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.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
