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Removal of Taxes: President Mahama Abolishes E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Others

source: TV3, Ghana

In a historic move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on Ghanaians, President John Dramani Mahama has assented to bills abolishing the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and several other controversial taxes. The decision, which comes as part of the government’s broader economic relief agenda, has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

A Bold Step Towards Economic Relief The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a percentage tax on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers, bank transactions, and online payments. The levy faced strong opposition from citizens who viewed it as a burden on the financially vulnerable and a threat to digital financial inclusion. The betting tax, which targeted winnings from gambling and sports betting, was equally unpopular among the youth.

President John Dramani Mahama has assented to bills abolishing the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and several other controversial taxes.

President Mahama’s decision to abolish these taxes aligns with his campaign promise to ease the cost of living and stimulate economic activity. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of “restoring trust in government policies and creating an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive.”

Mixed Reactions from Ghanaians While many citizens have welcomed the tax removals as a relief from economic hardships, critics argue that the move could worsen the government’s fiscal deficit. Financial analysts warn that the government must swiftly implement alternative revenue measures to avoid a funding gap. Others, however, believe the decision could spur economic growth by increasing disposable income and boosting consumer spending.

Also Read: Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Why Many Ghanaian Teachers Struggle Financially

Looking Ahead: A New Economic Era? The tax removals are expected to reshape Ghana’s economic landscape. Businesses are hopeful that reduced operational costs will enhance profitability, while consumers anticipate increased purchasing power. The government, however, faces the challenge of balancing revenue generation with citizen welfare.

This bold policy shift signals a new era for Ghana’s economy—one focused on growth, inclusivity, and resilience. As Ghanaians adjust to the changes, the effectiveness of this decision will be judged in the coming months based on its impact on the economy and the everyday lives of citizens.

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Munira Adam: The Female Warrior Guarding the King of the Gonja Kingdom

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and bravery of women across the world. Among them is Munira Adam, a fearless warrior in the Gonja Kingdom, Ghana. She is one of the select few entrusted with protecting the Yagbonwura, the King of the Gonja Kingdom. Her role is not just one of defense but also of cultural preservation, ensuring that the rich traditions of her people are upheld for generations.

Also Read: Chaos Erupts as Two Teachers Clash in a Heated Fight Inside School Staff Room

The Gonja Kingdom, located in Ghana’s Savannah Region, is one of the oldest and most influential traditional states in the country. The King, or Yagbonwura, is a revered figure whose protection is a matter of great importance. While security in traditional African kingdoms has often been male-dominated, Munira Adam stands as proof that women have always been vital to leadership, protection, and governance.

Munira Adam: A Guardian of Tradition and Heritage

Munira Adam’s attire—adorned with black fabric, symbolic beads, and cowrie shell necklaces—represents more than just tradition; it embodies strength, leadership, and spirituality. In African culture, cowrie shells symbolize power and protection, reinforcing her role as a formidable guardian. Her presence as a warrior in the Gonja Kingdom challenges gender norms and demonstrates the essential role women play in society.

Her bravery is reminiscent of many great African female warriors who defied societal expectations to defend their people. Among them is the legendary Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, who led the Ashanti resistance against British colonial rule in 1900.

The Legacy of Yaa Asantewaa: A Warrior Queen

Yaa Asantewaa remains one of the most celebrated African female warriors. At a time when men hesitated to fight against British colonial forces, she fearlessly declared:

“If the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we, the women, will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight till the last of us falls in the battlefield.”

Her leadership during the War of the Golden Stool solidified her legacy as a symbol of resistance and empowerment. Just like Yaa Asantewaa, Munira Adam carries forward the spirit of African female warriors, proving that women are not just caregivers but also fierce defenders of their people and culture.

Women Warriors: Breaking Barriers Across Africa

The presence of female warriors is deeply rooted in African history. The Agojie warriors of Dahomey (present-day Benin), known as the Dahomey Amazons, were an all-female military unit that fought against European invaders. In Ghana, apart from Yaa Asantewaa, several queens and female leaders played crucial roles in governance and warfare.

Munira Adam’s role as a warrior in the Gonja Kingdom is a continuation of this proud legacy. She not only protects the Yagbonwura but also inspires young girls to embrace their strength, heritage, and leadership potential.

Celebrating Munira Adam and Women’s Empowerment

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Munira Adam and the countless other women who break barriers and redefine leadership in their communities. Her story is a powerful reminder that strength and leadership are not determined by gender but by courage and commitment.

You May also Like: GES Moves to Validate and Reinstate Affected Staff After Appointment Revocation

As we reflect on the contributions of women like Yaa Asantewaa and Munira Adam, let us continue to advocate for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the recognition of women’s roles in governance, security, and cultural preservation.

Today, we honor the women warriors—past, present, and future—who continue to shape history!

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Chaos Erupts as Two Teachers Clash in a Heated Fight Inside School Staff Room

A shocking incident disrupted the learning atmosphere at Ibru College in Delta State, Nigeria, on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, when two male teachers engaged in a heated physical altercation inside the school’s staff room.

Captured on video and widely shared across social media, the distressing footage shows the educators locked in a fierce struggle while their colleagues desperately attempted to separate them. The unexpected fight quickly attracted attention, with students and staff rushing to witness the commotion through the staff room windows.

Despite multiple intervention efforts, the brawl raged on, escalating concerns over the apparent animosity between the two teachers. Witnesses reported that tensions between them had been simmering for some time, though the exact cause of the violent clash remains unclear.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the professionalism and conduct of the teachers involved. Concerned parents, education experts, and members of the public have expressed disappointment over the teachers’ behavior, highlighting the negative example it sets for students.

“Teachers are supposed to be role models, guiding students on discipline, conflict resolution, and respect. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and sends the wrong message to our children,” a concerned parent remarked.

While local authorities have been alerted to the incident, it remains uncertain whether disciplinary action will be taken. The school’s administration has yet to release an official statement addressing the matter.

As discussions around the incident continue, many are calling for stronger professionalism, conflict resolution training, and accountability within educational institutions. The event serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of teachers upholding the values they impart to students.

Public Reactions:

The viral footage has sparked a wave of reactions online, with netizens sharing their thoughts on the matter:

  • @presheee93: “So what exactly are they teaching the students?”
  • @iamda_saint: “They’re fighting for the betterment of the educational sector? 😂😂😂”
  • @idreamevents: “Two grown men just lost their jobs over this nonsense.”
  • @saintavenue_ent1: “These teachers should join the UFC instead.”
  • @annysings: “This isn’t funny. One wrong move, and someone could have died. Then what? Jail?”
  • @victoria_amieseifa_dowell: “If one of them had died, this would be a completely different conversation. Violence is never the answer!”

As the debate continues, educators and stakeholders must work toward fostering a professional and respectful school environment, ensuring that conflicts are handled with maturity and appropriate measures.

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Ghana Education Service (GES) Moves to Validate and Reinstate Affected Staff After Appointment Revocation

In a bold move aimed at ensuring efficiency and transparency within Ghana’s educational system, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has initiated a staff validation exercise to rectify inconsistencies in its recruitment records. This directive, issued in a circular dated 5th March 2025, mandates all affected employees to validate their appointments and recruitment details before reinstatement onto the payroll.

The initiative, outlined in an official letter signed by Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the Acting Director-General of GES, underscores the service’s commitment to accountability, professionalism, and integrity in the management of human resources within the education sector.

Why the Validation Exercise?

The validation exercise comes as part of an ongoing effort by GES to clean up its payroll database. Over the years, concerns have been raised regarding irregularities in staff recruitment and payroll management, leading to a situation where some individuals may have been appointed improperly or without full documentation. By embarking on this initiative, the GES seeks to identify legitimate employees, prevent payroll fraud, and ensure that only qualified and certified teachers remain on the payroll.

This development follows an earlier communication dated 17th February 2025, in which GES informed all regional directors of education about the need to address recruitment-related discrepancies.

Also Read: GES Cancels Recruitment of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Not on Payroll

The Validation Process and Requirements

To facilitate the validation process, GES has formed a three-member committee at the regional level, comprising:
✔ The Regional Human Resource Officer
✔ The Regional Internal Auditor
✔ The Regional Accountant

These officials will be responsible for overseeing and conducting the validation exercise, ensuring that all affected employees meet the necessary requirements before their reinstatement.

Required Documents for Validation

All affected staff must present the following essential documents for verification:

  1. Appointment Letter – Proof of employment issued by the Ghana Education Service.
  2. Academic Certificate – Evidence of the required educational qualifications.
  3. Licensure Certificate – Certification from the National Teaching Council (NTC), confirming professional competency.
  4. National Service Certificate – Proof of completion of the mandatory national service, as required for employment in the public sector.

Staff members have been given a deadline of 14th March 2025 to complete the validation process. Those who fail to comply risk suspension from the payroll until their recruitment is fully verified.

GES Commitment to a Transparent System

The Management of GES has reassured all stakeholders that this exercise is not a witch-hunt but rather a step towards ensuring that the educational system is built on credibility, fairness, and due process. The leadership has called on all affected employees to cooperate fully, as the validation process is designed to protect the integrity of the payroll system and enhance service delivery within the education sector.

Furthermore, the directive has been copied to key government officials, including the Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister of Education, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, and other senior officials at GES headquarters. This signals a high-level commitment to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and free from any administrative lapses.

Implications for the Education Sector

The validation exercise presents several benefits for Ghana’s education sector:

  • Eliminating ghost names and payroll fraud, thereby ensuring that only duly recruited and qualified teachers remain on the payroll.
  • Improving financial efficiency, ensuring that government resources are allocated to deserving personnel.
  • Strengthening teacher accountability, ensuring that every educator in the system meets the professional and academic requirements needed to deliver quality education.

With Ghana’s educational landscape continuously evolving, the GES validation exercise serves as a crucial step toward improving the administration of teachers and ensuring that only those who meet the required standards remain in service.

Call to Action: Cooperation for a Successful Exercise

As the deadline approaches, all affected staff members are urged to gather their documents and comply with the process to avoid any disruptions in their employment status. Regional Directors of Education and school heads have also been called upon to support and guide their staff to ensure a smooth validation process.

The Ghana Education Service remains dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the education system, and this initiative marks another milestone in its commitment to transparency and accountability.

📌 Deadline for Validation: 14th March 2025
📌 Ensure you submit all required documents to the validation committee in your region

Conclusion

This validation exercise is a significant step in streamlining recruitment processes within the Ghana Education Service. By ensuring that only qualified and duly appointed staff remain in the system, GES is laying a strong foundation for a credible and professional teaching workforce. The success of this initiative depends on the cooperation of all affected staff and stakeholders. Let us all work together to ensure the integrity and sustainability of our educational system.

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The Hidden Smartphone Hack You Didn’t Know: Why Turning Off Wi-Fi When You Leave Home is a Game-Changer

Your smartphone is basically an extension of you—always in your pocket, always connected. But here’s a little-known fact that could save you from potential security nightmares: leaving your Wi-Fi on when you step outside is a risky move.

Yes, it’s convenient to have your phone automatically reconnect to your home network when you return. But while you’re out and about, your device is constantly scanning, interacting, and even exposing your data to every Wi-Fi signal it encounters—including the sketchy ones. Want to keep your personal information safe? It’s time to hit that Wi-Fi toggle before heading out.

The Real Danger of Always-On Wi-Fi

Think your phone is only looking for trusted networks? Think again. Whenever Wi-Fi is enabled, it’s actively searching for connections, broadcasting signals that can be intercepted by hackers and cybercriminals lurking in public spaces. Even worse, malicious hotspots can trick your device into connecting automatically—giving attackers potential access to your sensitive data.

And it’s not just about hacking. Your phone’s constant pinging can also reveal your location. Ever wonder why some apps seem to know exactly where you’ve been, even when you haven’t opened them? That’s because your device is leaving digital breadcrumbs everywhere it goes.

Your Wi-Fi Knows Your Habits—And So Do Others

You might not think twice about the networks saved on your phone, but those connections tell a story about your daily routine—your favorite coffee shop, the gym, your office, your go-to shopping spots. If someone wanted to track your movements, they wouldn’t need fancy spy gear—your phone is doing all the work for them.

A simple fix? Regularly clear out saved networks and manually connect only when necessary. This not only reduces the risk of logging into a rogue network but also keeps your movement history under wraps.

But Wait—There’s More

For Android users, turning off Wi-Fi isn’t always enough. Many phones use Bluetooth as an alternative tracking tool, quietly pinging nearby devices and revealing your location—even when you think you’re in stealth mode.

Here’s what you can do:

Dive into your settings and disable Bluetooth scanning under Location Services.

Review which apps have access to your location and cut off unnecessary permissions.

Use mobile data wisely—if you’re just browsing, texting, or streaming from pre-downloaded content, you don’t need Wi-Fi 24/7.

The Bottom Line

We love staying connected, but sometimes the smartest move is to disconnect when you don’t need to be online. It’s a small habit shift with huge security benefits—less tracking, fewer risks, and a little extra control over your digital life.

So next time you step out, ask yourself: Do I really need Wi-Fi right now? If not, toggle it off and walk away like a cybersecurity pro.

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Fire Outbreak at NEDCo Office in Tamale Destroys Transformers and Essential Equipment

Source: myjoyonline.com

A devastating fire broke out at the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) facility in Tamale, reducing transformers, insulators, and other critical electrical equipment to ashes.

The Ghana Fire Service swiftly responded to the emergency, deploying fire tenders from both the metropolitan and hospital units to battle the raging flames.

According to Baba Hudu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Fire Service, the team acted promptly and managed to contain the blaze. However, due to the fire’s intensity, the initial two fire tenders proved insufficient, necessitating urgent support from a water supply company to reinforce firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Director, Maxwell Kotoka, reassured the public that the incident would not disrupt electricity distribution in the area. He clarified that the damaged facility primarily served as a central storage unit for essential equipment and materials.

“Power supply to the warehouse itself has been affected, but we are actively working on restoring it. Fortunately, no external institutions have been impacted at this time,” Kotoka stated.

Despite the significant losses, NEDCo has guaranteed that electricity distribution remains uninterrupted. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and taking necessary steps to restore operations efficiently.

Also Read: EARTH RODS AND RCDS: PROTECTING HOMES AND BUSINESSES FROM ELECTRICAL FIRES IN GHANA

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Clashes Disrupt Peace Ceremony Between Bawku SHS and Bawku Technical Institute.

A highly anticipated peace ceremony aimed at reconciling students of Bawku Senior High School and Bawku Technical Institute took an unexpected and violent turn on Tuesday, February 25, resulting in a chaotic scene that left at least five students severely injured and several others nursing minor wounds.

The event, held on the premises of Bawku Technical Institute, was a collaborative effort between school authorities and traditional rulers from Kpalwega to put an end to the recurring clashes between the two schools. As part of the reconciliation process, the traditional leaders introduced the symbolic burial of the okra stick, a revered ritual signifying the end of hostilities and the beginning of lasting peace.

However, what started as a moment of unity quickly spiraled out of control. Tensions simmering beneath the surface erupted into full-blown violence as students from both institutions began hurling stones at each other, turning the peaceful gathering into a battleground. The sudden outbreak of chaos sent attendees scrambling for safety, leaving injuries and destruction in its wake.

ALSO CLICK ON: https://prime3electech.com for related news

The Bawku Divisional Police Command swiftly intervened, restoring order before the situation could escalate further. The injured students were immediately transported to Quality and Vineyard hospitals in Bawku, where they received medical attention.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, school authorities and the Ghana Education Service (GES) remained determined to see the peace process through. In a show of resilience, senior prefects from both schools stepped forward to complete the symbolic burial of the okra stick, reaffirming their collective commitment to ending the long-standing rivalry.

This incident highlights the deeply rooted tensions between the two institutions, raising pressing concerns about the sustainability of peace initiatives. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to engage students, school leadership, and community stakeholders in meaningful dialogue to prevent future conflicts and ensure that the vision of lasting harmony is fully realized.

With the peace process still fragile, the question remains—will these reconciliation efforts be enough to break the cycle of violence, or is more work needed to heal the divide between these two institutions?

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