Evans Effah

The report, submitted to President Akufo-Addo, concluded that SML had only partially met the service requirements, raising concerns that GRA may not have realized all the expected benefits from the service.

However, SML has rejected the claims, insisting that it fully discharged its obligations as stipulated in the Transaction Audit Service Agreement.

In a statement, SML emphasized its full compliance with the terms that led to the subsequent recommendation and awarding of the downstream petroleum audit contract.

The company noted that the Transaction Audit contract includes provisions for monitoring and evaluation services, as well as a value-for-money assessment, both of which were diligently adhered to by the GRA and SML.

SML also rejected KPMG's observation that ICUMS has inbuilt capabilities for External Price Verification, stating that it is an independent assurance audit firm contracted to audit ICUMS and assess the customs at CTSB on classification and valuation.

The company noted that ICUMS cannot audit its operations, and SML's services provide extra oversight when it comes to classification and valuation.

Despite SML's defense, President Akufo-Addo has endorsed KPMG's recommendation to discontinue the upstream petroleum and minerals audit services previously provided to the GRA by SML.

The audit report and the president's endorsement of KPMG's recommendation come at a time when the government is under pressure to improve revenue collection and reduce corruption in the public sector.

SML's commitment to transparency and compliance in its contract with the GRA is a positive step towards achieving these goals.

The company's defense of its services and its emphasis on its independence and diligence in carrying out its duties demonstrate its commitment to delivering value to its clients and upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

SML defends business practices; highlights contribution to petroleum sector growth

SML Ghana maintains ethical commitment after audit

SML's commitment to transparency shines through amidst audit

Amid concerns about potential price hikes, the CBOD emphasized the stability of key factors influencing pump prices, notably the exchange rate.

Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, CEO of CBOD, addressed journalists in Accra, debunking reports suggesting petrol and diesel prices would surge to at least GHS18 per litre. He noted that despite the speculation, the exchange rate had remained relatively stable, sitting at GHS14.99 per litre currently.

Dr. Ofori urged caution against unfounded projections, highlighting their potential to sow fear among consumers and disrupt investment in the energy sector. To combat misinformation, CBOD announced plans to educate journalists on fuel pricing components and market dynamics.

The recent weeks have seen fuel prices fluctuate, attributed to international price spikes and Cedi depreciation against the US Dollar. Despite this, petrol and diesel are currently priced at an average of GHS14.99 and GHS14.80 per litre, respectively.

Dr. Ofori underscored the significance of the Cedi's performance and international market prices, clarifying that fuel price increments did not always benefit bulk oil distributors (BDCs), who sometimes incurred losses due to unexpected forex market fluctuations.

Internationally, tensions in the Middle East have raised concerns about potential impacts on global fuel prices. But Dr. Ofori emphasized the need to de-escalate these tensions to prevent further price hikes.

Egypt raises fuel prices to reflect global market prices

The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has moved to reassure consumers, alleviating fears of a sharp increase in fuel prices by the end of April.

Fuel prices expected to stay below GH¢18 - CBOD assures consumers

This adjustment is in line with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provision Regulations, 2023, (L.I. 2481).

The new fees will apply to citizens who are obtaining national identification cards (Ghana cards) or updating their information. The NIA is urging all individuals to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly.

The revision of the fees is intended to ensure that the NIA can continue to provide high-quality identification services to the public, while also covering the costs of its operations.

The authority is committed to maintaining the security and integrity of the Ghana card, and the new fees will help support these efforts.

The NIA is encouraging all citizens to take advantage of its services and obtain their Ghana cards as soon as possible.

The card is a vital form of identification that is required for a wide range of activities, including accessing government services, opening bank accounts, and applying for jobs.

The NIA is committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that the registration process is as smooth and convenient as possible.

Citizens are encouraged to visit the NIA's website or contact its customer service team for more information about the new fees and the registration process.

Below is the statement by the NIA and the new prices;

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has revealed that there will be an increase in the fees for its registration services, effective Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

NIA implements new fees for registration services starting May 1

According to police preliminary investigations, the suspect left the truck unattended on the railway line, which resulted in a collision with a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train. The incident occurred earlier today, though the exact time of the collision has not been specified.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and no casualties have been reported so far. The train sustained damage in the collision, while details regarding damage to the truck have not been disclosed.

The driver has been taken into custody and is assisting police with their investigation into the circumstances leading up to the accident. The police have not yet released any information regarding potential charges the driver may face.

The Tema-Mpakadan railway line is a major route for both passenger and freight trains in the region, and disruptions caused by the accident could impact train services.

Local authorities are advising commuters to monitor travel updates for possible delays.

As police continue their investigation, further details are expected to be released in the coming days.

The train involved in the accident during the test run.

The Ghana Police Service has arrested the driver of a Hyundai truck with registration number GS 9018 - 20 in connection with a train accident on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Truck driver arrested for allegedly causing train accident on Tema-Mpakadan railway line

Titled ‘Sweet Sweet Mother’ (Ena Pa), the song is an expression of gratitude and admiration for the tireless efforts and sacrifices made by mothers and women everywhere.

Padmore’s inspiration for ‘Sweet Sweet Mother’ (Ena Pa) traces back to his upbringing, where he witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication of his mother. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalls moments of hardship and sacrifice, where his mother's love shone brightly. However, it was the journey of fatherhood that truly deepened Abekah's appreciation for the strength and endurance of women.

Padmore recounted the emotional rollercoaster of his wife's pregnancy, a time marked by tears, pain, and countless hurdles. Witnessing her struggle stirred a sense of admiration and respect within him, triggering a desire to honour not only his wife and mother but all women who courageously go through the challenges of motherhood.

He said, "I witnessed my mother going through a lot, taking care of me and my younger siblings," Padmore shared with his voice laden with emotion. "But it wasn't until I witnessed my wife giving birth and experiencing her pain that I truly understood the depth of a mother's love and the pain they go through."

Driven by this newfound appreciation, Parmore embarked on a musical journey to capture the essence of motherhood in a song. Sweet Sweet Mother’ (Ena Pa) is a thank you song for the unconditional love that defines the maternal spirit.

Padmore Abekah releases Mother’s Day anthem 'Ena Pa'

The man who hails from Wassa Amenfi in the Western Region said “In&nbsp;2022, I decided that I was going to write a song for my wife and mum. My wife liked it so much, my mum danced to the song and said this could be a big project. And by the grace of God in two years we have the song, so that is the product of hard work.&nbsp;He says the love we are showing our women is not enough and we have to show them more love.

Released just this week, Sweet Sweet Mother’ (Ena Pa) has already garnered acclaim as a potential anthem for Mother's Day as Padmore’s vocals and lyrics weave beautifully a song of gratitude and reverence.

In anticipation of Mother's Day in May, gospel musician Padmore Abekah has released a soul-stirring anthem that pays homage to the exceptional women in his life--mother and wife.

Padmore Abekah releases Mother’s Day anthem ‘Sweet Sweet Mother’(Ena Pa)

The UG-SRC (Skill-UP for Jobs™)&nbsp;Bootcamp&nbsp;project is an experiential training and exposure&nbsp;programme&nbsp;that has been designed to train, inspire, and equip 1000 students per cohort with job creation skills. It is intended to be a weekend training&nbsp;programme&nbsp;over a one-month duration comprising in-person practical skills and virtual soft skills sessions that will focus on sequential employability skills in selected disciplines.

The participants are coached to apply and showcase the acquired skill in micro-projects at the end of the training in the form of a prototype on proof of concepts. Experts from industry have been poached to mentor the participants on their&nbsp;microprojects.

The&nbsp;bootcamp&nbsp;training&nbsp;programme&nbsp;will be climaxed with a Skills for Job Conference and Exhibition, where students will have the opportunity to ask questions from industry experts on the skills needed for current and emerging jobs of the future. This is expected to motivate students to appreciate skills training at first hand.

The goals of this student-initiated project include to:

●&nbsp;Bridge the entrepreneurial skills gap of students&nbsp;

●&nbsp;Respond to the changing employment situation by encouraging initiative

●&nbsp;Create an enterprise culture and stimulate entrepreneurial activity

●&nbsp;Increase the rate at which students participate in experiential learning

●&nbsp;Provide insights and connections for students to be part of mentoring networks

●&nbsp;The&nbsp;programme&nbsp;will feature&nbsp;practical masterclass Skills training&nbsp;

●&nbsp;Skills for Jobs Summit and Expo event.&nbsp;

●&nbsp;Affirmative action for gender and persons with special needs have been mainstreamed

Four Key Practical Skills Training Clusters which advance the targets of the UN agenda 2030 (SDGs) have been selected. These include Creative Arts,&nbsp;Food- and&nbsp;Agri- Business, Digital and Tech Skills&nbsp;and Micro Manufacturing.

“Young people continue to be the hardest hit by the job crisis. There are multiple and complex causes behind youth&nbsp;unemployability. Young people often have little or no&nbsp;labourmarket experience, and frequently lack relevant skills. The challenge of quality and relevance of the skill acquired in formal education can be harnessed by the UG-SRC through the Skill-UP&nbsp;for Jobs&nbsp;Bootcamp&nbsp;as an added&nbsp;specialisedexperiential learning during the&nbsp;students&nbsp;life on UG campus.

Of the two routes for young people to enter employment, thelabour-market training&nbsp;is being adopted due to its mass accessibility and cost effectiveness than work experience&nbsp;programmes&nbsp;at workplaces,”&nbsp;says Frank&nbsp;Tsikata, President UG-SRC 2023-2024.

“GEN-Ghana is delighted&nbsp;to be working with UG SRC 2023-24 leadership to implement this project at the University of Ghana.&nbsp;We call on corporate&nbsp;organisations, development&nbsp;agencies, public sector institutions and the UG community to support this project,”&nbsp;says Stephen Gyasi-Kwaw, Country Founder/ MD (GEN-Ghana)

The&nbsp;expected outcomes include:

●&nbsp;Participants will be exposed to employability and job creation&nbsp;opportunities&nbsp;

●&nbsp;Participants will create new business &amp; new markets

●&nbsp;1000 students will be directly trained and equipped with job skills&nbsp;

●&nbsp;Contribute to the Ghana’s achievements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

●&nbsp;Provide students with life-long skills and experiences to thrive economically whilst helping Ghana to prosper

●&nbsp;Interactions with mentors will influence student perspectives on the possibilities open to them after graduation

●&nbsp;Participants will appreciate work and its function in the economy

●&nbsp;Participants will develop work habits and attitudes necessary for job success

The UG-SRC under the leadership of&nbsp;2023 -2024 led by Frank&nbsp;Tsikata,&nbsp;in collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Network-Ghana (GEN-Ghana) will host the cohort 2 of, UG-SRC Skill-UP for Jobs&nbsp;Bootcamp&nbsp;which is slated for July - August 2024.

UG SRC to host cohort 2 of Skill-Up for Jobs bootcamp 2024

His resignation was submitted last week to the Office of the President, pending acceptance.

Bosompem's time in office is particularly notable for introducing the 'No GhanaCard – No Pay' policy, an initiative designed to integrate the National Mechanized Payroll Database with the National Identification Authority's (NIA) database.

This integration allows for real-time biometric validation and verification of government employees.

The policy's primary goal was to eliminate ghost names from government payrolls, which have historically burdened the system. By decentralizing the verification process to CAGD centers across the country, the policy enhanced efficiency and accountability.

Although Bosompem's resignation marks the end of his tenure, his efforts towards streamlining payroll and strengthening the country's financial systems are likely to have a lasting impact.

The next steps for the Controller and Accountant General’s Department will involve building on these changes and ensuring a smooth transition.

Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem

Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem, Ghana's Controller and Accountant General, has stepped down from his position effective Monday, April 15, 2024.

Controller and Accountant General resigns amid GhanaCard policy changes

According to him, the delays in the government's debt restructuring efforts are just the tip of the iceberg, and it's crucial for aspiring political leaders to focus on practical strategies to navigate through these tough times.

Professor Adei made these remarks during a media event organized by the Grand Coalition in Accra on Monday, April 15th.

He emphasized the need for a three-staged agenda to resolve the crisis, starting with resolving the current economic crisis, laying the preconditions for development, and then envisioning a long-term plan for Ghana's future.

As young Ghanaians, it's essential to understand the gravity of the situation and the impact it will have on our lives. The economic crisis will affect job opportunities, education, and our overall standard of living. However, it's crucial to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in finding solutions.

Professor Adei's call for practical strategies to navigate through these tough times is a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping Ghana's future.

As the 2024 elections approach, it's essential to listen to the plans and strategies of those who want to lead our nation. We must hold them accountable for their promises and ensure that they have a clear plan for navigating through these economic challenges.

The economic crisis we face is an opportunity for us to come together as a nation and find practical solutions that will benefit everyone. It's a chance for us to reimagine our future and lay the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Therefore, as young Ghanaians, we must stay informed, engaged, and proactive in finding solutions. We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that they have a clear plan for navigating through these economic challenges.

Renowned economist, Professor Stephen Adei, has warned that the country is facing significant economic challenges that will last beyond 2025.

Prepare for tough times ahead - Prof Adei warns Ghanaians

However, the country still faces a significant hurdle in securing the planned $360 million disbursement from the IMF.

The IMF requires Ghana to obtain financial assurances from external creditors before releasing the funds. This means that Ghana must finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for debt treatment with its official bilateral creditors, aligning with the program parameters set by the IMF.

Stéphane Roudet, the IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating that it would provide the necessary financing assurances for the IMF's Executive Board to consider the agreement.

The IMF has stressed that reaching an agreement on a debt treatment MoU is crucial to complete the review and release the funds timely.

In January 2024, Ghana's Finance Ministry announced that the terms of the approved debt relief plan with official bilateral creditors would be finalized in a Memorandum of Understanding.

This MoU would be implemented through individual bilateral agreements with each member of the Official Creditor Committee.

However, negotiating with each creditor can be a complex and time-consuming process. Comparability of treatment is likely to be a significant issue at every stage of the negotiations, potentially causing delays in the IMF Executive Board's passing of Ghana's second review program.

Despite these challenges, Ghanaian authorities remain optimistic that the necessary financial assurances will be secured. They anticipate fruitful discussions on debt restructuring with external creditors, particularly those in the bilateral sector.

Ghana's debt restructuring journey is not an easy one, but the country remains committed to working towards a more stable and sustainable economic future.

The Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF is a significant step forward, and securing the necessary financial assurances from external creditors is the next crucial step in obtaining the $360 million disbursement.

Ghana has reached a significant milestone in its debt restructuring journey by striking a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the second review of the Extended Credit Facility.

Ghana's debt dilemma: More needed for third tranche release - IMF

The prestigious Paul Harris Fellow's medal was conferred on the IGP during the Rotary International District 9104 Official District Conference in Kumasi which was attended by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu.&nbsp;

This recognition, celebrates Dr. Akuffo Dampare's exceptional leadership in maintaining peace and security throughout the country since assuming the role of Inspector-General of Police.

In a keynote address titled "Creating Hope During the 2024 Elections and Beyond: Activities of the Ghana Police Service” the IGP shared with the audience, various initiatives he, and the current Police leadership, have taken to build hope and confidence among the public.&nbsp;

He cited among other initiatives, increased Police visibility, scaled up intelligence gathering and the Snatch Them Young Policing Initiative as some of the ways the Police have adopted to build hope among the citizenry.&nbsp;

He also urged the public to help build hope among personnel of the Police by encouraging them when they do right and constructively criticizing them when they are in the wrong.&nbsp;

Rotary International confers prestigious Paul Harris Fellow's medal on Dampare

“The actions of the Police, creators of hope, will endure only when we are motivated. First, we can be motivating ourselves by our inner God-feeling that irrespective of what anyone says or does we will continue giving hope, then encouragement of the recipient of the hope, the Public, who are the beneficiaries of that hope will also create hope for the people giving the hope. So the actions of the creators and recipients of hope reinforces each other in the hope process,” the IGP illustrated.&nbsp;

The Paul Harris Fellow's award, considered the highest form of recognition by Rotary Clubs, acknowledges individuals, whether Rotarians or members of the community, who have made remarkable contributions to society, notable recipients include former US President Jimmy Carter.

Rotary International has conferred its most prestigious fellow’s medal on the Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.&nbsp;

According to him, the announcement by the Minister during his recent visit to the Police Headquarters that there is going to be a supplementary special recommendation list to the Police academy is unhealthy and “adding color” to Course 53.&nbsp;

“The Hon Minister is a walking contradiction. He warned social media trolls not to incite with their statement and actions, at the same meeting at the Police headquarters the minister said ‘m I have told the IGP we shall compile a supplementary special recommendation list to the Police academy’, the Minister has no law or policy backing his statement,” the MP wrote on Facebook Friday.&nbsp;

He added “ The Minister only succeeded in inciting Chief Inspectors and Inspectors against the Police administration”.

The Interior Minister upon assumption of office unilaterally called for the suspension of Course 53 when the necessary procedures had been activated to get the officers selected for the program.

Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey

Lawmaker Peter Toobu says utterances and actions of the Interior Minister Henry Quartey since he assumed the position are inciting senior Police officers against the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Management Board (POMAB)&nbsp;

Interior Minister inciting Senior Police Officers against IGP, POMAB - Toobu

Invited to the exclusive launch event, Championrolie experienced the latest smartphone innovation firsthand. From testing its cutting-edge camera features to exploring the device's advanced capabilities, he offered valuable insights that highlighted the Camon30 series as a top choice for tech.

Techno's commitment to sleek design and advanced technology continues to push the boundaries of smartphone excellence.

Championrolie’s influence extends beyond the world of tech and style. As a dancer and a member of the esteemed DWP Academy, he brings his passion for movement to audiences worldwide. He is also the founder of the Championroliefoundation, a non-profit dedicated to uplifting street children and providing them with opportunities for a brighter future. Through outreach events, Championroliefoundation makes a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children.

Recently, the foundation held its second outreach event, Free Medical Health Screening, where over 700 children received medical and dental screenings in partnership with Pepsodent Ghana and Canvic Records. The event also provided meals and a gaming experience for the kids, ensuring a successful day of support and enjoyment.

Looking ahead, Championroliefoundation is preparing for its third outreach event, Clothe-A-Child: Change a Life, set to take place in June. This initiative aims to provide clothing to 1,000 children while hosting a fun-filled day with games and activities.

Championrolie at the launch of Tecno’s Camon 30 Series

Championrolie’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his founding of CRDC, an online dance studio offering classes to students worldwide, from beginners to pros. His dedication to his craft has taken him on an East Africa tour, with plans to travel and teach in more countries in the future.

As he continues to build his career and work with diverse brands, Championrolie’s impact extends far beyond the dance floor.

His commitment to creating positive change and sharing his talents with the world positions him as an influential figure across multiple industries.

Championrolie secured an opportunity as a brand influencer for the Tecno Camon30 series.

Championrolie, a multifaceted talent and a rising star in the world of brand influence, secured a coveted opportunity as a brand influencer for the Tecno Camon30 series.

Championrolie: Innovator, influencer, and advocate for change

This is a significant improvement from the 2.9% growth experienced in 2023, and it's all thanks to a surge in consumer spending, improvements in the agriculture sector, and increased activity in the services industry.

The UK-based firm's April 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa Macroeconomic Update highlights clear indicators of economic resurgence, led primarily by robust consumer spending amid moderating inflation. In fact, the last quarter of 2023 saw a growth rate of 3.8%, thanks to these positive factors.

But that's not all. The upcoming election year is expected to further stimulate the economy, with the government likely to ramp up spending to enhance the general well-being of its citizens. Fitch Solutions anticipates a historical trend of increased government expenditure in the lead-up to elections, which could lead to even more growth in 2024.

In terms of monetary policy, the Bank of Ghana has already initiated a monetary easing cycle in January 2024 by reducing its policy rate by 100 basis points. While the rate remained unchanged in March, Fitch Solutions expects further interest rate cuts to be implemented to stimulate economic activity.

However, weak credit uptake suggests that businesses may remain cautious, delaying expansion plans in the short term.

Despite this, the overall outlook for Ghana's economy remains optimistic, with Fitch Solutions predicting a 3.5% expansion in 2024.

Some experts say this is a time to be hopeful and excited about the future of Ghana's economy.

Ghana's economy records a 67 percent growth in the first quarter of 2019

Ghana's economy is on the rebound, with Fitch Solutions predicting a 3.5% expansion in 2024!

Ghana's economy bounces back: Fitch predicts 3.5% growth in 2024

The inflation rate currently stands at 25.8%, marking a sharp increase from the previous month and causing a significant impact on everyday life for the country's residents.

The World Bank report places Ghana behind only Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Nigeria, and Ethiopia in terms of inflation rates.

The report highlighted that while inflation is cooling in most Sub-Saharan African countries, it remains high. Of particular concern is the fact that food inflation in Ghana is even higher than the overall inflation rate, sitting at 29.6%.

For everyday Ghanaians, this means that the cost of essential goods and services is rising rapidly, making it harder for young people and families to make ends meet. Transport and food and non-alcoholic beverages were identified as the main drivers of the inflation spike.

The report also suggested that while 90% of Sub-Saharan African countries are projected to have lower inflation in 2024 compared to the previous year, Ghana is one of only 13 countries in the region that still has a double-digit inflation rate.

Although the report does indicate that inflation in these 13 countries, including Ghana, is slowly dropping from 27% in 2023 to 22.5% in 2024, the pace of change may still be too slow for many residents struggling with the high cost of living.

The Ghana Statistical Service noted that both locally produced and imported items have seen significant price increases.

Locally produced items have gone up by 26.6%, while imported items have increased by 23.8%. These rising costs could potentially hit young people the hardest, as they may face challenges when it comes to housing, education, and other expenses.

While the economic landscape remains challenging, there is hope that the inflation rate will begin to decline in the coming months.

The government's economic strategies and global market factors will play significant roles in shaping the future economic environment in Ghana.

Ghana is experiencing the sixth-highest inflation rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the April 2024 World Bank Africa Pulse report.

Ghana’s inflation hits 6th highest in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sarah was on the UK Tonight Show on SkyNews to talk about her fourth book,&nbsp;Ama and The Lost Key, which was inspired by her maiden trip to Ghana in 2023.

Before Alesha’s video message was played, Sarah had mentioned the celebrity musician and author as one of her two favourite authors, stating that Alesha’s book series, Lightening Girl was an inspiration to her because that was the first book in which she saw a character looking like her (Sarah), with an afro and puffy hair do.

In the video message, Alesha congratulated Sarah on her fourth book on all the good work she was doing, donating to two charities in the UK and refurbishing a library for a school in Ghana.

”I read your story in the newspaper and it was very touching – it is because of people like you that I do what I do and hearing your stories validates that and motivates me to keep going,” she said.

Alesha said her dream is to inspire the next generation and for that, she was thrilled that her book – Lightening Girl, inspired Sarah to dream and do great things, because “that was the intention of that book.”

“I am sending you all the love and all the luck in the world. I hope to meet you in person one day…” then she left her with a kiss.

Throughout the period Alesha’s video was playing, Sarah had a dropped jaw in complete surprise. But later told the show host that she had hoped that people like Alesha was going to watch the show and see, and for that she was very grateful that her prayer has been answered.

Sarah then signed copies of her books to be presented to Alesha Dixon.

Sarah dad, Albert Kittoe, who was also on the show, said he is particularly surprised by his daughters choice to donate all the proceeds of her book to charity at the young age, adding however that he believes Sarah took the inspiration from their family value where they donate to charity every Christmas.

“I saw the joy on her face any time we went our to donate food and other items to homeless people during Christmas, and I believe that is where she took the inspiration from,” he said.

Watch the full video of the interview below:

Sarah Kittoe is a 11-year old Ghanaian author of four books.

Britain is Got Talent celebrity judge Alesha Dixon gave 11-year-old British-Ghanaian author of four books,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sarahkittoe.co.uk/">Sarah Kittoe</a>&nbsp;a pleasant surprise when she sent a video message to Sarah during a live interview on SkyNews TV in the UK.&nbsp;

VIDEO: BGT’s Alesha Dixon surprises Sarah Kittoe on SkyNews live

This 2.6 percentage point rise, as revealed by Government Statistician Professor Samuel Kobina Annim on Wednesday, April 10, highlights a concerning trend in the country's economic landscape.

Professor Annim disclosed that the food inflation rate also experienced a sharp increase, climbing from 27.0 percent in February to 29.6 percent in March. In contrast, non-food inflation for March was reported at 22.6 percent, indicating a significant disparity between the two sectors.

Explaining the data, Professor Annim stated, “In the month of March 2024, the rate of inflation stood at 25.8%, showing a year-on-year increase from the 23.2% recorded in February 2024. This 2.6% surge in inflation is a cause for concern, with both food and non-food sectors experiencing a notable uptick in inflation rates between February and March 2024.”

The recent surge in inflation follows a slight decline in February, where the figure stood at 23.2 percent, representing a 0.3 percentage point decrease from the 23.5 percent recorded in January.

This fluctuation in inflation rates underscores the dynamic nature of economic conditions and the need for careful monitoring and policy responses to ensure stability and growth in the economy.

The inflation rate for March 2024 has surged to 25.8 percent, marking a notable increase from the 23.2 percent recorded in February of the same year.

March inflation surges to 25.8% from 23.2% in February; Food inflation hits 29.6%

Gambaryan, the head of financial compliance at Binance, was initially detained for over 40 days after being invited by the Nigerian government. He now faces charges of tax evasion and fraud according to a report by Bloomberg.

Legal Proceedings and Charges:

Despite Gambaryan's counsel's plea for him to remain in the custody of the anti-graft commission, a court ordered his remand at the Kuje correctional center in Abuja. During his first court appearance on April 4, Gambaryan argued that he could not accept the charges on behalf of Binance as he was not authorized by the company.

However, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that Gambaryan's admission of representing Binance in Nigeria indicated his involvement with the company in the country, allowing him to be served in place of his employer.

Gambaryan faces charges of tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering amounting to $34 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Despite pleading not guilty, he remains in custody. Binance has expressed disappointment over his detention, emphasizing his lack of decision-making power within the company and labeling the charges as baseless.

Future Legal Proceedings:

Justice Nwite has scheduled April 18 for the hearing on Gambaryan's bail application and May 5 for the trial. Another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who was detained alongside Gambaryan, has fled Nigeria. The two executives had visited Nigeria in February at the government's invitation to discuss cryptocurrency regulations following a crackdown on currency speculation due to the devaluation of the naira.

The situation highlights the complexities surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in Nigeria and the challenges faced by executives operating in this space.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of Gambaryan's trial will be closely watched within the cryptocurrency community and the broader financial sector.

Nigeria court sends Binance executive to prison ahead of trial in May

A Binance Holdings Ltd. executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has been sent to prison in Nigeria ahead of his trial in May.

Binance executive detained in Nigeria; faces legal battle amid tax evasion allegations

Speaking at the launch of LEADing Justice, a strategic framework document of the Chief Justice on her vision for the Judiciary and Judicial Service of Ghana, Bawumia highlighted the benefits of digitisation in the elimination of ghost pensioners and workers, resulting in savings of GHC480 million and GHC356 million respectively.

The Vice President expressed his delight in the Chief Justice's focus on digitisation, noting that Ghana has made major strides in this area within a short period. He emphasised the importance of digitisation in the judicial system, stating that it is crucial for the advancement of the judiciary.

Bawumia highlighted the impact of digitisation on the tax system, with the proportion of individuals with Tax Identification Numbers increasing from four percent to 85 percent after the introduction of the Ghana Card. He also highlighted the elimination of ghost workers in the Controller and Accountant General Office through the use of the Ghana Card.

The Vice President emphasised the importance of the fundamental pillars of law, ethics, asset management, due process, and digitisation in the advancement of the judicial system. He also highlighted the positive changes brought about by the e-system in the administration of justice, appealing to all Ghanaians to support the vision of the Chief Justice.

Digitisation has brought significant savings to Ghana, with the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that it has saved the country millions of cedis.