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VAT
Explainers

The New VAT Reforms — Who Wins and Who Loses

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Big tax changes are here — and they could affect every purchase you make. From the market woman in Makola to the manufacturing business owner in Tema, Ghana’s 2026 Budget has redrawn the Value Added Tax (VAT) map. The government says it’s about fairness, relief, and growth, but behind the numbers are clear winners and losers. Your taxes just changed and so did the price of almost everything. The new VAT reforms promise lower rates, fewer levies, and simpler rules. But while some get real relief, others face tighter compliance and new costs. Here’s what Ghana’s 2026 VAT reset really means for your business, your wallet, and your weekend shopping.   The COVID-19 Health Levy Is Gone The 1% COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy has been scrapped. That single change keeps GH¢3.7 billion in the economy next year. Winners: • Households — that is consumers like you and I and also businesses — expect a little more breathing room on prices. Losers: • Government revenue, which loses a steady income stream that funded health interventions.   GETFund and NHIL Levies Are Now VAT-Creditable For years, businesses paid GETFund and NHIL levies without being able to claim them back. Now, they’ve been reintegrated into the VAT base meaning firms can deduct them as input tax. Winners: • Manufacturers, importers, and retailers who’ll see real cost reductions. Losers: • The government’s short-term revenue intake — though it’s betting on growth to balance the books.   VAT Removed on Mineral Exploration Ghana has scrapped VAT on mineral exploration and reconnaissance activities. The move is to attract new investment into the mining sector. Winners: • Mining and exploration firms — lower startup costs and better investment conditions. Losers: • Government tax receipts from exploration-related services, at least in the short term.   VAT Rate Cut — From 21.9% to 20% For consumers, this one’s easy to understand: The effective VAT rate drops from 21.9% to 20%. That means a little less pressure at the till and lower costs for businesses. Winners: • Consumers and enterprises across the board. Losers: • The Treasury, which takes a smaller VAT share in the short term.   Small Businesses Get a Big Break The VAT registration threshold jumps from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000. That means thousands of small businesses no longer need to register for VAT. Winners: • Small traders, artisans, and self-employed entrepreneurs — fewer compliance headaches. Losers: • Mid-sized registered firms, who may now lose some price advantage to smaller, VAT-free competitors.   Zero-Rated VAT for Local Textiles Extended The zero-rated VAT policy for locally produced textiles has been extended to 2028. That protects over 2,000 direct jobs and keeps Ghana’s textile industry competitive. Winners: • Local manufacturers, factory workers, and small tailors. Losers: • Importers of foreign textiles, who now face stiffer competition.   Digital VAT Reforms — A New Era of Compliance The VAT system is going digital. Fiscal Electronic Devices (FEDs), e-receipts, and new online tracking tools are being rolled out nationwide. Plus, the new VAT Reward Scheme will let consumers earn prizes for demanding receipts. Winners: • The GRA — better compliance, better data. • Honest businesses that already play by the rules. Losers: • Tax evaders and under-declarers — the system will be harder to beat. • Cash-only traders who prefer to stay off the books.   The 2026 VAT reforms mark a clear shift from heavy taxation to smarter taxation. But the real question is: Will lower taxes and digital compliance truly balance the books? Only time and discipline will tell.    

Vivian Kai Lokko, Editorial Lead - Business Outlook Africa
Opinion

When Revenue Collection Hurts Business

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When outspoken politician and businessman Kennedy Agyapong, during an outreach engagement in the Central Region in December 2025, said the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) must stop intimidating entrepreneurs and instead support job creation, he struck a nerve. “The GRA should stop treating Ghanaian businessmen like criminals. When people try to build companies in this country, they go through too much frustration. How do we expect to create jobs when the very institutions meant to help are scaring business owners?” The NPP presidential hopeful is not alone. Similar concerns have been raised before. In 2024, during an interaction with members of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also accused the Authority of harassing businesses under the guise of tax collection. According to Dr. Bawumia, the problem lies in the GRA’s practice of setting unrealistic revenue targets for its officers — a situation that results in overtaxing existing businesses instead of expanding the tax base. “They are harassing businesses. That harassment is coming from the sort of targets that are created at their office. They are setting unrealistic targets. Because the tax base is narrow, officers are given monthly targets and are left wondering where to find the money.” “So they return to the same taxpayers — people already paying — and come up with new reasons for them to pay more.” But beyond the politics and soundbites, one question matters most: How do Ghanaian businesses actually feel about the GRA’s impact on their survival and growth? To find out, Business Outlook with Vivian Kai Lokko put the question directly to the public across its social media platforms. The responses reveal a story that goes far deeper than a simple for-or-against tax debate.   The Verdict from the Polls Across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, one message stood out clearly: many businesses feel more pressure than support. LinkedIn — a platform dominated by professionals and formal business operators — showed a more nuanced response: • 56% say the GRA is hurting businesses • 33% say it is both helping and hurting • 11% believe it is helping On X (Twitter), opinions were split and uncertain: • 38% say hurting • 38% say both helping and hurting • 19% are not sure • 6% say helping However, on platforms closer to everyday business activity and informal enterprise, the verdict was far less mixed. TikTok • 79% say hurting • 21% say helping Instagram • 100% say hurting   What the Data Really Tells Us This is not a tax-rejection poll. It is a lived-experience poll. The closer respondents are to daily cash-flow pressures, informal trading, and survival-driven entrepreneurship, the more negative their perception of the GRA becomes. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok — home to micro-entrepreneurs, traders, creatives, and side hustlers — delivered the harshest verdicts. Meanwhile, LinkedIn users, often salaried professionals or operators within the formal sector, acknowledged the importance of taxation but still expressed deep frustration. The message is clear: the problem is not taxation itself — it is how tax enforcement is experienced.   Supportive or Punitive? That’s the Real Debate Businesses are not arguing against paying taxes. They are questioning whether the system: • understands their cash-flow realities, • supports growth during difficult economic cycles, and • treats them as partners in development rather than targets for extraction. When compliance feels intimidating instead of enabling, the cost is not just frustration — it is slower growth, job losses, and discouraged entrepreneurship. As of 2024, SMEs in Ghana contributed about 70% of GDP and accounted for roughly 92% of all businesses — making their survival a national economic priority.   Why This Matters for Ghana’s Economy Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Ghana’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and sustain communities. If these businesses consistently feel pressured rather than supported, the long-term consequences go far beyond tax revenue. A tax system that works must do two things at once: collect revenue efficiently and build trust with the businesses that generate that revenue. Right now, trust appears to be the missing link.   The Bottom Line Kennedy Agyapong’s comments may have reignited the conversation, but the polls suggest the issue is far bigger than politics. For many Ghanaian businesses, the real question is not: “Should we pay taxes?” It is: “Does the system help us survive long enough to pay them?” Until that gap is addressed, the perception of the GRA — fair or not — will continue to tilt toward hurting rather than helping. ⸻ By: Vivian Kai Lokko

Vivian Kai Lokko, Editorial Lead - Business Outlook Africa
Opinion

How Ghana’s Fuel Underdogs Became Market Leaders

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For decades, Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry followed a familiar script. A few dominant brands controlled the pumps, set the tone on quality, and commanded fierce customer loyalty. Local oil marketing companies (OMCs) operated on the fringes—present, but rarely powerful. That story has now been shattered. Over the past five years, Ghana’s petrol and diesel market has undergone a quiet but seismic shift. Competition has intensified, market leadership has changed hands, and indigenous OMCs—once dismissed are now driving the industry’s most dramatic gains. Consumers are paying less at the pump and a new generation of local champions has emerged. This transformation did not happen by chance. It was triggered by regulation, sharpened by competition, and sustained by investment in quality. Breaking the ‘poor quality’ myth For years, smaller indigenous OMCs battled a stubborn stigma—that their fuel was inferior, adulterated, or unreliable. Today, that perception is rapidly fading. Many local players have invested heavily in quality control, logistics, and supply chain discipline—and the payoff is visible. Zen Petroleum stands out as a powerful example. Its diesel meets ultra-low sulphur European specifications, specially imported for the mining sector. Once unthinkable for a local brand, this level of quality is now becoming a competitive weapon. Regulatory enforcement has also played a crucial role. In 2012, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the industry’s regulator introduced the Fuel Marking Program to combat adulteration by tracking chemical concentrations in fuel. Tests results from inspections conducted at retail outlets following the introduction of the fuel marking program showed a failure rate of about 30%. By the end of 2025, this had reduced to just 2 percent a turnaround that has restored consumer confidence. The great market shake-up Nothing illustrates the industry’s transformation more clearly than the numbers. In August 2020, GOIL towered over the petrol market, selling more than 27 million litres in a single month. It was followed by Vivo, Total, Q8, and Zoe Petroleum. Indigenous brands like Star Oil, Zen, and Benab trailed far behind—important, but not dominant. Five years later, the hierarchy has been flipped. According to NPA data for January to November 2025 (RON 91 petrol): * Star Oil surged to the top, selling over 422 million litres * GOIL followed with 241 million litres * Vivo recorded 209 million litres * Total sold 147 million litres * Zen Petroleum broke into the top five with 102 million litres Star Oil—once outside the top ten—has overtaken Goil the long-time market leader. Zen has leapt from ninth place into the industry’s elite – top 5. It is a stunning reversal few would have predicted just half a decade ago. Behind them, a new wave of local competitors—Benab, Dukes, IBM, Frimps, and Allied Oil—is closing the gap. Others, including JP and Icon though not yet in the top ten, are winning customers with sharply competitive pricing that often undercuts even the biggest brands. How local players cracked the code Over the years, foreign-owned OMCs and GOIL dominated through deep pockets, aggressive advertising, and entrenched brand loyalty. That advantage is no longer guaranteed. Local OMCs have become deliberate and strategic—investing in: * Bold rebranding and station upgrades * Heavy visibility on social media * Loyalty schemes and promotions * Cleaner, more modern stations * Aggressive but targeted pricing * Improved incentives for franchise operators The result is a shift in perception. Middle-class consumers, once skeptical, are now willing to switch—and stay. Policy winds at their backs Government policy has accelerated this transformation. The move to full deregulation created a more level playing field, allowing price competition and operational flexibility. Then, in October 2024, Parliament passed Ghana’s Local Content Law, restricting OMC ownership to Ghanaians. Only legacy operators—Puma, TotalEnergies, Vivo Energy and So Energy were exempted, having existed before the law came into force. For local companies, the message was clear: this market now belongs to them. The hidden cost of a price war Yet success has brought new tensions. Intense competition has triggered a fuel price war, driven by selective price reductions that favour highly competitive urban centres. Rural and less competitive areas despite contributing equally to the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF)—often pay more. The Institute for Energy Security (IES) warns that this trend undermines Ghana’s Price Uniformity Policy and weakens the very mechanism designed to protect vulnerable consumers. Other stakeholders argue the competition is becoming unhealthy and insist Price Floor Regulation introduced in 2024 to check this must not be abolished. A new era, new questions Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector is no longer defined by legacy dominance or foreign control. Indigenous OMCs have rewritten the rules—through quality, branding, and ruthless competition. The next challenge is clear: how to sustain this momentum without sacrificing fairness, stability, and national cohesion. – By Vivian Kai Lokko

Explainers

Why Ginger and Charcoal Prices Keep Rising in Ghana

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Two everyday essentials are increasingly becoming expensive. And many people are asking: why? The Everyday Reality Ginger adds that spicy kick to food – shito, soups, kelewele, drinks, medicines and many more. 
Charcoal fuels pots in millions of homes — especially in rural areas. These are not luxury items.
They are daily necessities. Yet both have become painfully expensive. Ginger: The Spice Driving Inflation Ginger is no longer just a spice. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, it is among the top ten items contributing 78.6% to inflation. Year-on-year inflation hit 72% in January 2026 — the highest among its peers with high inflation, in January alone, it contributed 6.8% to national inflation. That’s significant for a single food item. So What’s Behind the Price Surge? Several factors are at play: Poor rainfall has reduced harvests in Volta and Ashanti. In the Ashanti region, illegal mining has reduced available farmland and lower supply means higher prices. To meet demand, traders now import ginger from Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
Imported ginger is often larger and more appealing — but more expensive. And it’s not just households buying. Ghana’s beverage and confectionery industries use large quantities of ginger — from non alcoholic to alcoholic drinks, growing demand for local beverages like sobolo,to biscuits, toffees, and even medicines. Industrial buyers often pay premium prices. Today, a sack of ginger sells for between ₵3,500–₵4,000, and spiked to ₵5,000 during the last festive periods. Charcoal: The Fuel That Refuses to Cool Down Charcoal is also seeing record price hikes. In January 2026 year-on-year inflation was 53.7%. 
It ranks among the top contributors to national inflation, it alone contributes 13.6% to the national basket. For many households, charcoal is not optional. Why Is Charcoal So Expensive? Demand remains high. Despite efforts to promote LPG and electricity, 77% of households still rely on primary fuels, only 28.7% use clean energy. 
In rural areas, just 11% have switched to clean energy. Charcoal remains the most accessible cooking fuel. Charcoal production requires large quantities of hardwood. In northern Ghana, trees like the Siena are heavily harvested.
It takes four units of wood to produce one unit of charcoal. Deforestation and environmental concerns are limiting supply, add transportation from areas such as Afram Plains, Buipe, and Kintampo — and prices rise even further. What Are These Prices Telling Us? The rising prices of ginger and charcoal are not random. They reflect: • Climate challenges
• Industrial demand
• Deforestation
• Slow adoption of clean energy For households, this means higher food costs, tighter budgets, and health concerns linked to primary fuel use. As Ghana navigates inflationary pressures in 2026, the cost of these kitchen staples remains a pressing concern. Urban or rural everyone feels it. Because inflation isn’t just data. It’s what’s cooking at home.

Economy

From Gold to Grain: Who’s Powering Ghana’s Economy?

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Ghana’s economy is still growing — but the pace is slowing. Provisional data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows that in November 2025, the country’s year-on-year growth rate hit 4.2%, down sharply from 7.1% in November 2024. On the surface, the headline number signals moderation. But the real story lies beneath the aggregate figures — in the sectors that are driving growth and those that are holding it back.   Agriculture: The Quiet Stabilizer Amid the slowdown, agriculture stands out as a resilient force. The sector grew 4.1% in November 2025, slightly higher than 3.8% in 2024, contributing 32.4% of the total 4.2% growth. This steady performance underscores the sector’s importance: • Improved resilience against economic shocks • Continued expansion despite challenges • Vital role of food production in Ghana’s stability Nearly one-third of Ghana’s economic growth in November came from farms, crops, livestock, and fisheries.   Industry: The Sharpest Slowdown Industry, historically a key engine of growth, tells a different story. Growth in November 2025 barely registered at 0.4%, down from 6.2% in 2024. The slowdown is mainly due to declines in mining and quarrying, which once fueled industrial expansion. Industry contributed only 2.5 percentage points to overall growth, signaling weak momentum in Ghana’s extractive sector. For investors and policymakers, this is a cautionary note: without a rebound in industrial activity, sustaining broader economic growth may prove difficult.   Services: Still Leading, But Losing Steam The services sector continues to drive growth, expanding 6.7%, though this is slower than the 10.2% growth recorded last year. This sector, encompassing finance, trade, ICT, transport, and professional services, remains the largest contributor, accounting for 57.7% of total growth. While services are still expanding, the slowing pace hints that Ghana’s reliance on this sector alone may not be enough to maintain strong economic momentum.   What This Means for Ghana The numbers tell a story of moderation rather than contraction, but raise important questions: • Can industrial activity rebound? • Will agriculture continue to carry more weight? • Is Ghana entering a broader slowdown, or simply transitioning to a services-led economy? The message is clear: sustaining growth will require revitalizing industry while protecting gains in agriculture and services. Ghana is growing, but the balance of growth is shifting — from the traditional strength of mining and industry to the quiet stabilizer of agriculture and the dominant, but cooling, services sector. The future of the economy depends on how these sectors adapt and support one another in the months and years ahead.

Agriculture

Ghana’s Cocoa Crisis: What Happens Next?

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  Ghana’s cocoa sector is at a turning point. On February 11, 2026, Cabinet held an emergency meeting over deepening challenges in the cocoa industry — from falling global prices to mounting debts and liquidity crises at Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). Just months ago, farmers were earning GH¢58,000 per tonne after Ghana raised prices to prevent cocoa smuggling to Côte d’Ivoire, which had announced higher rates. But the global market turned. World cocoa prices have fallen sharply — from about US$7,200 per tonne to nearly US$4,100. That collapse has made Ghana’s cocoa uncompetitive and exposed deep financial weaknesses within COCOBOD.   What Went Wrong? • A projected 800,000-tonne crop in 2023/24 delivered just 432,145 tonnes — a shocking 45% shortfall. • Rollover contracts locked in at US$2,661 per tonne led to losses exceeding US$1 billion. • COCOBOD defaulted on obligations, including bridge financing from the Ministry of Finance. • The old syndicated loan model failed, leaving the sector dependent on buyer pre-financing. In a nutshell falling prices, debt, and liquidity shortages created a huge storm.   The Immediate Impact Effective February 12, 2026, the new producer price for the remainder of the 2025/26 season is: • GH¢41,392 per tonne • GH¢2,587 per bag The Producer Price Review Committee says farmers will now receive 90% of gross FOB (based on US$4,200), cushioning the blow from the market collapse.   The Big Reforms Government is not stopping at price adjustments. Cabinet has announced sweeping reforms: • A new COCOBOD Bill to automatically adjust producer prices based on world prices and exchange rates. • A shift from syndicated loans to domestic Cocoa Bonds to fund purchases. • Mandatory local processing — at least 50% of cocoa to be processed in Ghana from 2026/27. • Revival of Produce Buying Company (PBC) and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC). • Conversion of nearly GH¢5 billion in legacy debt to equity. • Transfer of GH¢4.35 billion cocoa roads liabilities to the Ministry of Roads. • Forensic audit and criminal investigations into the past eight years of COCOBOD operations. Why the Reforms Cocoa is Ghana’s economic backbone. These reforms aim to: • Protect farmer incomes • Restore COCOBOD’s balance sheet • Boost local processing and job creation • Reduce dependence on volatile global markets • Strengthen transparency and accountability The question now is not just about price cuts — it’s about whether these reforms can finally reset Ghana’s cocoa sector for long-term sustainability.

Real Estate

When Accommodation Costs More Than Tuition: The Student Housing Struggle in Accra

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Rent issues in Accra have become a growing concern, affecting the daily lives of many Ghanaians. While much of the focus is on general housing costs, one segment that often escapes scrutiny is the private hostel market — where students at institutions such as the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) are increasingly feeling the financial strain. With a student population exceeding 70,000 at the University of Ghana alone, providing on-campus accommodation for all students remains a major challenge. The university’s In-Out-Out-Out policy — which guarantees traditional hall residence for first-year students for only one academic year — means continuing students (Levels 200–400) must find alternative housing. The result: a booming private hostel market and growing concerns about affordability. The Numbers: What Students Are Paying Around University of Ghana (Legon): Single room: GH¢9,500 – GH¢27,769 per year Two-in-a-room: GH¢10,257 – GH¢21,329 per year Four-in-a-room: GH¢5,955 – GH¢8,876 per year Additional charges: JCR dues, registration and booking fees (varies by hostel) Even within the same occupancy category, prices differ significantly. One two-in-a-room facility may charge GH¢10,000, while another charges GH¢15,000. Pricing differences are influenced by: Whether the room is self-contained or shares washrooms and kitchens Balcony access Private kitchen or kitchenette Room size Air conditioning availability These factors explain the wide price variations within the same accommodation categories. What Hostel Fees Typically Cover                                                                                                                                                                       In some hostels, fees include: Water (and sometimes electricity) Generator/standby plant services DSTV JCR dues However, this is far from uniform. In many facilities, electricity is billed separately. Students must top up prepaid meters in addition to paying substantial accommodation fees. Although JCR dues are capped at GH¢100 by the university, they are sometimes charged separately rather than included in the main hostel fee. Off Legon: Slightly Cheaper, But At a Cost Students who move to areas such as Okponglo, Madina, Adenta, and Haatso often pay slightly lower rents. Some off-campus facilities charge: GH¢4,500 for two-in-a-room every four months GH¢5,500 for one-in-a-room every four months Monthly electricity averaging around GH¢50 But lower rent comes with trade-offs. Transport costs increase overall expenses, and students must also consider safety, convenience, and commuting time. Students Speak Out For many students, the rising cost feels disproportionate. “The hostel fees are a bit too much. It’s unreasonable to pay such huge amounts just to stay somewhere, and sometimes pay less for academics.” Another student questioned the value for money: “Fees keep increasing, but when you visit the facilities, nothing has improved. If prices are skyrocketing, infrastructure should reflect that.” What Hostel Operators Say Hostel managers argue that the cost of borrowing is the main driver of high prices. According to operators, interest rates on loans used to construct hostel facilities have in the past reached as high as 40 percent. “Most of what students pay goes into servicing loans. It’s expensive to build, and interest rates are very high.” They also note that beyond the regulation of JCR dues, there are no clear caps on hostel pricing. The market largely determines accommodation costs. Government and University Response In response to the accommodation crisis, the Mahama-led government earlier this year announced plans to construct a 10,000-bed student hostel at the University of Ghana through international partnerships. Government has also signaled plans to regulate private hostel fees to stabilize accommodation costs across Accra. Meanwhile, the University of Ghana is pursuing additional on-campus solutions, including the SRC Hostel Initiative aimed at expanding student housing capacity. The Vice Dean of Student Affairs has indicated that the university may consider reviewing the In-Out-Out-Out policy once the proposed 10,000-bed facility becomes operational. As demand continues to outpace supply, students remain caught between rising private hostel fees and limited on-campus options. The challenge now is balancing: Access Affordability Quality And sustainable investment in student housing Because for many students in Accra, the cost of accommodation is no longer just a housing issue — it is shaping their entire university experience.

Albert Essien, Former Group Managing Director of Ecobank
Banking & Finance

Fix Credit Risk or Repeat the Crisis — Albert Essien’s Warning to Ghana’s Banks

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Former Group Managing Director of Ecobank, Albert Essien, has identified weak risk management — particularly credit risk — as the single biggest downside of Ghana’s banking sector. Reflecting on Ghana’s recent banking sector crisis, Mr Essien argued that the core challenge facing the industry is not regulatory compliance alone, but how effectively banks manage lending risk. According to him, while many bankers are well-trained in financial theory and risk analysis, sustainable banking requires more than technical knowledge. It requires character. “I think one of the biggest downsides for our bank sector is risk management — especially credit risk. It’s about learning the theory, yes, but also building the character,” he stated. Mr Essien noted that non-performing loans (NPLs) remain elevated — still hovering in the region of the 20 percent range — and questioned why the industry continues to struggle with credit quality. “We should ask ourselves why. How do we treat it? How do we reduce it? That is something the Institute should think about,” he said, urging professional bodies to convene experts and develop targeted programmes to address the persistent risk management gap. Beyond credit risk, the former banking executive warned that the sector is entering a new era defined by rapid automation and artificial intelligence. Having witnessed the transition from ledger books to spreadsheets, Essien says the next transformation is already underway. “We are in great automation. The future is about understanding how artificial intelligence will change the banking system,” he explained. He revealed that some financial institutions are already deploying algorithms to support lending decisions — a shift that demands new technical skills from bankers. “Banking will basically remain what it is — taking deposits, keeping some, lending some. But the mode of delivery is what is changing,” he added. His message is clear: Ghana’s banking sector must strengthen credit discipline, build ethical leadership, and embrace AI-driven innovation — or risk repeating the mistakes of the past.      

Ashanti Region
Business

Security Taskforce Moves Against Overcharging Drivers as Ashanti Region Fare Enforcement Widens

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  Authorities in Ghana’s Ashanti Region have stepped up enforcement measures against commercial transport operators accused of charging passengers fares above officially approved rates. The intensified action, led by officers from the National Security Secretariat in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), forms part of a broader effort to regulate public transportation costs and protect commuters from exploitation.   The special operation commenced on Monday, January 26, with joint security teams deployed across key transport corridors within the Greater Kumasi area. Officials say the initiative is designed to identify, sanction and deter drivers and transport unions who fail to adhere to fare structures set by regulatory bodies. The exercise is also expected to be rolled out to additional districts in the region as monitoring and enforcement activities expand. Objective of the Exercise According to regional authorities, the clampdown aims to restore discipline in the commercial transport sector, where complaints of arbitrary fare hikes have become increasingly common. Passengers have frequently reported being charged above standard rates, particularly during peak hours, fuel price fluctuations, and periods of high demand. By reinforcing compliance with approved fare guidelines, officials hope to stabilise transport costs and reduce financial pressure on daily commuters. The operation is being carried out through coordinated roadside inspections, spot checks at major terminals, and engagement with transport unions. Security personnel and municipal officers are also verifying vehicle documentation and fare charts displayed inside commercial vehicles to ensure transparency and accountability. Vehicle Impoundments and Investigations As part of the enforcement drive, several vehicles suspected of violating fare regulations have been impounded. These vehicles have been towed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly yard located within the premises of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council. Owners and drivers of the affected vehicles are currently undergoing administrative and legal investigations to determine the extent of their infractions. Authorities emphasise that impoundment is not solely punitive but also serves as a deterrent to others who may consider flouting established fare directives. Depending on the findings of investigations, sanctions may range from fines and warnings to prosecution under applicable transport and consumer protection laws. Official Warning to Transport Operators Speaking to local media, the Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator, Alhassan Tapsoba, issued a firm caution to commercial drivers and transport unions, urging them to comply with approved pricing structures. He stressed that while the security taskforce is prepared to work cooperatively with compliant operators, deliberate refusal to follow regulations will attract legal consequences. Tapsoba noted that drivers who persist in charging unauthorised fares risk being handed over to the police for further action. He added that the approach of the taskforce combines flexibility with firmness — rewarding compliance while penalising repeated violations. The message, he said, is intended to send a clear signal that enforcement will remain consistent rather than temporary. Broader Implications for Commuters and the Transport Sector The renewed enforcement initiative reflects ongoing concerns about the cost of urban transportation and its impact on household budgets. In cities like Kumasi, where a large proportion of residents rely on commercial minibuses and taxis for daily mobility, fare increases can significantly affect living expenses. Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed stricter monitoring, arguing that predictable and regulated fares help maintain fairness in the system. Transport unions, on the other hand, often cite rising operational costs — including fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and spare parts — as reasons for fare adjustments. Authorities acknowledge these challenges but maintain that any changes must be officially sanctioned through established regulatory processes rather than unilateral decisions by individual drivers. Expansion of Monitoring Efforts Officials indicate that the current operation is only the first phase of a longer-term compliance strategy. Plans are underway to introduce periodic checks and collaborative engagements with transport associations to prevent future infractions. Public awareness campaigns may also accompany enforcement actions to educate both drivers and passengers on approved fare structures and reporting channels for violations. By strengthening oversight and reinforcing regulatory standards, regional authorities aim to promote fairness, order and consumer protection within the commercial transport sector. The continued presence of security personnel at transport hubs signals that fare compliance will remain a priority as the exercise progresses across the Ashanti Region.

John Dramani Mahama
National

Mahama Reports Progress in Crackdown on Illegal Mining as Rivers Show Early Signs of Recovery

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  Source: Business Outlook President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism over Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, stating that recent government measures are beginning to yield measurable environmental improvements. According to the President, early indicators suggest that some polluted rivers and degraded forest areas are gradually regaining stability following intensified enforcement and policy reforms. The remarks were delivered on Friday, January 30, 2026, during the graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy, where President Mahama addressed newly commissioned officers as well as senior military and government officials. His speech underscored the seriousness with which the administration views environmental protection, describing the illegal mining crisis as both an ecological and national security concern. Environmental Impact and Government Response Illegal mining has for years posed significant environmental challenges across Ghana, contaminating water bodies with heavy metals, stripping forest reserves of vegetation, and damaging farmlands that sustain rural livelihoods. In his address, the President characterised the country’s natural resources as a collective inheritance that requires careful stewardship, noting that unchecked mining activities have placed immense pressure on ecosystems and public health. To confront the issue, the government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a coordinating body designed to synchronise enforcement, policy direction, and community engagement. President Mahama explained that the current strategy goes beyond arrests and seizures, combining strict law enforcement with education campaigns, technological monitoring tools, and economic alternatives for communities historically dependent on informal mining. Security Measures and Enforcement A major component of the anti-galamsey campaign has been the classification of certain forests and river corridors as security zones. This designation allows for increased surveillance and rapid deployment of security personnel in areas identified as high-risk. The President revealed that permanent military installations have been set up in several affected regions to deter illegal operations and ensure sustained oversight rather than temporary crackdowns. Law-enforcement agencies have also intensified prosecutions, targeting not only field operators but also financiers and equipment suppliers who enable illicit activities. Authorities say this broader legal approach is intended to dismantle entire networks rather than focusing solely on individuals working at mining sites. Equipment confiscations, site closures, and coordinated patrols involving the military, police, and environmental agencies have become more frequent in mining-prone districts. Signs of Ecological Improvement President Mahama cited specific waterways, including the Ankobra and Offin rivers, as examples where gradual improvement in water clarity and sediment levels has been observed. Environmental officials have attributed these early gains to reduced dredging activities and stricter monitoring of riverbanks. While full restoration is expected to take years, the administration views the incremental changes as evidence that sustained intervention can reverse environmental degradation if maintained consistently. Experts caution, however, that recovery remains fragile and requires long-term investment in reforestation, soil rehabilitation, and water treatment programmes. Environmental scientists have noted that polluted rivers often need extended remediation efforts before they can fully support aquatic life and safe human use. As a result, government agencies are working with local assemblies and civil society organisations to expand clean-up initiatives and promote responsible land management practices. Community Engagement and Alternative Livelihoods Beyond enforcement, the administration has emphasised the importance of providing viable employment options to communities that have relied on informal mining for income. Vocational training, agricultural support schemes, and small-business grants are being introduced in selected regions to reduce economic dependence on illegal extraction. Officials believe that combining economic incentives with environmental awareness will foster more sustainable behaviour over time. Public education campaigns are also being rolled out through schools, traditional authorities, and media platforms to highlight the long-term consequences of illegal mining on health, food security, and water availability. These outreach efforts aim to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility among younger generations while encouraging community leaders to participate actively in monitoring local activities. Call for National Unity Despite the reported progress, President Mahama stressed that the campaign is far from complete. He urged citizens, traditional leaders, and private-sector stakeholders to support ongoing initiatives, describing environmental preservation as a shared national obligation. According to him, safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources is not solely a governmental task but a collective moral and civic responsibility that spans generations. The administration’s position signals that the anti-galamsey drive will remain a central policy priority, blending enforcement with education and economic reform. While challenges persist, officials maintain that coordinated action and sustained political will are gradually setting the country on a path toward environmental recovery and more responsible resource management.