TIG Post

Tag: Policies

  • Ghanaian males accounted for 63% of drowning incidents in 2022 – WHO

    Ghanaian males accounted for 63% of drowning incidents in 2022 – WHO

    Ghana recorded 52 drowning fatalities in 2022, with males making up 63% of these deaths, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ghana Navy.

    The findings underscore a clear gender disparity, as females accounted for 37% of drowning incidents. Experts attribute the higher male fatalities to increased involvement in water-related activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming, often without adequate safety measures like lifeguards or life jackets.

    The WHO data also highlights age-related risks. Young adults between 15 and 29 years recorded the highest proportion at 33%. Individuals aged 30 to 49 years accounted for 25%, while children aged 5 to 14 years made up 17%. Notably, 12% of drowning victims were children under 4 years, reflecting their heightened vulnerability.

    While Ghana has some drowning prevention initiatives, such as regional lifejacket policies, critical measures like water safety education in schools and community rescue training remain limited. The lack of flood risk management strategies further exacerbates the issue.

    Globally, drowning remains a significant public health issue. The first-ever Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention by the WHO details progress made in addressing drowning fatalities worldwide. The report notes that the global drowning death rate declined by 38 percent between 2000 and 2021. However, more than 300,000 fatalities were still recorded in 2021, underscoring the severity of the problem.

    Regional disparities remain stark. While the WHO European Region saw a 68 percent decline in its drowning death rate between 2000 and 2021, the WHO African Region experienced only a 3 percent drop over the same period. With a drowning rate of 5.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Africa has the highest rate globally, yet only 15 percent of countries in the region have a drowning prevention strategy compared to 45 percent in Europe.

    The WHO warns that if current trends persist, drowning could claim over 7.2 million lives, mainly children, by the year 2050. Alarmingly, over 30 people are estimated to drown every hour, with nearly half of these fatalities occurring among individuals under the age of 29 and a quarter among children under 5 years.

    The report underscores that most drowning deaths are preventable through the implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, including: installing barriers to restrict child access to water; providing safe play areas for pre-school children away from water; teaching school-aged children swimming, water safety, and safe rescue skills; training communities in rescue and resuscitation techniques; raising public awareness on drowning risks; enforcing regulations for safe boating, shipping, and ferry operations; and improving flood risk management strategies.

  • Business leaders urged to shape economic policies for Ghana’s future

    Business leaders urged to shape economic policies for Ghana’s future

    Mr. Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr, CEO of Margins ID Group, has urged business leaders to take an active role in shaping policies that foster economic growth and promote political transparency.

    He stressed that the future Ghana aspires to achieve will come not by chance but through intentional design.

    “It will happen because we choose to stand up, engage, and demand more from ourselves and those in leadership,” Mr Baiden stated at the launch of the “1st Ghana CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner” in Accra.

    A beacon of progress and call to action Baiden described the Gala Dinner as a beacon of progress, a call to action, and a defining moment for Ghana’s business and political landscape.

    He stressed that the event provides business leaders with a unique opportunity to voice their concerns and collaborate closely with political leadership to chart a course towards sustainable economic progress.

    Engaging directly with political leadership According to Baiden, the Gala presents a unique opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with the nation’s political leadership at the highest level.

    He emphasised that this is a bold step toward building a future where business thrives alongside good governance.

    Setting the agenda for a collaborative future Mr Baiden highlighted that this gathering is more than just a platform to be heard—it’s about setting the agenda for a future built on partnership.

    The business community plans to challenge political leaders to deliver on their promises, foster an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensure Ghana remains a hub of opportunity for future generations.

    Strategic recommendations for sustainable growth Baiden noted that sustainable development is achieved through collaboration, action, and accountability.

    He highlighted Ghana’s incredible potential, not only in resources like gold, oil, and cocoa but in its people, entrepreneurs, and capacity for innovation.

    “We need a governance system that aligns with this potential, removes barriers to growth, and empowers our businesses to compete on the global stage,” Mr Baiden stressed.

    He outlined several strategic recommendations, including the establishment of a Permanent Business Advisory Council to drive policy reform, the overhaul of the regulatory environment, the strengthening of the digital economy, and the prioritisation of evidence-based policymaking.

    These, he noted, are essential building blocks for a future where Ghana’s economy is strong, resilient, and inclusive.

    A platform for change and accountability Baiden described the Gala as not just an event but a movement—a platform where the business community and political leadership can come together to forge a new path toward economic progress and political accountability.

    Reigniting the business economy for growth Touching on the theme of the event, “Reigniting the Business Economy and Social Contract for Growth: A Business Manifesto for Political Accountability and Sustainable Development,” Mr Baiden emphasized the urgent need for business leaders to participate in shaping policies that drive economic growth and ensure political transparency.

    Commitments for a prosperous future He stated that the commitments emerging from this platform—whether through the Social Contract Signing or the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)—would be vital in creating an enabling environment for businesses and securing Ghana’s future.

    He urged business leaders to take up the mantle of leadership and actively participate in this historic dialogue.

    Emphasising economic potential and accountability Ernest De-Graft Egyir, Founding CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana, echoed these sentiments, stressing Ghana’s untapped economic potential despite challenges such as economic instability and the need for greater political transparency.

    Egyir noted that a key feature of the Gala will be the signing of a social contract by the flagbearers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where they will publicly commit to good governance and economic collaboration.

    A Call for Collaboration George Ankomah, Lead Tax Partner of Deloitte, in a keynote address on behalf of Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, urged both business and political leaders to align their efforts for sustainable growth.

    He emphasised that while political manifestos offer glimpses into the future, collaborative action between the private sector and political leadership is key to realising Ghana’s prosperity.

    Gala as a platform for future growth The Gala, organised by the Chief Executives Network Ghana in collaboration with Deloitte, PwC, the University of Ghana, UPSA Law School, and the Multimedia Group, will serve as a platform for CEOs and political leaders to align strategies for economic growth and social responsibility beyond 2025.

  • Policy analyst critiques Bawumia’s policies for lacking industry focus

    Policy analyst, Peter Tekper has criticized certain policies proposed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, stating that they are not focused on benefiting industry.

    In a national address in Accra on February 7, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced that Ghana would adopt a new “friendly” flat tax regime if he is elected President.

    The NPP flagbearer emphasized the importance of reforming the tax system to support businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He highlighted the need to create a tax structure that favors the business community and encourages compliance with the new, business-friendly taxes.

    But speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on August 19, Mr Tekper said even after introducing these policies since the economic environment is not conducive for businesses, it will make no positive impact.

    “If you don’t deliberately bring a policy, that will have a homegrown solution in terms of developing businesses locally to generate revenue, you are still going to be an import-dependent economy.

    “If you look at the solutions that are being professed, yes, we need more tax revenues, business are struggling now. Look at it for instance, look at the VAT rate system is very expensive and so businesses are struggling.

    “High taxes at the port so even if someone is bringing raw materials there are categories, there are taxes that are still been paid.”

    In light of this, he stressed that “These policies are not targeting industries such that it will help Ghanaian businesses to be able to compete very well,” he added.

  • KNUST scientist calls for inclusion of NTDs control in national health policies

    KNUST scientist calls for inclusion of NTDs control in national health policies

    A Parasitologist at KNUST, Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah, has highlighted the need to make the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) a central focus in national health strategies.

    During his inaugural professorial lecture, he underscored the necessity for sufficient funding to support NTD control initiatives, which encompass surveillance, treatment, and research.

    “Local and endemic country governments, including the government of Ghana, must commit some percentage of health funds to fight NTDs,” he stated.

    The lecture, themed “Eliminating filarial diseases: A new hope for an old battle,” emphasized how local and collaborative partnerships have been instrumental in addressing filarial diseases in Ghana.

    The discussion also included the growth of human and infrastructure capacities needed to support ongoing research and control measures.

    In his advocacy for the inclusion of elephantiasis patients in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Debrah called on the government to ensure that these individuals are also eligible for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.

    “LEAP is a social protection intervention of the Government of Ghana aimed at reducing extreme poverty among the poorest and most vulnerable in Ghana.

    “Our research data shows that the little help we gave to the patients actually improved their quality of life. If the government extends LEAP to elephantiasis patients, it will definitely improve their quality of life,” he asserted.

    Professor Debrah also underscored the importance of conducting regular evaluations to verify the effectiveness of interventions.

    “Our experiences from the Yaws Eradication Program and other NTD programs, both local and international, teach us that the last 1% of patients left is as equally important as the first 99% we successfully treated. Therefore, we should be very careful not to close the books on ‘eliminated NTDs.’

    “If you are certified to eliminate a disease, it does not mean it is completely eradicated from the country. It means it is no longer a public health threat. However, if care is not taken, recrudescence can set in, and fighting to control it will be very difficult due to factors such as donor apathy and disengagement,” he explained.

    As digital technology advances, Prof. Debrah urged for increased integration of digital and mobile tools by community health volunteers (CHVs) to detect both new and existing cases.

    A key element of his recommendations involves promoting collaboration between policymakers, researchers, academic institutions, international organizations, and public-private partnerships to eradicate NTDs.

  • Taxation policies discouraging investors to invest in Ghana’s economy – FABAG General Secretary

    Taxation policies discouraging investors to invest in Ghana’s economy – FABAG General Secretary

    General Secretary of the Ghana Food and Beverages Association (FABAG), Samuel Aggrey, has sounded the alarm regarding Ghana’s increasingly challenging economic situation.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Aggrey emphasized the departure of multinational corporations as a result of unfavorable taxation policies and economic conditions in the country.

    He stressed the importance of tackling these issues to avert further economic decline.

    “The situation is getting dire. If you look at companies and service providers like Glovo, Jumia, Game, and others contemplating the possibility of leaving because of the economic situation we have.

    “If you look at the taxation policy that we have in this country, it is actually not helping some of these businesses who have come in and invested so much,” he said on Thursday.

    In recent years, Ghana has grappled with notable economic hurdles, marked by soaring inflation rates, fiscal deficits, and currency devaluation.

    Furthermore, structural challenges such as elevated public debt levels, limited economic diversification, and inefficiencies in public sector management have compounded the situation.

    These factors collectively erode investor confidence, impeding foreign direct investment and economic advancement.

    Hence, Mr. Aggrey expresses concern over the escalating exodus of international firms. He underscores the irony of Ghana’s claim as the gateway to Africa juxtaposed with the stark challenges confronting investors on the ground.

    Despite governmental initiatives to lure foreign investment, he observes that the prevailing economic environment dissuades rather than incentivizes multinational corporations from establishing and sustaining operations in the country.

    “We tout ourselves as the gateway to Africa and encourage investors to come to Africa, particularly Ghana, to do business. But when you come in and you invest, you realise that it is a different ball game altogether.”

    He emphasized the necessity of reassessing current policies to enhance Ghana’s appeal to multinational corporations.

    He urged policymakers to evaluate the repercussions of taxation policies on the economy and the long-term viability of foreign investments in the nation.

  • Mahama criticizes Bawumia of plagiarizing his policies

    Mahama criticizes Bawumia of plagiarizing his policies

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused Vice President Bawumia of copying his sincere promises while being complicit in the current state of poor governance in Ghana.

    Speaking on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the NDC LAB Policy Dialogue held at the Peduase Valley Resort in Aburi, Mahama expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the policy dialogue. He stressed the importance of the NDC’s readiness in presenting policy proposals well in advance of the upcoming elections.

    Mahama applauded the NDC LAB for its critical thinking and innovative policy suggestions aimed at enhancing the socio-economic conditions of Ghanaians. He underscored the urgent need for national reconstruction in the face of socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and deteriorating living standards.

    He criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration for mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of accountability, which has resulted in a severe economic crisis.

    Mahama pointed out that Vice President Bawumia’s recent promises to streamline government, eliminate certain taxes, and undertake constitutional reforms are ideas he has long advocated for. He accused Bawumia of adopting these proposals despite his involvement in the poor governance of the current administration.

    “The widespread acceptance of the 24-hour policy appears to have sent the NPP campaign into a tailspin, leading to a frantic effort to attack it through calumny and disinformation in the last few days. We are fortified in the knowledge that the days when the NPP assumed that they could use falsehood to hoodwink Ghanaians for electoral advantage are over, mainly because of their horrific performance in the last seven years after they were entrusted with the administration of our dear nation, Ghana.

    “There is no room in leadership for excuse-making and flight from responsibility. You cannot make grandiose promises about the economy in 2016 only to be put in charge, run it down, push all of us into suffering and hardships and turn around to say you were only the mate of a reckless driver and, therefore, you should be excused from blame. Not only do I have a much better and measurable performance record in both my role as Vice President and Head of the Economic Management Team, and later as President, than my leading contender in this year’s elections, I also have a record of taking responsibility.

    “The same cannot be said of my opponent. I note that my long-espoused pledges to substantially reduce the size of government by having much fewer Ministries, Ministers and appointees, abolish the payment of ex-gratia, scrap taxes like the e-levy and carry out far-reaching constitutional and governance reforms, have compelled my opponent to promise the same despite being front of centre of the poor governance under which all these ills have taken place,” he said.

    Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to fulfilling his pledges, which encompass establishing a robust governance framework and implementing initiatives to foster job creation and bolster indigenous enterprises within the digital economy. He provided assurance to Ghanaians regarding safeguarding their votes and guaranteeing an equitable electoral result.

    “Since 2021, I have outlined over sixty (60) different policy proposals, carefully curated to restore our economy and national life into a much better state.

    “In particular, the 24-hour economy policy has found resonance with most Ghanaians, especially the youth, as confirmed by both data-based and anecdotal evidence.

    “This policy has offered hope to our increasingly restless and despondent population that the half measures and mismanagement they see under the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government, which has plunged us into suffering, will soon give way to more prudent and forward-looking programmes.

    “The 24-hour economy remains the surest way to achieve significant economic expansion, boost productivity, meet demand, curb unbridled imports and their attendant adverse effects on our economy, currency, and, above all, generate well-paying jobs for the millions of people without employment,” he said.

  • Policies on taxes will determine who we vote for – Food and Beverage Association to presidential candidates

    Policies on taxes will determine who we vote for – Food and Beverage Association to presidential candidates

    The Ghanaian Food and Beverage Association (FABAG) has declared its readiness to throw its weight behind a presidential candidate who demonstrates a commitment to resolving the sector’s pressing issues and challenges.

    John Awuni, Executive Chairman of FABAG, emphasized in a statement that the private sector, particularly the food and beverage industry, has been grappling with a plethora of taxes, leading to a continuous rise in overall tax burdens.

    He highlighted the importance of hearing the stance of each political party’s flagbearer on taxes and policies that could benefit FABAG members and enhance their businesses.

    Awuni expressed concern over the disillusionment prevailing within the private sector, with many businesses contemplating investment opportunities in neighboring countries like Togo and Cote d’Ivoire due to the unfavorable business environment in Ghana.

    He lamented the erosion of working capital among businesses, which is dwindling day by day.

    The statement underscored FABAG’s encouragement for its members to cast their votes in the upcoming elections based on the tax policies and initiatives proposed by each presidential aspirant, aiming to prioritize the sector’s growth and sustainability.

    It said “Indeed, members of our association as well as our employees will be encouraged to vote based on how the various political parties commit to address the key concerns of the private sector. The sector is the engine of growth but currently, the engine is grinding to a halt. Business-friendly government policies which constitute fuel and lubricants of a healthy engine have gradually been replaced with business-killer policies. We would like to know how this engine will be re-ignited when a new administration takes power. How the sector will be revitalized needs to be clearly articulated and documented in manifestoes. Questions that beg the attention of those seeking the mandate of Ghanaians to govern are as follows: What will be the specific tax policies for imports, manufacturing, and the Service sector? How will they make the private sector genuinely profitable if given the mandate? At the moment, most players, including members of our apex association in the private sector feel unwelcomed by the government and viewed as though they are criminals for demanding a break from over-taxation. The attacks, mudslinging, and harassment are dispiriting. We don’t feel the backing and support of the State.”

    The Association had earlier warned that the approval of three new taxes by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo could have detrimental effects on the business community in Ghana.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gave his assent to three new tax bills on Monday, April 17, 2023. These bills had been recently passed by Parliament on Friday, March 31, 2023. The newly approved taxes include the Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill 2022, and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022.

    The introduction of these new taxes has sparked reactions from Ghanaians, with many expressing concerns about their potential impact. Critics argue that the bills could lead to higher prices for goods and services, potentially pricing lower-income individuals and small business owners out of the digital economy.

    These tax bills are projected to generate approximately GH¢4 billion in annual revenue. The government has defended the introduction of these taxes, stating that they are necessary to bolster domestic revenue and improve Ghana’s fiscal position in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.