Author: johnmahama

The writerIn Ghana, the hum of economic activity is often accompanied by the vibrant pulse of community life. From the bustling markets of Accra to the serene villages nestled in the Central Region, it is clear that businesses and society are closely connected. For many years, the success of businesses has been measured mainly by how much profit they make. But now, more companies are beginning to understand that their role goes beyond making money for their owners.Today, a more holistic approach is gaining traction, one that recognises the profound responsibility businesses have beyond their shareholders: Environmental, Social, and Governance…

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah has revealed a long-hidden struggle from his childhood—how he nearly missed out on a place at Pope John Senior High School due to what he described as an “admission conspiracy.” Speaking at the school’s 67th Anniversary and Speech & Prize Giving Day on Saturday, Dr. Boamah said his mother fought tirelessly to reverse what appeared to be a plot to swap his place at POJOSS with another applicant. “Someone tried to take my place. My mother went back and forth between POJOSS and SECTECH three times…

The long-anticipated cross-border electricity trade between Nepal and Bangladesh has now commenced with the formal launch of 38 megawatts (MW) of hydropower exports routed through India. This marks a watershed moment in South Asia’s evolving regional energy cooperation, grounded in clean energy diplomacy, mutual infrastructure use, and strategic necessity.The formal supply of electricity began at noon on 15 June 2025, with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) transmitting hydropower to Bangladesh via Indian power corridors managed by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN). As agreed, the energy will cost Bangladesh approximately 6.4 US cents per unit (roughly Tk7 per kilowatt-hour), which…

OmniBSIC Bank, one of Ghana’s fastest-growing financial services providers, has officially relocated its Osu branch to a more spacious and customer-friendly premises, effective Monday, June 2, 2025. The new location is situated directly opposite SAS Jewellery on Osu Oxford Street (GPS: GR-035-6369), marking a significant step in the Bank’s commitment to improving service delivery and client experience. Previously located in the same vicinity, the move forms part of OmniBSIC Bank’s broader strategy to modernise its operations and enhance convenience for its customers. The new branch, housed in a one-story building, features a larger seating area designed to accommodate more clients…

The Child Marriage Unit of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with UNFPA Ghana and UNICEF Ghana, has held a one-day meeting to review and finalize the National Operational Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan for Ending Child Marriage (2025–2026).The objective of the meeting was to review and confirm baseline data and targets for 2023–2024 with institutional representatives; present proposed targets for 2025–2026 to stakeholders for validation; and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders and partners.Speaking on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry, the Head of the Child Marriage Unit, Madam Safia Tamimu, said the updated…

Ken Ofori-Atta is a former Minister of Finance Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has successfully undergone prostate cancer surgery in the United States, his wife, Professor Angela Ofori-Atta, has confirmed in a statement.The operation, which involved a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, was performed on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The procedure is said to have lasted over four hours.“The doctors are pleased with how the procedure went and will now place him on a postoperative regime,” Professor Angela Ofori-Atta stated.She added that, despite the emotional strain, her husband is coping well and…

Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, has strongly defended the government’s conduct during the recent strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), asserting that the administration has consistently demonstrated respect for healthcare professionals and has never adopted a disrespectful stance towards them. Prof. Khalid made these remarks during a discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 14. Addressing public perceptions and criticisms, especially from the Minority in Parliament, Prof. Khalid stated unequivocally, “There has not been any official government position insulting nurses or health workers. That’s correct.” He acknowledged that in the heat…

In 2015, Ghana’s Parliament enacted the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), Act 899, a legislative measure designed to address the nation’s escalating energy sector debts and ensure a stable power supply. This Act introduced a series of levies on petroleum and power consumption, including the Energy Debt Recovery Levy (GH¢0.41/liter), Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy (GH¢0.12/liter for petrol, GH¢0.10/liter for diesel), Energy Fund Levy (GH¢0.01/liter), and Road Fund Levy (GH¢0.40/liter) for the petroleum sector, as well as the Public Lighting Levy (5% per kilowatt-hour) and National Electrification Scheme Levy (5% per kilowatt-hour) for the power sector. These levies formed the…

First National Bank Ghana Ltd. has announced that its shareholder, FirstRand Group, has injected an additional US$35 million into the bank, further reinforcing the bank’s financial position and its long-term commitment to Ghana’s economic development. This additional capital injection, which is undergoing regulatory approval and registration processes, comes on the back of a strong quarter one 2025 performance where the bank posted a net profit before tax of GH¢30.68 million, more than double its earnings for the same period last year and holds a healthy 20.88% Capital Adequacy Ratio, well above the regulatory requirement. The US$35 million will complement the…

Professor Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, says her husband is going through one of the most difficult moments of his life.According to her, the former minister, known for his resilience, is having a tough time following an Interpol red notice issued just days before undergoing prostate cancer surgery.In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, Prof. Mrs. Ofori-Atta disclosed that the surgery was successful and expressed gratitude for the support they have received.“Kenneth has always been resilient. But this has been very difficult, with the OSP choosing the period just before his surgery to declare…