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.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has closed down six Private Vehicle Testing Stations (PVTS) nationwide within the past 90 days as part of a crackdown on regulatory breaches in the vehicle inspection sector.

The action follows a series of audits which uncovered that some centres had been issuing roadworthiness certificates to vehicles that were never physically inspected—raising serious concerns about road safety standards across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed the development during the commissioning of three modern vehicle inspection centres in Accra.

Mr. Kotey attributed the increasing presence of unroadworthy vehicles on Ghana’s roads to lapses by some private testing operators, stressing that their failure to conduct proper inspections often results in misplaced public criticism against the DVLA.

“In the past three months, we have closed about six PVTS that did not inspect vehicles but still issued reports declaring them roadworthy,” he said.

He explained that the DVLA’s certification decisions are based on reports submitted by these private centres, noting that any manipulation or negligence at that level compromises the integrity of the entire system.

“When they test, they issue a report, and it is based on that report that DVLA determines qualification or disqualification. So when rickety vehicles are seen on the roads, the blame often goes to DVLA, but we all must monitor the activities of these centres,” he added.

Mr. Kotey further called for increased public vigilance, urging citizens to play an active role in holding PVTS operators accountable to ensure safer roads.

The commissioning of the three new inspection facilities forms part of the Authority’s broader effort to modernise vehicle testing processes and minimise human interference, which has been linked to fraudulent certifications.

The DVLA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing enforcement, stating that it will intensify undercover audits and technical assessments to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and prevent unqualified vehicles from being certified.

Government has announced an ambitious plan to raise Ghana’s universal health coverage (UHC) to 80 percent by 2030 through the rollout of a Free Primary Healthcare policy, a major reform aimed at expanding access and prioritising preventive care.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the policy is designed to remove financial barriers at the point of care while strengthening early detection and community-based health services.

“Our universal health coverage index now stands at about 56 percent, and we need to hit a target of 80 percent by 2030,” he stated. “This policy is about ensuring that every Ghanaian can access care early, easily and without worrying about cost.”

The Minister explained that the initiative will provide free access to a defined package of essential services at the primary healthcare level, including CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics nationwide.

According to him, the policy responds to persistent gaps in the health system, particularly low enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and high out-of-pocket spending.

“Only about two-thirds of the population is actively enrolled in NHIS, which means a significant number of Ghanaians still face financial barriers when they seek care,” he noted. “In practical terms, many families are still paying out-of-pocket and risk catastrophic expenditure.”

Hon. Akandoh emphasised that the reform represents a shift from a treatment-focused system to one that prioritises prevention and early diagnosis, especially in the face of rising non-communicable diseases.

“We are facing a triple burden of disease. While we continue to manage infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers and mental health conditions are rising steadily,” he said.

He warned that low awareness and late detection remain major challenges.

“Hypertension develops silently, diabetes progresses quietly, and many people do not know their status until complications occur. By the time they enter the health system, treatment becomes more expensive, more complex and less effective,” he explained.

Under the Free Primary Healthcare policy, routine screenings for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers will be provided at no cost, alongside maternal and child health services, immunisation, health promotion and treatment of common illnesses.

“What is changing is that care will no longer depend on when you become seriously ill. Screening becomes routine, and the system shifts from reacting to illness to preventing it,” the Minister said.

He clarified that while primary healthcare services will be free, the NHIS will remain essential for accessing higher-level care.

“When you are referred to district, regional or teaching hospitals, it is your National Health Insurance that will save you. So NHIS remains very relevant and important,” he stressed.

The policy will be implemented in phases between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 150 underserved districts across all regions.

“We are going to start with underserved districts, learn from the implementation and smoothen the edges before scaling up nationwide,” Hon. Akandoh indicated.

As part of preparations, government has procured more than 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment to strengthen service delivery at the primary level.

“We cannot announce policies without preparing. These investments are to ensure that our facilities are equipped to deliver timely and quality care,” he said.

The Minister added that the policy will extend beyond health facilities into communities through structured outreach programmes, including home visits, school health services and public education campaigns.

“Health workers will not only wait at facilities; they will be in homes, schools, churches and workplaces—screening, educating and supporting people to stay healthy,” he noted.

On financing, Hon. Akandoh disclosed that the programme will be funded through the National Health Insurance Scheme, following the uncapping of the NHIS fund and allocations captured in the 2026 budget.

“We are not reinventing the wheel. Financing has been aligned with NHIS, and budgetary provisions have been secured,” he assured.

He concluded that the policy is central to improving health outcomes and building a resilient health system.

“This is about reducing avoidable illness and preventable deaths. Free primary healthcare is a reset towards prevention, equity and a stronger Ghana,” he said.