News
Committee On Trade engages key stakeholders on impact of cedi appreciation

The Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism has engaged key stakeholders within its purview to discuss the impact of the appreciation of the cedi on the prices of goods and services in the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze noted that, the cedi’s relationship with the dollar affects most indicators for determining the prices of goods and services in the country since most of the raw materials used by local businesses are imported.
“Even though we have oil, the fuel sold by the Oil Marketing Companies in the downstream are mainly imported, as a result, changes in the exchange rates affect these items” he stated.

Commenting on issues at the port, the Chairman indicated that, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has accused shipping lines and agents of charging unauthorized fees, including container administrative fees, processing fees, evacuation fees, container washing fees, and demurrage charges applied on weekends and public holidays.
“As a committee, our mandate is to enquire into matters affecting trade and industry towards easing the cost of doing business in Ghana and making Ghana an investment hub,” he added.
In his presentation to the Committee, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) Mr. Joseph Obeng noted that, prices on certain items on the market have been reduced.
He however pleaded with the government through the Committee to ensure the stability in the exchange rate for consumers to continually enjoy reduction in prices.
The Committee also interreacted with representatives from the Association of Ghana Industries, Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders and Shipowners and Agents Association of Ghana.
The Committee is expected to meet the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism before presenting its report on the floor of the House.
News
Government approves 32 road projects under big push programme

The Ministry of Finance has issued commitment authorizations for 32 road infrastructure projects across the country under the Big Push Programme.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review presented to Parliament on Thursday July 24 2025 by the Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Big Push Programme is a blueprint of President John Mahama’s infrastructural development agenda aimed at transforming the country through large scale investments in roads and other critical sectors.
The latest approved road projects are expected to improve transportation, open up communities, boost economic activities and create jobs.
The projects include the construction of a new bridge on the Oti River at Dambai; dualization of the Winneba Mankessim and Cape Coast Takoradi roads; rehabilitation of the Wa Han, Techiman Wenchi, Tema Aflao and Ho Kpetoe roads; upgrading of the Tumu Hamile, Akosombo Gyakiti and Oyibi Afienya roads; and construction of the Kumasi and Sunyani Outer Ring Roads among others.

By Jacob Aggrey
News
Govt to introduce new road maintenance trust fund to cater for better roads

The government is set to introduce a new Road Maintenance Trust Fund aimed at improving how roads are maintained across the country.
This was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
According to him, the new trust fund will replace the current Ghana Road Fund, as part of efforts to reorganize and refocus government’s approach to road maintenance.
Dr. Forson stated that the Minister for Roads and Highways will soon lay the road maintenance trust fund bill before Parliament for approval.
“The Road Maintenance Trust Fund will come with a new governance structure, a fairer formula for allocating funds, and greater transparency in how the road fund levy and other resources are used,” he explained.
He added that the government has identified 166 constituencies that are in dire need of road infrastructure.
To address this,he noted that the plan was to rehabilitate 10 kilometres of roads every year in each of these constituencies.
“This means about 5,000 kilometres of roads will be reconstructed over the next three years,” Dr. Forson said.
He underscored the importance of the initiative saying, it will improve road conditions, enhance transportation, and benefit both commuters and businesses across the country.
By Jacob Aggrey