Joy News at 6

Agricultural Economist Prof. Edward Ebo Onumah says Ghana must diversify its agricultural focus beyond cocoa to enhance economic support. The Associate Professor highlighted that the current budgetary allocation to agriculture is insufficient, given its critical role in the economy. Prof. Onumah stated that increasing the agricultural budget from the current 7-8% to at least 10% is crucial for significant progress.

Parliament has rejected a $250 million loan for the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme. The financing agreement is between government and the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. The objective of the loan is to provide funding for the ESRP to support specific activities aimed at reducing the costs of electricity purchases and increasing revenue collection of the distribution utilities.

The Minority in Parliament is demanding answers on the circumstances surrounding a judgment debt of GH₵95 million awarded against Ghana in Favor of West Blue. The company was a technical service provider for GRA at the ports until their contract was terminated by the government.

Customs officials take bribes to allow traders to transport smuggled goods from neighbouring countries to the country's local markets. These officials take bribes ranging from ¢20 to ¢200 to allow these traders who have evaded paying taxes on their goods to get off the hook.

The President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, has called for a review of the SSNIT structure. Contributing to a discourse on pension reforms on JoyNews' National Dialogue on July 25, 2024, she highlighted concerns about SSNIT's investments not benefiting workers adequately.

Residents of Komenda Edina Aguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipality of the Central Region have expressed their disappointment in President Akufo-Addo for failing to deliver on his promises to make the Komenda Sugar Factory operational. Their frustration has grown as the government has opted to import raw and unrefined sugar while neglecting the factory for eight years.

The President of the Ghana Hotels Association Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr has said government is scoring positive points with some economic indicators like inflation, but it does not translate into gains for businesses.

Joy FM early-morning news bulletin

JoySports has intercepted a letter from National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah detailing how nine members of a 'paralympic team' from Ghana are on the run following accusations of impersonation.

Some Ministers of State have incurred the wrath of the Minority in Parliament after they failed to appear before the House on Thursday, July 18 to answer questions. The Majority leadership explaining their absence said they were at a cabinet retreat.