The Okada Riders Association has highlighted the importance of training in enhancing safety within the commercial motorcycle sector.
This comes in response to the recent proposal by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 LI 2180, to permit only persons aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles as part of the government’s plans to improve safety and accountability in the sector.
Okada Riders
Speaking to Citi News, Public Relations Officer of the Okada Riders Association, Solomon Akpanaba, stressed that training is the key to promoting safety in the sector, rather than age limits.
“We have always said and will continue saying that if you want to bring discipline or reduce accidents drastically on the road, look at training, training of the rider. Let your focus be there, not age.
“That the 18-year-old guy, when he gets to the traffic light, when he is trained, he will know that between crossing the road because I am in a hurry and standing patiently for some two minutes before I go, which one more important.
“The 18-year-old guy given the training will know the right decision to take,” he said.By:Patricia Boateng
African trade ministers from across the continent are scheduled to meet on April 14 to assess the implications of President Donald Trump’s imposition of a sweeping new tariff policy that will see a 10 percent tax levied on all goods imported into the United States from more than 100 countries.
The meeting will bring together key policymakers, economists, trade experts, and representatives from regional economic communities to explore how the African continent can best position itself in the face of growing global protectionism.
Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, addressed the media from Washington, D.C., calling the U.S. tariff a wake-up call for Africa.
Wamkele Mene emphasised that the decision by President Trump underscores the urgent need for African nations to fast-track the implementation of policies that promote intra-African trade and reduce overreliance on global powers.
“President of the United States has given us a wake-up call. And the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on April 14 to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”
Mene’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among African leaders and trade officials that global shifts toward economic nationalism and unilateral trade decisions by major economies demand a proactive, unified African approach.
The new tariff threatens to increase the cost of African exports to the U.S., potentially diminishing their competitiveness in the American market.
Many African economies rely on exports such as textiles, agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods, much of which are currently traded under preferential access agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).Source:Sammi Wiafe
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the government will scrap the COVID-19 levy in its next budget.
Addressing hundreds of Ghanaians resident in Benin, the minister stated, “Only one more tax remains for the government to scrap in order to fulfill its promise of removing four taxes imposed by the previous administration.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The audience erupted in applause and cheered as the Foreign Minister highlighted that the betting tax, E-Levy, and emissions tax had already been scrapped following the president’s assent to the bills on April 2
He also updated the Ghanaian community on developments back home, urging them to remain assured and trust in the Mahama administration to honour its commitments to the people.
He, however, mentioned that “the government is investing in the youth by setting aside funds to cater for their needs.”By:Fred Duhoe
The Kessben Group of Companies, led by Mr. Kwabena Kesse, has donated GH¢100,000 to the Adum Blue Light fire victims.
The group has also pledged to donate 500 bags of cement when the reconstruction of the market starts.
Mr. Sammy Adu Boakye, Head of Programmes at Kessben TV & radio, who led a powerful delegation, made the donation on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025.
He expressed the deepest sympathy of the Chief Executive Officer of the group, Mr. Kesse, to the affected traders, some of whom are loyal viewers and listeners of various media outlets.
Mr Sammy Adu Boakye making presentation to the United traders leadership
Other affected traders are customers of Multi Credit, Kessben Travel & Tours, among others.
Mr. Boakye said the donation was to demonstrate their concerns to the affected traders. He, therefore, urged other media organisations and institutions to also follow their footsteps to alleviate the plight of the victims.
The leadership of the victims expressed their profound appreciation to Kessben Group of Companies, especially the CEO,Mr.Kwavena Kesse for the timely support.. They prayed for him for showing kindness to them.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikoi Central in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Patrick Yaw Boamah, has surprised the victims with a donation of GH¢100,000.
The MP, who traces his root from the Ashanti Region, was led by Lawyer Obiri Yeboah, the MP for Subin.
Lawyer Obiri Yeboah and Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah
Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah also presented GH¢50,000 cash to the leadership of the traders and pledged to add the remaining GH¢50,000 in due course.
Besides, he pledged to support the traders with 200 bags of cement as part of his support to the over 10,000 victims.
Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah addressing the traders
The Okaikoi Central MP used the opportunity to commend his colleague Subin MP for lobbying support for the victims in a committed manner.
It is on record that since the incident happened almost two weeks ago, many leading members of the NPP, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice- President, have made various donations in addition to donations from the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, leadership of NADMO and some businessmen.
The leadership of the victims expressed their profound appreciation to Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah for his timely support.. They prayed for him for showing kindness to them.They,also encouraged other MPs to emulate his example and come to their aid.
President John Dramani Mahama ,has assented to a series of legislative bills meant to abolish several taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
This move aligns with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) commitment to alleviating the financial burden on Ghanaians.
President John Mahama signing the bills
On March 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented eight bills to Parliament, targeting the repeal and amendment of various taxes and levies. These bills included the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, among others.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. Its implementation faced widespread public resistance due to its perceived impact on disposable incomes. The Betting Tax, which levied a 10% charge on gross winnings from gambling activities, also faced criticism from stakeholders in the gaming industry.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, then-flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, pledged to abolish these taxes within his first 120 days in office if elected. With his recent approval of the amended tax bills, his administration has fulfilled that campaign promise.
Accra, April 2, 2025 – MTN Ghana has officially launched the Y’ello Ladies Network, an all-female employee group aimed at promoting career development, professional growth, and empowerment among women within the organization. The network is open to all female employees, regardless of their role, designation, tenure, or function.
Stephen Blewett, MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women in the corporate sector. He stated, “We must grow our women; it’s not only beneficial for individuals but also for the business. Studies have shown that companies with at least 30% female representation are better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment.”
While praising the network as an inspiring initiative, he urged members to use it to make a positive impact in the community. “Remember that it is not only about us; it also includes those we touch or impact with our activities here,” he added.
The network is founded on four key pillars: empowerment, inspiration, guidance, and coaching.
Antoinette Kwofie, MTN Ghana’s Chief Finance Officer, highlighted the importance of the Y’ello Ladies Network in promoting women’s leadership and career advancement during her remarks at the launch. She said, “The objective of the network is to create an inclusive environment that supports career development, empowers women to attain leadership roles, and encourages diversity and inclusivity within the workplace. It will also provide a sustainable platform to enhance the visibility of women and facilitate the exchange of experiences”.
At the launch, Presidential Advisor and Special Guest of Honour, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, emphasized the significant role that networking plays in career advancement and success. Drawing from her personal experiences, she encouraged the women to be intentional about building meaningful connections urging them to “Never underestimate the value of a strong network”. “True success comes when you build an entire ecosystem and create opportunities for others to thrive. That is what today is about,” she said.
Two female Board Members of MTN Ghana, NanaAma Botchway and Rosie Ebe-Arthur, also addressed the women, encouraging them to have confidence in their abilities.
Janet Sunkwa-Mills, a board member of the Executive Women Network and Keynote Speaker for the occasion, highlighted the benefits of deliberate investments in professional networks. She noted that sustaining a thriving network requires effort and commitment. “For a network to thrive, members must be intentional about their contributions and support for one another,” she stated.
On the topic of coaching, Dzigbordi Dosoo, CEO of DCG Consulting Group, stressed the importance of self-development as a foundation for guiding others. She urged the women to view coaching as a tool for navigating both professional and personal challenges. “Coaching is about strengthening yourself so that you can uplift others” she noted.
Focusing on the inspiration pillar, Taaka Awori, CEO of Busara Africa, encouraged the women at MTN to seek motivation from within rather than relying solely on external validation observing that “Too often, women look outside for inspiration when they should be looking inward. We need to cultivate self-love and confidence”
Sika Twum, CEO of Self Search Ghana, emphasised the importance of guidance by highlighting the need for unity and innovation within the network. She encouraged women to support one another and provide clear direction in times of uncertainty. “In moments of confusion, having a strong sense of direction is crucial. By committing to guide and uplift one another, we can achieve excellence together,” she noted.
On the topic of empowerment, Audrey Abakah, SME Lead at Absa Bank, stressed the necessity for women to take ownership of their personal growth. She pointed out that while organizations like MTN Ghana can offer support, it is essential for individuals to be proactive in seizing opportunities. “For true empowerment to be realized, women must be equipped and enabled” she added.
The event was attended by MTN Executives, Female Employees of MTN Ghana, Diversity and Inclusion committee members of MTN Ghana, Leaders of various women’s associations, and other guests.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the 2024 Running Mate to the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was mobbed before he made donation to the victims of the Adum fire disaster.
Some scenes from the ceremony
The former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, who is popularly known as Napo in the political space, made a personal donation of GH¢50,000 plus 500 bags of cement aside from GH¢100,000 from his share of MP’s common fund.
Besides, the incumbent MP for Manhyia South, Lawyer Baffour Awuah, made a personal donation of 100 bags of cement to the affected traders.
In all, Napo and his entourage donated GH¢150,000 and 600 bags of cement to the victims.
The former Energy and Education Minister cautioned the traders against division, reminding them that unity is strength.
He also urged the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to work hand in hand with the affected traders to find the needed support for them devoid of discrimination.
The donations were made on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, and they were received by the leadership of the United Traders of Adum Blue Light.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed his deepest sympathy to the affected traders, advising them to unite and push for the needed support.
He appealed to them to liaise with the MPs within the Greater Kumasi metropolis and the Ashanti Regional Minister, so as to ensure that every affected trader gets back his or her shop.
The leadership of the victims expressed their profound appreciation to Napo. They prayed for him for showing kindness to them.
They used the opportunity to renew their appeal to government to allow them to reconstruct their shops.
Napo urged them to liaise with the MPs to lead them to inform Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Overlord of Asanteman, as well.
