All posts by goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Court remands NPP sympathiser over alleged assault of Multimedia reporter

Theophilus Thompson, a known sympathiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been remanded into custody after he pleaded not guilty in court to charges of assaulting journalist, Latif Iddrisu of Multimedia Group.

The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, around 7:00 p.m. during a protest staged in front of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The demonstration, involving some Members of Parliament and NPP supporters, was in response to the arrest of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The police announced in a statement on June 8 that Thompson, 55, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at about 5:00 p.m. in James Town.

At his arraignment on Monday, June 9, Thompson denied the charges. His defence counsel argued that he is not a flight risk, has a fixed place of residence, and should therefore be granted bail. Citing section 97(4) of Act 30, the lawyer emphasised that “the court shall not refuse or withdraw bail merely as a form of punishment.”

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

GRNMA rejects govt’s “unfair” 2026 proposal

The nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) remains unresolved, as the union has firmly rejected a government proposal to postpone the implementation of their conditions of service to 2026.

In a closed-door emergency meeting held on Monday, June 9, the Ministry of Health engaged with GRNMA leaders and other key stakeholders in an attempt to end the impasse and negotiate improved working conditions.

However, speaking to journalists after the meeting, GRNMA Vice President Samuel Alagkora Akologo revealed that the Ministry attributed its inability to meet the association’s demands to budgetary constraints.

“We were told that there was no budget provision for it, and these conditions of service were presented to the government in January, and we expected that they would be factored into this year’s budget. Unfortunately, we are being told that the challenges of the implementation are such that they have budget constraints,” he said.

According to Akologo, the government proposed deferring implementation until 2026—a move the association considers unacceptable.

“And what they wanted us to agree on was to push the implementation to 2026. What it means is that they wanted to set the conditions of the service calendar so that it will be like we have just renegotiated, and then we are moving on, so that the idea of arrears will not come in. This is not fair,” he added.

The GRNMA’s National Council is expected to review the proposal and determine the union’s next steps, as health facilities across the country continue to grapple with the impact of the ongoing strike.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health says it remains committed to engaging the GRNMA further.

Ministry Spokesperson Tony Goodman stressed their openness to continued dialogue and compromise.

“We are open to any proposals they may also come back with. We are open to any discussion. We are not saying that whatever position we have is what they should take. They may also have their own position. We will look at it and see if necessary, we will adjust. That is what negotiation is about,” he stated.

Source: citinewsroom.com

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Minority declares nationwide campaign against energy sector levy

The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised the government’s decision to proceed with the controversial Energy Sector Recovery Levy, warning of a sustained nationwide campaign to resist what they describe as a “draconian” and unjust tax measure.

In a press briefing on Monday, June 9, the caucus stated that it had become clear that the government intended to forge ahead with the implementation of the levy despite widespread opposition.

In response, they announced a series of planned actions aimed at mobilising public resistance and demanding greater accountability.

“It is already clear that the government intends to go ahead with the implementation of this draconian levy. We want to advertise that we would be embarking on the following: We will continuously engage the people of Ghana, civil society groups, driver unions and the media to showcase the true impact of these draconian taxes and the negative levy that the government is imposing on us,” the Minority said.

The Minority also reiterated its support for driver unions, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, and other stakeholders who have openly called for the levy to be withdrawn or at least subjected to broader consultation.

“We would continue to stand with groups of honest Ghanaians, the driver unions, the Chamber of Oil Marketers who are opposing the levy or asking government to pull back and to engage better—not to go by this midnight introduction into Parliament and using their numbers to push it through. We know the government has a lot of goodwill, but this is not the way to do things,” the group declared.

Echoing concerns from industry players, the Minority warned that the new levy would worsen the already heavy tax burden on fuel, pushing the total tax component at the pump to approximately 26%.

“We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies in their position that this downstream sector is already heavily over-taxed. If you add this new levy, effectively about 26% of what you are paying at the pump is all taxes,” they stated.

The  called on the government to withdraw the levy and adopt “less painful and more pragmatic options” for dealing with the financial challenges in the energy sector.

The levy, passed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on June 3, is meant to raise revenue to address Ghana’s power sector debt and ensure a stable electricity supply. It is expected to take effect on June 16.

Source: myjoyonline.com

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Over 600,000 candidates to sit 2025 BECE from June 11

The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for both school and private candidates will be held from Wednesday, 11 June to Wednesday, 18 June 2025, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced.

The Council also reported that 1,661 private candidates, comprising 858 males and 803 females, will sit the exam this year. “This year’s figure is 19.49% higher than the 2024 entry figure of 1,390,” the statement added.

According to WAEC, the examination for school candidates will take place at 2,237 centres across the country, while 15 centres, mainly in the regional capitals, will be used for the BECE for private candidates. As with the 2024 examination, school candidates and some private candidates will be examined on the core curriculum, while other private candidates will be examined on the old syllabus.

WAEC made it clear that “this would be the last time private candidates will be examined on the old syllabus.”

The Council assured the public that provisions had been made for candidates with special educational needs saying “Heads of school, parents and guardians should rest assured that adequate provision has been made to ensure that no child is left behind as far as the examination is concerned.”

WAEC also reminded all stakeholders about the revised rules and regulations for handling examination irregularities, which have been in force since 2023. These include rules on “having inscriptions on any part of the body or clothing,” “posting live questions on the internet,” “refusal to grant timely access into the school premises,” “misconduct of examination officials,” and “multiple registration of candidates in both public and private schools.”

The Council added that “the revised rules are available on the Council’s website and Heads of school, supervisors and invigilators should ensure that candidates adhere to these new rules.”

WAEC called on all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and orderly examination environment “to ensure that sanity prevails at all the examination centres.”

While wishing candidates well, the Council urged them to follow the rules governing the examination as “any attempt to breach any of these will have dire consequences on the candidates.”

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 6, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Nurses Strike: Health Minister calls for independent mediation as Nurses and Midwives’ strike

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 6, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Ghana and Morocco waive visa requirements for citizens

Ghanaian citizens will no longer require traditional visas to travel to Morocco, following a new bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and ease of movement between the two nations.

The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who revealed in a social media post that the new policy takes immediate effect. Under the agreement, the previous visa system is being replaced with a streamlined online travel authorisation process.

According to the Minister, the authorisation can be secured within 24 hours and removes the need for in-person embassy appointments. “An online authorization which will be granted within 24-hours without embassy appointments is all that’s needed,” he stated.

The announcement follows a two-day working visit to Morocco, where Minister Ablakwa met with his Moroccan counterpart, H.E. Nasser Bourita. The two countries also discussed broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.

“With existing direct flights — which are expected to increase following this new agreement — we anticipate that this bilateral visa waiver will significantly boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between our countries,” Ablakwa added.

He further emphasized the importance of regional integration, stating: “The borders in Africa must not be allowed to divide us — they can be bridges of connectivity. Diplomacy must make meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve.”

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 6, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

BoG reports GHC9.49bn loss for 2024

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) says despite improvements in some of its financial indicators, the recorded an operating loss of GHC9.49 billion for the 2024 fiscal year.

This loss, the Bank explained in its 2024 Financial Statement, stemmed from total operating income of GHC9.40 billion falling short of total operating expenses amounting to GHC18.89 billion.

Providing a breakdown of the loss incurred, the BoG explained that the bank incurred costs of GHC8.60 billion in managing liquidity within the financial system.

Also, losses totaling GHC3.49 billion were recorded, including GHC1.82 billion related to the government’s Gold-for-Oil Programme.

“The cost of currency issuance rose to GHC1.01 billion in 2024, up from GHC690 million in 2023.  A change in accounting treatment for revaluation of assets and liabilities—especially those in gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and foreign securities—also impacted the year’s financial outcome,” the statement said.

In a notable development, the Bank’s equity position improved by GHC4.02 billion during the year, although it remained in negative territory, closing 2024 at negative GHC61.32 billion.

The publication of the 2024 Financial Statements underscores the Bank of Ghana’s adherence to its statutory obligations and its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. The full Financial Statements are now available on the Bank’s official website.

The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining price and financial stability and fostering an economic environment conducive to business and individual prosperity.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 6, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

President Mahama promises significant drop in Hajj fares next year

President John Mahama is giving hope to thousands of Ghanaian Muslims with a promise of lower Hajj fares next year should the cedi continue its resilience.

This he says, shows his government’s deep commitment to their welfare.

Addressing a gathering during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations at the Black Star Square, the President acknowledged the financial burden many families face when planning the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.

He assured the Muslim community that his administration is actively working with partners to bring the cost down.

The President also announced steps to improve Islamic education in Ghana. He said he has directed the Minister for Education to strengthen the operations of the Islamic Education Unit. This includes expanding the recruitment and training of qualified Arabic instructors across the country.

“On the matter of Hajj, I’m deeply aware of the financial burden it has placed on many Muslim families. This year, despite efforts, the cost remain high, even though we cut it. But I want to assure you that we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts, and if Allah accepts our supplications, and the Cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I’m optimistic that next year we’ll see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare,” he said.

“Indeed if the Muslims who went this year were going at this time, the Hajj fare would be something like 45,000 cedis. Additionally, in response to the long standing appeals from the Muslim community, I wish to announce that we have prepared a bill to designate the additional holiday of Eid al-Fitr as a public holiday,” President Mahama added.

He cAnd this would soon be presented to Parliament. It means that it will be a law, it will no longer be by executive instrument. This new (holiday) recognises the profound spiritual importance of the festival of Eid al-Fitr in Muslim life.”

Source: myjoyonline.com

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Women at Chosen Rehabilitation Centre complete training by Vivo Energy Ghana

A group of women at the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre have successfully completed a two-month intensive bead-making training programme, part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment under its Energising Hope initiative.

The programme was executed in collaboration with Engage Africa, a local NGO dedicated to social reintegration and skills development.

The training, which began following a visit by Vivo Energy Ghana staff on February 14th, aimed to equip women at the centre with marketable skills to support independent living and sustainable livelihoods post-rehabilitation. The training sessions, held throughout March and April, were led by experienced facilitators from Engage Africa.

Speaking at the close-out ceremony in April, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, congratulated the women on their achievements.

“We are proud to stand with you as you complete your journey of learning and growth. This training is not just about craft—it’s about confidence, dignity, and a fresh start,” he said.

Mr. Li emphasized that the initiative reflected the company’s broader mission: “At Vivo Energy Ghana, we believe true empowerment comes from equipping people with the tools and opportunities to unlock their potential.”

Corporate Communications Manager Shirley Tony Kum also commended the graduates, noting: “At Vivo Energy Ghana, true energy lies in the power to inspire hope and change lives. Through the Energising Hope initiative, we have witnessed transformation, determination, and a path to independence. We believe these skills will serve as a launchpad to brighter futures.”

Participants expressed gratitude to Vivo Energy Ghana and Engage Africa for the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Many described the experience as life-changing, as each bead symbolized patience, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

The ceremony, attended by representatives from Vivo Energy Ghana and Engage Africa, featured a moving display of handcrafted beadwork. Attendees praised the women’s resilience and creativity, highlighting their readiness to apply their new skills for personal and economic growth.

The Energising Hope programme is one of several community investment projects spearheaded by Vivo Energy Ghana, reflecting the company’s dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development in the communities it serves.

During the Valentine’s Day visit to Chosen Rehabilitation Centre, the Vivo Energy Ghana team donated essential supplies and bead-making materials, officially launching the initiative with a message of love and support.

Trainees were introduced to various techniques in bead crafting, learning to create jewellery, decorative items, handbags, keyholders, and more. For many participants, this was their first venture into the world of handcrafting, and their progress culminated in a vibrant exhibition showcasing their work.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

April 2025 inflation slows to 21.2%; fifth consecutive decline

Inflation for the month of April 2025 slowed marginally to 21.2 percent from 22.4 percent in March influenced by decline in food and non-food inflation compared to the same period for last year.

However, a month-on-month increase to 0.8 percent, following the 0.2 percent in March, suggest that vigilance was still required to tame inflation.

Speaking at News Conference in Accra, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu noted that this was the fifth consecutive decline since December 2024.

He announced that inflation for locally produced items was 22.7 percent in April from 24.0 percent, while inflation for imported items stood at 17.7 percent from 17.7 percent.

Food inflation stood at 25.0 percent, showing a decline from 26.5 percent the previous month while Non-food inflation also declined to 17.9 percent from 18.7 percent compared to the previous month.

At the regional level, the year-on-year inflation rate ranged from 37.1 percent in the Upper West Region as the highest and 18.3 per cent in the Volta Region as the lowest.

Dr. Iddrisu advised that there was the need to sustain, macro-economic stability and pursue measures to reinforce the downward inflation trend.

“Government must also work hard to sustain social intervention programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), Capitation Grant, School Feeding and other programmes that can protect the real income of the poor,” he said.

He added that government must fast track the implementation of Agriculture for Transformation programme to reduce food inflation.

Source: GNA with excerpts from myjoyonline.com