All posts by Afia Coke

New restriction on MOMO transaction could derail digitization of Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises- ISSER

The Institute of Statistics, Social, and Economic Research has indicated that the new restriction on mobile money (MOMO) transactions could derail the digitization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and progress in the cash-lite economy.

In a press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Institute acknowledged that the proposed rate would have a minimal impact on small-value transactions.

However, ISSER noted that the move would adversely impact micro, small, and medium enterprises that rely on MoMo for their financial transactions.

“Worthy of attention is the potential impact on micro and small enterprises, especially traders and farmers within the agricultural value chains concentrated in rural areas. For these segments, especially traders and transporters of foodstuffs who rely on MoMo to address security concerns with carrying cash across the country, an increase in cost is likely to be transferred to consumers,” the statement said.

This move, the institute said, could be a trigger for both food and non-food inflation.
The institute raised concern that beyond the move to restrict MoMo transactions, the developing social media-driven e-commerce ecosystem, which relies on MoMo for payment, would also see the transfer of the revised charges to consumers.

“As service providers on the various e-commerce platforms will pass on the charges to consumers in the form of increased prices of goods and services,” the statement said.

In a joint statement copied to the media, MOMO agents around Ghana said they would implement a temporary measure that limits cash withdrawals to GHS 1,000 per transaction from December 1.
ISSER said that the potential impact of the restrictions might be significant, particularly for neglected and last-mile populations.

“On average, 76 percent of mobile money agents are within 30 minutes of consumers in rural areas. On the other hand, it takes 2 hours for over 50 percent of rural dwellers to reach an ATM, with only about 40 percent being able to reach a bank or microfinance in two hours,” the statement said.
This situation ISSER said that many MoMo users in rural areas, where ATMs, banks, and microfinance institutions were not an option, would be confronted with the option of either enduring the high transaction costs or resorting to cash.

 

 

 

Source: GNA

Cocoa farmers in Western North call for reforms in off-reserve timber resources

Cocoa farmers in the Western North Region are demanding immediate steps to amend the Concession Act 1962 (Act 124) to ensure farmers receive reasonable benefit from proceeds accrued from the commercialization of off-reserve timber resources.

Project Manager, TROPENBOS Ghana, Boakye Twumasi Ankra, on behalf of the farmers, explained that the Concession Act 1962 (Act 124) gave the state authority over all naturally occurring trees, which was not motivative enough for farmers to genuinely nurture the trees on their farms

The planting or nurturing of trees and timber resources forms part of a major climate change mitigation strategies for most farmers, but existing tree tenure and benefits sharing arrangements for off-reserve timber resources had been a great disincentive to the farmers.

With support from TROPENBOS Ghana, they called on the Forestry Commission to take urgent steps to address the situation to improve tree cover in off-reserve areas, and help combat climate change, while enhancing sustainability.

Mr Twumasi Ankra who was speaking at a sensitisation programme for more than 300 farmers in region, noted with concern, the deprivation and forcible seizure of the tree ownership rights from farmers.

“The only right the farmer has is to give written consent to the harvesting of specified trees on their farms with no direct financial benefit from revenue accrued from such trees.”

Mr Ankra, therefore, urged stakeholders to initiate steps to amend the law to help farmers benefit directly from trees on their farms.

NCCE intensifies education on district level elections in Guan District

The Guan District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Oti Region has intensified public education on the upcoming district level elections.

The move is to whip up interest in the polls, which have witnessed low turn-out over the years.
the Guan District Director, NCCE, Mr Abass Uthman,addressing Chiefs and people of Likpe-Mate, urged them to take keen interest in the polls as its importance could not be over-emphasised.
He said participation in the elections was necessary because it formed the base structure of the local government system in Ghana, thus would help deepen local governance and consolidate the country’s democratic gains.

Mr Abass noted that the development of the local governance system mandated the citizenry to elect to office individuals who would seek their welfare, hence the election must be deviod of partisanship, but rather on competence, experience and the willingness to serve the people.

He, however, bemoaned the level of voter apathy and disinterest in the polls saying it threatened democratic governance and advised the electorate to desist from taking money from the candidates before voting for them.

Chief of Likpe-Mate, Nana Ofori Gyahene III, in a speech read on his behalf, commended the NCCE for the programme and asked for its replication in other areas to create awareness.

The Electoral Commission has announced December 19, 2023 for the District Level Election in the Jasikan and Guan districts following the passage of the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 119 and in accordance with the District Level Elections Regulations, 2015 (CI 89).

About 64% of workers financially stressed – study

A significant portion of the working Ghanaian population – 64 percent – are financially stressed, says a study dubbed Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor (OMFSM).

The study, which was carried out in four African countries – South African, Namibia, Kenya or and Ghana, revealed that 72 percent of lower income earners in the country are stressed; with those in the informal sector worst-affected at 68 percent. This makes Ghanaian consumers the most financially stressed among the four countries.

The report also highlighted that income security is the top priority for Ghanaian consumers, followed by managing their expenses downward – such as putting major expenditure plans on hold, switching to more affordable retail brands and repairing and maintaining existing assets, and ensuring that their investments are secured.

“We found that Ghanaian consumers are incredibly stressed among the four countries where we did the survey, which are South African, Namibia, Kenya and Ghana. Ghana comes highest in terms of financial stress and people are extremely worried about income security. Their number-one priority is ensuring that they earn income, whether through business or their jobs.

Their second priority is ensuring that their savings are insured and their investment is secured,” said head of knowledge and insights at Old Mutual, Vuyokazi Mabude.

With regard to income, 44 percent shared that they rely on a single source of income; while about 1 in 4 (24 percent) are poly-jobbers – side-hustling, freelancing and doing after hours work in addition to their regular job.

“Poly-jobbers are more prevalent among those earning GHȼ3,000 or more (37 percent). Through further encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship, we expect this percentage may grow as we have seen among younger consumers in South Africa – thus helping to address the youth unemployment issue in Ghana,” the report indicated.

• Income security tops priority for many
• 44% rely on a single source of income
• 61% dips into their savings monthly to make ends meet
• Only 37% actively saves for retirement
Savings

The report has it that saving is important to Ghanaians, with 25 percent of their household allocation going toward savings. However, the focus is on short-term saving rather than longer term investing for the future. This is further evidenced by 61 percent who admit dipping into their savings to make ends meet.

Thus, Ms. Vuyokazi Mabude noted that: “The saving behaviour we see in Ghana is positive; however, the risk is immature saving – whereby people are saving and using that money to make ends meet. So, 61 percent of Ghanaians currently tap into their savings to make ends meet every month which poses a risk from the long-term financial wellness perspective. And also from a financial goals priority perspective, because that is money being taken away from children’s education, building businesses and building their home”.

Just as with Kenya and Namibia, retirement savings does not make it to the top set of working Ghanaians’ savings goals – ranking only 8th; and this percentage is particularly low among younger and less affluent consumers earning less than GHȼ3,000.

“Only just over one-third say they are actively saving for retirement, 37 percent; and only 7% note having a retirement annuity product. Furthermore, there is low confidence in the adequacy of their retirement savings (18 percent). Potentially driving the lack of action to save for retirement is an attitude of dependency on children to provide support when they retire,” the report stated.
Generally, given the recessionary environment, consumer confidence in the Ghana economy is low, with less than one in six of working Ghanaians showing confidence in the economy.

Other findings and recommendations

The Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor results reveal that while working Ghanaians are resilient, self-reliant, positive and persevering to make ends meet, their noted short-term focus flags the risk of a working population who will continue struggling to manage their day-to-day livelihood due to their dependence on savings being used as an expense management vehicle.
The dependency on savings to address their day to day needs and fund their businesses places a huge strain on consumers, as they struggle to keep their savings-pot filled. Looking for additional ways of sourcing income through poly-jobbing may help reduce the need to tap into savings for short-term needs.
The study highlights a need for financial education, in particular money management and budgeting.
“Furthermore, the role of employers in helping to educate and inform employees in a manner that is understandable and relevant to their needs is not being met.
“The more Ghanaian consumers are equipped to manage their day-to-day affairs, the less reliant they will be on their savings in the short-term – allowing for incremental growth to sustain them in the medium-term,” it stated.
With this at hand, Chief Executive Officer-Old Mutual Ghana, Tavona Biza, assured that his outfit will take further measures in terms of its products to help citizens change the narrative and become financially resilient.

OMFSM

The Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor (OMFSM) is an annual study that offers invaluable insights by focusing on a key cohort in society – namely employed Ghanaians, who account for about 60 percent of the Ghanaian population aged 25 to 59 years and earn an income of GHȼ1,000 or more, and who reside in urban and peri-urban areas.

 

 

Source: B&FT

Ghana’s 2nd US$600m tranche from IMF depends on ‘debt treatment with external creditors’ – IMF to Ghana

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has disclosed that the release of Ghana’s second tranche of $600m will solely depend on successful agreement with external creditors.

According to the IMF, that it critical for Ghana to complete the discussions with the external creditors to pave the way for the Board to approve the disbursement.

Director of the IMF’s Communications Department, Julie Kozack who was addressing a press conference in Washington D.C, USA said the Board can only go ahead to approve the second tranche funding if the discussions with the external creditors are concluded and the conclusions presented to the Board.

“To ensure timely completion of the review, official creditors and the Ghanaian authorities will need to reach agreement on a debt treatment, consistent with the objectives of the programme, and in line with the financing assurances that creditors provided in May of 2023”, she said.

Ghana is expected to conclude debt restructuring agreement with external creditors, particularly China, which has proposed new cut-off date.
Discussions with the Official Creditor Committee are ongoing to settle on an agreed date for the debt restructuring.

She expressed optimism that both parties will reach an agreement soon.
“Discussions between the Ghanaian authorities and the Official Creditor Committee are ongoing, and we certainly hope that an agreement can be reached soon so that we can rapidly bring the program to the Board”.

Ghana missed out on the November 1 timeline set in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to get a second tranche of the $3 billion bailout package as the country’s debt rework negotiations with external creditors delay.

The country has already submitted proposals to its commercial creditors seeking a haircut of up to 40% and additional debt rework with its bilateral creditors including China and the Paris Club.
Prior to the first disbursement, Ghana had to secure financial assurance from its external creditors, a requirement fulfilled before the IMF Executive Board approved the payment.

Under the three-year ECF programme, the Ghanaian government plans to restructure around $10.5 billion of its external debt, which stood at nearly $30 billion in June 2023

IMPLICATIONS

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ghana (PwC), an auditing and tax firm, says if negotiations with external creditors and debt holders are not concluded expeditiously, Ghana’s economic recovery could stall.

PwC indicated that the delayed negotiations might make the investor community and financial markets jittery, and the international rating agencies may thrust Ghana’s bond ratings further into junk credit territory.

The auditing agency disclosed this in its 2024 Budget Digest on the theme: « Pursuing Growth and Development within a Stable Macroeconomic Environment.”

24-hour economy is a game-changer for Ghana – Mahama

2024 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has re-affirmed his optimism that his 24-hour economy policy proposal, will be a game-changer for Ghana.

According to the former President, the initiative which is expected to attract major businesses in the industry and the manufacturing sector through incentives, will not only create jobs especially for the youth, but boost growth massive infrastructure development and improve revenue generation.
Mr Mahama was speaking at the the Ninth Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail in Accra, on the theme: “The CEO Imperative: How are CEOs Responding to the New Economic Reality?”
He noted that a future NDC Government would vigorously pursue the policy, amongst many other initiatives, as part of its broader vision and determination to increase economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.
“We shall work with you to build the Ghana we want together” Mr Mahama said adding that this will focus on projects and programmes to transform by optimising available resources.

“I acknowledge the massive support for the initiative by the Trades Union Congress, civil society organisations, journalists, lecturers, labour consultants, CEOs and captains of industry, personnel from the creative arts industry, drivers, traders, and the teeming unemployed youth of Ghana. “

“To build the Ghana we want together with the people will be premised on building an industrialised, inclusive, and resilient economy that creates well-paying jobs and creating an equitable, healthy, and prosperous nation.”

He mentioned developing well-planned, safe communities while protecting the natural environment; building effective, efficient, and dynamic institutions for national development; and strengthening Ghana’s role in African and international affairs as part of the proposal.

“This might be classified as an idea whose time has come due to Ghana’s self-inflicted economic crisis today because the 24-hour economy initaitive was well-thought-through and captured on page 105 of the NDC’s 2020 People’s Manifesto.”

Its roots emanated from the 40-year National Development Plan of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) put together when he was President, Mr Mahama said.
“Unfortunately, the present government discarded the 40-year plan and replaced it with a Ghana Beyond Aid plan that has turned « Ghana into a beggar nation ».
He said stripped to the essentials, the 24-hour policy would be a three-shift work schedule in many sectors with an intent to transform Ghana into a self-sufficient and export-led economy.

The LAB Engages Ghana Federation of Labour on policies for Economic Transformation, Job Creation and Workers’ Welfare.

Accra- 7th December, 2023. The LAB, a policy think-tank of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), held a meeting with the leadership of Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) to discuss challenges facing workers, industry and the general socioeconomic crisis in which Ghana finds itself.

The purpose of the meeting was to seek GFL’s views and inputs into the next NDC government’s proposed policies to transform the country.

The meeting deliberated on issues such as the current economic hardships occasioned by economic mismanagement, the effect of high taxes and utility bills on industries and the consequential collapse of some companies and layoffs of workers.

 

The GFL applauded former President Mahama and the NDC’s proposed 24-hour economy policy and made proposals on how the policy can be implemented effectively to enhance productivity and create jobs for the benefit of Ghanaians. The leadership of GFL emphasized the need to support distressed and collapsed industries under the 24-hour Economy Policy for job creation.

Both parties agreed to continue to collaborate in exploring solutions to current socioeconomic challenges affecting workers in particular and Ghanaians in general.

‘Jean Mensa knows those with predetermined agenda; she’s afraid to expose govt’ – Ahmed Ibrahim

The Member of Parliament for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim is challenging the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa, to disclose the identity of persons or groups who are planning o subvert the will of the people during the 2024 elections.

According to him, the claims by the EC Chair at a huge platform, National Elections Security Taskforce, where the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defense Staff and other service commanders were present to discuss preparations towards the 2024 elections, speaks volumes and cannot be washed under the carpet.

On Tuesday, 5th December, 2023, EC Chair in her opening remarks before the closed-door meeting by the National Security taskforce at the Polie headquarters said ……. “Presently one of the major challenges we face is that whereas the violence experienced in elections in the early 2000s and the early 90s were birthed out of genuine causes and disagreement, what we witness today is a predetermined well-orchestrated strategy to unleash violence before, during, and after the elections for the sole purpose of undermining the credibility and integrity of elections and denting image of institutions such as the EC, Police and other security agencies.”

But the MP, who is also the 1st deputy Minority Whip, observed that, for the Chair of an Electoral body to make such open statements at this crucial period suggests she is privy to some orchestration and is uncomfortable about the outcomes and her comment is only a desperate cry after allowing herself to be manipulated.
“Did you listen to the comment by the Special prosecutor? When he himself said ‘m’ay3 ankonam,’ to wit, I am alone and that when he competes serving his term he will move on?…. Did you listen to the Bugri Naabu tape, when he said the NPP gurus and NPP Police Commissioners met to conspire about how to manipulate the 2024 elections? …. he asked host of IDEAS Exchange, Eric Ahianyo on TV XYZ.
He emphasized… “Who were they referring to? The government in power and the ruling New Patriotic Party who were saying that if they don’t remove the IGP, they cannot win the next elections. Bugri Naabu was a former Northern regional NPP Chairman and he did that with Superintendent George Asare and COP Alex Mensah who now wants to contest on NPP’s ticket in Bekwai.
Ahmed Ibrahim questioned further …. ‘If you are EC Chair, and you hear these things, and it is the same President, Nana Akufo Addo who appointed you, you can’t mention his name. So you will lament. I bet you if the person Jean Mensa is referring to, were to be the NDC, this evening they would have picked them in their houses”.
Asked why he sounds more convinced, the aggressors are people in government, this was his response. …“The fingers are not being pointed at the NDC. Jean Mensa cannot mention Nana Akufo Addo direct. He cannot mention COP Alex Mensah, Bugri Naabu and all those conspirators directly so definitely, it will be lamentations.”
He debunked assertions that the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, NDC’s ‘boot for Boot;’ comment and the recent clean-up exercise at former President John Mahama’s office during which they brandished cutlasses and other implements to ward off a pro-NPP group which had threatened to picket there is the reason for the EC’s fears.
It will be recalled that Ministry of National Security was compelled to issue a last minute advise to the #Fixing The Country group, led by NPP’s deputy Director of Communications, Ernest Owusu Bempah, to call off their picketing to avert a bloody clash, when it became obvious the NDC youth in Accra were bent on protecting the private property.
Ahmed Ibrahim, in his concluding comments on the issue said the onus now lies on the Police just as the EC to be transparent, fair and firm in executing their mandate to build confidence in the electoral system and to ward off any attempt to rig the elections to save the peace of this country.

Jean Mensah’s cannot escape scrutiny; December 12, 2023 shall surely come – Ahmed Ibrahim serves notice

1st Deputy Minority whip, Ahmed Ibrahim has vowed that the Minority in Parliament will not treat the Electoral Commission with kid gloves if it continues to play cat and mouse games with Parliament.

He describes EC’s failure to appear before the Special Budgets Committee of Parliament as scheduled on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, an affirmation of the incompetence of EC Chair, Jean Mensa.

‘She knows the mess she has caused but she cannot continue to dodge. She was simply not ready and aware of how Members of Parliament are eager to ask all the probing questions. She is simply buying time but no matter how long that is she will definitely face us because Parliament will have to sit on her budget’. – Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the MP for Banda told Eric Ahianyo, host of IDEAS Exchange, a current affairs programme on TV XYZ.
According to the MP for Banda, the absence of the Commissioners shows how sloppy EC Chair Jean Mensah does her work and later blame Parliament for not approving enough fund.

‘Its clearly a sign of disrespect’ – he emphasized.
He explained that Parliament wrote to the EC on the 28th of November, 2023 to appear before the House on the 6th of December. But the EC dropped a late notice pleading for six more days, for her to prepare well before meeting the Special Budgets Committee on Tuesday December 12.
It’s unfortunate the EC Chair is disrespecting the House of Parliament. It is the Special Budgets Committee of Parliament that has oversight responsibility on the EC as a Constitutional body. This is not the first time and she is always forced to come’ – he added
He asked… “if you cannot praise Parliament, why blame us?
He continued … ‘Today I was prepared for her with the reports for 2021, 2022 and 2023 budget estimates for the Electoral Commission and I was going to point out to them how they came to plead with the Committee for more money to prevail on the Minister for Finance to give her additional money.
The NDC MP also noted with concern the failed attempt by the EC to blame Parliament in defense of public criticism about the poorly conducted limited registration exercise recently.
“The reports on our earlier engagements are here. She herself knows that its Parliament that always approves her spending. And the Special Budget Committee has even asked for additional releases to ensure she has enough. So when Parliament is inviting you and you refuse to come, it is you who loses.?

Gov’t And Corporate Bodies are not investing in creatives because of their extravagant lifestyles – Da Hammer

Renowned Ghanaian music producer, Edward Nana Poku Osei, popularly known as Hammer of The Last Two has detailed reason why members of the Ghanaian entertainment industry do not receive assistance from the government and corporate bodies.

Speaking with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Last Two Music Group opined that quite a number of people in the creative sector do not portray that they need help.

His comment comes after  pleas from some creatives for the government to give creative entrepreneurs tax incentives so more investors will be interested in injecting money into the system.

According to him, these celebrities live extravagant lifestyles unbecoming of people in need of any  financial assistance, stressing that these celebrities who drive in luxurious cars have other sources of income apart from music.

“We are not displaying suffering to them. We are buying cars with different amounts of money. We are flexing. Most people in the creative [music] industry are not buying cars with the music money.

If you are doing Forex Trading at home and you buy an X Class, and you are pulling up in it and a tax man is looking at you, what are you talking about? We have to speak the truth to power. Let’s show them we are suffering. But we can’t go around shopping at expensive places, driving the biggest cars and expect them to feel for us,” he said.

Hammer, to a greater extent divulged that some celebrities are doing this just to show off, adding that it has its own implications.

“If you want to show that your works are promoting the tourism industry, show it. Prove that you are an up and coming artiste and you can’t afford these things,” he added.

Burna Boy and Davido Inspire Me; I learn from them – Sonnie Badu reveals

Award-winning UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer/songwriter, Sonnie Badu has not too long ago revealed that he is inspired by Nigerian music giants, Burna Boy and Davido.

According to Mr. Badu he draws inspiration from the versatility and success of these two Afrobeat stars, adding that he learns from them in order to make great impacts in the gospel fraternity as they are doing.

Speaking as a guest on UtV’s United Showbiz hosted by Mzgee last weekend, the gospel sensation shared how he finds inspiration in the musical journeys and experiences of these two artists. He further expressed admiration for the ‘Alone’ and ‘Available’ hitmakers’ unique musical style and the global impact of their Afrofusion sound.

“I am inspired by Davido and Burna Boy, I have seen the kind of music they do , so I like to learn what they are doing so I can do it in the gospel space. I can’t say I don’t listen to secular music, that would be a lie , I do hear it and I enjoy it. I do listen to secular music to see what I can do better,” he said.

Soonie Badu further opined that there is nothing wrong in listening to songs that are not gospel songs. He revealed that he sometimes listens to a few other genres aside from gospel music inorder to learn and pick something from it and apply it in his space. He also emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from various genres and artists, even outside the gospel music realm.

Ghana witnessing predetermined, well-orchestrated strategies to unleash violence in elections – EC Chair

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Adukwei Mensa has said Ghana is currently experiencing planned attempts to unleash violence before, during, and after elections.

According to her, this is being orchestrated to dent the image of institutions such as the EC, the Police Service and other security agencies.

Madam Jean Mensa who was speaking during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Accra on Tuesday, December 5, noted with concern that politicians and their supporters have adopted the habit of using all manner of means including violence to capture power.

She said to save Ghana’s interest and the sustain the peace, the IGP and the other security agencies who have so far been efficient, put in extra effort to address the threat.

“We are aware of the security threats we face today when elections are coming. The evidence of threats to our security confronts us daily. Indeed, elections have become the lifeblood of our society, people eat, drink, and breathe elections 24 hours a day. We do witness the dialogues on our radio and TV on a 24-hour basis, the quest for power today has become so fierce.

“Based on past experiences it is now clear we cannot take any election for granted, gone are the days where we could take likely security arrangements in non-competitive elections such as the upcoming district assembly elections. It is for this reason that we acknowledge IGP and applaud him and his leadership for taking this initiative now.

“Presently one of the major challenges we face is that whereas the violence experienced in elections in the early 2000s and the early 90s were birthed out of genuine causes and disagreement, what we witness today is a predetermined well-orchestrated strategy to unleash violence before, during, and after the elections for the sole purpose of undermining the credibility and integrity of elections and denting image of institutions such as the EC, Police and other security agencies.”

Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare in his presentation, assured that the security agencies would ensure the peace of the country at all times.

“We will keep ensuring that in every election that is conducted, there is peace, security, law and order, we will do whatever it takes for the country to continue to be at peace and we will not compromise on it,” he said.

“In the bid to capture power, our politicians and their supporters use all manner of methods to achieve their goal. In the wake of this, our security and safety are not spared. Today, we witness a mysterious and targeted approach by sections of our society to destabilize the peace of our nation and threaten lives, all in a bid to control power and the resources that come with it.