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Peprah Urges Caution on Fuel Tax Cuts, Proposes Moderate Relief to Safeguard Revenue

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A Professor of Finance at Andrews University, Williams Kwasi Peprah, has cautioned the government against fully implementing the GH¢1.65 reduction in petroleum prices being advocated by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), describing the proposal as excessive and potentially harmful to the national budget.

Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Professor Peprah acknowledged the need for consumer relief but warned that the proposed 40 percent cut in the total tax component—championed by groups including IMANI Africa, COPEC, INSTEPR and Institute for Energy Security—could significantly undermine government revenue and disrupt key development projects.

Instead, he proposed a more measured approach, recommending a 20 percent reduction as a “fair compromise” that balances fiscal sustainability with public relief.

According to him, a 40 percent reduction would result in an estimated monthly revenue loss of about GH¢600 million, while a 20 percent cut would reduce the impact to roughly GH¢300 million.

To offset this projected shortfall, Professor Peprah advised the government to adopt a “fiscal switch” strategy, which would involve deferring selected expenditures.

“Government must absorb certain line items within its expenditure framework. Goods and services, as well as some capital projects, could be postponed to 2027 to prevent disruption to budget targets,” he explained.

He also criticised the government’s proposal for a short-term, four-week intervention, arguing that it would be insufficient given ongoing global uncertainties.

Citing the lingering effects of geopolitical conflicts and forecasts from the World Bank, he stressed the need for a longer intervention period of at least six months to allow businesses and households to plan effectively.

“A four-week window is too short for meaningful planning. Even minor global conflicts tend to have economic effects lasting beyond six months. A longer-term strategy is necessary for investors, companies and individuals,” he said.

With Ghana still operating under an economic programme with the International Monetary Fund set to end in August, Professor Peprah warned that any policy misstep could jeopardise the country’s ability to meet key fiscal targets.

He recommended that any tax adjustments be formalised through a mid-year budget review, enabling government to transparently outline expenditure cuts that would compensate for lost revenue.

The finance expert also cautioned against permanently scrapping taxes at this stage, noting that future fiscal pressures—particularly potential wage demands from labour unions driven by inflation—would require sustained revenue streams.

Commenting on President John Mahama’s indication that Ghana could source fuel from Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, Professor Peprah described the move as positive for supply security.

He noted that while global crude oil prices would still apply, Ghana could benefit from reduced freight costs due to proximity. He added that further gains could be realised if transactions fall under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which offers potential tax advantages.

Professor Peprah concluded that while inaction would be the worst possible outcome, any intervention must be carefully targeted and supported by a transparent realignment of the 2026 budget.

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KGL Group, GMTF Break Ground for Ultra-Modern Diagnostic Centre at Ridge Hospital

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The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has announced a major partnership with KGL Group and the KGL Foundation to construct a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), aimed at improving access to advanced healthcare services in Ghana.

The initiative follows GMTF’s appeal to Corporate Ghana on February 5, 2026, to support efforts to equip Ridge Hospital with modern diagnostic equipment. Responding to the call, KGL Group and the KGL Foundation pledged not only to provide the equipment but also to fund the construction of a new diagnostic centre that will house all essential imaging services under one roof.

The new facility will be fitted with advanced medical equipment, including an MRI machine, CT scan, Mammography unit, X-ray machine, and Fluoroscopy machine. The investment is expected to significantly strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and improve the management of complex medical conditions.

The project officially entered its implementation phase following a site inspection at Ridge Hospital led by Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, and KGL Group Chief Executive Officer, Alex Apau Dadey, together with their respective teams.

According to GMTF, the new diagnostic centre will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses while expanding access to specialist diagnostic services for thousands of patients across the country.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund expressed appreciation to KGL Group for its commitment, describing the partnership as a shining example of how collaboration between Corporate Ghana and government can transform healthcare delivery and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

The Fund noted that the project reflects the vision of strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships, adding that the initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Mahama Cares programme.

 

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Offence Can Make You Lose Your Inheritance – Dr. Lawrence Tetteh Urges Ghanaians to Live Above Bitterness

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Renowned evangelist Dr. Lawrence Tetteh has called on Ghanaians to avoid living in offence and bitterness, warning that harboring grudges can rob people of their purpose, relationships and even their destiny.

Delivering a speech during the wreath-laying ceremony and 14th commemoration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, Dr. Tetteh stressed that “offence can make you lose your inheritance.”

According to him, offence is one of the enemy’s greatest traps because people will always criticize others regardless of what they do. He advised that becoming easily offended could cause people to lose valuable relationships, respect and loyal supporters.

Dr. Tetteh noted that offence breeds division, disloyalty and unnecessary conflicts, adding that those who have benefited from someone’s kindness can eventually turn against them when offence takes root.

Drawing lessons from the Bible, he cited John the Baptist, saying offence and disappointment can affect a person’s outlook even in difficult moments. He also referenced Moses, who, despite leading the Israelites out of Egypt, did not enter the Promised Land, urging people not to allow offence to derail their God-given assignment.

He further warned leaders not to let criticism from followers distract them from their mandate, emphasizing that reacting to every provocation only weakens one’s focus.
“If you want to stand like H.E. Atta Mills, live an offence-free life,” Dr. Tetteh said, encouraging Ghanaians to use their positions to build friendships rather than create enemies.

The annual wreath-laying ceremony was held to honour the memory and leadership legacy of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, who passed away in office 14 years ago.

By Maurice Otoo

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Mahama Offers Emotional Prayer for Ghana, Mills Family at Asomdwee Park During 14th Anniversary Memorial

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President John Dramani Mahama offered a heartfelt prayer for Ghana and the family of the late President John Evans Atta Mills during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony marking the 14th anniversary of Prof. Mills’ passing at Asomdwee Park.

In an atmosphere of reflection and reverence, President Mahama prayed for peace, unity, and continued strength for the nation, while also asking for comfort and blessings for the family of the late statesman.

The President’s calm demeanor and humility underscored the deep respect and affection he held for Prof. Mills, whom he described as a father figure, mentor, and boss. The moment set a reflective tone for the commemoration, with dignitaries and mourners joining in honoring the legacy of Ghana’s third President under the Fourth Republic.

The prayer formed one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, highlighting the enduring bond between President Mahama and the late Prof. Mills, whose leadership and values continue to inspire many Ghanaians.

In a short but memorable speech, he said, time has a way of softening grief and pain as he reflects on the life of the late President. He insisted that, Prof. Mills listened more than he talked, adding that, his leadership was anchored on conscience.

In conclusion he reincarnated, some leaders command attention by force of their personality but president Mills commanded respect by the strength of his character and values. He believed that kindness was not a weakness, humility was not timidity, and that decency was not in compatible with effective leadership.

By Maurice Otoo

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