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NPP turns down PURC invitation over proposed tariff hikes

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declined an invitation from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to participate in a public hearing on proposals to increase electricity and water tariffs for the 2025–2029 period.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party explained that there was no justification for any discussion on tariff increases at a time when Ghanaians were already struggling with a high cost of living.

The NPP noted that the recent introduction of new taxes, including the energy sector levy, popularly called the “Dumsor Levy,” had worsened the economic burden on citizens.

It argued that the levy, which generates more than GH¢575 million monthly and over GH¢5.7 billion annually, should be used to support the operations of utility companies instead of imposing higher tariffs.

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The party also dismissed claims that the proposed increment was part of conditions under Ghana’s current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

It explained that the IMF programme would end in 2026, while the proposed tariff adjustments are expected to take effect from 2026 to 2029.

According to the NPP, the move to raise tariffs shows poor management of the regulated utility companies by the government.

The party described the situation as unacceptable and vowed to use all legitimate means to oppose any attempt to impose further financial burdens on Ghanaians.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Capacity building is essential to healthcare regulations in Ghana- Dr Daniel Asamoah

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A Health Inspector and a Public Health specialist at Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) says it is prudent for healthcare regulators to build their capacity to have the needed skills and knowledge to ensure health facilities acquire the required materials, tools and equipment to carry out their duty of offering the utmost care for the public.

According to him, such capacity building will upgrade their academic qualifications, right training in the skills and knowledge needed.

He made these revelations when speaking to Ghanaian Times after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from the Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management(LIUTEBM) in Lusaka, Zambia.

His dissertation was titled, “Healthcare Facilities Regulations in Ghana: Compliance and Challenges.”

“I have vast expertise and innovative approach to addressing key issues in Ghana’s health sector and my research is expected to contribute significantly to regulate healthcare and regulations including public health policy in Ghana and beyond,” he told the Ghanaian Times .

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Work at HeFRA

Despite being a gospel artiste known in the Showbiz circles as ‘The Singing Prophet’ , Dr Asamoah has built a reputation as a respected professional in health regulations, healthcare facility establishment in the country and developed standard operating procedures for monitoring unit in HeFRA and other healthcare facilities.

“At HeFRA ,I created a database for all health facilities for the agency, reviewed all old files under the private hospitals and maternity home board and migrated them onto HeFRA while also developing the first version of the inspection and monitoring visit forms for the agency,” he said.

Way Forward
Dr Asamoah noted that he remains a strong force in health regulations and will continue to contribute and seek the best healthcare facilities for the country and beyond.

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Other awardees
Eleven other Ghanaians also received their PhDs at the event .

They are Dr Jennifer Andoh, Dr Mabel Afi Togbe, Dr Catherine Armah, Dr Gifty Dede Mateko Angmor , St Augustina Ampah and Dr Hafez Adam Taher ,PhD in Public Health.

In Accounting and Finance, Dr Felix Ahima-Adonteng bagged the enviable title, while Dr Raphael John Marfo was awarded PhD. in Management.

Dr Isaac Setordzi and Joseph Okine also received their PhDs in International Business and Project Management, respectively.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Kennedy Agyapong responds to critics over silence on NDC Government

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Flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has responded to critics who claim he has refused to criticize the NDC government and President Mahama because of his alleged alignment with them.

In an interview with spear FM, he explained that the government is still young, making it difficult to assess or criticize its performance at this stage.

He dismissed claims that the government owes him money and that this was the reason for his silence, describing such allegations as false.

Mr. Agyapong stated that some of his critics only miss his personality.

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He emphasised that his current focus is on the party’s primaries.

According to him, he has chosen to exercise restraint in his public comments because the same people who once praised him for criticising and attacking the NDC later branded him negatively.

He added that he is now more cautious about how he expresses himself in public.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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