Author: Web Desk

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that the implementation of the 10 per cent withholding tax on the gross winnings of lotteries will start on Monday, January 1, 2024. The 10 per cent tax, which is also applicable to betting, gaming and other games of chance, comes following a six- month expiration granted to enable the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and Private Lotto Operators (PLOs) to prepare for the implementation. 'The extension expires in December 2023, and, therefore the NLA and the PLOs are required to commence the implementation of the withholding tax on Lotto Gross winnings effective January 2024,' a statement from the GRA said. The statement urged patrons, players, punters, operators, and tax consultants to take note of this directive. It reminded operators that failure to do so would be considered an offence under Section 78 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915). The Act stipulates that offender is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than 1,000 pena lty units (GHS12,000) and not more than 2,500 penalty units (GHS30,000) or to a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and not more five years or to both. Source: Ghana News Agency OSHAKATI: Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), Lucia Iipumbu, said agriculture has remained one of the strongest growth points of the year. Iipumbu was speaking during the official opening of the Ogongo Annual Festival in the Omusati Region on Friday. The festival is being held under the theme 'Live, Love and Enjoy Through Innovation.' Iipumbu explained that the Ogongo Annual Festival provides an opportunity to appreciate the richness of lives, the diversity of culture and the strength of unity. According to Iipumbu, there have been various initiatives at both regional and constituency level aimed at accelerating and scaling agricultural activities, with the latest being the recent receipt of tractors from government, which are coming at an opportune time to allow the region to fully leverage on modern agricultural technology. 'MIT is an ardent proponent of entrepreneurial and business development in the country. It is therefore our hope that as we continue to make inroads in terms of finding o ur niches for this community, its citizens, particularly the youth, must continuously engage their office, including their regional office in Outapi to get more detailed information on their various programmes and initiatives, which they can collaborate on to bring about meaningful economic growth and development for the settlement. Iipumbu further stated that the ministry has continued to hold consultative engagements where they share important information related to their initiatives such as the Emperetec Training Programme, as per their mandate. 'Business at all levels, including our informal traders and startups, must therefore be innovative and learn to work together in teams by clustering themselves and approaching the MIT for assistance in this regard,' she added. The festival, which kicked off on Thursday, will conclude on Sunday. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The influx of tourists to Sousse governorate from December 1 to 20 reached 36,311 compared to 36,268 visitors during the same period in 2022, said Local Commissioner of Tourism Taoufik Gaied on Saturday. From December 1 to 20, 2023, the region recorded an 11.8% increase in arrivals, with 1,546,000 visitors compared to only 943,447 tourists during the same period in 2022, the same source told TAP. A 19.7% rise was recorded in the number of overnight stays, reaching 109,192 nights, compared to only 91,244 nights spent last year. Gaied added that certain hotel units in the governorate are fully booked for the New Year's celebrations. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tomorrow Sunday, December 31, is the last day of the year 2023, and various churches across the globe will be filled to capacity to usher in the new year. The Ghana News Agency went to town to ascertain why the night, which has come to be known as 'crossover night' is deemed so special. Both the Clergy and the laity who spoke to the GNA were unanimous in their views that the day is for thanking God and asking for His guidance in the ensuing year. The Reverend Philip Atsiago, SSNIT Flats District Pastor, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana in Ho, said people throng the various churches to express gratitude to God for taking them through the challenges of the past year. The night had come to stay as it was patronised by both Christians and non-Christians, he noted. 'During the 31st night worshippers must remember to put their trust in the Lord and pray for peace for the country,' he said. Rev. Samuel Amegboe, the Area Head of Assemblies of God Church, Awudome Tsito in the Ho West district, said the tr adition might have originated from the traditional system where the forefathers made thanksgiving sacrifices to the gods. Christians also used the crossover to show gratitude to God and also commit themselves to Him in the unforeseen year, he said, adding; 'The fear of the unknown makes all of us run to the Supreme God that night for protection in the following year.' He entreated all citizens to hold fast to their new year resolutions and endeavour to achieve them. Rev. Richard Mawufemor Agbi, in charge of the Kingdom Life Congregation of the Global Evangelical Church, Adaklu Kodzobi, said 31st night was an opportunity to take stock of the year, which was ending, and also plan for the future. It was an opportunity to thank God for His mercies, grace and compassion. Apostle Dr. Peter Etsey, Head Pastor of the Salvation Assemblies of God Church, Adaklu Kodzobi, said: 'The night is very special in the sense that people know what they've gone through in the ending year …but the coming year is like darkness, and we need a light to take us through it.' 'We should not be interested in the night alone but the God behind it and what lies ahead of us and also recommit ourselves to Him.' Elder Cephas Agbati of the Church of Pentecost, said during the crossover people rededicated their lives to Jesus and many others received Christ. Mr Kofi Tsitsianyo, a resident of Ho said though he was not a Christian, he perceived the day as special, when people connected with the Supreme Being. He noted that though he did not attend Church services he had been a regular attendee of the crossover night for the past five years, and this year's would be no exception. Source: Ghana News Agency