<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Sweet Melodies FM</title> <atom:link href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/</link> <description>Keeping You Sanctified Morning, Noon and Night!</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:27:26 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-Sweet-Melodies-FM_text_favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Sweet Melodies FM</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>GIZ and GNCCI-WAY host International Women’s Day 2025 event</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/giz-and-gncci-way-host-international-womens-day-2025-event/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/giz-and-gncci-way-host-international-womens-day-2025-event/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:27:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97422</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The Women and Youth Wing of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI-WAY), in collaboration with GIZ has organised a networking and partnership event for women and young entrepreneurs. The event organised to commemorate the celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 was dubbed “Accelerate Action: Financing Women-led Businesses.” It created synergies between women […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/giz-and-gncci-way-host-international-womens-day-2025-event/">GIZ and GNCCI-WAY host International Women’s Day 2025 event</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">The Women and Youth Wing of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI-WAY), in collaboration with GIZ has organised a networking and partnership event for women and young entrepreneurs.</p> <p class="">The event organised to commemorate the celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 was dubbed “Accelerate Action: Financing Women-led Businesses.”</p> <p class="">It created synergies between women and young entrepreneurs and some selected financial institutions to enhance the entrepreneurs’ understanding of available financial products, including digital solutions. </p> <p class="">In Ghana, women-led Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are faced with challenges such as access to finance, business development services and ready markets.</p> <p class="">The event sought to promote economic empowerment and entrepreneurship among women and youth in Ghana, to provide them with the needed support and networking opportunities to mitigate these challenges. brand</p> <p class="">International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender parity.</p> <p class="">This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, emphasised the need for actions that unlock equal rights, and opportunities for all women and girls to foster a world where no one is left behind. </p> <p class="">Dr. Emelia Assiakwa, First Vice President of GNCCI, stressed on the importance of the event, adding that “women face systemic barriers in terms of accessing financial resources. This has impeded women’s full participation in the marketplace and from contributing to the economy”. </p> <p class="">Madam Wilhelm Hugo, Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development at GIZ Ghana, highlighted the significance of the interaction, indicating that the event was organised purposely to bridge the gap between financial institutions and digital solution providers, while creating tangible opportunities for business growth. </p> <p class="">“On behalf of the German government, we are dedicated to fostering an ecosystem where women are not just beneficiaries, but powerful agents of change. As we connect and collaborate today, let us seize the opportunities before us to build a future where every woman can reach her full potential and contribute to sustainable economic development.”, “he added. </p> <p class="">The event featured presentations from banks on financial solutions available to women-owned businesses as well as an exhibition designed to facilitate interaction between financial institutions and women entrepreneurs.</p> <p class="">The event was attended by women entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/giz-and-gncci-way-host-international-womens-day-2025-event/">GIZ and GNCCI-WAY host International Women’s Day 2025 event</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/giz-and-gncci-way-host-international-womens-day-2025-event/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>President Mahama backs Ukraine ceasefire proposal</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/president-mahama-backs-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/president-mahama-backs-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:23:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97419</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday welcomed a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed on. “We’re happy to note the call for a ceasefire by President Volodymyr Zelensky, 30-day ceasefire. We hope that will open the way for some kind of dialogue to continue to start to see if the issue of Russia and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/president-mahama-backs-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal/">President Mahama backs Ukraine ceasefire proposal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday welcomed a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed on.</p> <p class="">“We’re happy to note the call for a ceasefire by President Volodymyr Zelensky, 30-day ceasefire. We hope that will open the way for some kind of dialogue to continue to start to see if the issue of Russia and Ukraine can be resolved within that,” President Mahama said this when he received the letters of credence from Madam Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana at the Presidency in Accra.</p> <p class="">“I mean, a lot of young people have died, and it’s time for the war to stop, and it can only stop if there’s a ceasefire and some kind of dialogue begins, and so that’s our position when it comes to that.”</p> <p class="">Other Ambassadors, who were also at the Presidency to present their letters of credence include: Mr Julio Enrique Pujol Torres, Ambassador of Cuba to Ghana, Mrs Musu Jatu Ruhle, Ambassador of Liberia to Ghana, Dr Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, Ambassador of UAE to Ghana, and Mr Ali Ghomshi, Ambassador of Iran to Ghana.</p> <p class="">President Mahama said that West African countries had their own problems in the sub-region with the fight against terrorism.</p> <p class="">He said three of Ghana’s neighbours in the Sahelian Region – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were facing a very difficult struggle with terrorists; stating that they need to see how they could support them because it was not their battle alone.</p> <p class="">“Terrorism anywhere in the world is terrorism against all of us, against the whole world, not just the countries in which these terrorists are, and so we’ll work with them to see how we can support them because we are neighbours who are in the same sub-region,” he said.</p> <p class="">“And so we have a duty to be able to assist them and also to try and see how we can build a good working relations between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which has become a reality, and our sub-regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)</p> <p class="">With regards to the Ghana-Italy relations, President Mahama said Italy, Ghana’s bilateral relations were good, and that they want to move them to the next level.</p> <p class="">“Our relations have been historical, and Ghanaians have a very high regard for our cooperation with Italy,” President Mahama said.</p> <p class="">On energy, President Mahama said, he had held a meeting in Accra with Mr Claudio Descalzi, the Chief Executive Officer of Eni, an Italian multinational energy company.</p> <p class="">“We had very good discussions. There were some issues that they had during the previous administration. Happily, we’ve been able to resolve them, and so he indicated that they were willing to go ahead with their investment in Ghana,” the President said.</p> <p class="">“We have had a good partnership with them, and currently almost 60 per cent of our total gas supply for power generation is coming from ENI, and they have the possibility of ramping that up with the other compartments that we gave them.”</p> <p class="">He said they were in a good place, and that they appreciate the cooperation that they were having with ENI in that regard.</p> <p class="">He said there were more prospects for partnership between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and ENI and any other organizations that were interested in the upstream oil and gas industry, and so that they would work together on that.</p> <p class="">On her part, Madam Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana, congratulated President Mahama on his decisive victory in the December 7 general election.</p> <p class="">She said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy had also welcomed the ceasefire announcement by President Zelensky, and that they were all waiting for the next move.</p> <p class="">Concerning Eni, Madam Ronalli said the strengthening of the cooperation between the Ghana Government and Eni, had been welcomed in Italy with great interest, since they open up new opportunities for investment and development.</p> <p class="">“With regard to agriculture, Bonifiche Ferraresi, Italy’s largest company in the sector has committed to investing in Ghana through the establishment of model farms,” she said.</p> <p class="">“These farms are designed to promote regenerative agriculture, develop sustainable, scalable, and innovative agroindustrial value chains, enhance food security, and foster the education of human capital to generate lasting employment.”</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/president-mahama-backs-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal/">President Mahama backs Ukraine ceasefire proposal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/president-mahama-backs-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>EC Chairperson proposes “simplified” e-voting system to reduce rejected ballots</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ec-chairperson-proposes-simplified-e-voting-system-to-reduce-rejected-ballots/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ec-chairperson-proposes-simplified-e-voting-system-to-reduce-rejected-ballots/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:18:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97414</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Mrs. Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has proposed the adoption of a “simplified” e-voting system to address the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa. She suggested the use of a direct recording device that would allow voters to select their preferred candidate or party logo on a screen, instead of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ec-chairperson-proposes-simplified-e-voting-system-to-reduce-rejected-ballots/">EC Chairperson proposes “simplified” e-voting system to reduce rejected ballots</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Mrs. Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has proposed the adoption of a “simplified” e-voting system to address the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa.</p> <p class="">She suggested the use of a direct recording device that would allow voters to select their preferred candidate or party logo on a screen, instead of the traditional thumb-printing method.</p> <p class="">Speaking at the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in Accra on Wednesday, Mrs. Mensa expressed concern over the increasing rate of rejected ballots, noting it could influence election outcomes.</p> <p class="">She said election management bodies must examine the complex factors leading to invalid votes and find solutions.</p> <p class="">“In the ever-evolving era of technology, it is about time that we as a continent begin to consider more effective and efficient mechanisms for voters to cast their ballots,” she stated.</p> <p class="">More than 40 representatives from electoral management bodies across Africa are attending the two-day Forum hosted by Ghana’s EC in Accra.</p> <p class="">The Forum, organised by the African Union in collaboration with the Association of African Election Authorities, focuses on the theme: “All votes count: addressing the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa.”</p> <p class="">During the Forum, the heads of the participating bodies will share ideas to enhance the integrity of electoral processes and build public trust in the systems.</p> <p class="">Mrs. Mensa revealed that discussions on adopting e-voting technology in Ghana had started but emphasized that the process “will not be rushed.”</p> <p class="">She added that the Forum would explore global best practices and systems to reduce rejected ballots, alongside public sensitization and training for electoral officers.</p> <p class="">Madam Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice and Member of the Council of State, warned that the rising rate of rejected ballots posed a threat to Africa’s democracy.</p> <p class="">She urged governments, electoral bodies, and stakeholders to renew efforts to preserve public trust in the electoral process, saying,</p> <p class="">“The democratic process of elections on our continent is at risk of being undermined by the increasing number of invalid or rejected ballots,” she said.</p> <p class="">Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support, called on African election management bodies to collaborate and share experiences to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.</p> <p class="">Data from the EC shows that between 1992 and 2020, one to three per cent of votes in Ghana’s national elections were rejected.</p> <p class="">In the 2020 General Election, 2.33 per cent of ballots were rejected, and this dropped to 2.08 per cent in the 2024 General Election.</p> <p class="">An audit by the EC on the 2020 rejected ballots identified high voter illiteracy, voter dissatisfaction with candidates, and excessive caution by electoral officers as key factors contributing to the issue.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ec-chairperson-proposes-simplified-e-voting-system-to-reduce-rejected-ballots/">EC Chairperson proposes “simplified” e-voting system to reduce rejected ballots</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ec-chairperson-proposes-simplified-e-voting-system-to-reduce-rejected-ballots/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Mahama receives five new envoys</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/mahama-receives-five-new-envoys/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/mahama-receives-five-new-envoys/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:13 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97410</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday received five new envoys accredited to Ghana from Italy, Cuba, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran. The envoys were at the Presidency to present their letters of credence and letters recalling their predecessors to President Mahama. They include: Madam Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/mahama-receives-five-new-envoys/">Mahama receives five new envoys</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday received five new envoys accredited to Ghana from Italy, Cuba, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran.</p> <p class="">The envoys were at the Presidency to present their letters of credence and letters recalling their predecessors to President Mahama.</p> <p class="">They include: Madam Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and Mr Julio Enrique Pujol Torres, Ambassador of Cuba to Ghana.</p> <p class="">The rest are Mrs Musu Jatu Ruhle, Ambassador of Liberia to Ghana, Dr Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, Ambassador of UAE to Ghana, and Mr Ali Ghomshi, Ambassador of Iran to Ghana.</p> <p class="">Speaking to the envoys separately at the Credentials Hall at the Presidency in Accra, the President reiterated the long standing relations that existed between Ghana and their respective countries.</p> <p class="">During his meeting with Madam Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana, President Mahama said the credential ceremony was his first since his assumption of Office on January 7, and that the Italian envoy was the first Ambassador he was receiving, which was a good sign on the relation between Ghana and Italy.</p> <p class="">“Our relations have been historical, and Ghanaians have a very high regard for our cooperation with Italy,” President Mahama said.</p> <p class="">On energy, President Mahama said, he had held a meeting in Accra with Mr Claudio Descalzi, the Chief Executive Officer of Eni, an Italian multinational energy company.</p> <p class="">“We had very good discussions. There were some issues that they had during the previous administration. Happily, we’ve been able to resolve them, and so he indicated that they were willing to go ahead with their investment in Ghana,” the President said.</p> <p class="">“We have had a good partnership with them, and currently almost 60 per cent of our total gas supply for power generation is coming from ENI, and they have the possibility of ramping that up with the other compartments that we gave them.”</p> <p class="">He said they were in a good place, and that they appreciate the cooperation that they were having with ENI in that regard.</p> <p class="">He said there were more prospects for partnership between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and ENI and any other organizations that were interested in the upstream oil and gas industry, and so that they would work together on that.</p> <p class="">President Mahama recounted a number of engineering projects, which were executed by Italian companies in Ghana, such as the construction of the Akosombo and Kpone Hydro-electric Dams in the Eastern Region.</p> <p class="">He said engineering and technology were areas that Ghana and Italy could continue to exchange knowledge and technical know-how.</p> <p class="">He said, he was particularly happy about the initiative in agriculture because that was one of the main focuses of this administration.</p> <p class="">He said one of the first things any responsible government must do was to be able to provide food security for its people.</p> <p class="">He said Ghana’s inflation went up to 54 per cent, and that it was now dropping gradually at 22 per cent, which the Government was hoping that it would come down further.</p> <p class="">The President said the Government of Ghana would soon launch the Labour Export Policy to export skilled labour to other countries.</p> <p class="">On her part, Madam Ranalli congratulated President Mahama on his decisive victory in the December 7 general election.</p> <p class="">She said the strengthening of the cooperation between the Ghana Government and Eni, had been welcomed in Italy with great interest, since they open up new opportunities for investment and development.</p> <p class="">“With regard to agriculture, Bonifiche Ferraresi, Italy’s largest company in the sector has committed to investing in Ghana through the establishment of model farms,” she said.</p> <p class="">“These farms are designed to promote regenerative agriculture, develop sustainable, scalable, and innovative agroindustrial value chains, enhance food security, and foster the education of human capital to generate lasting employment.”</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/mahama-receives-five-new-envoys/">Mahama receives five new envoys</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/mahama-receives-five-new-envoys/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Gamblers rejoice at the elimination of taxes associated with betting </title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/gamblers-rejoice-at-the-elimination-of-taxes-associated-with-betting/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/gamblers-rejoice-at-the-elimination-of-taxes-associated-with-betting/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:17:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97407</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Some gamblers in the Ashanti region have celebrated the removal of taxes linked to betting, which was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.   Some of them view the development as the fulfillment of the campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) prior to the 2024 elections, considering it as a […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/gamblers-rejoice-at-the-elimination-of-taxes-associated-with-betting/">Gamblers rejoice at the elimination of taxes associated with betting </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Some gamblers in the Ashanti region have celebrated the removal of taxes linked to betting, which was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. </p> <p class="">Some of them view the development as the fulfillment of the campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) prior to the 2024 elections, considering it as a positive step taken by the government. </p> <p class="">The Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi visited some gambling establishments within the Kumasi metropolis to gauge the reactions of the gamblers. </p> <p class="">At the Soccerbet centre in Asokore-Mampong, Master Kweku Mensah told the GNA that he felt relieved now that the betting tax had been lifted. </p> <p class="">He said he supported the NDC in the previous elections due to the promises made regarding betting taxes. </p> <p class="">He said the removal of the bet tax would result in a reduction of deductions on betting winnings, while maintaining the true value of winning odds. </p> <p class="">Another gambler, Mohammad Sani, pointed out that, majority of the youth in Ghana have turned to betting due to unemployment. </p> <p class="">He believed that the government’s decision to eliminate the tax on betting was a favourable news for gamblers. </p> <p class="">In contrast, an elderly woman, Maame Yaa, voiced her opinion that betting was morally wrong and should not be encouraged by the government or anyone else. </p> <p class="">She suggested that the betting should either be completely abolished or the tax on it significantly increased to discourage the youth from engaging in such activities. </p> <p class="">Maame Yaa emphasized that the widespread prevalence of sports betting across the country had led many young Ghanaians to become idle, which she believed was detrimental to the future generations. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/gamblers-rejoice-at-the-elimination-of-taxes-associated-with-betting/">Gamblers rejoice at the elimination of taxes associated with betting </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/gamblers-rejoice-at-the-elimination-of-taxes-associated-with-betting/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>2025 Budget: Scrapping of betting tax excites young Ghanaians </title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/2025-budget-scrapping-of-betting-tax-excites-young-ghanaians/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/2025-budget-scrapping-of-betting-tax-excites-young-ghanaians/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:15:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97404</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The abolishment of certain taxes ahead of the 2025 Budget was highly anticipated, especially when the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had promised to scrap those taxes during the 2024 electioneering campaign.   Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister, in keeping the manifesto promise of the NDC, announced the government’s commitment to scrap the Betting […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/2025-budget-scrapping-of-betting-tax-excites-young-ghanaians/">2025 Budget: Scrapping of betting tax excites young Ghanaians </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">The abolishment of certain taxes ahead of the 2025 Budget was highly anticipated, especially when the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had promised to scrap those taxes during the 2024 electioneering campaign. </p> <p class="">Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister, in keeping the manifesto promise of the NDC, announced the government’s commitment to scrap the Betting Tax, E-Levy, and Emission Tax among others, during his presentation in parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. </p> <p class="">Public reaction to the removal of these taxes has been one of excitement for many Ghanaians, who believe those taxes were draconian and counter-productive for the fintech space and the general livelihoods of citizens. </p> <p class="">However, one segment of the population that have welcomed the removal of the taxes are young people who are compelled to cede 10 per cent of their wins from betting to the government in the form of tax. </p> <p class="">Following the presentation of the budget, young people took to various social media platforms to express their excitement over the abolishment of the Betting Tax in particular. </p> <p class="">The issue dominated discussions among the youth in all public places such as commercial vehicles, campuses, and other social gatherings of young people. </p> <p class="">Following the budget presentation, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) randomly spoke to some youth in the Kumasi Metropolis on their views on the first budget of the new government. </p> <p class="">As expected, over 80 per cent of the respondents made mention of the Betting Tax as a huge relief to them. </p> <p class="">They argued that there were other innovative ways the government could explore to widen the tax net to increase revenue rather than going after their winnings which is akin to targeting low-hanging fruits. </p> <p class="">Kofi Asamoah, a trotro mate, told the GNA that with the level of unemployment among the youth, it was insensitive for the government to target their bet winnings which were their sources of livelihoods. </p> <p class="">A 23-year-old mason apprentice, Kwame Obed, spoke about how he depended on betting to cater for his needs as an orphan struggling to learn a trade. </p> <p class="">He said betting had become a matter of survival among the youth due to high level of unemployment in the country and urged the government to take urgent steps to create sustainable employment beyond the removal of the Betting Tax. </p> <p class="">Kwame Owusu, an unemployed, praised the government for keeping its promise, saying that many lives would be impacted by the decision to remove the Betting Tax. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/2025-budget-scrapping-of-betting-tax-excites-young-ghanaians/">2025 Budget: Scrapping of betting tax excites young Ghanaians </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/2025-budget-scrapping-of-betting-tax-excites-young-ghanaians/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Traders hail decision by the government to reform the VAT regime </title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/traders-hail-decision-by-the-government-to-reform-the-vat-regime/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/traders-hail-decision-by-the-government-to-reform-the-vat-regime/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:12:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97401</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Members of the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) have lauded the government for taken decision to reform the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime.   Government in the 2025 budget presented by Dr Cassel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance to Parliament on Tuesday March 11, 2025, said it has taken a comprehensive reform on VAT to review […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/traders-hail-decision-by-the-government-to-reform-the-vat-regime/">Traders hail decision by the government to reform the VAT regime </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Members of the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) have lauded the government for taken decision to reform the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime. </p> <p class="">Government in the 2025 budget presented by Dr Cassel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance to Parliament on Tuesday March 11, 2025, said it has taken a comprehensive reform on VAT to review the distortions and cascading structure of the regime. </p> <p class="">The VAT currently stands at about 22, percent due to additions of about 2.5 percent GETfund levy, NHIL 2.5 percent, and Covid-19 levy 1 percent. </p> <p class="">Mr Benjamin Arthur, Director of Welfare of GUTA, told the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi that, the idea by the government to restructure the VAT policy, would be very helpful to business operations in the country. </p> <p class="">He said it was important to cut down some of the things which were making the VAT more complex and cumbersome to pay. </p> <p class="">Mr Arthur said the business community was patiently waiting to see how the government would go about it. </p> <p class="">He lauded the government for providing a seed money for the establishment of the Women Development Bank, and said it was in the right direction since it would provide dedicated financial support to businesswomen and traders. </p> <p class="">Mr Arthur also praised the government for keeping its campaign promises of abolishing some taxes, which were affecting business operations in the country and called on the government to keep its promise of cutting down expenditure. </p> <p class="">Mr Bismark Osei, an Economic Consultant, stressed the need for the government to set up an independent body to undertake the collection of property rate in the country. </p> <p class="">He said the decision by the government to allow the district assemblies to collect the property rate would not yield any positive results since the assemblies had over the years demonstrated their inability to do so. </p> <p class="">Mr Osei pointed out that, an independent body would be in a better position to collect and mobilize more resources from property rates to support the government’s revenue mobilization agenda. </p> <p class="">He commended the government for not introducing new taxes in the budget and said the reintroduction of the road toll was in the good direction, adding that, the decision by the government to continue all ongoing development projects left by the previous government was also laudable. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/traders-hail-decision-by-the-government-to-reform-the-vat-regime/">Traders hail decision by the government to reform the VAT regime </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/traders-hail-decision-by-the-government-to-reform-the-vat-regime/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Treat illegal mining as a serious crime—Central Regional Minister urges security agencies</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/treat-illegal-mining-as-a-serious-crime-central-regional-minister-urges-security-agencies/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/treat-illegal-mining-as-a-serious-crime-central-regional-minister-urges-security-agencies/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:09:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97398</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, has asked security agencies, particularly the police, to treat illegal mining as a serious offence that required urgent and decisive intervention to halt its devastating effects on the nation. He noted that illegal mining was not just an environmental concern, but a severe criminal act that […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/treat-illegal-mining-as-a-serious-crime-central-regional-minister-urges-security-agencies/">Treat illegal mining as a serious crime—Central Regional Minister urges security agencies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, has asked security agencies, particularly the police, to treat illegal mining as a serious offence that required urgent and decisive intervention to halt its devastating effects on the nation.</p> <p class="">He noted that illegal mining was not just an environmental concern, but a severe criminal act that undermined national efforts towards sustainable development and environmental governance.</p> <p class="">Consequently, he charged the police to crack down on the menace as calls grew for action following the Regional Security Council’s visit some ‘galamsey’ endemic communities in the region.</p> <p class="">Addressing police personnel at the Central Command on Tuesday as part of his official visit to state institutions, departments and agencies, he regretted the connivance of some self-seeking security personnel with the miners in the fight against galamsey.</p> <p class="">The Minister said: “Illegal mining is worrying the Central Region. In some areas in the Fosu Municipality and Upper Denkyira East and West Districts, the actors in galamsey are the miners, some Chiefs, with some security personnel clandestinely complicit.</p> <p class="">“The perception is that some security personnel pretend to fight against the menace, yet they are part of it. I think the best way to go is to remain as neutral as possible.”</p> <p class="">Mr Eduamoah reminded the security agencies of their obligation to work without fear or favour irrespective of the personality involved for justice delivery as that was the only way to discourage obstruction of justice in the country.</p> <p class="">They should not allow themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their selfish interests, particularly in their efforts to deal with criminals, who violate the law with impunity.</p> <p class="">He said it was imperative for security personnel to ensure strict enforcement of the rule of law, “to arrest and prosecute politicians who engaged in the menace or interfere with the laws.</p> <p class="">“It is becoming increasingly unacceptable that some activities of some politicians in this country encourage lawlessness and the culture of impunity. We must help end it.”</p> <p class="">Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, the Central Commander, described the region as welcoming, peaceful and progressively opened to business.</p> <p class="">However, he lamented the rising chieftaincy disputes, particularly before annual festival celebrations, as a red flag.</p> <p class="">Though, he assured that the police would continue to maintain law and order any time such disturbances erupted and appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs to expedite action of the resolution of chieftaincy disputes to maintain the region’s enviable accolades as “heaven of peace and harmony.”</p> <p class="">Touching on the state of police affairs, DCOP Adu said the region with more than two million population had 1,317 police staff strength.</p> <p class="">The region has three Regional Police Commands, Central North, Central North East and Central with18 police districts, 47 police stations in five Divisions, Winneba, Dawurampong, Mankessim, Agona Swedru and Cape Coast.</p> <p class="">He appealed to the people to support the police to maintain law and order by volunteering information to the security agencies to help arrest offenders.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/treat-illegal-mining-as-a-serious-crime-central-regional-minister-urges-security-agencies/">Treat illegal mining as a serious crime—Central Regional Minister urges security agencies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/treat-illegal-mining-as-a-serious-crime-central-regional-minister-urges-security-agencies/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Some residents in Assin Bereku welcome relief measures</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/some-residents-in-assin-bereku-welcome-relief-measures/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/some-residents-in-assin-bereku-welcome-relief-measures/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:02:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97395</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Some residents in Assin Bereku in the Assin North District of the Central Region have welcomed the 2025 budget with excitement as some taxes have been scrapped. They included the e-levy, betting tax, COVID-19 tax and others. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Fiifi Essel, unemployed, described the removal of the betting […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/some-residents-in-assin-bereku-welcome-relief-measures/">Some residents in Assin Bereku welcome relief measures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Some residents in Assin Bereku in the Assin North District of the Central Region have welcomed the 2025 budget with excitement as some taxes have been scrapped.</p> <p class="">They included the e-levy, betting tax, COVID-19 tax and others.</p> <p class="">In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Fiifi Essel, unemployed, described the removal of the betting tax as a great move by President Mahama’s administration.</p> <p class=""> He stated that the move was a game changer that would make betting more attractive with more betting options and promotions and appealed to Parliament to approve the budget for it to be implemented.</p> <p class="">Mrs Vivian Twum, Trader said, she <a>breathed a sigh of relief</a>, after the cancellation of e-levy as it would reduce the cost of transactions and affect economic growth.</p> <p class="">She pointed out that, she would no longer have to worry about the extra cost of transactions which would make it easier to do business.</p> <p class="">In addition, she said it would also make it easier for traders to access financial services to help them grow their businesses, while it compelled people to use digital payment systems.</p> <p class="">In addition, she said it would also make it easier for traders to access financial services to help them grow their businesses.</p> <p class="">Mr Kwasi Simons, steel bender said as government planned to improve infrastructure and per his job, he relied on a steady supply of raw materials and a good transportation network to deliver products.</p> <p class="">He noted that improved infrastructure would help businesses to grow for more jobs to be created for the youth.</p> <p class="">Mr Simons pleaded with government to support local steel manufacturers with capital and tax reduction to compete with imported steel products.</p> <p class="">Mr Stephen Ainoo, a cobbler noted that government’s plan to invest in skills training and development program was a step in the right direction.</p> <p class="">The initiative, he indicated, would equip artisans to upgrade their skills and produce shoes that would compete with the imported ones.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/some-residents-in-assin-bereku-welcome-relief-measures/">Some residents in Assin Bereku welcome relief measures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/some-residents-in-assin-bereku-welcome-relief-measures/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Barcelona player Gavi chooses unexpected teammate as the best player in the world, despite Lamine Yamal and Raphinha vying for the Golden Ball.</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/barcelona-player-gavi-chooses-unexpected-teammate-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-despite-lamine-yamal-and-raphinha-vying-for-the-golden-ball/</link> <comments>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/barcelona-player-gavi-chooses-unexpected-teammate-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-despite-lamine-yamal-and-raphinha-vying-for-the-golden-ball/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:56:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=97390</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Pedri’s outstanding midfield efforts for Barcelona have inspired Gavi to pass over Raphinha and Lamine Yamal for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award. Barcelona easily defeated Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, 4-1 on aggregate, thanks to a brace from Raphinha and an absolute stunner from Lamine Yamal. […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/barcelona-player-gavi-chooses-unexpected-teammate-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-despite-lamine-yamal-and-raphinha-vying-for-the-golden-ball/">Barcelona player Gavi chooses unexpected teammate as the best player in the world, despite Lamine Yamal and Raphinha vying for the Golden Ball.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Pedri’s outstanding midfield efforts for Barcelona have inspired Gavi to pass over Raphinha and Lamine Yamal for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.</p> <p>Barcelona easily defeated Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, 4-1 on aggregate, thanks to a brace from Raphinha and an absolute stunner from Lamine Yamal. Pedri was the true star of the night, winning the MVP award.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="696" height="392" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-97391" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?w=1920&ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=150%2C84&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1 696w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?resize=1068%2C601&ssl=1 1068w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-14.png?w=1392&ssl=1 1392w" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" /></figure> <p>Pedri is arguably enjoying his best season to date personally. The 22-year-old appears to have put his injury struggles behind him, overcoming the persistent issues that marked the first three-and-a-half years of his Barcelona career. Around almost the same time last year, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/untouchable-saleable-barcelona-shock-transfer-stance-golden-boy-pedri-injury-struggles/blt2a88d80174b80dc8#csb0be71fd7bb583fb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a report appeared in the Spanish media which claimed that the Catalans no longer considered Pedri an indispensable figure in the squad</a>.</p> <p>However, it has been quite a turnaround for Pedri under new head coach Hansi Flick, with the midfielder producing one world-class display after another. He earned Player of the Match honours in both legs against Benfica as they progressed to the quarters, further solidifying Barcelona’s position as one of the favourites to win this year’s Champions League. His standout performances have led Gavi to praise the Barca No.8, even backing him to lift the Ballon d’Or.</p> <p>“Nobody deserves the Ballon D’Or more than Pedri, everyone knows what kind of a player he is,” Gavi told reporters on Tuesday (h/t <a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2025/03/11/ballon-dor-gavi-barcelona-teammate-2025-award">Football Espana</a>). Pedri’s name has rarely been in the Ballond’Or discussion, with his Barca team-mates Yamal and Raphinha seen as genuine contenders alongside the likes of Mo Salah, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/barcelona-player-gavi-chooses-unexpected-teammate-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-despite-lamine-yamal-and-raphinha-vying-for-the-golden-ball/">Barcelona player Gavi chooses unexpected teammate as the best player in the world, despite Lamine Yamal and Raphinha vying for the Golden Ball.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/barcelona-player-gavi-chooses-unexpected-teammate-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-despite-lamine-yamal-and-raphinha-vying-for-the-golden-ball/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>