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Check inefficiencies in tax system – Prof. Bokpin
A Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin, has advised government to check inefficiencies in the country’s tax system as it mobilises more revenue for development.
He said leakages in the system exceeded total revenue accrued to government but there could be more earnings when the loopholes were plugged.
Speaking on the sidelines of a SEND Ghana multi-stakeholder forum last Wednesday in Accra, Prof. Bokpin urged the government to focus on collecting more direct taxes instead of introducing indirect taxes that burdened the poor.
He noted there was “considerable room to collect more taxes without burdening the faithful few and without introducing fresh taxes” such as the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy).
He again called on the government to reconsider various tax exemptions granted foreign entities to the detriment of local businesses.
The forum on the “Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index Report” was to discuss the state of inequality in Ghana and propose measures to address existing challenges.
The CRI report put together by Oxfam International, recommends that all governments “adopt strong anti-inequality policies on public services, tax and labour rights, to radically reduce the gap between rich and poor.”
The Economist, in a presentation, asserted that inequality in the country was at “crisis level” and affecting the ability of government to improve the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
He said that the worsening inequality gap was a security threat and steps must be taken to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
“The fact that a few Ghanaians are well to do but majority of Ghanaians go to bed not knowing where their next meal will come from makes it unsafe for all of us. Until every Ghanaian is okay, no Ghanaian is okay,” he said.
He noted society could become conducive for everyone if government checked public sector spending while improving the education, health and social protection sectors.
Citing connivance between tax officials and tax payers as contributing to revenue losses in the country, he further observed that government social intervention initiatives were one of many channels through which corruption was perpetuated.
He insisted that the growing poverty in the country is “fueling anxiety and causing people to cut corners,” hence the need for government to create equal and conducive environment for all.
Dr. George Domfe, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana also stressed the need to improve upon existing economic structures as interest payment on loans procured by government continued to impact the economy negatively.
He said the regressive nature of the country’s tax system must be addressed as the government focused on production instead of consumption to help attain the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda.’
By Ernest Nutsugah
Entertainment
Breaking News: Daddy Lumba is dead – Family announces
Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has died.
His family confirmed the sad news in a press release issued on Saturday, saying the 60-year-old passed away earlier in the day after a short illness.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep grief that the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon,” the statement read.
Daddy Lumba was one of Ghana’s most celebrated highlife musicians. With a career spanning more than three decades, his songs touched millions, telling stories of love, pain, joy, and hope.
He was known for his powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and unique style that made him a household name across the country and beyond.
“His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the family said.
The family has asked for privacy as they mourn their loss and promised to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
The statement was signed by Fati Ali Yallah, a lawyer from Baba Jamal & Associates, on behalf of the Fosu family.
Fans, fellow musicians, and Ghanaians across the country have started pouring out tributes on social media, remembering Daddy Lumba’s unmatched contribution to Ghanaian music.
Entertainment
Edem’s debut album gets praise from Sarkodie
Ghanaian rap star Sarkodie has celebrated fellow artiste Edem for his groundbreaking debut album “The Volta Regime”, calling it one of the greatest albums in Ghana’s music history.
In a heartfelt social media post, Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, reflected on the first time he heard Edem rap.
He said he was instantly impressed and knew Edem would have a serious impact on the music scene.
“I remember when I first encountered my brother Edem, I came back home to tell one of my hommies that this guy will have a serious impact on the music scene,”
“He was like naa because of the language barrier. I said I don’t hear language, I hear greatness. Big up my brother, you are still on my favourite emcee list.” Sarkodie wrote.
Edem, born Denning Edem Hotor, released The Volta Regime in 2009. The album boldly embraced the Ewe language and featured collaborations with top Ghanaian artists including Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena, and Jeremie Van-Garshong.
Despite initial doubts about how well Ewe rap would perform commercially, the album proved to be a major success and introduced a new wave of local-language hip-hop.
Songs like Bra Fre Me, Nyorvuviade, and the powerful Intro helped establish Edem’s lyrical prowess and cemented his place as a unique voice in the Ghanaian music industry.
At a time when the local scene was dominated by Twi and Ga-speaking rappers, Edem’s success broke barriers and made it clear that talent speaks louder than language.
His impact opened doors for more linguistic diversity in hiplife and hip-hop music across the country.
Sarkodie’s tribute is especially meaningful because both artists emerged around the same period. Sarkodie’s own debut album Makye also dropped in 2009, and the two have long shown mutual respect for each other’s craft.
Today, over 15 years after its release, The Volta Regime continues to inspire fans and artists alike. It remains a symbol of bold originality and cultural pride.
Edem has since released several projects and remains an active voice in Ghanaian music and youth advocacy. His legacy is a reminder that true greatness is not limited by language.
