*Cedi Appreciation; GUTA laments over banks inability to adjust their interest rates* The Ghana Union of Traders Associations(GUTA) have lamented over banks inability to adjust their interest rate despite policy rate coming down which is not good for businesses. The Association had told called on parliament committee on Trade,Industry and Tourism during a key stakeholders engagement to discuss the impact of the Cedi appreciation and the consistent price inflation despite the Cedi appreciation. According to GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, most businesses sort sourcing for some facilities from the bank and even though policy rate is coming down, banks are not adjusting their interest rates, with interest rate presently hovering about 35, 36% thereabouts which doesn't alter well for businesses. Again, he told the committee that another factor that also contribute to high cost of business is the high rate of Shipping lines fees,which Ghanaians are paying 4% different from Togo,Nige

*Majority Slams Minority's Claims on Energy Sector Amendment Bill as "False and Misleading"* Majority select committee on Energy has responded to the Minority's criticism of the Energy Sector Amendment Bill, 2025, calling their claims "false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to politicize a responsible policy decision." The Bill aims to raise additional revenue to support the power sector, which is facing severe financial strain. *The Reality of the Power Sector's Financial Strain* According to the chairman, Mr Emmanuel Bedzrah, the energy sector debt related to power generation stood at USD 3.1 billion as of December 2024, with over USD 1.7 billion owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The power sector is running a monthly deficit of GHC 2 billion. The government attributes this financial strain to the mismanagement of the sector by the previous government. To address the financial strain, the government has proposed a modest GHC 1 levy on every liter of refined petrole

- *"'DO NOT FEAR': SPEAKER BAGBIN 'S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BECE CANDIDATES"* The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will commerce tomorrow Wednesday, 11th June 2025 and about 6,328 candidates across Ghana is expected to write the exams. As there is a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, and anticipation Among candidates, a message from the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, seeks to bring a sense of calm and reassurance. The Speaker's words, infused with wisdom and faith, reminded the candidates that their hard work and dedication would be the foundation for their success. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God," the Speaker quoted from Isaiah 41:10, urging the candidates to trust in their abilities and the guidance of a higher power. With a deep understanding of the significance of this moment, the Speaker acknowledged the candidates' relentless pursuit of academic excellence. He encouraged t

MINORITY CONDEMNS ENERGY SECTOR LEVY AS BETRAYAL OF TRUST The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Ranking Member for Energy, Hon. George Aboagye, has sharply criticized the government’s introduction of a new energy sector levy, describing it as a betrayal of public trust. Addressing the media in Accra, the Caucus accused the government of reneging on its campaign promise not to impose new taxes to address inefficiencies in the energy sector. The newly introduced levy, which amounts to 1 cedi per litre or an 8% increase on petroleum products, is seen by the Minority as an additional burden on already struggling citizens. Hon. Aboagye described the move as hypocritical and politically deceptive, claiming the government misled Ghanaians by campaigning against such taxes and later reversing its position after securing power. The Caucus warned that this action undermines public confidence and highlights a troubling pattern of broken promises. The Minority also raised red flags over con

*"Minority Caucus Petitions IGP: Demand Security for EC to Declare Ablekuma North Results"* The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has petitioned the Inspector General of Police to provide security for the Electoral Commission to collate and declare the parliamentary results for Ablekuma North Constituency. The results have been pending since December 2024, denying the constituents their right to representation in Parliament. The Minority accused the police of failing to provide adequate security despite a High Court order, leading to a constitutional crisis. According to the Minority, the Electoral Commission is ready to proceed with the collation process but lacks the necessary security guarantees. The Inspector General of Police has urged the EC to outline a clear roadmap to resolve the stalemate, warning that continued delays threaten public confidence in Ghana's democratic institutions. The Nsawam Adoakyir member of parliament Mr Frank Annor Dompreh addressing the media s

*"Interior Minister Clarifies Joint Operation at Former BoG Governor's Residence"* The Interior Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has provided clarification to Parliament on a joint operation conducted at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, on March 19, 2025. According to the Minister, a joint team from the National Security Secretariat and law enforcement agencies carried out an intelligence-driven search operation. The Minister also assured that the operation was conducted with strict adherence to due process and in full compliance with applicable laws. The Minister's response comes after an inquiry by Afenyo Markin, seeking to brief Parliament on the purpose of the operation. The incident highlights the commitment of the National Security Secretariat and law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability. Report by PKB

*Ghana Prison Service Making Progress in Rehabilitation* The Interior Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has informed Parliament that the Ghana Prison Service is making strides in ensuring the safety, security, and rehabilitation of prisoners in custody. According to him, the Prison Service is enhancing the capacity of its staff to effectively manage and rehabilitate inmates. Also the Service is working with relevant stakeholders to improve rehabilitation programs and healthcare services for inmates. He added that inmates are being provided with skills and education to prepare them for reintegration into society. The Asawase member of Parliament said the Ghana Prison Service is guided by a vision of building a world-class service that prioritizes public safety through excellence in corrections management. While progress has been made, the Minister acknowledges that there is still room for improvement to bring the service in line with international best practices. Repor

*Government Transfers GH₵987.97 Million to District Assemblies Common Fund* The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government has transferred GH₵987,965,073 from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as the first quarter allocation for 2025. This move he said aims to support local development and deepen decentralization. During the presentation of Statutory Funds payment in Parliament, he stated that the transferred amount is part of the GH₵7.51 billion allocated for DACF in the 2025 budget, with a minimum of 80% of the funds going directly to District Assemblies to spur economic growth and deepen decentralization. According to him the government is committed to ensuring strict adherence to utilization guidelines, with specific allocations for projects like Market Construction, Construction of Health Facilities, Supporting educational development and infrastructure and Improving access to clean water and sanitation

*Government Transfers GH₵987.97 Million to District Assemblies Common Fund* The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government has transferred GH₵987,965,073 from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as the first quarter allocation for 2025. This move he said aims to support local development and deepen decentralization. During the presentation of Statutory Funds payment in Parliament, he stated that the transferred amount is part of the GH₵7.51 billion allocated for DACF in the 2025 budget, with a minimum of 80% of the funds going directly to District Assemblies to spur economic growth and deepen decentralization. According to him the government is committed to ensuring strict adherence to utilization guidelines, with specific allocations for projects like Market Construction, Construction of Health Facilities, Supporting educational development and infrastructure and Improving access to clean water and sanitation

Parliamentary Committee Ramps Up Efforts on Sanitation The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources Mr John Oti Bless who also doubles as member of parliament for Nkwanta North has reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to addressing sanitation challenges across Ghana. This comes after monitoring visits to several Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to assess sanitation efforts. In a meeting with the Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association, key concerns were raised, including calls to reinstate uniforms for officers to enhance their visibility and authority, and to enforce sanitation bylaws more effectively. The Chairperson also urged the media to support sanitation campaigns and announced upcoming public hearings to engage MMDAs and service providers. Emphasizing collaboration, the Chairperson noted that collective action is vital in the fight against poor sanitation.

MINORITY CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER OVER CLOSURE OF EMBASSY The minority caucus in parliament is calling for immediate resignation of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa over the closure of Ghana's embassy in Washington. Giving her welcome remarks on the floor of parliament, the deputy Minority leader Mrs Patricia Appiagyei said the decision by the Ministry is deeply regrettable. " The embassy in Washington DC is not a district office of a private company. It is a sovereign outpost of the Republic of Ghana" she lamented. According to her, the embassy represents the face of Ghana and to shutter it abruptly because of a single staff member caught engaging in criminal and corrupt behavior is unacceptable. She explained that criminal behavior and conduct could be prosecuted without disrupting diplomatic operations. However, the ranking member for the Foreign Affairs committee, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor has expressed strong reservation over

*"Ghana's Economic Revival: Majority Leader Attributes Success to Mahama's Governance"* The Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon Mahama Ayariga has stated that the current Ghana's Economic Performance must be attributed to President Mahama's visionary governance, highlighting achievements and renewed optimism in Ghana with key points which includes Restoration of faith in our Democratic Institutions Delivering his welcome address in Parliament, he said Mahama's governance has revitalized trust in democratic institutions and national spirit. According to the Bawku Central member of Parliament, Various sectors, including market women, educators, farmers, students, and the business community, have shown renewed vigor and confidence. To him Ghana is now seen as a model of democratic renewal and economic resurgence, both domestically and internationally. The country's economic recovery has garnered continental admiration, positioning Ghana as a leader among nations. He also highligh