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Media & Publications
Please find below a listing of our media and publications
Business News of Thur., 25 July 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Minister of Trade and Industry, Kwabena Tahir Hammond encouraged to to adopt a more diplomatic approach to handle the impasse between his outfit and cement manufacturers in the country.
Jinsah Abdul-Matheen Sali, a Ghanaian businessman, has encouraged the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kwabena Tahir Hammond (KT Hammond), to adopt a more diplomatic approach to handle the impasse between his outfit and cement manufacturers in the country.
General Matheen told GhanaWeb in an interview that the current posture of the Trade Minister does not bode well for negotiations and that cool heads need to prevail.
He explained that the combative and public-oriented approach adopted by KT Hammond will only result in the manufacturers playing hardball and that urgent steps need to be taken to address the situation.
General Matheen noted worryingly that while the impasse between the government and the manufacturers continues, cement prices continue to rise, and it’s the common Ghanaian who feels the impact.
He is also concerned that the public nature of the verbal war might serve as a disincentive to potential investors who would have reservations about the Ghanaian business landscape.
“Normally, things like this shouldn’t come to the public because it does not inspire investor confidence. Investors elsewhere will be looking at this back and forth with worry because you don’t want to put your money in a country where such things happen.
“I believe that both parties have used the media to fight their case, and it’s time they return to the negotiating table and iron out issues. The ongoing saga does not help anyone, especially the government, because these manufacturers have the power to make and unmake administrations.
“It is my hope that the president or someone higher up will intervene quickly for an amicable settlement to be reached so that we can move on. The prices of cement are through the roof, and we need both the manufacturers and the government to find a mutually satisfying ground and help the common Ghanaian,” he said.
General Matheen’s advice follows a recent video where KT Hammond was spotted dismissing cement manufacturers at a meeting with the Chamber of Manufacturing.
A video from the meeting, called by the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries, shows the minister insisting that the cement manufacturers depart before the meeting began.
“I was invited by the Chamber of Manufacturing, not the Association of Cement Manufacturers. Can they leave?” the minister requested.
He explained that he had already met with the manufacturers and that the purpose of this meeting was specifically to engage with the Chamber of Construction.
“It’s either I leave or they leave,” the minister firmly stated, despite efforts from representatives of both associations to justify the manufacturers’ presence.
Business News of Wed., 17 July 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Government urged to take measures to address impact of recent fuel hikes.
The government of Ghana has been urged to take measures to ameliorate the impact of the fuel price hikes on businesses and the general public.
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Ghanaians were hit with the news that some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across the country have started to increase their prices for petroleum products at the pumps as the second pricing window for July has begun.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business showed that leading oil marketing companies such as Shell have raised the price of a litre of petrol from GH¢14.80 to GH¢15.10.
Similarly, the price of a litre of diesel has gone up from GH¢14.92 to GH¢15.25.
Following the development, transport operators in the country have announced a 15 percent increase in transport prices, effective Monday, July 22, 2024.
Reacting to the story, Jinsah Abdul-Mattheen Sali said that the development is bad news for businesses that are already reeling under intense economic pressure.
General Mattheen posited that the government must act swiftly with some interventions that will save businesses and the public from the impact of the fuel price increment.
He explained that the consistent upward trajectory of the prices serves as a disincentive to potential investors and that the government must address the situation.
“The earlier the government does something about these fuel price hikes, the better. We can’t go on like this because businesses are suffering. If the government has to engage the OMCs and shoulder some of the cost, they should do it because this is bad news for businesses.
“You can’t operate in an environment where prices are constantly going up and I believe the government must come up with something to alleviate the impact of the recent increment on Ghanaians and the businesses,” he said.
Business News of Wed., 3 July 2024
Source: Ghana Web
General Matheen woos investors to Ghana
Ghanaian businessman, Jinsah Abdul-Matheen Sali, has made a major declaration to the investment community, positioning Ghana as a viable destination for investment.
General Mattheen, as he is known, believes Ghana’s thriving democracy, which has made the country one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the sub-region, makes it an attractive destination for businesses.
He noted that, unlike some countries, the governance structure within the Ghanaian business enclave is one that protects investors and therefore serves as a stimulating factor for investors.
“Over the past months, I have been engaging with businessmen around the world, and I keep telling them that Ghana is the right place to invest.
“We have a stable democracy that has spanned over three decades, and our rules are business-friendly, so I think that investors should come here. There are plenty of opportunities and avenues, and I believe that investors will not regret investing here,” he said.
While conceding that the country has been hit with some economic issues recently, General Mattheen noted that there has been progress recently.
The astute businessman expects the country’s economy to make a full recovery by the close of the year and hopes that investors will capitalize on the opportunity and pump money into key sectors of the economy.
General Mattheen also urged the government to continue instituting measures that will facilitate the success of companies.
He believes that the country’s unemployment problems would be tackled if the government and private sector collaborate effectively.
Politics of Thursday, 20 June 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Key NDC figures endorse campaign team for 2024 election, urges hard work and unity
The recently announced campaign team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has received a resounding endorsement from leading members of the party, including Jinsah Abdul Mattheen Sali, alias General Mattheen.
On Thursday, June 19, 2024, the NDC announced a campaign team headed by Professor Joshua Alabi as the campaign head for the flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
The campaign team also includes notable figures such as General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, serving as the Campaign Coordinator, and Joseph Yammin, the national organizer of the party, acting as the Deputy Campaign Coordinator overseeing regional campaigns.
The team is further strengthened by Richard Quashigah and Chief Hamilton Nixon Biney, who will focus on parliamentary campaigns and special operations, respectively.
Sammy Gyamfi continues his role as the National Communications Officer, with George Opare Addo, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, and Alhaji Cole Younger rounding out the organizational structure.
Speaking in an interview, General Mattheen described the list as an ensemble of competent and resourceful men and women capable of delivering the 2024 elections for John Mahama.
Addressing the inclusiveness and regional balance of the team, General Mattheen noted that the list has representatives from all sixteen regions of the country and that women were adequately represented.
General Mattheen further urged members of the party who were not captured on the list to avail themselves of responsibilities and contribute to the party’s bid to rescue Ghanaians from the NPP.
He rallied the grassroots of the party, emphasizing the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach to the campaign.
“The list announced by our very own Sammy Gyamfi is a solid one, made up of competent brains who I believe can help us win the elections. They have been handed a huge task, and I believe that under the leadership of Professor Alabi, they will deliver.
The 2024 election is a battle for the soul of the NDC, and we have to do everything legally possible to win and save Ghanaians from the hardship they are experiencing. We owe Ghanaians a duty to take the governance of the country from the NPP and put the country back on the right path, and I believe the noble men and women selected will work hard to make that possible,” he said.
Check out the full list of below
1. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey (General Secretary)- Campaign Coordinator
2. Dr. Joseph Yammin (National Organizer)- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of regional campaigns
3. Richard Quashiga- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of parliamentary campaigns
4. Chief Hamilton Nixon Biney- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of Special Operations
5. Sammy Gyamfi- National Communications Officer
6. George Opare Addo- National Youth Organizer
7. Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei- National Women’s Organizer
8. Alhaji Cole Younger- National Zongo Caucus Coordinator
9. Prof. Joshua Alabi- Head of Flagbearer’s campaign
10. Joyce Bawa Mogtari- Spokesperson, Flagbearer’s campaign
11. Beatrice Annan- Deputy Spokesperson, Flagbearer’s campaign
12. Alex Segbefia- Head of Running Mate’s Campaign
13. James Agyenim Boateng- Spokesperson, Running Mate’s Campaign
14. Eric Adjei- Deputy Spokesperson, Running Mate’s Campaign
Other members of the National Campaign Team are:
1. Richard Anamoo- Representative of the NDC’s Professionals Forum.
2. Shine Gaveh- Representative of the Cadres Front
3. Dr. Nashiru Issahaku
4. Obuobia Darko-Opoku
5. Dr. Mary Awusi
The National Campaign Team shall work under the guidance of a Campaign Steering Committee that comprises:
1. Johnson Asiedu Nketia- Chairman
2. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
3. Dr. Ato Forson
4. Rt. Hon. Doe Adjaho
5. Alhaji Hudu Yahaya
6. Kofi Totobi Quakyi
7. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo
8. Dr. Kwabena Duffour
9. Betty Mould Iddrisu
10. Julius Debrah
11. Marrietta Brew
12. Dr. Valerie Sawyer
13. Sam Pee Yalley
14. Alhaji Alhassan Ligbi
The National Campaign Team and Steering Committee shall all work under the leadership of the flag-bearer of the party, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and report to the Functional and National Executive Committees of the party in the discharge of their duties.
Politics of Friday, 14 June 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Naa Koryoo’s arrest: Police must be careful not to be used as a tool of intimidation – General Matheeen
The Ghana Police Service has been urged not to allow itself to be used by the government as an instrument of intimidation and lawlessness.
The call was made by a leading member of the National Democratic Congress, Jinsah Abdul-Mattheen Sali, popularly known as General Matheen.
In an interview, General Matheen condemned the arrest of the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East in the Central Region, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor.
Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor was detained at the Cantonments Police Station on Friday, June 7, following an invitation, which angered sympathizers of the NDC who later besieged the premises to demand her release.
She is suspected of being arrested in connection with her possession of a gun and the stabbing of the son of the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, in the early hours of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
General Matheen believes that the actions of the police are forms of harassment and intimidation and that the police must refrain from such acts.
He reminded them of the history of the NDC, noting that the party will use legitimate means to resist any attempt by the government to oppress them.
“The police must be careful not to become regime police because it could be detrimental to the peace and democracy of our country. The arrest of Naa Koryoo is condemnable and a clear case of intimidation. Why do you invite a person and then turn it into an arrest?
“These intimidating tactics will not deter the NDC and will not save the NPP from defeat in the upcoming election. They can use the police to perpetuate all kinds of violent tactics, but I can assure you that the NDC will not bow to these things,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has stated that the docket of Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor will be forwarded to the Attorney General for prosecution.
She has been charged with transferring firearms without authority and is expected to reappear in court on June 19, 2024.
Economy of Thursday, 30 May 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Government must provide incentives, tax rebates to avert exodus of businesses – General Mattheen.
Ghanaian businessman and politician, Jinsah Abdul-Mattheen Sali, has endorsed the call by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, for businesses not to move out of the country, appealing to the investor community to continue their operations in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb, Abdul-Mattheen noted that the Ghanaian business landscape has been severely affected by the decisions of the government.
General Mattheen, as he is known in political circles, expressed profound appreciation for the struggles facing businesses in their operations in the country.
He explained that as a businessman, his finances and projections have been heavily impacted by the economic turmoil being experienced in the country.
He mentioned the fluctuating rate of the Ghanaian currency, erratic power supply, and taxes as some of the disincentives killing business operations in the country.
General Mattheen noted that for businesses to thrive, the government must provide an enabling environment by getting a grip on the cedi and not overburdening corporations with hefty taxes.
He explained that a future government must institute home-grown measures that will strengthen the cedi and reduce the over-reliance on the dollar.
This, he said, could be achieved by providing support to companies and farmers to produce locally, thereby reducing the importation of goods.
“The call by John Mahama is a step in the right direction, and I pray and hope that businesses will listen to him. I’m a businessman, so I’m aware of all the issues going on, and I fully understand the decision taken by those companies to relocate to other countries.
“Import duties, taxes, and the cedi’s performance are killing us. As a businessman, you cannot even plan because the rate is going up almost every other day. This government promised that they were going to localize the economy, but it has been a huge façade. The next government will have to tackle the cedi and reduce taxes to keep the businesses here,” he said.
John Dramani Mahama has made a passionate appeal to businesses and the investor community in Ghana, urging them not to leave the country amidst the current economic challenges.
He urged them to stay a bit longer, as he assured them that the next NDC government will ensure that a conducive environment is created for businesses and investors to thrive.
The former president attributed poor governance and an unfavorable economic environment to the exit of multinational companies such as Unilever’s tea production unit, Game, Glovo, and BIC, among others.
“But we cannot despair over the poor quality of governance that has served us in the last seven and a half years. I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to you, captains of industry and the investor community, to tarry a bit more,” he appealed via X on May 27, 2024.
“Please don’t leave our country. You can rest assured that a new NDC administration will work with you to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” John Mahama assured.
Politics of Monday, 20 May 2024
Source: Ghana Web
Ignore false, empty bribery allegations against ‘noble’ Haruna Iddrisu – General Mattheen.
Jinsah Abdul-Mattheen Sali, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress has come to the defence of the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu following allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against him by South African news portal, News24.
General Mattheen as he is known within the political circles vehemently rejected the allegations, affirming his confidence in the nobility and selflessness of the former Minority Leader.
General Mattheen noted that the bribery allegations are calculated attempts by certain persons to tarnish the image of Haruna Iddrisu and destroy his political career.
He explained that he has known Haruna Iddrisu for ages and can vouch for his credibility as a principled man committed to the course of the country and that he will never engage in any action that is adverse to the collective interest of the country.
“Those reports coming from the South African news portal are nothing but pure fabrications. Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is a noble and honest man who I can say for a fact would not engage in any such action. Since I have known him, he always put the interest of the nation ahead of his own. He is a selfless and patriotic individual so let’s ignore them. I’m telling all Ghanaians to ignore the speculations,” he said.
Poking holes in the reports by the South African media house, General Mattheen noted that the allegations have no basis and that they couldn’t establish a link between the Director of Ghana Infrastructure Company, Asumah Dokurugu.
“I have read the report and there is no iota of truth in this. There is no evidence backing the claims, just mere speculations. Why do you wake up and destroy someone’s image with just accusations and no evidence? Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is a man of high repute and I can state with any sense of doubt those allegations have no merit. They are mere propaganda,” he added.
An investigative report by News24 specifically mentioned the Tamale South legislator, who allegedly benefited from bribes to the tune of over US$2.5 million (47 million rands).
The investigative report delved into the activities of siblings Rushil and Nishani Singh, who operated the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) between 2017 and 2022, which indicated that the MP was a ‘broker’ for the company in Ghana.
In a rejoinder copied to GhanaWeb, Haruna Iddrisu categorically denied brokering any deal for GIC in Ghana, or any involvement in the company’s affairs.
He stated that he had never received any payment from GIC or the Singh siblings, saying, “I will not succumb to cheap blackmail.”
He added that the allegations against him were mere propaganda meant to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
“To be clear, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have never at any point in time, received personally, directed to be paid to, benefited from, or been aware of, any unlawful, illegal or immoral payments made by either GIC or the Singhs. Also, I have never brokered any deals to benefit GIC and/or the Singhs.
“… I vehemently deny these allegations and categorically refute any implication of wrongdoing. This unfounded allegation not only seeks to tarnish my reputation but also undermines the trust and integrity of my office as the Member of Parliament for the people of Tamale South,” the MP wrote.
The MP also stated that the “so-called investigative report” failed to provide any evidence of his association with the South African company or its owners.