Ghana's government to review utility tariffs downward

The government is expected to review Ghana's utility tariffs downward following the presentation of a report by a technical committee set up to consider consumer concerns.

The committee's report was presented to Vice President John Dramani Mahama at the Castle, Osu, on 13th June. According to the Daily Graphic newspaper, Mahama was due to formally announce details to the press in the week beginning 16th August.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission announced sharp rises in utility tariffs in May 2010, in a move strongly condemned by the Ghana Trades Union Congress and the Association of Ghana Industries. The utility increases included an 89 per cent hike for electricity tariffs and 36 per cent for water.

Cocoa purchases in Ghana are approximately six per cent down on last season, according to a Reuters report.

Cocoa purchases declared to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCBOD) by private buyers show 611,619 tonnes purchased for the October 2009 to July 2010 season, compared with 651,974 tonnes declared during the same period a year ago.

The government blames smuggling for the deficit and COCOBOD said that at least 60,000tonnes have been taken illegally to Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, where cocoa attracts a higher price. The government aims to increase cocoa production to 1 million tonnes per year by 2012.

For more news and expert analysis about Ghana, please see Ghana Politics & Security.

© 2010 Menas Associates

Ghana and Iran to work closely together to develop Ghana's oil industry

Ghana's Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, has said that Ghana and Iran should work closely together for the benefit of Ghana's fledgling oil and gas industry. Addressing an Iranian delegation, led by Dr Sadigh Khalilian, Iran's Minister for Jihad Agriculture, Mahama said that Ghana has a lot to learn from Iran's experience in oil production and exploration.

"Considering your immense experience in both on and off-shore oil exploitation, I will suggest that we have an effective partnership that will equip Ghanaians with the technical know-how in oil production," said the Vice President.

The delegation is on a two-day visit to Ghana to discuss co-operation in a number of sectors including agriculture and education. Mahama applauded the Iranian government for its support so far, and said that he hoped that Iran would help develop Ghana's oil and gas sector.

Dr Khalilian said that the Iranian government was keen to hold more bilateral discussions for the benefit of both countries, and added that his government was ready to partner Ghana in the areas of agriculture, health, education and energy and invited both the President and the Vice President to visit Iran to conclude talks.

"We are interested in carrying out a number of collaborations with African countries and we really want Ghana to be one of our major partners," he said.

Source: Ghana Web

For more news and expert analysis about Ghana, please see Ghana Politics & Security. For more news and expert analysis about Iran, please see Iran Strategic Focus.