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Kwame Jantuah backs Mahama’s move to address fuel prices
A member of the Convention People’s Party, Kwame Jantuah, has welcomed plans by John Dramani Mahama to hold an emergency cabinet meeting on rising fuel prices.
Speaking in an interview on GHone TV on Tuesday, he noted that the decision by the President shows that he understands the challenges Ghanaians are facing.
He explained that the move to convene a cabinet meeting is a sign that the government is paying attention to the impact of fuel price increases on citizens.
According to him, government must not focus only on removing specific charges, such as the one cedi levy, but rather look at the entire structure of petroleum pricing.
He stressed that even if a single charge is removed, fuel prices could still remain high, making it necessary for a broader approach.
He pointed out that there may be room to adjust some petroleum charges, but emphasised that a long term strategy is needed to stabilise prices.
He urged government to take advantage of Ghana’s status as an oil producing country to reduce dependence on imported refined fuel.
He called for the expansion of the Tema Oil Refinery to increase local refining capacity.
He suggested that part of Ghana’s crude oil could be refined locally and stored as strategic reserves to help cushion the country during periods of high global prices.
He added that increasing strategic fuel reserves beyond the current levels would help the country respond better to future shocks.
He further noted that government could use excess revenue from higher global crude oil prices to cushion consumers.
According to him, with crude oil prices currently above the benchmark used in the national budget, there is an opportunity to provide some relief.
He raised concerns about capital flight, explaining that importing refined fuel leads to the outflow of foreign exchange.
He proposed that refining more fuel locally would help reduce this and strengthen the economy.
According to him, while the President’s decision to review the situation is a positive step, the outcome of the cabinet meeting will determine whether it brings real relief to Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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.
