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US, UK endorse Dutch PM Mark Rutte as next NATO chief

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Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte

The US and UK have endorsed the Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte’s candidacy to become the next secretary general of Nato, at a time when the alliance faces major challenges amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and renewed questions about the future of the US commitment to the transatlantic relationship.

“President Biden strongly endorses PM Rutte’s candidacy to be the next secretary general of Nato,” a US official told Reuters on Thursday.

A UK official said London “strongly backs” Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg. “Rutte is well-respected across the alliance, has serious defence and security credentials and will ensure that the alliance remains strong and ready to defend and deter.”

Many other Nato members have signalled they would back the Dutch leader for the post, which requires unanimous support from all alliance members.

Rutte is one of Europe’s longest-serving heads of government, having been prime minister since 2010, and is considered a safe pair of hands who could be well-positioned to grapple with the challenges of Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House.

Credit: theguardian.com

Hospitals in South Korea cancel surgeries as doctors keep up protests

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Doctors stage a rally against the government's medical policy

Hospitals in South Korea have been forced to cancel or postpone surgeries and medical procedures, including treatments for cancer, according to media reports, as more trainee doctors walked off the job in protest over proposed health reforms. The reports on Thursday came as the South Korean government called on the doctors to hold talks and threatened to arrest those leading the walkout.

So far, some 9,275 trainees or almost two-thirds of the country’s young doctors have joined the protest against the government plan’s to increase the number of students admitted to medical schools.

The plan was announced as part of a bid to bolster the healthcare system in one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies. Doctors claim the changes will hurt service provision and education quality, but critics say the trainees are mainly concerned the reform could erode their salaries and social prestige.

The Yonhap news agency, citing medical sources, said the work stoppage has forced five of the biggest general hospitals in the South Korean capital, Seoul, to drastically reduce surgeries and medical procedures.

Credit: aljazeera.com

UK aid supplies air-dropped into Gaza for first time

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UK aid supplies

The UK has air-dropped aid into Gaza for the first time since war broke out after striking a deal with Jordan. Four tonnes of supplies including medicines, food and fuel were delivered into the strip on a Jordanian Air Force plane on Wednesday.

Packages fitted with parachutes floated down to the Tal Al-Hawa Hospital in northern Gaza.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the aid would save lives and keep the hospital running.

The UK has until now only sent aid to Gaza by land and sea, but northern Gaza – a wasteland after nearly five months of war – is impossible to reach.

The World Food Programme has suspended deliveries there because its convoys had endured “complete chaos and violence”, the organisation said.

There is a heavy Israeli military presence in the area and much of the population were forced south.

However, an estimated 300,000 Palestinians remain in northern Gaza with little food or water and the UN has warned for months of a looming famine there.

Credit: bbc.com

Kremlin lashes out after Biden aims sweary barb at Putin

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Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin

The Kremlin has accused Joe Biden of attempting to appear like a “Hollywood cowboy” after the US president called Vladimir Putin “a crazy SOB”.

Mr Biden made the comments at a public fundraising event on Wednesday in California, warning about the threat of nuclear conflict.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it a poor attempt to appear like a “Hollywood cowboy”. He added that such vocabulary “debases America itself”.

In a brief speech in San Francisco, Mr Biden said: “We have a crazy SOB like that guy Putin, and others, and we always have to worry about nuclear conflict, but the existential threat to humanity is climate.”

It is not the first time the US president has used the offensive term. In a hot-mic slip in 2022, Mr Biden called a Fox News journalist a “son of a bitch”.

He has also called Mr Putin a “butcher” and a “war criminal” in the past.

The Kremlin spokesman said it was “unlikely to infringe on our president, President Putin. But it debases those who use such vocabulary”.

Credit: bbc.com

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn

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Heartburn is very common — and very unpleasant. It’s triggered when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It can make you feel as though someone has lit a small bonfire in your chest, and it’s burning its way up to your neck.

You’re probably well aware that medications can help calm the burn, but natural heartburn remedies and lifestyle changes may be another way to get relief.

One commonly used “natural” heartburn remedy is calcium. It’s also the active ingredient in many over-the-counter antacids.

If you find yourself popping antacids like candy and you’re having heartburn more than a couple of times a week, or if you are using antacids for longer than two weeks, it’s time to see the doctor. You may have a condition called GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease or another problem like peptic ulcer disease. Frequent heartburn can lead to long-term problems. It can cause inflammation and strictures in your esophagus. In rare cases, it may even lead to cancer. But stopping the acid reflux can help prevent complications in the future.

Here is a rundown of some other commonly used home remedies for heartburn, and the evidence for their effectiveness.

Drinking Milk

You may have heard that drinking a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. While it’s true that milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, nutrients in milk, particularly fat, may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.

Even though milk might not be a great heartburn remedy, however, it’s a rich source of bone-building calcium. Try fat-free skim milk and don’t overdo it. Drink no more than 8 ounces of skim milk at a time — as a snack in between meals. Overfilling the stomach may increase heartburn.

Chewing Gum

It may sound strange, but gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is an acid buffer. Plus, chewing gum makes you swallow more often, which pushes those nasty acids back out of your esophagus. When you pick a pack of gum, just make sure it’s sugar-free so you also protect your teeth.

Finding Heartburn Relief at Home

A few simple strategies can help soothe the burn of heartburn:

  • Watch what you eat. Avoid specific foods that trigger your heartburn, but also watch out for peppermint, caffeine, sodas, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, onions, and high-fat foods. Eat more fiber to keep your digestive tract moving and healthy. Also, reduce your portion sizes. Try eating five or six small meals a day, rather than three big ones. Eating too much at once is a big heartburn trigger.
  • Watch when you eat. Push away the plate at least two or three hours before bedtime so your stomach has a chance to empty before you lie down.
  • Watch how you eat. Eat slowly, taking smaller bites.
  • Lose weight. Excess abdominal fat can press against the stomach, forcing acids up into the esophagus. Follow a diet and exercise program to shed extra pounds.
  • Keep a diary. Write down what you’ve eaten and when your heartburn symptoms occur so you can pinpoint which foods are your triggers and avoid them.
  • Toss the cigarettes.Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the muscle that keeps acids in the stomach. For this, and so many other health reasons, it’s always the perfect time to quit.
  • Loosen your belt. Ditch the skin-tight jeans. Tight clothes put added pressure on the abdomen.
  • Tilt up. Put wood blocks under your bed to raise the head about 6 inches. Don’t bother raising your pillows, though — it’s not effective for heartburn.

Source: webmd.com

 

Adwowa Gyaaba Memorial Essay Writing Competition: Evelyn Adjei wins second edition

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NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
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A pupil from the Saltpond Lower Town M/A Basic School ‘A’, Evelyn Adjei, has won the second edition of the famous Adwowa Gyaaba Memorial Essay Writing Competition for Upper Primary pupils in the Anomabo/Yamoransa Circuits.

Evelyn Adjei, whose school represented Anomabo Circuit ‘B’, emerged the winner at a fiercely contested final, after a successful semi-final set the stage for the finalists, each from the three main circuits.

For her prize, Evelyn Adjei took home an amount of GHC600, while Cassey Yaa Yeboah of Eguase Good Shepherd Anglican Basic School, which represented the Yamoransa Circuit, took the second position.

She received an amount of GHC500 whilst Nyameyie Okine of Anomabo Methodist Basic School ‘B’, which represented the Anomabo Circuit ‘A’, came third and received GHC400 as her cash prize.

Additionally, Evelyn Adjei was presented with a trophy for her meticulous performance, while each of the finalists received 20 Note One Exercise books, 10 Note 3 from CAMFED, Mfantseman.

As part of their efforts to support the initiative, Yasode Ventures, at Mankessim, also presented different types of Fante reading books to each of the finalists.

Why the Foundation was instituted.

The Adwowa Gyaaba Foundation was instituted by Mr Francis Kofi Ogoe of  Ama Sam’s family, to honor his late mother,  Adwowa Gyaaba of blessed memory.

The dream of the Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope and inspiration in the Mfantseman Municipality, is to empower young minds through the transformative power of quality education.

Among others, it also seeks to foster a legacy of learning and leadership among young pupils, in the catchment areas of its operations, to fulfil the legacy of the late Adwowa Gyaaba.

Topic for the competition

The contestants were asked to write a 200-word article, either in supporting or in opposition to the decision of the central government, to make farming a priority in the school curriculum.

In all, fifteen schools begun the competition at the preliminary stage, but were prune down to three finalists, who competed for the ultimate glory.

The Deputy Director of Education, in charge of Supervision at the Mfantseman Municipal Education Directorate, Edwina G. Thompson Donkoh, praised the organisers of the competition for their foresight.

She stressed that such competitions would go a long way to inculcate good reading and writing habits into the pupils, in order to help them acquire adequate knowledge on what was happening around them, through reading.

The head of the language department of the Mfantsiman Girls High School, Mr Joseph Ackon-Mensah, who was the special guest of honour, underscored the importance of literary writing skills.

He, therefore, encouraged teachers to help the pupils to develop keen interest in effective reading as well as cultivate a strong culture and passion for writing.

 

The resplendent celebration of intellect and inspiration through writing and reading was put together by the Adwowa Gyaaba Foundation, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Ghana, Anomabo.

How to Master the Bible So Well That the Bible Masters You (Part II)

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

“Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”-2 Timothy 2:15

INTRODUCTION

In our previous discussion, we embarked on a journey to understand “How to Master the Bible So Well That the Bible Masters You.”Today, we will continue this exploration and delve into the remaining steps that can help us achieve this.Please enjoy and pass it on!

  • Pick A Time to Read.

I read before I go to sleep. By experimentation, I learned that I could always carve out five minutes before I go to sleep. But when I tried to read in the morning, sometimes I would get too busy and forget, and I would end up having to read in the evening, so I just switched to reading in the evening.

I found that I can always stay up an extra five minutes to read. No matter how late it is, another five minutes is not going to make or break my evening’s rest. There have been times I have been so tired I had to read standing up so I wouldn’t fall asleep, but I did it. I have been accused of being legalistic. I’m not. I’m being realistic and disciplined. I’ve learned that if I give myself an excuse one day, I am likely to give myself an excuse another day and another day.

So, I have just not given myself an excuse. And more than two thousand hours of reading the Bible later, with a breadth of knowledge of Scripture I could never have gained or maintained any other way, I am glad I haven’t. Others find that they must read first thing in the morning. It really doesn’t matter when you read. The bottom line is: read when it is best for you.

 

  • Read for Understanding.

This was a recommendation given to me by the man who led me to the Lord. He said, “When you read, don’t get bogged down by anything you don’t understand. Just skip over it, and read for the things you do understand… and underline everything that seems especially important.”

This counsel was extremely valuable to me, and it set me on a course of Bible-knowledge acquisition I’m not sure I would have taken any other way. Without that advice, whenever I would come to something in the text I didn’t understand, I would grind to a halt, or be forced to stop reading and start studying, both of which destroyed the original intent.

 

  • Read with A Plan.

Many people are motivated by the goal of reading through the Bible in a year. I think it is something that everyone might want to do at least once, just to know that one has read the entire Bible. However, it is not an easy task, and many who start the project do not complete it. You might set a goal of reading through the Bible without committing to having to do it in a year. Just read five minutes a day, and let it take however long it takes to get through the entire Bible. Other reading plans can be found online.

If the Bible is new to you, I recommend what my mentor recommended to me when I first became a Christian. Read the Gospel of John six times in a row, not worrying about what you don’t understand but underlining everything that seems especially important.

Then you might read the rest of the Gospels and then the New Testament. After that, you might read the first seventeen books of the Old Testament, known as the historical books.

Or, there are eleven primary historical books that you might start with: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Those are the eleven books that tell the story of the Old Testament. The other Old Testament books give additional information, but do not advance the Old Testament story significantly. Then, reading Psalms and Proverbs is always a profitable experience.

On the other hand, if you are a more seasoned Christian and are generally familiar with the Bible, read what is interesting to you in your current circumstances… but be open to stretching yourself into other territory from time to time, remembering the importance of reading for breadth of knowledge.

  • STUDY THE BIBLE FOR DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE.

Few of us can gain a depth of knowledge without sitting under skilled teachers. So, for most people, they must sit under effective preaching from the Bible and be involved in a Bible study taught by an effective teacher. For maximum benefit, Bible study must have assignments that get you studying and interacting with the Bible on your own.

To gain a depth of knowledge, you cannot be passive. You must become active in the process of deepening your knowledge. Crawl before you walk, and walk before you run, but this should be your goal. That is the only way you will progress to a depth of knowledge.

If this is new to you, begin by attending a church that is committed to teaching the Bible, not only from the pulpit during sermons, but also in small groups or Sunday school classes. You might also find helpful information in Christian bookstores or online.

More seasoned Christians might be able to give you helpful suggestions as well. If you are an avid reader, there is a wealth of knowledge available to you as well through good books available online or at Christian bookstores.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering the Bible is a journey that requires commitment, discipline, and a plan. It is not enough to simply read the Bible; one must also study it for depth of knowledge. This involves sitting under skilled teachers, attending Bible studies, and actively engaging with the Word.

It is also important to pick a time to read that works best for you, whether it be in the morning or evening. Reading for understanding is also crucial; don’t get bogged down by what you don’t understand, but underline what seems important. Having a plan for reading the Bible, whether it be reading through it in a year or starting with specific books, can also be helpful.

Ultimately, mastering the Bible is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and discipline. By following these steps, one can experience the fullness of God’s promises and live a life of spiritual prosperity and success.

Stay blessed! 

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sunday 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymn and their Stories.

Weekend European Leagues Fixtures & Previews

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Arsenal players

Arsenal resume Premier League duty against Newcastle

Arsenal side reeling from an excruciating injury-time goal host a Newcastle United team who rejoiced in a last-minute intervention in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates.

The Gunners fell to a 1-0 loss in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League affair with Porto on Wednesday evening, while Eddie Howe‘s men left it late to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend. Record-breaking goalscoring feats in Premier League away games did not translate into an evening of continental dominance for Arsenal on Wednesday.

The unusually shot-shy Gunners – who last failed to have a shot on target in a Champions League game in 2011 – still have 90 minutes in North London to right their European wrongs, though, and Arteta’s men resume Premier League duty on a historic five-game winning sequence in the top flight.

Now on the hunt for a third straight Premier League home success following triumphs over Crystal Palace and Liverpool – notching eight goals along the way – Arsenal still boast the division’s meanest defence with just 22 goals shipped, but Newcastle and Porto have something in common when it comes to keeping the Gunners out.

Three of Arsenal’s last four Premier League games versus Newcastle have seen the Gunners fail to breach the Magpies’ backline, and jellied legs on the hosts’ end will do their prospects of rectifying Wednesday’s meek attacking performance against Porto.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Real Sociedad host Villarreal at the Reale Arena today

Real Sociedad will be bidding to make it successive victories in Spain’s top flight when they welcome Villarreal to the Reale Arena on Friday evening.

The home side will enter the contest off the back of a 2-1 win at Mallorca, while Villarreal drew 1-1 with Getafe in their last match at this level of football. There is no getting away from the fact that Real Sociedad’s league form has suffered due to their involvement in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, with the Basque outfit currently in sixth position in the La Liga table.

Villarreal players

Villarreal, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Getafe last Friday, which proved to be their third straight draw in a row in Spain’s top flight.

The Yellow Submarine have shared the points in four of their last five matches at this level, but the run also includes a standout 5-3 victory over Barcelona. Marcelino‘s side are also active in Europe this season, and they will definitely need to win the Europa League to be active in the Champions League during the 2024-25 campaign

Real Sociedad recorded a 3-0 win over Villarreal in the reverse match earlier this season; we are not expecting it to be so one-sided in this game, especially considering the home side’s injury problems. However, Real Sociedad should still have enough quality to navigate their way to an important three points.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

LaLiga’s top scorers square off as Barca welcome Getafe

Two of LaLiga’s top scorers square off when Robert Lewandowski‘s FC Barcelona hosts Borja Mayoral‘s Getafe CF on Saturday. Lewandowski is sixth with 12 goals, and Mayoral has 15 to rank second. This match will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday.

Barcelona players

Barcelona took on RC Celta de Vigo away from home in its last game and picked up a victory by a final score of 2-1. Lewandowski scored for each of two of his side’s goals in the match against Celta de Vigo.

Getafe finished with a 1-1 road draw against Villarreal CF in its most recent game on February 16. Nemanja Maksimovic scored the lone goal for Getafe.

Barcelona will look to climb temporarily to 2nd in La Liga, although Getafe have been a tricky opponent for them in recent times. Ahead of this round, the hosts are 3rd with 54 points, while the visitors are 10th with 34 points. The Catalans are two points behind Girona, who play later in the weekend, which gives them a golden chance to climb up the ladder.

They are coming off a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the Champions League. In fact, they have conceded in four games in a row, and their backline is looking as vulnerable as ever. Even at this venue, Barcelona have conceded 14 goals across their last five league games, posing questions over their ability to keep a clean sheet.

Credit: sportytrader.com

 

Bologna, Hellas Verona faceoff Friday night

Hellas Verona are currently in 18th place in the Serie A standings and have not been at their best so far this season. The away side held Juventus to an admirable 2-2 draw last week and will look to take it up a notch in this match.

Bologna, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the league table at the moment and have been in impressive form so far this season. The hosts stunned Lazio with a 2-1 victory in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.

Joshua Zirkzee, Bologna

Bologna have consistently punched above their weight so far this season and will be intent on making the most of their purple patch. The hosts have a good squad at their disposal and can pack a punch on their day.

Hellas Verona are in the midst of a relegation battle at the moment and cannot afford to slip up in this match.

Bologna have a good recent record against Hellas Verona and have won 13 out of the last 27 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Hellas Verona’s six victories.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Feature : Any Justification on NDC’s Current War on Taxes?

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Feature

“…Rather than to say, you are overtaxing the people… the thing about government investment and expenditure, is that the money does not come from anywhere. And especially you have a country, where the number of people who know they must pay tax on income do not exceed 30% of the population… only 70% of the population pay indirect tax… So, the only way you can raise money, really is through the tax system.

And the only way you can make everybody to contribute, is through indirect taxes…. It is not every decision that will be popular, but why was I elected for, as president, to take popular decisions? If I took popular decisions, to make you happy with me, this country will be in the ground by now. There are tough decisions.

I mean, do I take pleasure in imposing taxes on people? You look at the alternative and the alternative is worse. And so, you must take decisions that are in the national interest. The benefits might not be seen immediately, but in the future, people will see what benefits they have accrued from the decisions that were made.” – H.E. John Mahama (Eight years ago).

The above, which was the response from Ex-President John Mahama to a question by Bernard Avle, some eight years ago, came out strongly to defend higher taxes, as the only alternative to raise money for investments and development in the country.

He justified higher taxation. And typical of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who always claim to be pro-poor, the ex-president included that those who use V8, pay more taxes (at the pump), than those who use trotro.

During the second term of the NDC’s Mills/Mahama regime, new tax laws under the “Tax Laws Project” were introduced. Among the new taxes imposed on Ghanaians were the following:

Capital Gains of companies taxed at 25% instead of 15% from 2015,

Corporate tax of 25% on private educational institutions in 2013,

Imposition of 15% capital gains tax on petroleum operations in 2013,

Imposition of 17.5% VAT/NHIL on auctioneers and promoters of public entertainment in 2014,

Imposition of 17.5% VAT/NHIL on Financial Services in 2015,

Imposition of 17.5% VAT/NHIL on the business of a gymnasium and spa in 2014,

Imposition of 5% VAT/NHIL on Real Estates in 2014,

Imposition of Special Import Levy of 1%-2% on CIF value of some exempt items from 2013 (outboard motors, fishing nets, agricultural machinery, dairy milking products, energy saving bulbs, book binding machines, cutlasses and some farming inputs),

Imposition of17.5% VAT/NHIL on pharmaceuticals other than retail in 2014,

Increase in VAT rate from 12.5% to 15% in 2014, and

Reintroduction of 5% National Fiscal Stabilisation Levy in 2013, among others.

If the NDC wanted to portray itself as been soft on the poor but hard on the well-to-do, it should know by now that whatever high tax the rich pay, the poor will surely be affected. We do not live in a country where general goods and services are sold separatelyto the rich and the poor. The same cost that the rich will pay for something, will be the same for the poor.

With such high tax policies, the suppliers will be urged to increase the cost of their products to unrealistic prices. While the rich could pay for them without feeling a dent in their pockets, the poor will have to struggle to find the means.

For example, the 17.5% VAT/NHIL on Financial Services, made both the rich and the poor, who paid school fees for their wards with bankers’ draft, find an extra 17.5% of the school fees, aside from bank charges, before they could acquire the banker’s draft.

If the school fees were GH¢ 1,000.00, and assuming bank charges were 2.5%, both the rich and the poor would find an additional GH¢ 175.00 for VAT/NHIL on the financial service and another GH¢25.00 for bank charges. Here it would be easier for the rich to get the additional GH¢200.00, than the poorcould.

The poor and the rich will go out to buy drugs from pharmacies and there will be no different costs. All will pay the same price. The 17.5% VAT/NHIL on pharmaceuticals, translated into paying higher direct tax. And here again, it is the poor who suffer most.

Interestingly, the previous NDC government, imposed a tax, the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), which was to fund the National Health Insurance Scheme. But, the NHIS collapsed under the NDC, so where did the money go to?

Also, VAT went from 12.5% to 15% and this affected all goods and services before the other taxes took effect. Take a pharmaceutical product which may cost GH¢100.00 at pre-retail. Before it got on the counter, it would cost GH¢115.00 (plus VAT) x 17.5% which will be GH¢135.13 or GH¢136.00. (This is the method the NDC used in calculating VAT, when it was first introduced during Rawling’s first term as president of the Republic).

Today, the NDC is attacking the Akufo-Addo’s administration of imposing killer taxes. The taxes imposed between 2017 to date, and strategically presented by a pro-NDC group, include the following:

3% VAT Flat Rate

1% COVID-19 levy on the 2.5% National Health insurance levy, making it 3.5% now.

5% financial sector clean-up recovery levy.

2% Special import levy (extended beyond expiry date of 2017)

1% COVID-19 levy on 3% VAT flat rate, making it 4% now.

1% COVID-19 levy on the 2.5% National Health insurance levy, making it 3.5% now.

5% financial sector clean-up recovery levy.

20 pesewas Energy Sector Recovery Levy on every litre of diesel and petrol

10 pesewas Sanitation levy (“Borla”) tax on every litre of diesel and petrol

18 pesewas energy sector recovery levy on every kilogram of LPG

30% increase in Energy Sector levies (ESLA), extended beyond its original duration of 5 years to now 15 years.

About 11% increase in Special Petroleum Tax (from 41 pesewas to 46 pesewas) on every litre of diesel and petrol.

Bost Margin from 3% to 9%.

67% increase in Fuel Marking Margin (from 3 pesewas to 5 pesewas) per litre of petrol and diesel.

40% increase in Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy on fuel products (from 10 pesewas & 12 pesewas on petrol and diesel respectively, to 14 pesewas and 16 pesewas on diesel and petrol respectively)

25% increase in Primary Distribution margin from 8 pesewas to 10 pesewas.

36% increase in Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) from 22 pesewas to 30 pesewas.

Increase in Road Fund Levy from 46 pesewas to 48 pesewas on every litre of diesel and petrol.

1% Electronic Transfer Levy Tax (E-Levy).

The following taxes were imposed during the first term (2017-2020), of the Akufo-Addo administration and were later withdrawn.

Luxury vehicle tax (GH¢1,000 to GH¢2,500 depending on engine capacity of vehicle).

50% increase in Communication Service Tax (CST).

Comparing the two governments, it is clear which one imposed affordable taxes and which one imposed killer taxes.

The 11% increase in Special Petroleum Tax, 67% increase in Fuel Marking Margin, 40% increase in Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy, 25% increase in Primary Distribution Margin and 36% increase in Unified Petroleum Price Fund, worked out in pesewas, by adding on at least two pesewas and at most eight pesewas.

If quoting percentage increases, can be described as killer taxes, then what about this.

On February 1, 2010, under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 Act 793, the Mills/Mahama government increased road and bridge tolls, by very high percentages, some going in the thousands.

Among vehicles that ply the roads, motorbikes which were previously exempted were made to pay 10Gp. Saloon cars’ toll went from 5Gp to 50p (900%) and pick-ups, SUVs and light buses from 8Gp to GH¢1.00 (1,150%).

The Mills/Mahama administration which called itself pro-poor introduced taxes and levies beyond the reach of the poor. The poor became poorer during the PNDC/NDC era of Jerry John Rawlings, and the poor was not spared under the Mills/Mahama regime. And yet, we are told today, that the NPP is anti-poor.

The NDC introduced Special Import Levy of 1%-2% which was imposed on exempt items like outboard motors, fishing nets, cutlasses and farming inputs, which are things the poor use in their fields to get money. Is this pro-poor?

When the E-Levy was introduced by this administration, at 1%, the NDC went wild and convinced the poor that it was to make them poorer. The poor were advised to physically travel to people they have to give money to, instead of using electronic transfers, MoMo.

So, it made sense to the NDC that if you are in Accra and you have to give GH¢200.00 to someone in Kumasi, it will be cheaper going by bus on a return journey, and spending GH¢160.00 on bus fare alone, than paying an additional GH¢2.00 for E-Levy. Meanwhile you could have paid maximum GH¢4.00, to deliver the same amount. If you include charges, then you may pay only GH¢6.00.

Ghanaians should start cross-checking the statistics and they will find out, which political party administration, imposes killer taxes. Ghanaians must be wondering how much tax will be placed on electronic financial transfers, as indicated in Art. 8 (7c) of the NDC 2020 People’s Manifesto, if the opposition party had won the 2020 General Elections.

All these wars against the current NPP government by the NDC, is mere propaganda and giving the opportunity, as proven with statistics, the NDC always imposes harsher taxes and introduce austerity measures.

By Hon. Daniel Dugan

John Kumah Woos Private Sector … as gov’t embarks on agenda to create wealth for Ghanaians

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MAXWELL OFORI
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Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah

Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, has entreated the private sector to support the government’s efforts aimed at creating wealth and jobs for Ghanaians.

According to him, the government has developed an interest in ensuring that most of its projects are aimed at creating wealth and jobs.

However, he acknowledged that the government could not create all the needed jobs alone, thus his advocacy for private sector support.

The Member of Parliament for Ejisu, in the Ashanti Region, was speaking at the launch of the 2024 Wealth and Job Expo in Accra.

Touching on the theme “The Power of Starting Small,” the deputy minister said deliberate steps were being taken by the Akufo-Addo-led administration to ensure that the youth were empowered.

This, he explained, was to create and make wealth by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.

“Personally, I am very passionate about creating wealth and jobs for the youth. Leveraging on my role as the Deputy Minister for Finance, Government has developed an interest in ensuring that most of the projects we execute are aimed at creating wealth and jobs,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also called on the private sector to support the government’s numerous projects that are currently being implemented across the country.

“Government cannot create wealth and jobs; it must be a joint effort between Government and the private sector.

He remarked that programmes, like the Wealth and Job Expo, are necessary to crowd in all the necessary private sector efforts needed and “so I endorse and support it.”

ABOUT EVENT

The Jobs and Wealth Expo is expected to be organized in May.This flagship event aims to bring together businesses and enterprises (B&Es) to showcase their activities, fostering networking opportunities and connecting potential clients and employers.

Key Features of the Wealth and Jobs Expo are;

  1. Seed Capital Awards: • Ten outstanding businesses and enterprises will be carefully selected and awarded seed capital from the Growth Fund post-expo termed as the Venture Sprout. • A strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will facilitate a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation framework.

This collaboration ensures that the B&Es undergo training before deploying the funding, enhancing their capabilities and sustainability.

  1. Skill Match Program: • A Skill Match initiative will be implemented, linking skills to companies and connecting prospective clients with skilled labour. This approach not only supports employment but also contributes to business growth by providing employers and employees with the right skill sets.
  2. Complementary Role to Existing Institutions: • As a private organisation, the Wealth and Jobs Agency is designed to complement the efforts of existing government institutions such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP) and the Ghana Enterprise Agency. This ensures the private sector also plays a major role in providing opportunities to reduce unemployment.
  3. Unique Characteristics of the Wealth and Jobs Agency: • The Agency stands out through its innovative approach, combining financial support with skill development. • It fosters a private institution model that focuses on individualized growth, enabling businesses to elevate their operations to the next level. Government Partnership: To ensure the success of this initiative, there are possible collaborations with governmental institutions.

As such, the below clear plan of action has been devised to solidify such collaborations to maximize the impact of the program. About the Wealth and Jobs Expo A part of the agency’s vision is the annual Wealth and Jobs Expo which seeks to emerge as a catalyst for change, embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation at the heart of our nation’s growth.

Led by the Wealth and Jobs Agency, a pioneering force committed to guiding individuals from the inception of their dreams to the pinnacle of their chosen fields, this transformative initiative goes beyond a mere gathering. It’s a powerful experience crafted to address the aspirations of those seeking guidance and support in their journey towards success.

The Wealth and Jobs Expo, themed “The Power of Starting Small,” is a commitment to empower individuals aspiring to reach the peak of their chosen fields. Mission The core mission of the event is to empower entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders through Human Capital Development and Networking.

The focus is on providing a dynamic platform where visionary entrepreneurs, seasoned business professionals and investors can converge to inspire, educate, and collaborate with aspiring entrepreneurs from various sectors, including coconut sellers, vulcanizers, shea butter producers, and mobile application creators making them valuable, fundable and buyable.

Event Highlights throughout the Wealth & Jobs Expo, participants can expect a rich mix of experiences, including thought-provoking keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions and networking opportunities bridging the gap between ideas and success.

The main exhibition will promote products and services on offer, tailored for those daring to dream and aspiring to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic prosperity.

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