Live TV
30.2 C
Accra
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Radio
Live TV
Home Blog Page 1488

US$1billion Approved By Ghana’s Parliament To Mitigate The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic

Max TV
-
0

On Friday evening the Parliament of Ghana approved a US$1 billion credit facility to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Titled “Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) Agreement”, which is between the Government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the facility amounts to 738 million Special Drawing Rights.

The US$1 billion approval comes after a request from the Government of Ghana when the IMF had announced on 4th March 2020 a US50 billion support to help address the Coronavirus impact with an allocation of US$ 10 billion for low-income countries through the RCF window.

The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah, presented the report of the Committee to the plenary, said the facility is 100 percent of Ghana’s quota and the disbarment of the facility proceeds to Ghana was expected to take place in a single tranche on Friday, 17th April 2020.

The purpose of the Credit facility is to provide low access, rapid and concessional financial assistance to Low-Income Countries facing an urgent balance of payments needs, without ex-post conditionality.

The RCF, in Ghana’s case, has been negotiated to be used for Budget Support.

According to the Committee’s report, Ghana originally requested 50 percent of Ghana’s quota, but the Minister of Finance successfully engaged the IMF to increase the request to 100 percent of Ghana’s quota.

The terms and conditions of the loan are that it has a grace period of 5 and a half years, a repayment period of 4 and a half years, a maturity period of 10 years, with no interest charge.

According to Dr Assibey-Yeboah, an approximate GHC1billion of the fund would be used to finance the electricity subsidy announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whilst the remainder would be employed towards expenditure outlined in the 2020 Budget.

As of 19th April 2020, Ghana had recorded 1042 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, nine deaths and 99 recoveries.

Economist: Best Economic Policies For COVID-19 Will influence Dec. 7 Polls

Max TV
-
0

Dr Kobby Mensah, an Economist and a senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has revealed that the December 7 general elections will be based on the kind of policy proposal the two leading political parties in Ghana will develop in tackling the COVID-19 effect on the economy.

According to the Economist, attention is being shifted from free senior high school programme as a campaign message for the parties, to economic policies.

This revelation by the Economist comes after there have been fears that the COVID-19 outbreak will plunge the economy into severe difficulties which will take Ghana several years to recover from.

The Ministry of Finance, regarding the effect on trade, had said trade volumes and values (both domestic and international) are also reducing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ghana is already seeing significant reductions in trade volumes and values with many countries, especially China, which constitutes the highest of Ghana’s imports and the second highest of Ghana’s exports.

“We are also observing reduced arrival of containers at the ports by at least a third, resulting in reduction in import duties.

“Reductions in imported intermediate goods could significantly slowdown manufacturing activities in Ghana. Reductions in imports of goods and services are, however, expected to reduce the demand for forex for importation of goods and services.

“This has a favourable impact on foreign exchange volatility and on our net international reserves. It also provides opportunities for import substitution, thereby, enhancing local production of goods and services,” the Ministry said.

In a tweet, Dr Kobby Mensah said: “#COVID19Ghana implications on impending #GhElections. Policy battleground has certainly shifted from Free SHS to Health and Economic Policies. Amongst them, investment in healthcare and economic recovery strategies. Some few months ago it looked as if the fight was on Free SHS.”

 

 

 

 

Finance Minister: Government Engaging Telcos To Reduce Cost Of Data, Services

Max TV
-
0

According to the Finance Minister, the government of Ghana is taking many pragmatic steps to make life relatively bearable, as far as the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic is concerned.

Apart from providing reliefs in the form of absorption of household utility bills, that is electricity and water, the Finance Minister revealed that government has taken another step to reduce the cost of the most used items and services currently.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, addressing Members of Parliament on March 30, 2020, indicated that government is engaging telecommunication companies to reduce the cost of data and services for households and small-scale businesses.

“Mr Speaker, following consultation by the Minister for Finance with key stakeholders, in discussion with Cabinet and the directives of His Excellency, the President, the following additional measures are being pursued to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic:

(G) Engaging the Telcos to reduce the cost of data and telecommunication services to households and small businesses,” Ken Ofori-Atta told the House.

Before this new developments came to being there had been several calls from the public as well as certain stakeholders for telecommunication giants to reduce the cost of data because a majority of the working population have been forced to work from home.

The adoption of online lectures and examinations by some tertiary institutions in the country were the other reasons also cited.

Former President John Mahama also urged the government to arrive at some agreement with the telecom companies which would result in the cutting of the cost of internet during the COVID-19 crisis.

“At this point, the government has not yet addressed the need to negotiate with the telcos for a reduction in their tariffs to benefit the millions spending longer hours online and making calls”, he said.

“As I speak, several students and pupils are having lectures and school sessions online because of the Coronavirus disease.

“This has drastically increased their expenditure on internet usage to the extent that some can no longer cope. Indeed, there have been reports of several students who are unable to complete online lectures before their ‘data’ run out. Several people are also working from home.

“Due to these pressing needs, I wish to bring the issue of cost of internet and voice services back as another priority policy agenda.

“I have already suggested that the government can assure the telcos of a free six-month extension of licences – some of which are to expire very soon. This value can be applied to cushion consumers during this 3-month period”, Mr Mahama noted.

 

 

K.P Boateng To Thiery Henry: ‘If You Need A 10 in Montreal, Call Me’

Max TV
-
0

Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is a German-born Ghanaian forward , has jokingly offered himself to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact.

In an Instagram live interaction with Thierry Henry, who has shares in Montreal Impact, KP Boateng offered himself to the club.

“If you need a number 10 in Montreal, just a phone call … I’m kidding”, KP Boateng said.

Replying to the former AC Milan talisman, Thierry Henry burst into laughter as he shared, “Hey, don’t get me in trouble”.

KP Boateng is currently back in Italy and will decide his future when the summer transfer window comes around.

John Mensah: I Missed A Flight For Stephen Appiah’s Sake

Max TV
-
0

John Mensah, a former Black Stars captain, has revealed that he once missed a flight to Italy because the security men did not want Stephen Appiah to go.

According to Obuasi born defender John Mensah, a misunderstanding between the security officers and Stephen Appiah caused him to sacrifice his flight.

John Mensah stated that “It was in 2004. Stephen, Sulley and I went to the airport to fly to Italy together. Sulley and I made it past all security but we realized Stephen was not with us,”

“We waited until the security came and told me that they were holding Stephen up. I got angry and had an argument with them. They later explained to me that Stephen was holding money and they did not want him to take it past them. I missed the flight in the end because Stephen did not go,” He further added.

Asamoah Gyan To Critics: I’m Not Retiring Anytime Soon

Max TV
-
0

Asamoah Gyan, contrary to suggestions that his retirement is long overdue, believes he still has some football left in him.

The record goal scorer of Ghana, Asamoah Gyan, has been implored several times by Ghanaians and soccer lovers who believe retirement is the best way to protect his enviable legacy.

Last year, the stripping of the Black Stars captaincy was meant to be the final blow for Asamoah Gyan’s international football career. However, with Kwasi Appiah gone and C.K. Akonnor now in charge, Gyan believes he still has a future with the Black Stars.

Asamoah Gyan, speaking in an interview on TV3, appreciated that as a footballer, there comes a time when it becomes a necessity for you to hang your boots, however, he added that he will do so when the time was due.

Gyan maintains that he still has a lot to offer and will not be retiring anytime soon.

“For me, what will make somebody quit football, is the deal dedication but it is still there”, Asamoah said.

“So, I feel I have a lot to prove and on the field; when I see certain things, I feel like I can still do it.

“A lot of people have tried but I always say to myself I will call it a day on my own terms: Nobody can retire me.”

 

Clemento Suarez To Funny Face: You Are An Iconic Figure in The Industry

Max TV
-
0

Clemento Suarez, an award-winning Ghanaian comic actor, has eulogized stand-up comedian and a colleague comic actor Funny Face.

Praising other colleagues in the showbiz industry via his verified Instagram handle, sighted by www.maxfmlive.com ,Clemento Suarez said Funny Face is “an iconic figure in the industry…”

According to Clemento Suarez post with Funny Face’s picture; “The children’s president. The most popular Trotro mate in the world. Mr. Happiness. Kasoa Vandame. Ataa papa. The longest-serving comedian in Ghana at present”.

He further added that: “For a comic to stay at the top with both old and new super stars for over 15 years, the Okyeame Kwame of comedy deserves all the accolades. The bridge between Nigerian comedians are better than Ghanaian comedians. The most decorated comic in Ghana. Funny face paved the way for a lot of us in corporate endorsements and ambassadorial assignments.”

“He started as a street battle comic -winner of toli masters, then on radio with @abeikusantana ,then on TV Africa sounds splash on and on and on. Consistency has been his hall mark.he has never been out of the game since he started and he is still entertaining both the young and old”, he averred.

Adding, “An iconic figure in the industry. Ladies and gentlemen, please stay home and stay on his page for your entertainment. Thank you @therealfunnyface and God bless you for your contribution to the growth of Gh comedy.”

 

Nadia Buari: Don’t Be Swayed, Love is Not What Our Movies Portray

Max TV
-
0

An advice has been given by Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari to people in relationships and people who are yet to find their better halves or life partners.

Known for not going the conventional way of how things are done in the Ghanaian celebrity space, actress Nadia Buari made this advice known to her followers on Instagram.

According to Nadia Buari, love is not always “sweet” as the movies portray but rather it’s a commitment which takes discipline to last longer.

She admonished her followers to see love as a beautiful thing that has two sides to the coin and that is the only way they can maintain their relationships and enjoy their lives.

Sarkodie: Shatta Wale’s Feature With Beyonce Helped Me Seal An Afrobeat Deal

Max TV
-
0

Popular Ghanaian rapper and Sarkcess Music label boss, Sarkodie, has revealed that Shatta Wale’s collaboration with Beyonce won him an Afrobeat contract.

According to Sarkodie, who is also a BET award winner, his Afrobeat deal only went through because his partners who before didn’t understand what the music genre was, signed the contract when Beyonce released her song with Shatta Wale.

Sarkodie stated that “So I was out of the country to sign a deal which was dragging for days. I had a deal with some white people. The same week Beyonce released her song with Shatta Wale and after that, the people who were dragging their feet signed the deal for me”.

He further said he felt Shatta Wale’s feature on Beyonce’s album had opened a door for him and therefore needed to support the dancehall artist.

He added that there is a need for artists in Ghana to support themselves but he believes that selfishness has been the main problem to the growth of the music industry.

NDC: Sam Okudzeto’s Voters’ Register Comment ‘Unfortunate’

Max TV
-
0

Suggestions by Sam Okudzeto have been condemned by the Minority in Parliament by a Member of the Council of State, concerning the compilation of the new Voters’ Registration.

Sam Okudzeto suggested that the Electoral Commission (EC) holds Voter Registration exercise in areas where there is no lockdown.

However, the Minority says the suggestion is unfortunate and it gives an impression that he is only concerned about the next elections and not the fight against COVID-19 currently.

Inusah Fuseini, Ranking Member of Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee, addressing the media in Parliament House, said Okudzeto’s suggestion beats their imagination.

“For starters, it is important that the Member of the Council of State abreast himself with the initial measures announced by the President. All parts of Ghana are under the initial measure announced by Mr President which bans more than 25 people to congregate for any activity so it beats our imagination how registration can be done when we are fighting COVID-19. In fighting COVID-19 it is important we all work together with transparency, honesty and speaking to the fact.

Don’t give an impression to the people that your interest is in the next election and not the fight against COVID-19, it defeats the purpose of the lockdown our people have had to bear, so it is very unfortunate for a Member of the Council of State to make such a suggestion at this time”.

The EC initially scheduled April 18, 2020, for the compilation of the new voters’ register ahead of the December 2020 elections but following the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in the country it was postponed and a new date has not been announced.

Mr Okudzeto had suggested the EC can compile the voters’ register in batches.

“Our cases of the Coronavirus is not as dramatic as it is in many countries which means that we only have few pockets in the two big municipalities and few of the smaller ones. So since the lockdown is not the whole of Ghana, the EC should start the registration in areas where there is no lockdown”.

The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area including Tema and Kasoa as well as the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area are currently under lockdown in a bid to check the spread of the disease.

The Ghana Health Service on Saturday, April 18, 2020, updated Ghanaians on the case count of COVID-19 in the country.

The latest figures saw Ghana move to 1042 cases, 9 deaths and 99 recoveries so far.

1...1,4871,4881,489...1,500Page 1,488 of 1,500

Radio

TV

Social

Sitemap

© 2026 IMax Media. All Rights Reserved.

Max TV