Author: johnmahama

Ghana’s Finance Ministry has revealed that the country lost GHȼ4.6 billion to tax expenditures in 2023—a 4.2% drop from the GHȼ4.8 billion recorded in 2022. While the decline suggests a modest improvement, the scale of these exemptions—particularly import waivers—continues to raise concerns about Ghana’s fiscal health and revenue mobilization efforts. Where Did the Money Go? Tax expenditures refer to revenues forgone due to preferential tax treatments. In Ghana, these typically include exemptions on domestic taxes and import duties. In 2023, import exemptions dominated, accounting for GHȼ3.5 billion—or 77% of the total. Domestic indirect tax exemptions amounted to GHȼ809 million, while…

The Greek philosopher Socrates was accused, tried, and found guilty of “corrupting the minds” of young people and sentenced to death. Despite having the opportunity to escape, he refused and instead chose to face his fate. His reasoning to his friends and pupils was profound: he had lived under the laws of Athens his entire life, benefiting from the structures they provided. These laws, he noted, had afforded him and his parents the freedoms they had enjoyed. For Socrates, obedience to the law was not based on convenience. It was a duty owed in exchange for the benefits of citizenship.…

The High Court in Accra has imposed a GH₵3,000 cost on National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, for failing to include a key witness in a defamation case brought against him by former Auditor-General, Prof. Edward Dua Agyeman.Prof. Dua Agyeman sued Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, in 2018, seeking GH₵20 million in damages for alleged defamatory statements. The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, granted Asiedu Nketia’s request to amend his pre-trial checklist to include the omitted witness but imposed the fine due to the oversight.Motion to Amend Witness ListOn February 19, 2025, counsel for…

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagbah, has publicly disclosed a directive from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to appointees of government, urging them to comply with it.According to him, the former president has directed all appointees to make themselves available for accountability to the ruling government and to assist with any investigations that may arise.Ahiagbah reiterated Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ensuring that appointees account for their actions and records while upholding the law, emphasising that all appointees are expected to meet the highest standards. He assured that the appointees…

Minority in Parliament has initiated an appeal against a ruling by the High Court against Akwatia MP who is a member of the Minority Caucus. The High Court in Koforidua on February 19 issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Akwatia Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, after convicting him of contempt of court. The ruling stems from Yaw Kumi’s decision to continue holding himself out as an MP despite an interim injunction barring him from being sworn into office. The court had earlier directed him to refrain from assuming the parliamentary role until a legal dispute was resolved,…

Enoch Godongwana has suffered a major blow after the coalition deadlocked over his budget South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has been forced to postpone the unveiling of the national budget following sharp disagreements within the coalition government. Coalition partners derailed his budget after opposing his plan to raise value-added-tax (VAT), which would have seen the prices of goods go up at a time when South Africans are hard-hit by the cost-of-living crisis. Godongwana is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), which was forced to enter into a coalition after losing its parliamentary majority in elections last year.…

for the economic challenges Ghana has faced under the Akufo-Addo NPP administration. Let’s break this down into two parts:Historical Background and Overview of Campaign PromisesBefore the 2016 elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Nana Akufo-Addo campaigned on several key promises aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy. These promises included:- One District, One Factory: Aimed at boosting industrialization and creating jobs.- One Village, One Dam: Intended to improve agricultural productivity.- Free Senior High School (SHS): To provide free secondary education.- Reduction in electricity tariffs: To make power more affordable.- One Constituency, One Million Dollars: To support development projects.- Transition from taxation to production:…

The Mohinani Group, owners of Polytanks Ghana Limited, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, over what it describes as the unlawful occupation of its leased premises by armed police officers despite a valid court order suspending an earlier execution. In a formal petition addressed to the IGP, the company expressed grave concern over the refusal of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command to enforce a ruling by the Commercial Division of the Accra High Court. The ruling, granted on January 31, 2025, ordered the suspension of the execution of a Certificate of Possession issued…

Sekondi-Takoradi is known for many things, its bustling ports, deep musical roots, and rich cultural heritage. But beyond these, the city once had a thriving boxing culture that placed it among Ghana’s sporting powerhouses. During its golden years, the twin city was home to a vibrant boxing scene, where packed arenas, dedicated gyms, and passionate fans made the sport more than just entertainment, it was a way of life. From local bouts to national championships, boxing provided young talents with an avenue to rise from humble beginnings to national and even international stardom. Some of Ghana’s finest fighters emerged from…

In today’s unpredictable business environment, crises can emerge from economic downturns, regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, or even reputational challenges. How a CEO responds to a crisis can determine whether the company survives, thrives, or collapses. Strong crisis management is essential for maintaining stability, protecting stakeholders, and positioning the business for long-term success. Key Strategies for Effective Crisis Management. 1. Develop a Crisis Preparedness Plan:• Identify potential risks and create response strategies for different crisis scenarios.• Establish a crisis management team responsible for handling emergencies. 2. Communicate Transparently & Quickly:• Be proactive in addressing stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and the public.•…