On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will start imposing the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on petroleum goods.

This action falls under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), which was passed in order to raise money to compensate for deficiencies in the energy sector, pay off legacy debts, and stabilize the nation’s power supply.

The new levy has an impact on a number of important fuel items, per Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/003, which was issued by Commissioner-General Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.

The tax on gasoline (super, motor spirit) and diesel (gas oil) will increase from GHS0.95 and GHS0.93 per liter to GHS1.95 and GHS1.93 respectively.

While liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will continue to trade at its existing pricing of GHS0.73, marine gas oil and heavy fuel oil will also witness hikes.

All parties involved in the petroleum sector have been instructed by the GRA to carefully adhere to the new tariffs.

The previous levy rates will be applied to petroleum items that were lifted prior to June 9, 2025. Nonetheless, the updated levies will apply to any cash-and-carry transactions involving products that are lifted on or after the effective date.

The New Force, a rising political movement in Ghana, has issued a public apology following a disturbing incident involving one of its security personnel.

The episode, which was captured on video and has since circulated widely on social media, shows a security team member physically assaulting a supporter who was attempting to approach the party’s presidential candidate.

In an official statement signed by General Secretary Charles Yomekpe, The New Force expressed deep regret over the incident, describing it as “deeply saddening and disturbing.” The movement acknowledged that the supporter was unarmed, posed no threat, and deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.

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“We extend our sincerest apologies to the victim and their family, and to all Ghanaians who rightly expect better conduct from those associated with our movement,” the statement read. The party emphasized that violence of any kind has no place in a democratic environment where citizens must be free to engage and express themselves without fear.

The New Force unequivocally condemned the actions of the security team member, labeling the behavior as “unjustifiable” and “entirely out of line” with the party’s core values. An internal investigation has been launched, and the party has pledged to hold the perpetrator fully accountable under the law and its internal disciplinary procedures.

“We are committed to restoring public confidence by ensuring that such behavior is never repeated,” Yomekpe stated, thanking the public for bringing the matter to light and for holding the movement to the highest standard.

This apology appears to be part of a broader effort by The New Force to maintain credibility and transparency as it positions itself as a serious contender in Ghana’s political landscape.

The incident has sparked conversations online about political conduct, security overreach, and the responsibilities of emerging political entities in ensuring the safety and respect of all citizens.

As investigations continue, the public awaits further action from The New Force to ensure justice is served and trust is rebuilt.

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The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The deceased include five women and two men.

Although their identities were not disclosed, the Hajj Board has informed the affected families in Ghana and extended condolences on behalf of the nation.

Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, addressed the development in an interview with TV3 on Saturday, June 7, describing the deaths as deeply unfortunate.

“Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come. We express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case,” he said.

Alhaji Dauda added that the Board would visit the bereaved families in Ghana at an appropriate time to offer support.

In accordance with Islamic tradition, all seven pilgrims were buried in Saudi Arabia, as is customary for those who pass away during the pilgrimage.

More than 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims travelled to Mecca in 2025, joining over two million Muslims from across the globe. The Hajj is renowned for its physically demanding rituals, often carried out under extreme temperatures. Reports from Mecca this year indicated heat levels exceeding 48°C, posing serious health risks—especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Despite the severe weather, this year’s death toll reflects significant progress. In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims died during Hajj, compared to seven this year—a reduction of nearly 59%.

Alhaji Dauda attributed the decline to enhanced health and safety measures implemented in partnership with Saudi authorities. These included pre-departure medical screenings, the deployment of dedicated Ghanaian medical teams, and improved emergency response systems.

Additional steps to prevent heatstroke—such as the provision of hydration points and health advisories—were also introduced to protect pilgrims.

The Ghana Hajj Board reaffirmed its commitment to further improving the safety and well-being of all Ghanaian pilgrims and pledged to continuously review its systems to align with international standards for managing large-scale events under challenging conditions.

citinewsroom.com