedly from Nana Ben, resulting in the tragic loss of one officer's life. The deceased officer's body has been conveyed to the hospital, awaiting police investigation, while the Ghana Armed Forces is yet to comment on the incident. This unfortunate event underscores the need for swift and effective resolution mechanisms in land disputes to prevent such devastating outcomes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In response to recent media reports suggesting that surgeries at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were cancelled due to a power outage on April 29, 2024, hospital authorities have issued a statement to correct the misinformation. Contrary to the reports, elective surgeries proceeded as scheduled on that day. Although there was a brief period of low current lasting approximately 45 minutes, attributed to an issue at a local substation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the hospital's standby generators promptly kicked in to ensure uninterrupted power supply, allowing operations to continue without disruption. Addressing concerns about two cases being returned to the ward, the hospital clarified that this was due to limited space in the recovery ward, not the power outage. Importantly, surgeries across various departments within the hospital were successfully conducted as planned. Emphasizing their commitment to patient care, Korle Bu Hospital reaffirmed its dedication to providing excellent medical services, particularly as a national referral center. Furthermore, the hospital urged the media to exercise caution in disseminating information, highlighting the potential negative impact of inaccurate reporting on public confidence and patient well-being. In light of these clarifications, it is evident that the initial reports were misleading, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to deliver quality healthcare to the community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has leveled serious allegations against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, accusing them of attempting to conceal corruption and criminality within the SML deal, as revealed by a yet-to-be-published KPMG investigation. In a press conference held at their Adabraka head-office, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer of the NDC, expressed concerns over the Presidency's handling of the report. While the report acknowledged breaches of several laws in contracts between the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and SML, it fell short of recommending the cancellation of these agreements, according to the NDC. Gyamfi emphasized that all transactions conducted by SML under its various contracts were deemed illegal by the NDC. They pointed out that these single-sourced contracts lacked approval from the GRA board and Parliamentary approval as multi-year contracts, as mandated by the Public Financial Management Act. Consequently, the NDC argued that all payments made to SML were illegal and constituted a financial loss to the state. Despite claims by the Presidency that services rendered by SML saved the country approximately GH₵3 billion and contributed to an increase in petroleum volumes and tax revenue, the NDC dismissed these assertions as baseless. They asserted that there was no evidence to support SML's work in the matter. In response to the controversy, the NDC reiterated former President John Dramani Mahama's promise to terminate the illegal contracts between the Government of Ghana and SML if the party emerged victorious in the 2024 general elections. Additionally, they pledged to launch credible and transparent investigations to recover all illegal payments made to SML and prosecute individuals involved in these transactions. The NDC's allegations have intensified the scrutiny surrounding the SML deal, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the government's procurement processes. As the political landscape heats up in the run-up to the elections, the outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for both the ruling party and the opposition. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana's Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Oko Boye, has provided clarity regarding his appointment as the representative of the President at the Ministry of Health. Addressing the issue during his inaugural visit to various healthcare facilities, including the Covid-19 Treatment Center and Nephrology and Urology Centers at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Dr. Oko Boye emphasized the importance of ensuring continuity and direction in vital sectors such as health. In his statement, Dr. Oko Boye highlighted the necessity for clear leadership to prevent any lapse in critical areas like healthcare. He underscored that his role as the President's representative is in accordance with the Constitution, which grants the President the authority to appoint representatives across key sectors. While acknowledging his reticence to publicize his designation, Dr. Oko Boye affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his mandate effectively. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Oko Boye revealed that discussions with the President focused on three key objectives: enhancing existing healthcare services, ensuring transparency and communication with the public regarding health initiatives, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders within the sector. He emphasized the importance of involving healthcare professionals in decision-making processes to promote a sense of inclusivity and appreciation. During his visit to the healthcare facilities, Dr. Oko Boye recognized the pivotal role of tertiary institutions like the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in shaping the nation's healthcare landscape. He acknowledged the significant daily patient influx and emphasized the need for continuous improvement to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide. Dr. Oko Boye assured healthcare workers of the government's unwavering support and pledged to address challenges within the sector. Dr. Oko Boye reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as the President's representative at the Ministry of Health. He expressed optimism about the prospects of improving healthcare services in Ghana and called for collective efforts to achieve this goal. On his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Teaching Hospital, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, expressed profound gratitude for being the Minister of Health's primary choice for the hospital's first official visit. This gesture not only underscores the Minister's personal dedication to advancing tertiary care but also highlights the government's renewed focus on revitalizing the healthcare sector, which has often faced neglect in the past. Acknowledging the pivotal role of his predecessor, Dr. Ampomah commended Dr. Bernard Oko Boye's pioneering initiatives during his tenure as board chairman. Under Dr. Boye's leadership, significant strides were made in governance reforms, ensuring accountability, and transparency within the institution. Dr. Ampomah outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing both infrastructural and operational challenges at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Recognizing the hospital's rich history spanning a century, he unveiled a series of initiatives to celebrate its centenary milestone. These initiatives, he stressed encompass a broad spectrum of activities aimed at improving customer care, leadership, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure. With a staff complement exceeding 7,000 professionals and catering to thousands of patients daily, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for patients not only from Ghana but also from across the West African sub-region. Dr. Ampomah emphasized the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their geographical location or financial status. Building on the foundation laid by previous leadership, Dr. Ampomah highlighted four thematic areas guiding the hospital's strategic direction: stakeholder satisfaction, financial stewardship, internal processes, and capacity building. These areas, he noted, will serve as the cornerstone for the hospital's five-year development plan, aimed at further elevating its status as a premier healthcare institution. With a focus on high-end medical services such as cochlear implants, brachytherapy, and kidney transplants, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Ghana. Dr. Ampomah expressed optimism about the hospital's future and called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to ensure its continued success. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. Ampomah and his team are poised to lead the hospital towards a brighter future, where cutting-edge medical care is accessible to all. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a compelling address at the Young African Women Congress Network – National Chapter Summit, Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah has emphasized the urgent need to empower women economically in the 21st century. Speaking at the event, Maame Tiwaa highlighted the persistent inequalities faced by women despite global efforts towards gender equality. Referencing the United Nations' sustainable development goals, particularly the goal of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, Addo-Danquah stressed the importance of organizations like the Young African Women Congress Network in advancing women's empowerment. Citing statistics from the International Labour Organization, which indicate women's underrepresentation in industries, managerial positions, and CEO roles, Addo-Danquah underscored the barriers hindering women's full participation in the economy, including gender-based discrimination and unequal access to resources. Furthermore, she emphasized the economic benefits of investing in women's empowerment, noting that when women are economically empowered, they reinvest a significant portion of their income into their families and communities, leading to poverty reduction and sustainable development. Madam Addo-Danquah highlighted the role of the digital revolution in accelerating women's economic empowerment, advocating for investments in digital literacy and skills training to ensure women's participation in the digital economy. Praising Ghana's STEM agenda for providing girls with training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, she called for concerted action from all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media, to promote gender equality and eliminate discriminatory laws. She urged the passage of Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to provide gender parity in politics and increase women's participation in decision-making positions. Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah urged the Young African Women Congress Network to continue providing platforms for young women to discuss critical issues and shine a spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on women's empowerment. She emphasized the potential for global GDP growth if women are given equal economic rights and opportunities, calling on women to mentor and train the younger generation for a more equitable and prosperous future. On her part, Director of Legal, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Maataa Opare underscored the crucial role of women in the banking sector and urged for greater representation in leadership positions. She highlighted the significant influence women wield as banking customers and emphasized the need for organizations to recognize the value they bring, not merely for the sake of gender statistics but for the tangible business benefits they offer. She stressed the importance of designing products and services with a unique perspective on women's needs and preferences. Moreover, the Director of Legal pointed out that women play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of banking institutions, instilling important values and perspectives that contribute to organizational strength. However, she lamented the lack of women in leadership roles within the banking sector, noting that this imbalance often results in a disproportionate number of men in positions of authority. Reflecting on her own experiences, Maataa Opare shared insights into the challenges women face in asserting themselves in male-dominated spaces, particularly in meetings where they may feel overshadowed or undervalued. She emphasized the importance of women making their voices heard and actively contributing to decision-making processes within organizations. Addressing the issue of gender bias in hiring practices, Madam Opare highlighted the need for diverse interview panels to ensure fair and inclusive selection processes. She stressed the importance of organizations recognizing the value of gender diversity and making concerted efforts to bring more women into leadership positions. Maata Opare urged the banking sector to prioritize gender diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the majority of banking customers in Ghana are women. She encouraged continued efforts to increase female representation in leadership roles, with the aim of fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Taking her turn, a renowned Gyaenachologist, Dr. Mary Halm, recently shared insights into effective parenting strategies, emphasizing the importance of instilling independence and responsibility in children from a young age. In a candid conversation, Dr. Halm highlighted the necessity of teaching children essential life skills, such as washing socks and grinding pepper, at a tender age. With five children of her own, she stressed the significance of fostering independence early on to alleviate parental burdens and ensure a smooth transition when parents are not available. Dr. Halm emphasized the role of mindset in parenting, suggesting that a proactive approach to teaching children self-sufficiency can significantly impact a family's dynamics. "By empowering children to take on tasks independently, parents can create a supportive environment where each family member contributes to household responsibilities" "Teaching them how to do things is crucial," Dr. Halm explained. "When you're 10 years old in my house, you know how to grind pepper. You have to know how to do these things so that you can relieve me of other duties and focus on their education." Her insights shed light on the challenges parents face in balancing career aspirations with familial responsibilities. Dr. Halm's perspective resonates with many striving to navigate the demands of modern parenthood while pursuing personal and professional growth. As society evolves, Dr. Halm's advocacy for independent parenting serves as a beacon for those seeking to cultivate resilient, self-reliant individuals poised for success in an ever-changing world. Dr. Halm's words echo beyond her field of expertise, offering a refreshing perspective on the timeless art of parenting and the transformative power of instilling independence in the next generation. The summit concluded with a call to action for all attendees to champion women's economic empowerment and work towards a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. A Medical Doctor, Dr. Halm appealed to young girls to desist from the frequent use of contraceptives. He charged young ladies to strive hard and embark on regular exercise to keep the bodies healthy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo’s long-serving driver, Dr. Gerald Joseph Addo, has clinched the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) parliamentary candidacy for the La Dadekotopon constituency. He secured 664 votes, surpassing his main rival, Solomon Kotey Niikio, who garnered 555 votes. The National Executive Committee of the NPP authorised a primary in La Dadekotopon following the resignation of the elected parliamentary candidate, Dr Joseph Tetteh, citing personal reasons. His decision to contest in the primary came after Dr Joseph Tetteh's resignation. Having served as President Akufo-Addo’s driver for over two decades, Addo expressed his readiness to serve the constituency. Recently, Addo made a significant contribution to the party by donating an office complex located on Ako Adjei Road. This move was seen as timely, as the party lacked a permanent office space, forcing executives to operate from rented premises. During the donation, the President’s driver emphasised his commitment to supporting the NPP's quest to regain the La Dadekotopon seat from the NDC. His gesture was lauded by party members as a demonstration of his dedication to the party's cause. The NPP's loss of the La Dadekotopon seat to the NDC’s Rita Naa Odoley Sowah in the 2020 election heightened the party's determination to reclaim it in the upcoming polls. Credit: Myjoyonline

In reshaping Ghana’s revenue mobilization landscape, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), a private firm, has demonstrated a new era of precision, transparency, and revenue assurance for the nation’s critical downstream petroleum sector. SML’s an innovative partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) introduced a transformative Electronic Metering Management System (EMMS) to streamline the process of ensuring revenue assurances across the downstream petroleum sector. Before SML’s intervention, the management of downstream petroleum operations data was a fragmented and painstaking process, riddled with inefficiencies and vulnerabilities inherent in manual systems. Reliance on stand-alone systems made it difficult to maintain and leverage data effectively, hindering GRA’s ability to accurately regulate, monitor, assess, and tax petroleum products across the downstream and upstream sectors. To address this challenge, SML’s state-of-the-art EMMS has digitalized the measurement and reporting of petroleum product supplies, replacing error-prone manual processes with advanced digital solutions. The results have been nothing short of remarkable, as an independent audit by KPMG revealed an incremental volume of 1.7 billion liters and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review. This substantial revenue boost represents a significant win for Ghana, but the benefits of SML’s intervention extend far beyond mere fiscal gains. KPMG’s assessment highlighted the qualitative advantages of the EMMS, including 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of petroleum product outflows and partial monitoring of inflows at depots equipped with SML’s flowmeters. This round-the-clock surveillance serves as a powerful deterrent against under-declarations, safeguarding the nation’s revenue streams. At the heart of SML’s success lies the transformative power of digitalization and data-driven solutions. Real-time data streams provide unprecedented visibility into petroleum product flows, enabling precise tracking and accurate assessment of taxes. This level of granular insight not only bolsters revenue collection but also enhances operational efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and enabling data-driven decision-making. Moreover, SML’s rigorous six-level reconciliation process, coupled with the sharing of discrepancy reports for follow-up action, underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within the sector. The digital nature of the EMMS promotes these critical pillars of good governance, as comprehensive digital records and transparent data sharing foster public scrutiny and oversight, mitigating the risks of corruption, manipulation, and misappropriation that can plague traditional, opaque systems. SML’s pioneering model has garnered significant international acclaim, with nations like Kenya actively seeking to emulate its successful approach. Governments across borders have reached out to learn from SML’s framework, underscoring the transformative potential that entrepreneurs can unleash when provided with an enabling environment and opportunities to pursue productive ventures. While SML’s immediate impact has been felt in the downstream petroleum sector, the ripple effects of this pioneering public-private partnership (PPP) extend far beyond. The government’s recent recognition of SML’s success has prompted a comprehensive assessment of potential revenue leakages in the upstream petroleum and minerals sectors, with plans to explore the implementation of similar PPP models in these critical industries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

All private properties of Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah will be disconnected from the nation's grid if he owes any bills, angry workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana have warned. The red-clad workers who are protesting to demand an apology from the minister for ordering the arrest of the Ashanti East General Manager, Mark Wiafe Asomani, for disconnecting Kumasi Technical University from the grid over debt have warned the minister to pay all his power bills if he has not already done so. "If the regional minister owes any bill in his private house, we are going there," a furious worker announced to the media, adding, "This week, we will get to his house."If he owes a pesewa, we will disconnect him, and then the police must come and arrest all of us." the workers have resolved that their managers will not attend any regional security meetings called by the minister as part of their protest. Asked by journalists if that did not risk worsening the security situation in the region, another angry worker retorted, “The action of the minister is more of a security concern than our general manager’s meeting at the REGSEC." "The reason is that the actions can lead to other customers emulating what he did, and we think that he should just apologise unreservedly to ECG, then we move on." He threatened, "We have a series of actions to take. This is the first step. That is why we said that if he is not apologising, someone should tell him to do so.” Source: classfmonline