Organized Labour is interested in how IMF money will be applied – GFL

Mr. Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has said Organized Labour, and all Ghanaians, are interested in how the Government will utilise the $3billion loan facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

 

Ghana received approval from the IMF for a three billion US dollar bailout last Wednesday, May 17th, and on Friday, May 19th, the first disbursement of 600 million dollars hit the accounts of the country, which was expected to be released in tranches. 

 

Mr. Koomson, reacting to the IMF Board approval, told the Ghana News Agency that workers were not much enthused about the approval but rather were interested in its application as that would influence them. 

 

He said they doubted whether the bailout would be beneficial to the public, as the conditionality attached to such bailouts often brought hardship rather than comfort to the people. 

 

"It won’t impact positively on the fortunes of workers; the hardships are going to worsen, and it will erode the gains that the unions have fought for over the years," he added. 

 

He stated, for instance, that the introduction of the three new excise duties, even though there were over 17 taxes companies were paying, was an indication of what lay ahead for companies and workers with approval. 

 

Mr. Koomson urged the economic management team of the Government to be forthright with the people on the conditionality and its implications instead of being evasive on the matter. 

 

Meanwhile, IMF Press Release No. 23/151, titled "IMF Executive Board Approves US$3 Billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement for Ghana," obtained by the Ghana News Agency in Tema, stated that the authorities’ economic programme, supported by the ECF-arrangement, builds on the government’s Post COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG). 

 

The PC-PEG aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability and includes wide-ranging reforms to build resilience and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. 

 

According to the IMF, large external shocks in recent years have exacerbated Ghana’s pre-existing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, resulting in a loss of international market access, increasingly constrained domestic financing, and a reliance on monetary financing by the government. 

 

"Decreasing international reserves, Cedi depreciation, rising inflation, and plummeting domestic investor confidence eventually triggered an acute crisis.  

 

"The authorities have taken bold steps to tackle these deep challenges, including by accelerating fiscal adjustment.  

 

"The government has also launched a comprehensive debt restructuring to address severe financing constraints and the unsustainable public debt.  

 

"Securing timely debt restructuring agreements with external creditors will be essential for the successful implementation of the new ECF arrangement," the statement stated. 

 

Key policies under the authorities’ programme include large and frontloaded fiscal consolidation to bring public finances back on a sustainable path, complemented by efforts to protect the vulnerable. 

 

The adjustment effort will be supported by ambitious structural reforms in the areas of tax policy, revenue administration, and public financial management, as well as steps to address weaknesses in the energy and cocoa sectors. 

 

Appropriately tight monetary and exchange rate policies will help bring inflation back to single digits and rebuild international reserves. The programme also has a strong focus on preserving financial stability and encouraging private investment and growth. 

 

The programme would help Ghana overcome immediate policy and financing challenges, including through its catalytic effect in mobilizing external financing from development partners and providing a framework for the successful completion of the ongoing debt restructuring. 

 

Assin South NDC Parliamentary candidate to champion skills training and business dev’t

Mr Stephen Kofi Baidoo, the elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin South Constituency, has pledged to champion skills training and business development for the youth.

He said he would champion the free enrolment of the youth into apprenticeship for skills and vocation training as the centre of his leadership to ensure the creation of wealth to reduce poverty in the area. 

“I believe that regardless of the background, all youth should be provided the opportunity to reach their full potential through a well-developed and coordinated education and skills training to address their needs and aspirations.

“This is because youth employment issues are a major concern, since they affect the welfare of young people and potentially the long-term performance and stability of every economy,” Mr. Baidoo said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

The youth, he said, would also be assisted with training tools and business support mechanisms to grow and expand to employ more.

Whilst commending the party and delegates for reposing confidence in him, he called on the rank and file of the party to bury their differences before, during and after the parliamentary primary.

He vowed to go all out to resolve any upheavals in the party as soon as possible to present a united front in the 2024 polls.

The political exigencies in the constituency, according to him, required a collective effort underpinned by party peace and cohesion to snatch the seat from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

To him: “The nearly two decades of political dominance by the NPP in the area has nurtured poverty and deprived the people of basic infrastructure to improve their standard of living.

“Therefore, I have come with a plethora of well-thought-out workable solutions to emancipate the people from the myriad of challenges born out of NPP’s incompetent leadership.” 

For the party, he reminded the teaming supporters to remain focus as it galvanizes massive grassroots support for a landslide electoral victory in the 2024 polls. 

He stated that considering the tremendous work the NDC was doing towards attracting more floating voters as well as members of other political parties to their fold, he was confident the party would form the next government of the day.

GNA

 

ICAG launches Public Financial Management Forum to build economic resilience

 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) has launched the Public Financial Management Forum to enhance transformation in Public Financial Management (PFM) and to foster acceleration in national development.  

The Forum was initiated by six faculties in ICAG, with partnership from PricewaterhouseCoopers Ghana (PwC) and Ministry of Finance.  

The Forum will engage stakeholders to dialogue on revenue generation,  state budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting issues.  

Mrs Abena Osei-Asare, Deputy Minister for Finance, in her address, said the Forum was needed to reform and strengthen the national PFM system to anchor economic transformation.  

She said the government was implementing wide-ranging structural reforms in the energy, financial, SOEs and public financial management sectors to deliver quality services and build economic resilience.  

She said improving PFM would build a robust national economy that could withstand the intermittent local and external headwinds.  

Mrs Osei-Asare said the Ministry of Finance was delighted for setting in motion processes that fostered honest and engaging discussions on the forum.  

She said the government was also resolute in its drive to achieve significant gains in the rationalisation of expenditures; “the control systems are being strengthened and in most cases being automated to eliminate undue exercise of discretion.”  

“Government remains committed to improving transparency and accountability to its citizens and forum such as the PFG forum to further strengthen the level of engagement with all key PFM actors and stakeholders”, she said.  

She expressed gratitude to private sectors players and firms working with government to build a resilient economy that hinged on strong public financial management.  

Mrs Sena Dako, President of ICAG, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the Forum was necessary because it would generate good stewardship, management of resources, accountability, and transparency in public financing.  

She said it would provide a platform to help accountants in the public sector institutions to dive deep in public financing management to contribute and support policy decision making for economic resilience.  

She noted that the public sector lacked investment, therefore, it was important that accountants were well inclined in public financial management to boost confidence of investors.  

She said the institute had provided training for private chartered accountants to educate and enhance their knowledge in the standards needed for their work.  

“The institution has a disciplinary committee that sanctions private accountants who do not practice transparency in the financial space. However, she advised accountants to be professional and work with integrity,” she said.  

She urged all accountants to practice confidentiality, good judgement, professional competency, and work with the public at heart to serve the nation appropriately.   

GNA  

Ghana suspends COVID-19 health declaration form for international travellers

 By Emmanuel Nyatsikor, GNA 

 

Ho, May 21, GNA - The Covid-19 health declaration form for international travellers to Ghana has been suspended with effect from May 20, 2023. 

 

Also, pre-departure testing and tests at all points of entry are no longer a requirement for all passengers. 

 

These were contained in a letter addressed to all media houses with the headline "lifting of COVID-19 restrictions at all points of entry in Ghana" and signed by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service. 

 

According to the letter, these decisions were taken at a National COVID-19 Task Force meeting held on 17th May 2023, on the global and national COVID-19 situation.  

 

The letter said for constant vigilance of protection of persons from COVID-19, the following measures were to be maintained. 

 

It noted that the covid-19 vaccination drive would continue and persons with symptoms of cough, fever and sore throat would be tested for both flu and covid-19 at all sentinel sites across all the 16 regions of the country. 

 

"Surveillance will continue to help us identify any COVID-19 variants of concern. 

 

"Persons with complaints of fever, cough or sore throat should report to the nearest health facility for management," the letter advised.  

 

It said persons who tested positive for covid-19 were to be managed with existing protocols.  

 

The letter intimated that Ghana has had outbreaks of Marbury virus disease, Lassa fever, monkey pox, measles, and yellow fever since the declaration of covid-19 of public health emergency of public concern.  

 

It noted that the health system in the county had maintained sufficient capacity in the midst of these threats.  

 

It said the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service with support from its partners would continue to ensure operational readiness and flexibility to respond during surges of covid-19.  

 

It said the GHS would also maintain other essential health services and prepared for the emergency of new variants of increased or capacity.  

 

According to the letter, the World Health Organization had announced on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency International Concern (PHEIC) globally.  

 

It said there were decreasing number of concerns of death and hospitalization with levels of population immunity against SARS Co.v-2. 

 

It noted that though covid-19 remained a global health threat, it was time for countries to transition from emergency mode to managing covid-19 alongside other infectious diseases.  

 

The letter revealed that there had been a sustained decline of covid-19 cases in the country over the five past months.  

 

It said as at May 15, 2023, there were only 18 active cases none of which was severe or critical adding that the only covid-19 death in 2023 was in January.  

 

The letter noted that since January 2023, there had been 187,089 international passengers arriving in the country of which more than 98 percent were either fully vaccinated or persons below 18 years of age who were exempted from testing based on the national guide.  

 

As a result, it said only 3,890 were required to be tested out of which 24 tested positive.  

 

It continued that as of May 19, 2023, more than 13.5 million had received at least a dose of the covid-19 vaccine whilst 10.5 million persons were fully vaccinated, and 4.5 million persons had taken the vaccine. 

Mahama mourns with late Kumawu MP's family

 By Iddi Yire 

Accra, May 21, GNA - Mr John Dramani Mahama, Presidential Candidate, National Democratic Congress (NDC), has visited the family of the late Mr Philip Atta Basoah, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu to commiserate with them.  

A statement issued by the Office of the former President made available to the Ghana News Agency said he was accompanied by Mr Kwasi Amankwah, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the May 23, 2023, Kumawu by-election; Mr  Fifi Kwetey, the NDC General Secretary; Mr Andrew Nana Kwasi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman and other Executives of the Party. 

Mr Basoah, the late NPP MP for Kumawu, died on March 27, 2023, and would be buried on Saturday, May 20, 2023, ahead of the by-election on Tuesday.  

The family of the late MP expressed their appreciation to President Mahama for the visit and sympathizing with them.  

Thousands pay last respect to Kumawu MP

 Thousands of mourners from all walks of life Saturday thronged Kumawu in the Ashanti Region to pay their last respect to the Member of Parliament (MP), Philip Atta Basoah, who died after a short illness in March, this year.  

 Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was among the key government officials and MPs who were at the funeral. 

Also in attendance were some New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopefuls; Mr Allan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, and Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. 

 

All parliamentary candidates representing various political parties in the Kumawu by-election also paid their last respect to the man they are seeking to succeed.  

 

Kumawu has been the centre of attraction for the past one week with  visitors, especially political figures, storming the town ahead of the by-election scheduled for Tuesday, May 23.  

 

Personalities such as former President John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman, and Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, all been visited constituency this week.  

 

The NPP is poised to retain the Kumawu seat, which it won in 2020 with a little over 3,000 votes, knowing that the independent candidate, Mr Kwaku Duah, who gave the late MP a run for his money, is still in the race.  

 

Its Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi- Bosiako, has been living in Kumawu since the demise of the MP to make sure no stone is left unturned in maintaining the seat for the ruling party. 

World will miss Buhari – Akufo-Addo

 

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Africa and the world will miss outgoing Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari. 

“As leaders, we all have our high and low moments, but I have no doubt that posterity will be kind to Muhammadu Buhari. 

“West Africa, Africa, and, indeed, the world will miss his leadership – the leadership of the military ruler turned consummate democrat, who was extremely solicitous of Nigeria and Africa’s interest, and who sought for principle in all decisions in which he took,” the President remarked. 

He was speaking at the public presentation and launch of two biographies, “State of Repair – How Muhammadu Buhari tried to change Nigeria for Good”, by Anthony Goldman, and “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, by Senator Abu Ibrahim, in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The two new books talk about the legacies of President Buhari. 

He is expected to exit the seat of power on May 29, 2023, when the incoming government would be sworn in. 

President Akufo-Addo, who chaired the event, in a Facebook post, congratulated the Englishman, Anthony Goldman, and the Nigerian, Senator Abu Ibrahim, the two authors, for their industry and scholarship. 

He urged authors, poets and playwrights on the continent “to tell the African story truthfully and with flair, and to give praise where it has been earned, and criticism where it is deserved.” 

In 2015, Buhari (born on December 17, 1942), was elected as Nigeria’s President, the first time an opposition candidate assumed the helm peacefully, following years of political turmoil in the country. 

The former military leader had served as Nigeria’s Head of State in 1984–85. 

Buhari assumed office at a period when jihadist insurgencies had reached their peak, with abductions and kidnappings being reported daily. 

GNA 

‘Ghana Week in DC’ to be launched tomorrow May 21

The ‘Ghana Week in DC' which is set to take place from October 9- 14, 2023 in Washington, DC, would be launched in Accra, tomorrow Sunday May 21, 2023, at the Accra City Hotel. 

The Week would feature a series of activities with a goal of promoting Ghana as the preferred destination for travels, investments, trade, sports and culture for the historical diaspora. 

Last year, a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat travelled to Washington DC to engage with key stakeholders involved in planning the historical event.

A release issued to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, said the highlights of the Ghana Week DC would be a football match between one of Ghana's Premier League teams and DC United. 

It said Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia were known as the DMV area and one of the key markets when it came to promoting Ghana for tourism and business opportunities.

The release said Paxton Baker, CEO PKB Enterprises, would be at the Ghana Media Launch to share details on the collaboration. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, said the “ Authority is excited with the outcomes of the partnership outreach culminating in the organising of the Ghana Week, DC.” 

That, he said, would help cement the gains of the ‘Beyond the Return’.

 “Already we have seen a steady rise in arrivals in the first quarter of 2023”.

Partners of the event are GTA, GIPC, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Football Association, Embassy of Ghana – Washington, DC, City of DC, Mayor Office and PKB Enterprises.

ECOWAS Court President Briefs Chief Justice of The Gambia on 2023 International Conference

 Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, met with Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow of The Gambia to discuss preparations for the upcoming international conference of the regional court in 2023.

The conference, focused on ECOWAS' zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, will take place in Banjul, The Gambia. The theme of the conference was carefully chosen in response to recent democratic setbacks in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, where military takeovers have threatened the region's democracy.

The conference aims to assess the policy's dimensions, analyze the implications of recent political developments, and propose measures to address the challenges. Justice Asante expressed hope that the conference's outcomes would contribute to democratic consolidation, strengthen the rule of law, and promote human rights in the region.

Chief Justice Jallow commended the choice of The Gambia as the conference host and pledged the country's judiciary's commitment to the success of the event.

EU Ambassador Inspects EU-funded Mango Farms in Ghana to Assess WACOMP Impact

 

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, visited mango farms in Ghana supported by the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), funded by the EU. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the program and its interventions. Accompanied by a delegation, the Ambassador toured Hendy Farms, Akorley packhouse, and a mango nursery in Dodowa.

Mr. Razaaly expressed his satisfaction with the project's progress, emphasizing the goal of helping Ghanaian farmers meet certification requirements and gain access to the EU market. The WACOMP program has provided various forms of support, including training, branding, marketing programs, and certification processes, to enhance the competitiveness of mango farming in Ghana.

Dr. Charles Kwame Sackey, Chief Technical Advisor for WACOMP-Ghana at UNIDO, highlighted that WACOMP aligns with the government's industrial agenda and has trained over 30,000 individuals, with a focus on good agricultural practices, certification processes, and decent work.

WACOMP is a partnership between the EU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at enhancing trade competitiveness in West Africa and integrating the region into the global trading system. With an overall objective of increasing production, value addition, and export capacities, the program supports private sector development and aligns with regional and national industrial strategies. In Ghana, the EU is contributing €6.2 million, and with additional funding from UNIDO, a total of €6.35 million has been allocated to support value-addition, sustainable production, and access to regional and international markets. WACOMP Ghana, launched in 2019 and scheduled to conclude in 2024, is in line with the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) vision and UNIDO's mission to foster inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

SMALL SCALE MINING FETCHES GHANA $1.2BN IN 2022

Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, recently highlighted the significant contribution of small-scale mining to Ghana's gold output. He stated that the sector produced a total of 712,405 ounces of gold in the previous year, contributing almost US$1.2 billion in export receipts. Additionally, all diamonds produced in 2022, amounting to 82,251.99 carats and generating US$3.9 million in revenue, came from small-scale mining.

Speaking at a two-day transformational dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by the sector. While small-scale mining provides employment for many and supports the livelihoods of millions, illegal activities associated with the industry continue to damage the environment. The government has implemented policies and measures under the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) to offer alternative income sources and livelihood opportunities to those engaged in illegal mining.

As part of these efforts, the government has employed individuals in the production of seedlings and the reclamation of degraded mined lands. Furthermore, the Apprenticeship, Skills Training, and Entrepreneurship module of the NAELP is set to provide training for 5,000 young people in various skills, including agriculture, technical, vocational, industrial, and mining skills.

Mr. Jinapor commended the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for its initiatives, such as introducing sustainable mining and environmental protection programs. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices and transform mined lands into viable agricultural areas. Intensifying education on sustainable mining practices was also highlighted as an essential step in this process. 

KUMAWU ROAD NOT FOR VOTES- ROADS MINISTER

Mr. Kwasi Amoako-Atta, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has denied claims that the construction of Kumawu roads aims to gain votes in the upcoming by-election. He clarified that the procurement process started before the former Member of Parliament's passing.

The road works extend beyond Kumawu, raising doubts about their relevance to the by-election. The Minister assured that construction would continue afterward and urged the public not to be swayed by propaganda. He emphasized ongoing road projects across Ghana, requesting patience.

Approximately 20 kilometers of internal roads in Kumawu and other areas are earmarked for construction. He encouraged citizens to express concerns peacefully.

ORIGINAL STORY BY YUSSIF IBRAHIM-GNA

TUBERCULOSIS KILLS 4000 DAILY IN GHANA

Ms Cynthia Atuobi of Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) has urged the Ghanaian government to invest in efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Speaking during a stakeholders engagement event, she emphasized the importance of investing in TB-affected communities and civil society to enable their active participation in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Ms Atuobi highlighted the high number of daily TB-related deaths and called for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to address the issue. The "TBImpact Ghana" project, funded by Stop TB Geneva and implemented by HFFG, aims to strengthen community systems and expand community-led interventions for TB control.

The project coordinator, Ms Doris Lomokie Dornor, stressed the need for political declarations to align with on-the-ground actions to bridge the gap between commitments and actual implementation. She encouraged Ghanaians to download the TBImpactGH app for comprehensive information on TB and emphasized the collective responsibility of the society in fighting against the disease. Mr Wisdom Klenyuie, Volta Regional TB Coordinator, expressed optimism that TB could be eliminated by 2030 with the right strategies in place.

ORIGINAL STORY BY - EWOENAM KPODO,GNA

IMF APPROVES $3BILLIONS LOAN FOR GHANA

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved Ghana's request for a $3 billion loan-support program. An immediate disbursement of $600 million will be provided to support Ghana's three-year Post COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG). The loan aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

The approval follows months of negotiations and the government's efforts to address its economic challenges. The loan program focuses on reforms to enhance domestic revenue mobilization, improve public financial management, and address issues in the energy and cocoa sectors. It also aims to promote inclusive growth, job creation, and alleviate exchange rate pressures.

The IMF highlights the importance of debt restructuring with external creditors. While the loan is seen as providing policy credibility and short-term economic management assistance, it is not a complete solution to Ghana's economic crisis. Some economists suggest cutting waste and controlling government spending.

Ghana experienced economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to public dissatisfaction and protests. The government is committed to revitalizing the economy and promoting rapid economic growth.