Metascholar News Portal
- Economy , Local News
- May 20, 2025
- 2514 views
- 3 minutes Read
Passengers to Enjoy 15% Reduction in Transport Fares from May 24
Ghanaians can expect some relief in commuting costs as transport fares across the country are set to be reduced by 15%, starting Saturday, May 24, 2025. This decision follows successful negotiations between transport unions and the Ministry of Transport, amid favorable economic indicators that have prompted the need to review fare rates downward. The fare reduction, announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), comes as part of efforts to align transport costs with current macroeconomic trends. One of the key contributing factors to this decision is the sustained appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar over recent months. This currency strength has led to a notable decline in the cost of fuel imports, subsequently bringing down fuel prices at the pumps nationwide. In addition to fuel price reductions, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association recently issued a directive to its members, urging them to reduce the prices of vehicle parts and accessories in response to the strengthening local currency. Although the reductions in spare parts and lubricant prices have not yet fully materialized, the overall economic outlook has prompted stakeholders in the transport sector to initiate cost relief measures for commuters. Confirming the development in an interview with Citi News, Mr. Abass Imoro, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, emphasized that the fare reduction is a proactive and responsible step aimed at supporting the public during a time of economic recovery. “We have finally agreed to reduce lorry fares by 15%, but it will take effect from Saturday. Although spare parts sellers have promised to reduce some of their prices, that has not taken effect yet, and none of the lubricants which went up has been reduced currently, but we decided to peg the reduction at 15%,” he explained. Mr. Imoro noted that the decision also reflects the union’s commitment to collaborating with government and economic stakeholders to stabilize the cost of living. He added that while transport operators continue to face challenges such as high vehicle maintenance costs and spare part inflation, the broader responsibility to offer fair and affordable services to the commuting public remains a top priority. The Ministry of Transport has welcomed the fare reduction as a sign of constructive dialogue between government and industry players. Officials also indicated that ongoing engagements would ensure that any further economic improvements will be reflected in transport costs. As the new fare structure takes effect this weekend, both public and private transport…
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Victor Amos
- Africa , Economy , Health , Live Reporting , Local News
- May 19, 2025
- 4369 views
- 1 minute Read
Ghana’s Mpox Cases Double to Four as New Infections Emerge in Accra and Western Region
Ghana has confirmed two new Mpox cases, bringing the nation’s total infections to four. The latest cases were detected in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, with no known links to previous infections – suggesting potential community spread of the viral disease. In a May 18 statement, Ghana Health Service (GHS) Director-General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea outlined containment measures, including: Health officials urge citizens to:✔ Wash hands frequently with soap✔ Avoid contact with symptomatic persons✔ Report suspected cases immediately Mpox spreads through contact with infected humans, animals, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, distinctive rashes, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection and isolation remain crucial to controlling outbreaks. The GHS and Health Ministry have called on media outlets to help educate the public about prevention. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging past outbreak experience to safeguard public health nationwide.
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- Africa , Economy , Local News , News
- May 19, 2025
- 4022 views
- 2 minutes Read
“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”
Three people have died after heavy rains triggered severe flooding in parts of Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025, according to Adentan Municipal Chief Executive Ella Esiman Nongo. The prolonged downpour, which lasted over three hours, submerged neighborhoods including East Legon, Ofankor Barrier, Adentan, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, causing significant damage. Nongo confirmed that the floods claimed three lives – two victims in Lakeside, including a four-year-old girl in Nanakrom, and a man near New Legon. Many residents were stranded in their homes as water levels rose rapidly. The MCE blamed illegal construction on waterways for worsening the flooding, warning that unauthorized structures would be demolished. “Dredging alone isn’t enough,” Nongo told Citi FM. “Many developers build without proper permits, sometimes dealing with individuals instead of following official channels. Often, our planning officers aren’t even aware of these illegal constructions until it’s too late.” The incident highlights Accra’s recurring flood crisis, which surfaces annually during the rainy season, damaging infrastructure and displacing residents. Despite temporary measures by authorities, fundamental issues like poor urban planning, weak enforcement of building regulations, and inadequate drainage systems remain unresolved. Experts continue to call for comprehensive flood prevention strategies, including stricter development controls and improved drainage infrastructure, to prevent future tragedies.
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- Africa , Local News , Tech
- May 19, 2025
- 3499 views
- 3 minutes Read
Telecom Chamber Calls for Legislation to Enable Prosecution of Fibre Optic Cable Vandals
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has forged a strategic partnership with the Office of the Attorney General to combat the growing menace of fibre optic cable damage, which is inflicting heavy financial and operational losses on telecom operators. This collaboration seeks to secure a legal fiat that would empower the Chamber to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and construction firms whose actions result in cable cuts. Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Chamber disclosed that more than 5,600 cases of fibre cuts were recorded in 2024, leading to estimated losses of GH¢138 million for the industry. Each incident costs approximately US$23,000 to repair, aside from the reputational damage and service disruptions experienced by consumers across the country. Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, attributed the majority of these damages to the activities of road and drainage contractors, private developers, and cable thieves. “While some of the damage is accidental caused by construction and development works others stem from criminal attempts to steal what they mistakenly believe to be copper cables, only to discover they are fibre optics made of glass. But by then, the harm is already done,” Dr. Ashigbey explained. He further identified other risk factors, including overloaded vehicles damaging aerial fibre lines and illegal mining activities, which often affect underground cable installations in mining-prone communities. In response to these persistent threats, the Chamber has been engaging the Attorney General’s Department to secure a fiat similar to the one granted to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) that would permit the Chamber to prosecute offenders directly. Dr. Ashigbey noted that while the previous Attorney General had agreed to assign state attorneys for this purpose, the Chamber has since renewed discussions with the current administration to maintain momentum. “We are training selected attorneys to handle these prosecutions effectively. The goal is to ensure offenders are held accountable and deter further incidents,” he added. Meanwhile, in a related development, the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry has also entered the conversation, calling for better coordination between telecom operators and construction firms. Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Chamber, Emmanuel Cherry, acknowledged the frustrations of contractors who often face delays when attempting to collaborate with utility providers. “Contractors operate under strict timelines and project constraints. When we alert telecom companies about potential infrastructure conflicts, we expect prompt feedback. Unfortunately, delays in communication sometimes lead to unintentional damage and stalled projects,” Cherry noted, urging both sectors…
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- Africa , America , Politics
- May 15, 2025
- 649 views
- 3 minutes Read
Deals worth $300bn signed with U.S, says Saudi crown Prince
In a major economic development, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on Tuesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed agreements with the United States valued at over $300 billion. The announcement came during the 2025 Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum held in Riyadh and attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom. The forum served as a platform to showcase the strength and future potential of bilateral economic ties between the two nations. President Trump’s visit marks a significant moment in the diplomatic and economic relationship between the two long-time allies. The agreements signed span various sectors including energy, defense, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and technology. They are seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy under its ambitious Vision 2030 program and attract foreign investment to support national development. During his address at the investment forum, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the enduring nature of Saudi-U.S. relations, stating, “Our countries share a deep economic relationship that began 92 years ago.” He emphasized that the economic cooperation between the two nations has been central to their strategic partnership and continues to grow in both scale and scope. Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s regional economic leadership, the Crown Prince pointed out that the Kingdom is currently the largest economy in the Middle East. He revealed that in addition to the $300 billion in newly signed agreements, the Kingdom is actively pursuing further partnership opportunities with the U.S. valued at approximately $600 billion. These potential ventures signal a strong commitment to sustained economic integration and shared prosperity. The Crown Prince also shared key insights into the history of trade relations between the two nations. He disclosed that the total trade volume between Saudi Arabia and the United States from 2013 to 2024 reached a cumulative value of $500 billion. This figure illustrates the consistent growth in bilateral trade, reflecting cooperation in critical sectors such as oil and gas, defense, aviation, health, education, and financial services. In addition to trade and government-level agreements, U.S. companies continue to play a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape. According to the Crown Prince, nearly 25 percent of all foreign investment in Saudi Arabia originates from the United States. This strong investment footprint speaks to the confidence American investors have in the Saudi economy and the reforms being implemented under Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and expand private sector…
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- Africa , Economy , Local News , News
- May 14, 2025
- 495 views
- 2 minutes Read
Trade Ministry and Associations Pledge Price Reductions Within 60 Days,If Cedi Stabilizes
May 14, 2025, The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, in collaboration with key trade associations, has agreed to implement substantial price cuts on finished goods within the next two months provided the Ghana Cedi maintains its current strength against major foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, involving major industry stakeholders. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare confirmed the development, noting that several businesses have already begun adjusting prices in response to the Cedi’s appreciation. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the government’s role in facilitating negotiations rather than imposing price controls. “While the government cannot mandate price reductions, we have successfully engaged with traders to secure their commitment to lowering costs,” she stated. The Minister revealed that some importers have already reduced their prices, with broader market adjustments expected soon. “We anticipate these changes to reflect in retail prices as existing stocks are gradually phased out,” she added. Representatives from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries, and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana attended the meeting. GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng affirmed the association’s commitment to the agreed measures and urged additional policies to sustain the Cedi’s stability. This move is expected to ease financial pressures on consumers, with the full effects likely to be felt within the next 60 days.
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- Africa , Economy , Local News , News
- May 14, 2025
- 570 views
- 2 minutes Read
“Foreign Nationals Arrested by National Security for Illegal Gold Trading”
Accra, May 14, 2025 , A joint operation conducted by National Security operatives has resulted in the arrest of six Indian nationals involved in illegal gold trading. The suspects were apprehended in two separate raids three in Enyinam, Eastern Region, and three in Adiembra, Ashanti Region. Authorities seized hundreds of gold bars, thousands of cedis in cash, and money-counting machines during the operation, which was led by National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul Osman. At a press briefing held at the National Security Secretariat, Prince Minkah, Media Relations Officer of the Ghana GoldBod, confirmed that the suspects will face legal action. Minkah explained that while foreigners arrested before the April 30 deadline would only face deportation, those detained afterward including the six Indians would be prosecuted. “The latest arrests will face the full rigours of the law. We confiscated gold, cash, and equipment used in their illegal operations. This serves as a warning: local gold trading is the exclusive domain of the GoldBod,” he stated. DCOP Osman further revealed that some Ghanaians had aided the suspects by allowing their identities to be used for company registrations, enabling tax evasion. He warned that such individuals would also face legal consequences. The GoldBod recently enforced a ban, effective May 1, 2025, prohibiting all foreigners and unauthorized individuals from participating in Ghana’s local gold market. Only licensed entities approved by the GoldBod may now engage in small-scale gold trading. Foreigners wishing to remain in the trade must apply directly to the GoldBod for authorization. The crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the sector and curbing illicit activities.
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- Economy , Live Reporting , Local News , News
- May 14, 2025
- 397 views
- 2 minutes Read
“Police Receive 60 Pickup Trucks, 20 Motorcycles from Interior Minister to Safeguard 24-Hour Economy”
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak presented 60 pickup trucks and 20 motorbikes to the Ghana Police Service to bolster security under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative. The vehicles, assembled locally by Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, are intended to enhance the police’s ability to protect businesses and workers operating outside standard working hours. In a Facebook post, Mubarak announced the creation of a new specialized police unit dedicated to securing the 24-hour economy. “I announced the formation of a specialised unit within the Ghana Police Service, tasked with providing round-the-clock security for businesses and workers under this initiative,” he wrote. The donation is part of broader efforts to improve police logistics while supporting local manufacturing. Mubarak commended Zonda Tec during a visit to their assembly plant, highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting domestic production. He also revealed plans to digitalize work permit and quota issuance to reduce delays and simplify business operations. “This initiative will streamline processes, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently and legally in Ghana,” he said. Zonda Tec CEO Madam Yang Yang welcomed the collaboration, stating that local vehicle production demonstrates Ghana’s growing industrial capacity. “We are proud to support national security while showcasing the potential of Ghanaian manufacturing,” she said. Mubarak encouraged businesses to expand under the 24-hour economy but reminded them to comply with the law. He assured the public that the Interior Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
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- Global News , International News , Politics
- May 12, 2025
- 465 views
- 3 minutes Read
U.S. Envoy Signals Continued Tariffs on Canada, But Opens Door to Strengthened Bilateral Relations
Despite ongoing trade tensions and the continued imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports, there is cautious optimism for a more collaborative future between the United States and Canada, according to U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. While speaking in a televised interview on The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson, Hoekstra acknowledged that the tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s administration may not be entirely eliminated under a new trade deal. However, he emphasized that the groundwork is being laid for a stronger and more resilient bilateral relationship. Hoekstra, reflecting on recent diplomatic engagements, pointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the White House as a pivotal moment in redefining the tone of U.S.-Canada relations. He noted that this visit underscored mutual commitments to deepening economic and security collaboration. “People have talked about a restart or a reset, and I kind of shy away from that,” Hoekstra remarked. “Yes, we had a few rough months, but we already have strong economic, national security, and personal ties. There’s a deep foundation here.” The ambassador indicated that while full tariff removal is unlikely, Canada can anticipate adjustments in the rates and scope of tariffs currently in place. He drew a parallel with the recent U.S.-UK trade framework, which maintained a 10 percent baseline tariff on certain goods while facilitating broader American access to British markets. This, Hoekstra explained, is emblematic of the type of trade model the Trump administration may pursue with Canada maintaining some level of protectionism while enabling increased bilateral economic integration. Since assuming office, President Trump has imposed significant tariffs on a variety of Canadian goods, citing national security and public safety concerns. These include a 25 percent tariff on key industrial exports such as steel and aluminum, as well as a 10 percent tariff on energy products. Additionally, Canadian sectors like automotive and softwood lumber have faced escalated duties, with the administration linking the tariffs to issues such as cross-border migration and the inflow of illicit substances like fentanyl. Despite these economic strains, Hoekstra conveyed a sense of mutual ambition between the two leaders. “Watching the prime minister and the president, they both want that same outcome a prosperous, forward-looking relationship,” he said. “There are tough issues to work through, no doubt. But there’s a shared vision of building a framework that supports growth for both countries.” While specific details of the potential trade agreement remain under negotiation, the ambassador’s comments signal a pragmatic, if cautious, approach…
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- Economy , Energy , Local News
- May 12, 2025
- 485 views
- 2 minutes Read
Energy Ministry Addresses Gas Supply Disruption Caused by Compressor Fault on FPSO Kwame Nkrumah
The Ministry of Energy has reported a disruption in gas supply following mechanical damage to a compressor aboard Tullow Oil’s Kwame Nkrumah Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel The Ministry of Energy has officially confirmed a temporary disruption in gas supply as a result of mechanical failure on the Jubilee Oil Field’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Kwame Nkrumah. This development was communicated through a circular signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Richmond Rockson, on Sunday, May 11, 2025. According to the statement, the incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, May 10, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM. A critical component the gas compressor onboard the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah suffered significant damage, leading to an immediate suspension of gas supply from the Jubilee fields. “The damage to the compressor has necessitated an emergency halt to gas transmission operations,” Mr. Rockson stated. “Initial assessments suggest the need for extensive repairs, and technical teams are currently on-site working tirelessly to restore normalcy.” He further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to resolving the situation swiftly, assuring the public that every effort is being made to expedite repairs and minimize the impact on power generation and other dependent sectors. The Ministry is also collaborating closely with partners from Tullow Oil and other key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response. Mr. Rockson reassured the public that regular updates will be provided as new information becomes available. He called for patience and cooperation during this period, noting that safety protocols and technical accuracy are paramount in addressing the fault effectively. The FPSO Kwame Nkrumah plays a central role in Ghana’s offshore oil and gas production. It is stationed in the Jubilee Oil Field off the western coast of Ghana and serves as a vital infrastructure for extracting, processing, storing, and offloading hydrocarbons. The vessel is named in honor of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, symbolizing national pride and industrial progress. While the extent of the disruption is still being evaluated, energy analysts warn of possible downstream effects on power supply if the issue is not resolved promptly. The Ministry has, however, expressed confidence in the repair process and assured the nation of its continued commitment to energy security.
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Senior Aide to Mexico City Mayor Gunned Down in Public Daylight Shooting
- May 21, 2025
- 1809 views
Passengers to Enjoy 15% Reduction in Transport Fares from May 24
- May 20, 2025
- 2514 views
“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”
- May 19, 2025
- 4022 views
Deals worth $300bn signed with U.S, says Saudi crown Prince
- May 15, 2025
- 649 views
“Foreign Nationals Arrested by National Security for Illegal Gold Trading”
- May 14, 2025
- 570 views
