General News
US clarifies: 10% tariff does not apply to Ghana’s oil, gas, and energy exports

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has clarified that the recently imposed 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports does not apply to oil, gas, and energy-related products, offering some relief amid rising concerns from stakeholders in the trade and energy sectors.
Ambassador Palmer made the clarification during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, following an invitation from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The meeting, held on April 5, brought together officials from the Ministries of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, including Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Palmer explained that the tariff was introduced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 and is part of a broader U.S. strategy to address global trade imbalances.
However, she emphasized that the 10% levy is not targeted at Ghana specifically, and that key Ghanaian exports such as crude oil, natural gas, and other energy-related products are exempt from the new import tax.
The announcement comes as a partial relief to Ghana, a country whose energy sector plays a significant role in its export economy. However, concerns remain for other sectors that are expected to be affected by the tariff.
Government officials used the opportunity to call for further dialogue to explore additional exemptions and reduce the tariff’s impact on Ghanaian businesses. Discussions also covered potential collaboration in mitigating trade disruptions and supporting bilateral investments.
Both Ghana and the U.S. reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and trade relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Ministry of Trade, assured the public that negotiations will continue with the goal of protecting Ghanaian interests and preserving jobs.
The two sides also agreed to work together to identify long-term solutions, while strengthening ties that support mutual economic growth.
Source: Gh Extractives
Crime and Investigation
OSP Charges Paul Adom-Otchere Over GACL Contract; Fails to Meet Bail Conditions

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has formally charged Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), alongside two other individuals, in connection with a contentious revenue assurance contract.
Despite being granted bail, Mr. Adom-Otchere remains in custody after failing to meet the bail requirement of providing two landed properties registered in his name. He reportedly informed investigators that he does not own any such properties in Ghana, making compliance with the condition unattainable.
Also charged are Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive for Commercial Services at GACL, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, Chief Executive Officer of Devnest Systems.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a revenue assurance contract awarded to a private firm allegedly linked to the owner of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The OSP is examining suspected procurement violations, including the alleged sole-sourcing of a company that did not receive board approval from GACL.
Mr. Adom-Otchere was summoned for questioning on Thursday, July 31, following a formal notice issued on July 25, 2025.
In an interview with Citi Newsroom prior to his appearance before the OSP, Adom-Otchere described the investigation as politically driven. “I describe this as a witch-hunt,” he stated, asserting that he played no part in executing the contract. “The contract in question was signed by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company, and I was not even aware it had been executed.”
He further questioned why the investigation is focused on him instead of the GACL management officials who handled the contract process.
The OSP is expected to release additional information on the case and outline the next steps in the legal process in the coming days.
Crime and Investigation
OSP’s Bail Conditions for Adom-Otchere ‘Unjust and Excessive’ – Lawyer

Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei, legal representative for Paul Adom-Otchere, has condemned the bail terms set by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing them as harsh and discriminatory.
This follows the OSP’s directive that Mr. Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), must present two landed properties registered in his name before securing bail. Despite being officially granted bail, he remains in custody due to his inability to meet this condition.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, July 31, Mr. Agyei expressed concern that the OSP’s demands appear intended to deliberately prolong Mr. Adom-Otchere’s detention.
He argued that the requirement was not only excessive but also unfair to individuals without significant assets.
“Asking for two landed properties in the name of the accused is an unreasonable demand, especially when it’s known he doesn’t own any. It’s as though the system is designed to deny bail to those without wealth,” he said.
Mr. Agyei further revealed that during preliminary procedures, Mr. Adom-Otchere had clearly indicated that he does not possess any landed properties. Despite this disclosure, the OSP still made such a condition central to his bail.
“It’s concerning that the OSP would insist on such conditions even after learning about his lack of property ownership. This, in our view, amounts to a veiled attempt to keep him behind bars,” he added.
He assured the public that the legal team is actively pursuing all lawful channels to challenge the conditions and secure the release of his client.
Crime and Investigation
OSP Invites Former GACL Board Chair Paul Adom-Otchere Over Suspected Corruption in Audit Deal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has summoned Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.
The probe focuses on a revenue assurance audit contract between GACL and a private firm, with suspicions surrounding the financial management and accounting of airport revenues under the agreement.
In an official letter dated July 25, 2025, the OSP identified Mr. Adom-Otchere as a suspect in the matter, citing potential corruption and corruption-related offenses. He has been asked to appear at the OSP’s South Ridge office on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Confirming receipt of the summons in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Mr. Adom-Otchere, who recently completed his term as board chair, disclosed that his legal team has requested a new date—Monday, August 4—due to court engagements in Kumasi.
While pledging his full cooperation, he expressed surprise at being singled out, arguing that the decision-making around the contract was primarily handled by GACL management and its managing director, both of whom remain in office and available to assist with the inquiry.
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