News
GH₵ 1 Adjustment: There will be no increment in pump prices- Energy Minister
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor has assured Ghanaians of no increment in pump prices in the wake of GH₵ 1 imposition on a litre of fuel.
Parliament yesterday approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, under a certificate of urgency by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to address energy sector shortfalls and debt repayment.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Energy Minister, John Jinapor said, “Mr. Speaker, on this note, and on this auspicious note, let me make it clear that irrespective of the GH₵ 1, we are not going to see an increase in pump prices in the petroleum sector. It is only that an intelligent government can do this.”
He added that “when we are taking pragmatic steps, smart moves and intellectual moves to address the situation, you want to antagonise us, please, retreat because this will not help you.”
He further added that “Mr.Speaker, let me assure you that, unlike the previous administration, which decided to use ESLA proceeds to pay for pension funds, we will use this judiciously for the energy sector, and I tell you we are determined to turn this sector around.”
The government intends to raise additional revenue to address the nation’s crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the bill stated that the energy sector’s total indebtedness stands at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025.
He further explained that a minimum of US$3.7 billion is required to fully clear this debt, with an additional US$1.2 billion needed to procure essential fuel for thermal power generation throughout 2025.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Wrongful conviction: Ataa Ayi’s mechanic freed after serving 23 years in the cooler
Appeals Court has acquitted and discharged Yaw Asante Ageykum, a wrongfully convicted mechanic jailed in 2002 for his alleged association with notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi.
In a judgment today (June 5, 2025), a three-member panel at the Court of Appeal, which had Justice Janapare A. Bartels-Kodwo, as its President, held that Agyekum, who was convicted 23 years ago, could not be linked to the many robberies carried out by Ataa Ayi.
The court was of the opinion that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant conviction and sentence of Yaw Asante.
Against this backdrop, the court acquitted and discharged him after eight years of legal battle through his counsel, George Bernard Shaw.
Speaking to the media after he had his freedom, Yaw Asante said, he felt happy and said the court was fair.
Unfortunately, Yaw Asante had already served 23 years of the 35-year sentence handed him by the High Court which sentenced Ataa Ayi to 70 years and 20 years in separate cases of armed robberies.
The three-member panel were Justices Janapare A. Bartels-Kodwo, Aboagye Tandoh, and Stephen Oppong.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Ghana Congratulates Namibia on 35th Independence Anniversary
The High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Accra hosted a celebration to mark the country’s 35th Independence Anniversary.
The event was attended by government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, and members of the Namibian community residing in Ghana.
Ghana’s Government representative, Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka delivered a heartfelt speech, congratulating Namibia on its remarkable journey to independence and commended its commitment to democratic principles, peace, and stability.
Mohammed-Mubarak highlighted the bond between Ghana and Namibia, forged in solidarity during Namibia’s struggle for self-determination.
He emphasized the need for unwavering solidarity among African nations and with people around the world seeking justice, peace, and dignity.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships in areas such as education, healthcare, trade, tourism, security, and energy.
The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of African unity, self-determination, and sustainable development.
The Minister and the outgoing High Commissioner of Namibia, H.E. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi toasted to the continued good health, wisdom, and visionary leadership of both countries’ presidents, the bond of friendship between Ghana and Namibia, and the realization of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
The celebration marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Ghana and Namibia, with both countries poised to explore broader avenues of cooperation in strategic sectors.
