Ghana Roundup: Vice president seeks medical help, E-levy repealed, Sale of diplomatic properties
Vice president seeks medical help
Ghana's first female Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, was admitted to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in the capital city, Accra, on Friday, March 28, after falling ill. According to a statement from the Office of the President, she received treatment on Saturday and, based on expert medical advice, will seek further care abroad. . "The Vice President, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Saturday due to a sudden illness that occurred after work on Friday, March 28, 2025,” the statement said. It remains unclear when she will travel for additional treatment.
Cocaine haul
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a staggering 3,319.66 kilograms (3.3 tonnes) of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $350 million. The massive haul was concealed in sacks and bags hidden under heaps of sand in a tipper truck in an attempt to evade detection. The truck was intercepted at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in the Central Region while en route to Accra. Upon offloading the sand, authorities retrieved 143 distinctly marked sacks weighing 2,974kg. Preliminary field testing by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as cocaine. Further intelligence-led investigations led NIB operatives to the residence of a suspect, where an additional 13 sacks and one bag of suspected cocaine, weighing 345.07kg, were discovered on March 8, 2025. In a report by Graphic Online, two suspects, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo, the driver of the tipper truck, and his mate, 25-year-old tertiary student Kenneth Cobbinah, are currently in custody, assisting with investigations.
Parliament repeals controversial E-levy
Ghana’s Parliament has officially abolished the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), which taxed electronic financial transactions. The levy, initially set at 1.75% and later reduced to 1%, was widely criticised for discouraging digital transactions. Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem stated that the repeal will return GH¢2 billion to citizens, easing financial pressures.
Sale of diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia
The government has revoked controversial deals initiated by the previous administration to sell Ghana’s diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised that no diplomatic properties would be sold under President Mahama’s administration. "Yesterday I informed Parliament that with the full backing of President Mahama, we have cancelled two transactions initiated by the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to sell Ghanaian diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia. Determined efforts are underway to retrieve an illegal part payment in one of the transactions. The masterminds, who are currently on the run, will surely be found and sanctioned," Ablakwa shared on his Facebook page. The government is also working to recover illegal payments made in connection with the transactions.
Over 1,300 ECG containers missing at Tema Port
A report has revealed that 1,347 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have mysteriously disappeared from Tema Port. Ghanaweb reported that, initially, ECG indicated that there were 2,491 uncleared containers, but an audit found only 1,134 at the port. The missing containers, containing vital electrical equipment, have raised concerns over procurement violations and financial mismanagement. Minister of Energy John Abdulai Jinapor has pledged a thorough investigation, involving the Attorney General and the Ghana Police Service, to locate the containers and hold those responsible accountable.
