Category: Daily Guide Network

The Greater Accra representative of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2026, Lamiley, took home the ultimate ‘Star Performer’ title in last Sunday’s show.

Themed ‘My Region,’ the first episode of the 20th anniversary edition of the pageant saw the 16 contestants educating viewers on the uniqueness of their regions.

Lamiley embodied the true authenticity of the Ga people.

Beyond the bustling city lies a rich cultural heartbeat, Lamiley told viewers as she revealed a Greater Accra where heritage and modernity exist side by side. She also spoke on the benefits of tourism and festivals to the Ga people.

Lamiley made a grand entrance to Nii Funny’s hit song ‘Ga Vibes,’ featuring Mzbel. Her high-energy and rhythmic dance got the audience on their feet and left the judges impressed.

After her performance, Resident Judge Janet Sunkwa-Mills applauded Lamiley for staying true to her culture and self.

Born Paciencia Naa Lamiley Boye, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Theatre Arts and a Master’s degree in Information Technology Law, reflecting her passion for both creativity and intellectual excellence.

Known for her eloquence, knowledge, and intentional approach to life, Lamiley is deeply passionate about using her voice to inspire and create meaningful impact.

A true pageant enthusiast, she believes the stage is a powerful platform for culture, leadership, and transformation. Through Ghana’s Most Beautiful, she hopes to celebrate the rich heritage of Greater Accra while championing purpose, service, and excellence.

Former Minister for Power under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has distanced himself from any involvement in the bribery scandal that led to the conviction of the former Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Asante Kwaku Berko, in the United States.

Dr. Donkor, in a statement issued by his legal team, indicated that he has never met the former Goldman Sachs banker, neither demanded money from him nor received any personal benefit connected with the negotiations.

‘Our client instructs us in very crystal clear language that he has absolutely no knowledge about the allegations linked to him. He completely and emphatically denies any knowledge of a request or demand for any money as alleged,’ the statement said.

The statement acknowledged that Dr. Donkor was the Minister for Power for the period the alleged bribing of government officials occurred, when the government of Ghana was negotiating with Turkish company ASKA Energy to generate more electricity for Ghana during the power crisis popularly known as Dumsor.

It said a technical team comprising representatives of power sector stakeholders travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, during the negotiations to conduct what they describe as ‘regular practice of pre-shipment inspection.’

‘According to our client, at no point in the course of this negotiation did he once set eyes on the said Mr. Asante Berko nor has he since,’ the statement pointed out.

The statement further pointed out that Dr. Donkor never met Mr. Asante Berko all his life; he never discussed any personal benefit of any value whatsoever with him and ‘never authorised any person to discuss any such matters on his behalf; he never received any money in any denomination or any personal benefit of any value from Mr. Asante Berko or any other person.’

It also stated that any person or persons who may have made any such criminal demand in his name did so for that person or persons’ own benefit.

It added that Dr. Donkor does not understand that any evidence was led in the US trial which linked him with demanding or receiving any money, Cedis or Dollars or anything of value to him personally.

‘He does not accept that evidence that some other person or persons claimed that they required money from their principals for the benefit of ‘Senior Ghana Official’ or any other title holder metamorphosed into any evidence of criminality or wrongdoing against him,’ the statement added.

EOCO Probe

Meanwhile, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says it has commenced the process of intensifying its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the bribery scandal.

EOCO in a statement said it is also tracing assets, where appropriate, of individuals named in US investigations and court proceedings that led to the conviction of Mr. Asante Berko who was found guilty of bribing some government officials and Members of Parliament (MP) between 2014 and 2017.

A federal jury in Brooklyn found Mr. Asante Berko guilty of charges relating to paying more than $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development of a power plant in Ghana.

Court documents indicate how some beneficiaries of the illicit money referred to the expected bribe as ‘holy rains’ and were expecting it ‘sooner rather than later.’

Mr. Asante Berko, 52, faces up to 30 years in prison and has been remanded into lawful custody pending sentencing in November 2026.

Several individuals and Civil Society Organisations have called on the Attorney General (AG) and state institutions to pursue the matter and ensure Ghanaians involved in the bribery scandal are made to face the law.

There is already an indication of the Attorney General working with United States authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against former government officials and MPs who benefited from the bribery scheme.

The Office of the Special Prosecution (OSP) has also pointed out its involvement in the successful prosecution of Mr. Asante Berko, indicating that it provided investigation and evidentiary assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States through Ghana’s established mutual legal assistance framework.

Asset Tracing

EOCO, in a statement, indicated that it closely monitored the proceedings in the United States and given the nature of the allegations and the international dimensions of the case, it considered the evidence emerging from the U.S. proceedings to be potentially material to determining the appropriate scope and direction of any comprehensive investigation in Ghana.

It pointed out that the Attorney General has subsequently directed EOCO to escalate its investigations as the relevant information and official records are obtained from the competent authorities in the United States.

‘The Office will examine, where supported by evidence, whether any proceeds, benefits, assets or property may have been derived from or connected to suspected criminal conduct and where the law permits, pursue the appropriate measures for their preservation, recovery and restitution to the state,’ EOCO said.

The anti-graft agency also pointed out that it intends to follow the evidence and financial trail, including any relevant transactions, beneficiaries, assets and proceeds that may fall within its jurisdiction.

It, however, emphasised that the conclusion of proceedings against Mr. Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States does not, by itself, establish criminal liability on the part of any person in Ghana.

‘Any individual whose name appears in evidence obtained through the international cooperation process will be assessed independently on the basis of the evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law,’ it stated.

EOCO assured the public that its collaboration with U.S. law enforcement authorities and the Attorney General’s Office remains active, adding that it will not disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise ongoing investigations, the integrity of evidence or any future prosecution.

‘EOCO remains committed to following the evidence without fear or favour, identifying and investigating economic and organised crime within its mandate, and pursuing the recovery of assets and public resources where the evidence and the law so require.’

The Ghana Chamber of Clean Energy has launched an industry-led push for reforms to Ghana’s electric vehicle import regime, with the inauguration of its Electric Vehicle Working Group.

The meeting brought together key players across the country’s emerging electric mobility ecosystem to develop a coordinated position on fiscal policy and advocate for measures that will make EVs more affordable while supporting local industry.

Members of the Working Group include EcoDrive, Solar Taxi, Grace Mobility, Leasafric Ghana, Uber, the Importers and Exporters Association, as well as EV assemblers, importers, technology providers and other industry associations.

GCCE said the group was formed in response to the lack of a unified industry voice on electric mobility policy. Although government has announced policies to support EV adoption, high import duties and slow implementation of incentives continue to limit affordability and slow market growth.

Individual companies have engaged government separately, but GCCE noted that a coordinated approach is now needed to drive practical and fiscally responsible reforms.

Three Strategic Priorities

To guide its advocacy, the Working Group identified three priority areas. First, it will develop evidence-based proposals to reform Ghana’s EV import duty framework, draft recommendations to support Ghana’s growing EV assembly and manufacturing sector and build a single industry position to guide engagement with government on the design and rollout of electric mobility policies and fiscal incentives, including for two- and three-wheelers.

Speaking after the meeting, GCCE Lead for the Working Group, Emmanuella Biney, said Ghana has made progress in setting policy direction for electric mobility, but cost remains the biggest barrier.

‘Ghana has made important progress in setting the policy direction for electric mobility, and we’re seeing more companies investing in the sector,’ she said. ‘But for many businesses and consumers, the cost of electric vehicles is still too high. This Working Group gives industry the opportunity to come together, engage government with one voice, and help bring about the reforms that make electric mobility more affordable while supporting local industry.’

She added that the Chamber’s objective goes beyond duty reductions.

‘Our objective is not only to advocate for lower import duties. We want to work with government to design reforms that improve access to electric vehicles, strengthen local assembly and manufacturing, and build an electric mobility ecosystem that delivers cleaner air, creates quality jobs, and supports Ghana’s long-term socio-economic growth.’

Following the inaugural meeting, the Working Group will hold technical discussions over the coming weeks.

It will then begin direct engagement with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Ghana Revenue Authority, and other relevant government institutions and development partners.

Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the exclusive marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has marked its 2026 Safety Day and Awards at the Airport City Shell service station in Accra with a renewed call for preparedness across the petroleum industry.

Held under the theme, ‘Prepare to Respond,’ the event brought together employees, regulators, industry leaders, business partners and the media to reinforce the company’s commitment to Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality – HSSEQ.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director, Christian Li, said safety must be deliberate, not left to chance.

‘The future of safety will not be defined by luck, but by preparation. Safety does not happen by accident; it is deliberate, disciplined, and a collective responsibility,’ he said.

He noted that Vivo Energy Ghana’s safety culture is anchored on its values of Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect and Integrity, and reflected in over 5,600 ‘Goal Zero’ days with zero harm.

The theme was particularly relevant given recent industry concerns. Engagements by the National Petroleum Authority and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies have highlighted tanker accidents, fuel siphoning at accident scenes, and the need for stronger safety practices in the downstream sector.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, commended Vivo Energy for its leadership. She said preparedness must go beyond emergency response to include prevention, compliance and environmental protection.

‘Preparing to respond means preparing to prevent. Together, by fostering a culture of compliance, vigilance and safety, we can protect our people, preserve our environment, and secure a sustainable future,’ she stated.

Chamber Of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) Board Chairman, Gabriel Kumi, in a goodwill message, said effective safety requires strong leadership, robust systems and continuous learning.

‘Safety remains a shared responsibility. Our actions, decisions, inactions, and preparedness can make a meaningful difference when situations demand a response,’ he noted.

A panel discussion featuring the Ghana National Fire Service, COMAC, transporters and retailers explored how the value chain can strengthen emergency preparedness, risk management and communication.

Panellists stressed continuous training, strict adherence to procedures and collaboration as key to preventing and managing incidents.

The highlight was the Safety Awards, which honoured employees, transporters, contractors and retailers who demonstrated outstanding commitment to safety and operational discipline.

The awardees were recognised for supporting Vivo Energy’s Goal Zero ambition.

Vivo Energy said Safety Day is not a one-off event but part of a continuous effort to embed safety in all operations. With a vision to be Africa’s most respected energy business, the company pledged to work with employees, regulators, partners and transporters to strengthen safety standards and ensure everyone returns home safely each day.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North and Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Gideon Boako, has said Ghana’s economic recovery cannot be considered complete unless improvements in macroeconomic indicators translate into better living conditions for ordinary citizens.

Dr. Boako said economic performance should ultimately be judged by the experiences of unemployed graduates, traders, farmers, contractors and households rather than solely by figures such as inflation, fiscal balances and economic growth.

He argued that citizens are more concerned about access to jobs, functioning businesses, good roads and the ability to meet their daily needs than positive statistics presented in government reports.

‘Ultimately, citizens do not vote for economic statistics. They vote for better lives,’ he said, and added that the real verdict on the economy would be determined by ‘the unemployed graduate searching for work, the trader trying to keep her business alive, the contractor waiting to be paid, the farmer transporting produce over poor roads and every Ghanaian family still waiting for the promise of economic recovery to arrive at their doorstep.’

He said Ghana needed to move beyond headline economic improvements towards broad-based and inclusive growth that creates opportunities and raises living standards.

According to him, sustainable economic stability should provide the foundation for stronger productivity, employment and improved livelihoods rather than become an achievement in itself.

‘Until that happens, growth without visible progress will remain an incomplete success,’ Dr. Boako said, stressing that Ghana could not achieve broad-based, shared and inclusive growth without strong and sustainable economic stability.

The MP criticised what he describes as an excessive focus on macroeconomic indicators, arguing that economic growth must ultimately translate into jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards.

According to him, the greatest test of the government’s economic policies is whether young people can secure decent employment and whether businesses, farmers and households are experiencing meaningful improvements.

He said a young graduate would gain little from lower inflation or a reduced fiscal deficit if there was no job available after completing university.

‘A young graduate does not celebrate a lower fiscal deficit if there is no job waiting after university. A farmer does not benefit from higher GDP figures if poor roads continue to prevent produce from reaching markets,’ he stated.

Dr. Boako also argued that traders and businesses judge the economy by the purchasing power of consumers, access to credit and the ability to sustain operations, rather than by fiscal indicators alone. He said contractors waiting to be paid and farmers struggling with poor roads similarly feel little benefit from fiscal surpluses that do not translate into actual economic activity.

He said Ghana had achieved periods of macroeconomic stability in the past. Still, the country’s recurring economic challenges showed that stability must be converted into productive investment, industrialisation, employment and rising incomes.

‘Macroeconomic stability should never become the final destination. It should be the platform from which governments build prosperity,’ he stressed.

Dr. Boako said the real measure of the current recovery would therefore be whether factories expand production, agriculture becomes more productive, exports diversify, infrastructure improves and young Ghanaians find meaningful employment.

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendation that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reassess its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme because of its impact on the central bank’s balance sheet deserves careful consideration.

The IMF’s concerns about transparency, governance and the programme’s quasi-fiscal costs are legitimate. It estimates the programme generated a quasi-fiscal loss of about US$214 million, arising from trading activities, fees and exchange-rate movements, and has called for those costs to be recognised transparently.

However, evaluating the programme primarily through its accounting costs risks overlooking a more fundamental question: did the economic benefits outweigh the financial costs?

The Domestic Gold Purchase Programme was never conceived as a profit-making venture. It was designed as a monetary and reserve management instrument to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange buffers, support the cedi, improve external resilience and reinforce macroeconomic stability at a time when the country was emerging from its worst economic crisis in a generation.

By the IMF’s own assessment, Ghana consistently exceeded its Net International Reserve targets under the Extended Credit Facility programme, with the Fund acknowledging that this outperformance was ‘notably due to the large-scale deployment of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.’

The programme also supported the rebuilding of official reserves even as the Bank of Ghana continued to intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the cedi.

The results are evident. Gross international reserves, which stood at US$3.66 billion, equivalent to 1.6 months of import cover, at the start of the IMF programme, are projected to rise to US$10.73 billion, covering 3.7 months of imports, reflecting one of the strongest reserve recoveries in Ghana’s recent history.

At the same time, the Bank of Ghana’s gold holdings increased to 19.2 metric tonnes by February 2026, while the government has since expanded its reserve accumulation strategy with the long-term objective of building reserves equivalent to 15 months of import cover by 2028.

The programme contributed to a remarkable increase in Ghana’s gold-related foreign exchange inflows, from approximately US$1.7 billion in 2023 to US$12.7 billion in 2025, significantly improving the country’s reserve position and supporting exchange rate stability.

While the Bank of Ghana may have incurred financial costs in purchasing gold, those costs should be compared against the substantial economic benefits generated for the country.

A stable exchange rate delivers benefits that extend well beyond the central bank’s balance sheet. It reduces imported inflation, lowers the cost of fuel, medicines, machinery, and industrial inputs, preserves household purchasing power, improves investor confidence, and creates a more predictable environment for business and long-term investment.

Equally important, exchange rate stability is essential for maintaining Ghana’s public debt at manageable levels. A significant portion of the country’s debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Sharp depreciation of the cedi automatically increases the cedi value of external debt, raises debt-servicing obligations, widens fiscal deficits, and places additional pressure on government finances.

By helping to moderate exchange rate volatility, the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme may have prevented substantial increases in the domestic cost of servicing external debt. These avoided fiscal costs should be recognised as part of the programme’s economic return. In effect, the programme may have protected both the sovereign balance sheet and taxpayers from the far greater costs associated with a rapidly depreciating currency.

Similarly, inflation imposes a hidden tax on households and businesses. If the programme contributed to lower inflation through exchange rate stability, then it helped preserve real incomes, protect savings, reduce business operating costs, and support economic growth. These benefits cannot be measured solely through the Bank of Ghana’s profit and loss statement.

Central banks around the world frequently undertake policy interventions that may reduce their accounting profits in the short term but generate much larger long-term economic benefits. Their mandate is to preserve price stability, financial stability, and confidence in the national currency-not to maximise earnings.

For this reason, the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme should be evaluated using a comprehensive national cost-benefit framework. Such an assessment should include:

– The financial cost incurred by the Bank of Ghana.

– The reduction in inflation attributable to exchange rate stability.

– The savings from lower import costs.

– The reduction in exchange rate volatility.

– The avoided increase in the cedi value and servicing cost of Ghana’s external debt.

– The improvement in investor confidence and economic activity.

– The broader social and economic benefits arising from macroeconomic stability.

Judging the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme solely by its impact on the Bank of Ghana’s profit and loss account risks overlooking its broader contribution to the economy, the more relevant question is whether the programme generated greater national value by strengthening the cedi, containing inflation, improving external resilience, protecting the sustainability of public debt, and reinforcing Ghana’s macroeconomic stability.

The IMF’s evaluation would therefore be more balanced if it considered both the direct financial costs to the central bank and the substantial economic and fiscal benefits delivered to the nation. In macroeconomic policy, the true measure of success is not the profitability of the central bank, but the stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity of the economy it is mandated to safeguard.

Businessman, Ibrahim Mahama, has donated GHS200,000 towards the funeral arrangements of late Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo.

The donation was announced during Afaglo’s funeral ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Ibrahim Mahama was among the personalities who attended the ceremony to mourn and honour the actress, whose death has drawn tributes from Ghana’s entertainment industry and the wider public.

Announcing the donation, the master of ceremonies said Ibrahim Mahama had presented the family with ‘2 billion old cedis, GHS200,000’, prompting applause from mourners.

The contribution is expected to support the bereaved family as they go through the funeral and related arrangements.

Afaglo died on May 24, 2026, at the age of 42, following a reported two-year battle with cancer. She built a career spanning more than two decades and featured in several Ghanaian movies.

She is survived by her husband and two children.

A thanksgiving service in her honour was held on Sunday, August 9, at Action Chapel International.

The donation from Ibrahim Mahama forms part of the support extended to Afaglo’s family as loved ones, colleagues and members of the entertainment industry continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has announced plans to construct about 800 new cell sites nationwide as part of a $1.1 billion investment programme to expand network coverage and deepen digital services.

The three-year investment forms part of activities marking the company’s 30 years of operations in Ghana.

Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, announced the plan at the MTN Media and Stakeholders Forum in Kumasi on Wednesday.

She said $380 million will be spent in 2026 alone to expand network capacity, strengthen digital infrastructure, support the rollout of 5G technology and enhance fintech services.

‘This investment reflects MTN Ghana’s commitment to providing reliable connectivity and supporting the growth of businesses and individuals through digital solutions,’ Mrs. Mensah-Poku stated.

Mrs. Mensah-Poku noted that MTN Ghana has evolved significantly since beginning operations in 1996 as SpaceFon, later Scancom, then Areeba, before rebranding to MTN in 2007.

Over the past three decades, the company has moved from voice and SMS into data, enterprise solutions and mobile financial services. It now commands more than 60 percent of Ghana’s mobile voice and data market.

She said MTN’s Mobile Money platform has also been instrumental in driving financial inclusion, bringing millions of Ghanaians who previously had limited access to banking into the formal digital economy.

Network and Digital Expansion

According to her, the 800 new cell sites will help address coverage gaps and increase data capacity across the country. MTN is also upgrading its core network infrastructure to move from 5G trials to full commercial deployment. In addition, the company will expand fintech infrastructure and enterprise solutions to support micro, small and medium enterprises.

Mrs. Mensah-Poku said the investment aligns with MTN’s Environmental, Social and Governance commitments. The company will increase the use of renewable energy at network sites to reduce carbon emissions and will continue youth empowerment programmes in digital skills and coding.

She added that MTN will leverage technology to support healthcare, education and social finance.

‘This investment is about building the Ghana we all want-a digitally connected, inclusive and resilient economy,’ she said.

She commended the Ashanti Region media for their role in telling the MTN story over 30 years, noting that customer and stakeholder feedback remains critical to the company’s growth.

The Kumasi forum is part of MTN Ghana’s nationwide engagements under the anniversary theme: ’30 Years of Progress – Powered by You.’

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has rejected comedian Michael Blackson’s description of the facility as the ‘worst hospital in Ghana’ and demanded a retraction and apology.

The hospital says the comments, made by the Ghanaian-American comedian following the death of his 83-year-old mother, have the potential to damage its reputation and do not accurately reflect its clinical standards or overall performance.

The Director of Medical Affairs at UGMC, Dr. Baffoe Gyan, said the performance of a hospital should be assessed using objective indicators, including its clinical outcomes, infrastructure and the expertise of its medical personnel. Adding that the hospital should not be tagged as the ‘worst’ based solely on one person’s experience

‘You can assess a hospital based on the hospital performance record and so to come out and say UGMC is the worst hospital, that one I disagree totally,’ Dr Gyan said.

Dr. Gyan also rejected allegations that the hospital misdiagnosed or negligently treated Blackson’s mother. According to him, the Blackson’s mother was referred to UGMC from another health facility with a severe infection and spent eight weeks receiving treatment, six of which were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He said the medical team followed established treatment protocols throughout her admission.

‘For diagnosis and management, 100% we did not do anything wrong,’ he stated.

Dr. Gyan explained that the severe infection with which Blackson’s mother was admitted eventually led to her death.

While defending the hospital’s management of the case, he expressed condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging the pain associated with losing a loved one despite efforts by medical professionals to save the patient.

UGMC has also confirmed that its lawyers have formally written to Blackson over his social media comments. Dr. Gyan also said the hospital is seeking a formal retraction and apology from the comedian and is awaiting his response.

‘Our lawyers have written to him just for him to retract and apologise for all that he said on social media,’ he said.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Mahama to withhold assent to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill, 2026, and return it to Parliament for broader consultation with stakeholders, particularly cocoa farmers, before it is passed into law.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Sunday, Co-Chairman of the NPP Policy Committee on Agriculture, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, said while the party supports reforms aimed at strengthening the cocoa sector, the current legislation was rushed through Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency.

The bill, he stated, contains provisions that could affect the interests of farmers and the sustainability of the industry.

He, therefore, appealed to President Mahama to reject the bill in its current form, arguing that administrative measures could address urgent pricing concerns without affecting the quality of legislation.

‘Your Excellency the President, withhold assent and return this Bill for broader consultation. The pricing window can be handled administratively. A defective statute cannot.

‘Return the Bill, consult the farmer. Fix the clauses then pass a law the whole industry can stand behind,’ Dr. Opoku stated.

The opposition party’s press conference follows the passage of the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, by Parliament in July under a Certificate of Urgency.

The party also urged Parliament, when reconsidering the bill, to amend key provisions, including Clause 4(b), which allows the Ghana Cocoa Board to assume responsibilities beyond its core mandate with ministerial approval.

The NPP noted that any expansion of COCOBOD’s mandate should require an Act of Parliament rather than approval from a minister.

Dr. Opoku also called for the publication and independent audit of the realised Gross Free On Board (FOB) price used to determine the producer price of cocoa, stating that farmers must be able to verify the figures upon which their earnings are calculated.

He also urged Parliament to maintain external cocoa marketing under the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), amend Clause 81 to exempt farming activities carried out under COCOBOD’s approved guidelines, defer Clause 85(2) until farmer registration was completed, and clearly define the pricing arrangement for cocoa beans supplied to local processors.

Dr. Opoku said the party was not opposed to replacing the existing legal framework governing the cocoa sector, given that the current PNDCL 81 was overdue for reform.

‘We support traceability, value addition, and a guaranteed floor for the farmer’s share. Our objection is the manner of travel and provisions that will hurt the very farmers they claim to protect. A good cause has been undone by a bad process,’ he stressed.

He said the bill was introduced on July 28 and passed within the same week, despite introducing major changes, including the repeal of PNDCL 81, the creation of a new regulatory framework, a tribunal, and new criminal offences.

‘Certificate of Urgency is not unconstitutional, but its use must be proportionate. A pricing window that opens every September cannot justify rushing a law of this permanence,’ he added.

According to him, neither national cocoa farmer associations nor other key stakeholders, including the Cocoa Carriers Association, were properly consulted before the bill was passed.

The NPP also raised concerns about the producer price formula, particularly the requirement that farmers receive not less than 70 percent of the Gross FOB price realised by COCOBOD.

Touching on local processing, Dr. Opoku argued that the requirement for at least 50 percent of cocoa beans to be processed locally lacked clarity, insisting that the major challenge facing processors was not factory capacity but access to affordable cocoa beans.

He cautioned that without proper measures, the new law could create additional burden for farmers, including possible criminalisation of routine farming activities such as tree removal for rehabilitation and disease control.

Dr. Opoku said the NPP would continue to monitor the implementation of cocoa pricing policies and demand accountability in the management of the sector.

‘We support reform. We cannot support a text that criminalises good husbandry, that criminalises farmers for COCOBOD’s registration backlog, that opens the door to fragmenting external marketing, and that ties the farmer’s entitlement to a figure no farmer can verify,’ he added.