Business

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has firmly reiterated his commitment to abolish the controversial E-Levy and betting tax if elected President in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on Sunday, August 18, he outlined his administration’s vision for comprehensive tax reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on Ghanaians.

This includes a tax amnesty for previous years’ unpaid taxes, as well as waivers on interest and penalties for unfiled taxes.

 

He also detailed strategies to position Ghana as a global digital leader, focusing on policies, competitive incentives, and strategic investments to transform the nation into a world-class digital economy.

“We will fast-track Ghana’s transformation into Africa’s digital hub through strategic policies, incentives, and investments. This includes investing in local talent and tech start-ups while abolishing the E-Levy.

“We’ll implement broad tax reforms, offering a one-time tax amnesty to all Ghanaians and corporate entities, wiping the slate clean from previous tax obligations. This will give everyone a fresh start in their tax journey.

“We will reform the Value Added Tax system by consolidating all levies into a single line item, which will be treated as part of input and output VAT, eliminating the cascading effect of the current regime.

“We’ll also reduce Withholding Tax for small-scale gold exports to 1% to curb smuggling, and abolish the Betting Tax,” Dr. Bawumia promised.

Business-friendly tax reforms

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also pledged to establish a more business-friendly environment if elected in the upcoming 2024 elections.

He highlighted his unwavering commitment to boosting and expanding the private sector.

He outlined a comprehensive plan for a revamped tax regime under his administration, specifically tailored to accelerate business growth and spur economic development across the country.Source: Myjoyonline.com

 

 

Accra, August 15, 2024 – MTN Ghana is transforming project management through strategic data use. This was highlighted by William Tetteh, the Chief Capital Projects Officer of MTN Ghana, at the 2024 National Project Management Conference held at Rock City in the Eastern Region.

Mr. Tetteh emphasized the critical role of data in enhancing project performance and efficiency. He noted that while raw data provides a comprehensive understanding of project dynamics, data analytics is essential for collecting, unpacking, and presenting it meaningfully.

MTN’s integration of data analytics into its project management has led to significant improvements, including a 40% reduction in project turnaround time. Key areas impacted by data analytics include project trends analysis, performance monitoring, risk management, and resource optimization.

MTN’s data-driven approach involves a multi-step process of data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization. Data is periodically mined from MTN Business Intelligence servers and data warehouses, cleaned for accuracy, and systematically stored to maintain historical records.

Notable projects powered by data insights include the Long term Evolution (LTE) Expansion and Radio Access Network (RAN) Modernization initiative, which addresses the surge in network capacity demand due to the volume of customer additions annually. Similarly, the success of MTN’s Mobile Money (MoMo) highlights the transformative power of data.

Before MoMo was launched in 2009, a significant portion of Ghana’s population was unbanked. Leveraging data from financial institutions and national surveys, MTN designed a mobile money service that now serves over 15 million users, accounting for over 90% of fintech transactions in Ghana as of December 2023.

With respect to customer service Mr. Tetteh said, “The DigiCare project, featuring self-service digital platforms and a chatbot named Zigi, has improved MTN’s customer engagement, with a 56% increase in digital interactions.

MTN’s data strategy is supported by robust governance policies and continuous training to foster a data-driven culture. Overall, MTN Ghana’s strategic use of data has positioned it as a leader in project management excellence.”

As William Tetteh rightly put it, “Data is the new oil,” and for MTN Ghana, it is indeed the fuel powering their innovative projects and services.”

During the conference, Manuella Asianoa, Information Technology Project Implementation Coordinator, led a breakout session on “Embracing Design Thinking: A Pathway to Sustainable and Inclusive Project Management.”, where she shared her expertise and insights on this innovative approach.

She highlighted how Design Thinking enhances project outcomes by focusing on user needs and fostering creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. Manuella’s insights underscored the approach’s potential to drive more effective, equitable, and sustainable project management.

The National Project Management Conference and Project Management Excellence Awards stand as the largest gathering of Project Management Professionals and change makers in Ghana, bringing together delegates from diverse backgrounds. The 2024 National Project Management Conference and Project Management Excellence Awards was held under the theme, “Sustainable Project Management Futures: Crafting a Resilient and Inclusive World.” Over 150 delegates attended the event.

End.

Media Contacts:

Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: mtnghana.mediaoffice@mtn.com

The Kejetia Market in Kumasi has been plunged into darkness for three days due to a seven-million-cedi debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The power company states that the disconnection results from the facility management’s failure to honor a scheduled debt repayment plan.

However, traders assert that they have not defaulted on their electricity bills to the Kumasi City Markets Limited.

In April, the ECG previously disconnected power to the Kejetia Market over a debt of GH¢9.7 million cedis. Power was restored after a repayment plan was agreed upon between the parties.

Four months later, the ECG claims that the market has not met its part of the agreement, leading to the current power disconnection.

Traders are dissatisfied with the market management, insisting that they have been consistently paying their bills.

“We are not owing. If we were, you would have seen people crowded at where we pay the bills. We don’t owe any ECG debts. They should let us know where the debts are coming from,” a trader said.

Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, Edmond Kofi Duffuor, insists the company has demonstrated commitment to offset the debt.

“Last June, we owed 4.9 million cedis from the original 7.2 million cedis. Between June and now, we’ve paid 3.1 million cedis from the bill that was presented to us, so it was only left with 2.0 million cedis. We’ve arranged with them that we will be paying 100,000 cedis every day,” he said.

Mr. Duffour says efforts are being made for power to be restored as soon as possible.

But the traders are calling for an overhaul of the management of the market.

“We can see that the man cannot manage the market. He should resign so that we find another person to manage the affairs of the market. They are really making us suffer,” an aggrieved trader said.Source: Joseph Obeng

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

MTN continues to work with its industry stakeholders to ensure the management of a verified and robust SIM registration database. As part of the process, MTN Ghana is requesting its customers to verify and confirm the SIM numbers linked to their Ghana card. After confirming the numbers, Customers should kindly report unauthorized numbers linked to their Ghana card for delinking and deactivation.

To check the SIM numbers linked to their Ghana card, customers should dial:
*402#
Select option 1 – check SIMs
Enter Ghana card personal ID number (GHA-XXXXXXXX-X)
Enter date of birth in the format: (DDMMYYYY) e.g., 01061999
Customer will receive this response: “Yello! Your request has been received successfully” after which the customers’ registered phone number(s) will be shared via SMS.

Customers who detect unauthorized numbers linked to their Ghana card should report at the nearest MTN Retail Shop for assistance. MTN will provide the needed support to deactivate any registered number(s) that was not authorized by the customer.

Commenting on the exercise Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN said,” MTN is committed to working with industry partners and the customers to ensure the compilation of a more resilient and robust customer database to help minimize fraud in the country.”

“This is a two-way affair. We need the support of our customers to enable us to conduct this exercise successfully, Ms. Wiafe said.

End.

Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah has been commended for ensuring the successful implementation of skills and job training initiatives from the office of the Vice President, Dr Mahamodu Bawumia.

Speaking to this reporter, some beneficiaries under the ongoing Shepreneurship initiative which is majoring on make up, baking, interior and exterior decor, soap making and pedicure thanked the CEO for being forward looking.

Angelina Nsiah, a 27 year old under the baking module said she has found the training very beneficial.

She noted that after the training the NEIP would set her up to begin business and enable her to employ others.

Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer for National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP)

 

Others:
Rosmary Akuoko, a beneficiary under the make up module, noted her happiness for the opportunity to learn and acquire skills.

She said that after the training there would be an opportunity to perfect the skills she has and set up to commence her own business too.

Sheila Ababio also thanked the CEO of NEIP for the Shepreneurship initiative.

She stated that the initiative is helping to unlock entrepreneurial potentials in the youth in the country.

Background:
Currently, the government of Ghana 🇬🇭  is implementing series of job creation avenues for the youth to get training and empowerment.

The Vice President recently outdoored the biggest initiative where head potters are being trained on many modules including bus driving, bead making, wig weaving and many others.

It is expected that these initiatives being rolled out under the NEIP and other similar modules ongoing under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) would help to provide training and employable skills for the Ghanaian youth across the country.Source:Michael Ofosu-Afriyie

In an evening of glitz, celebration and recognition at the fourth edition of the National Business Honours 2024 held at the Marriott Hotel in Accra over the weekend.

Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) was named: Ultimate Woman of the year and MASLOC  awarded for championing business sustainability under the Government of Ghana (GoG) agency, supporting many SME’s and some skilled groups through the provision and accessibility of credit products to enhance and improve small business.

Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah,MASLOC CEO displaying the award.

The event which was under the theme “Driving Growth and Innovation; Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future in a Recovering Economy,” witnessed industry leaders and trailblazers from numerous institutions involved in driving the economy to reward and honor leaders who are at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in a recovering economy.

The National Business Honours 2024 which climaxed the National Business week brings together key stakeholders, partners and captains of industry to celebrate and help deliberate on the pertinent issues affecting the world of commerce while also giving opportunity to commercial entities to exhibit their organizations through their products and services.

In a night filled with recognition and celebration of business excellence, Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah was honoured with two significant awards: Championing Business Sustainability for MASLOC and the Ultimate Woman of the Year for her formidable leadership. These accolades underscore her dedication to fostering sustainable business practices and her remarkable leadership in empowering women in the financial sector.

The Championing Business Sustainability award recognized the CEO of MASLOC efforts in implementing strategies that not only ensure the financial viability but also promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Under her leadership, MASLOC has pioneered initiatives that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices, thereby contributing to the broader goal of economic recovery and resilience.

The Ultimate Woman of the Year award also celebrated her trailblazing role as a woman in leadership.

Hajia Abibata has been a beacon of inspiration for many women in Ghana and beyond, breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks in the traditionally male-dominated financial sector. Her commitment to gender equality and her advocacy for women’s economic empowerment have made significant impacts, empowering countless women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams, safeguarding our environment for future generations.

As the applause echoed in support of her recognition, Hajia Abibata’s achievements serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainability and gender empowerment embody the very essence of the evening’s theme.

In an era where the quest for growth often overshadows the need for sustainability, Hajia Abibata’s honors remind us that the true measure of success lies in our ability to drive innovation while nurturing the world we inhabit. Her story is not just an accolade but a clarion call for a new paradigm in business leadership—one that is as compassionate as it is ambitious, as inclusive as it is innovative.

The National Business Honours 2024 has once again highlighted the pivotal role of visionary leaders in shaping the future of business and driving the nation’s economic revival. Hajia Abibata’s recognition serves as an inspiration and a call to action for all, reaffirming that sustainable growth and gender equality are integral to the nation’s progress.

Source: Gladys Boakye/Peace FM Newsroom