News Guide Africa

Category: Features

  • Minister Emmanuel Armah- Buah’s Gift of Life: Supporting a Constituent’s Critical Surgery

    Minister Emmanuel Armah- Buah’s Gift of Life: Supporting a Constituent’s Critical Surgery

    Story by Phalonzy

    Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the distinguished Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has extended a benevolent hand to Esther Kwaw, a constituent from Nzema-Akropong, in her time of dire need.

    Diagnosed with a critical right lung mass, Esther required a thoracotomy procedure at the prestigious Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, a medical intervention that posed a significant financial burden on her family due to the substantial costs involved.

    In a heartwarming display of kindness, on June 30, 2025, the District Chief Executive of Ellembelle District Assembly, Hon. Joseph Agyekum, presented a cheque of GH₵30,000 to the Assembly member for Akropong on behalf of Hon.Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. This generous donation will substantially cover the costs of Esther’s life-saving surgery, thereby alleviating some of the financial pressures on her family.

    The medical file, bearing the reference number CR-A21-AAM7316, has been duly processed, and meticulous arrangements are currently underway to facilitate Esther’s admission to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Hon. Buah’s selfless gesture serves as a prove to his unrelenting commitment to the welfare and well-being of his constituents.

    Armah-Kofi Buah’s leadership, characterized by compassion and a deep-seated concern for the people he serves, has brought a ray of hope and immense relief to Esther and her family during this challenging period.

    The people of Ellembelle District are deeply appreciative of Minister Buah’s kindness and eagerly anticipate his continued support and development initiatives, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their lives.

  • COVID-19 Resurgence: Health Minister to Brief Parliament on July 1 Amid Rising Concerns

    COVID-19 Resurgence: Health Minister to Brief Parliament on July 1 Amid Rising Concerns

    Story by Phalonzy

    Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, is slated to deliver a comprehensive briefing to Parliament on July 1, shedding light on the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country.

    This crucial update is in response to an urgent request by the Minority Caucus, who have expressed deep-seated concerns regarding the government’s perceived silence on the recent upsurge of COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana.

    The Minority’s apprehensions stem from the fear that the government’s inaction could potentially unleash a devastating health crisis, precipitating widespread panic and anxiety throughout the country.

    Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip, sounded a clarion call, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the imperative for swift, decisive action.

    In a recent development, the University of Ghana’s Health Services Directorate issued a cautionary notice to the university community, highlighting the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the immediate vicinity of the institution.

    In response to this emerging threat, the Directorate has promptly reactivated its COVID-19 Response Protocols, including enhanced screening measures at health facilities, and is vigilantly monitoring the situation to provide regular updates.

    Undoubtedly, as the government prepares to provide a detailed exposition on its COVID-19 mitigation strategy, Ghanaians are being urged to remain watchful and adhere to prescribed preventive measures to curtail the risk of infection and community transmission.

  • Govt Embarks on Ambitious Healthcare Expansion Initiative, Targets 600 CHPS Compounds by 2025- Kwakye Ofosu

    Govt Embarks on Ambitious Healthcare Expansion Initiative, Targets 600 CHPS Compounds by 2025- Kwakye Ofosu

    Story by Phalonzy

    Govt has unveiled plans to construct nearly 600 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds nationwide by the end of 2025.

    This ambitious initiative, aimed at broadening access to essential healthcare services, underscores the government’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

    According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, each district is slated to construct two new CHPS compounds this year, collectively amounting to around 600 CHPS compounds in 2025 alone.

    “Each district is required to construct two new CHPS compounds this year. Altogether, that amounts to about 600 CHPS compounds in 2025 alone. If we sustain this momentum, we could exceed 2,000 CHPS compounds over the next four years,” he stated.

    Kwakye Ofosu hailed the initiative as a major breakthrough in enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

    He indicated that, by expanding access to primary healthcare services, the government aims to bridge the healthcare gap and foster a healthier country.

    Ultimately, with this initiative, Ghana is poised to make significant strides in improving its healthcare landscape, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

  • Ghana-China Business Summit 2025 Culminates in a Resounding Success, Chief of Staff Implores Local Businesses to Capitalize on Lucrative Trade Opportunities

    Ghana-China Business Summit 2025 Culminates in a Resounding Success, Chief of Staff Implores Local Businesses to Capitalize on Lucrative Trade Opportunities

    Story by Phalonzy

    The 2025 Ghana-China Business Summit, a five-day extravaganza held from June 23 to June 27, 2025, in Accra, has drawn to a close, leaving an enduring impact on Ghana’s economic landscape.

    In his valedictory remarks, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued a clarion call to Ghanaian businesses, urging them to seize the burgeoning opportunities arising from the deepening partnership between Ghana and China.

    This conclave of business leaders, policymakers, and investors served as a vibrant platform for trade facilitation, investment matchmaking, and cultural exchange, fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries.

    Deliberations centered on pivotal sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, with participants exploring avenues to harness China’s vast global trade networks.

    Mr. Debrah commended the Ghanaian business community for their fervent participation, noting that their commitment underscored a collective ambition to excel on the global stage.

    “For business executives to stop all you are doing just to be part of this programme tells us that the Ghanaian business community is also poised to be successful,” he articulated.

    The Chief of Staff underscored the imperative of sustained engagement, exhorting participants to nurture the connections and leads established during the summit to ensure a lasting impact.

    “The partnerships forged here must be nurtured to unlock the full potential of this relationship,” he emphasized, calling for proactive measures to translate discussions into tangible business outcomes.

    Indeed, as Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for investment in West Africa, the summit reinforced the nation’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for trade and innovation.

    Undoubtedly, with the Ghana-China partnership gathering momentum, the 2025 Business Summit has set the stage for transformative economic growth, offering Ghanaian businesses a unique opportunity to scale globally through strategic collaboration with Chinese counterparts.

    The event culminated in a renewed sense of optimism, as participants expressed confidence in the potential for deepened economic ties to drive prosperity for both nations. Ultimately, as Ghanaian businesses heed Mr. Debrah’s clarion call to action, the summit’s legacy is set to shape the future of Ghana-China relations for years to come.

  • Julius Kotey Aims At Significant Reforms At The DVLA

    Julius Kotey, DVLA CEO 

     

    Soon after his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Kotey’s expectations ran high for a sweeping reforms and decisive departure from the preceding administration’s style of leadership which only rendered the organisation in a distressing-state.

     

    True to form, he swiftly began spearheading a myriad of landmark initiatives, infusing digital innovations whiles embarking on a series of bold reforms which constituted part of a broader effort to bolster their operational capacity, signalling a comprehensive shift and crucial step towards revitalizing and repositioning of DVLA.

     

    A unique blend of his technical expertise and routine hands-on engagements have offered a well-rounded approach, yielding in a tangible and visible transformation of the state agency from it’s known steeped rigid-bureaucratic institution to a now-public service provider, responsive to the evolving needs of clients and stakeholders alike.

     

    Worth noting, his unmatched leadership skills intertwined with some doses of daring manoeuvrings at every turn, carefully navigating through the tapestry of challenges at the DVLA, have led to a significant turnaround, fostering flexible service delivery and eliminating long-winding queues that had previously characterised their operations.

     

    With good leadership traits, anchored on his ability to leverage his vision of continuity and reforms, Julius kotey, has brought some noticeable changes in the company”s familiar rhythm and operational structure, strengthening its commitment to expanding footprints and improving accessibility across the country at an astonishing pace, having already commissioned 6-new branches to his credit within this short spell, whereas curious observers keep dabbling in air of expectancy, watching closely his next move in this unfolding transformational drive.

     

    These reform measures, have began, not only enhancing administrative and operational efficiency with a glittering and promising outlook but also, highlights a phenomenon often recounted as a spontaneous new wave of optimism, wafting through our senses with whispers of hope and glimpses of insight into the very future this young vibrant CEO, envisions for the company.

     

    Amongst these ambitious initiatives, include; the periodic community outreach programme for vehicle registrations, ongoing registration of excavators and installation of trackers to mount real-time surveillance on these earth-moving machines to avoid being deployed at galamsey sites, the proposed policy of replacing the existing aluminium fabricated number plates with plastic chip-embedded plates, instant printing of driving licence and the payment of inherited legacy debt, amounting to some 60 million cedis.

  • Economists repose confidence in Ghana’s economy amid global trade tensions 

    Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician in a pose with President John Dramani Mahama

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In spite of global trade tensions, some economists have reposed confidence in the country’s fragile economy, which has a history of vulnerability to external shocks.

     

    Among such is the Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, who has said despite external headwinds, including the ongoing global tariff war, Ghana’s economy continues to show signs of resilience.

     

    According to provisional data from the Ghana Statistical Service, the economy expanded by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 4.9% recorded during the same period in 2024. At a press briefing the Government Statistician explained that the latest figures suggest that Ghana has, so far, managed to shield its economy from the adverse effects of global trade tensions.

     

    “We are all aware of what is happening. All other things being equal, one would have assumed that because of the trade war and trade tension, it should have a significant dampening effect on growth. What we are seeing is that the numbers we are seeing for the first quarter of 2025 in terms of growth don’t seem to suggest that the impact of the trade tensions is very significant on Ghana but this is early days yet. Data shows so far Ghana has been resilient and robust in terms of absorbing the shocks with regards to the trade tensions,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, a Managing Partner at policy advisory firm Konfidants, Michael Kottoh, has indicated that, amid rising global trade tensions, Ghana has a unique opportunity to position itself as a strategic export hub, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

     

    Speaking at the 2025 Citi Business Forum themed “The Global Tariffs Dispute: Navigating Ghana’s Recovery Strategy,” and held in Accra on Thursday June 12, he noted that while trade wars between major economies pose risks, they also open doors for smaller economies like Ghana to capitalise on emerging supply chain gaps.

     

    “In terms of opportunities, we could seize U.S. niche advantages while rivals pay higher tariffs,” he noted. “Lesotho has been crying a lot, South Africa is complaining a lot—we could potentially, using AfCFTA, attract some of that export.”

     

    A Pathway to Garment Sector Growth

     

    Kottoh emphasised the potential for Ghana to expand its garment and textile sector by absorbing production contracts that are under pressure in other African nations.

     

    Countries like Lesotho, which have been struggling with shifting global trade conditions, could see some of their export-oriented manufacturing relocate to Ghana, he suggested.

     

    “Lesotho could relocate some of those contracts to Ghana,” Kottoh explained. “So these are potential advantages—but we need to be strategic and understand which product lines, which value chains, which alliances and partnerships are required to take advantage of these.”

     

    Strategic Planning Is Key

     

    While the global tariff disputes have created disruptions in traditional trade routes, Kottoh cautioned that Ghana’s ability to benefit from these shifts will depend on clear strategy, sector-specific focus, and targeted partnerships across supply chains.

     

    “We need to be strategic and understand which product lines, which value chains, which alliances and partnerships are required to take advantage of these.”

     

    Disjointed Africa’s trade policy response

     

    Consequently, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), Mavis Owusu Gyamfi, is worried over Africa’s lack of a coordinated response to global economic disruptions, particularly in the wake of tariff hikes initiated by the United States.

     

    Also, speaking at the 2025 Citi Business Forum under the theme “The Global Tariffs Dispute: Navigating Ghana’s Recovery Strategy,” she highlighted that other regions, notably Asia, responded swiftly and strategically to the recent tariff increases announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

     

    She questioned Africa’s lack of a unified and proactive stance in contrast to the Asian response, noting that despite not having a formal bloc like the African Union or a framework like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Asia was able to organise an effective strategy.

     

    She expressed disappointment in Africa’s silence and lack of coordination in the face of rising global economic tensions. She urged the African continent to approach global economic shocks with a collective strategy rather than panicking.

     

    “Where is our common voice? Remember, Asia is not a bloc. It doesn’t tout to be AU or AfCFTA or any of the things we are so proud about. It doesn’t do it. It doesn’t have a theoretical framework that it is proud of, but it had a structure for implementation in a crisis.

     

    “The thing that disappointed me the most in all of this was that Africa forgot why we set up the AfCFTA in the first place. Africa forgot the processes we have in place for the African Union. In fact, Africa forgot we had the AFDB because it wasn’t until a week ago that I heard an AFDB statement on the tariffs,” she stated.

     

     

  • Islamic Finance in the Bible: A Christian Perspective on Truth, Justice, and Inclusion

     

    Introduction: Truth Over Fear

     

    In recent months, His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to integrate Islamic Finance into Ghana’s economic framework has sparked passionate discussions across the country, particularly among Christian communities. Some of our brethren have voiced concerns, fearing that such a policy might be a subtle attempt to Islamize Ghana. These concerns, while emotionally valid, often stem from misunderstanding rather than informed discernment.

     

    This article offers clarity and calm. It is not a defence of Islam, nor an endorsement of a political party. It is a call to fellow Christians to respond not with suspicion, but with spiritual maturity, biblical wisdom, and a love for truth. As Scripture reminds us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

     

    Fear, when left unchecked, can cloud judgment and hinder progress. It’s imperative that we, as followers of Christ, approach such matters with discernment, seeking understanding rather than succumbing to baseless apprehensions. By doing so, we uphold the principles of love, unity, and truth that are central to our faith. Fear-based reactions have historically led to missed opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Instead, as ambassadors of Christ, we are called to walk in love and truth, being wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).

     

    Let us not forget that financial systems are tools—neither holy nor profane in themselves. Their moral value is derived from how they align with justice, equity, and care for the vulnerable. If Islamic Finance provides structures that harmonize with biblical ethics and offer benefits to the poor and unbanked, we must not reject it out of fear or prejudice.

     

    What Is Islamic Finance?

     

    Islamic Finance is a faith-based financial system grounded in Sharia law, which prohibits riba (usury), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and unethical investments. It prioritizes risk-sharing, profit-and-loss partnerships, and asset-backed transactions, such as Murabaha (cost-plus sales), Mudarabah (investment partnerships), and Sukuk (Islamic bonds). These instruments function within a framework of mutual trust and social responsibility.

     

    Importantly, Islamic Finance is not about proselytization or religious conversion. In secular democracies such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa—nations with strong Christian majorities—Islamic financial services operate under the law to offer interest-free, ethical alternatives. Clients of various faiths choose these options for their stability, ethical investment principles, and moral clarity.

     

    In Ghana, many people, especially in rural and underserved areas, remain outside the reach of traditional banking. Islamic Finance offers them dignity and empowerment through interest-free loans, ethical partnerships, and community-centered financial solutions. This is not a replacement for conventional banks but an inclusive alternative to reach those excluded.

     

    Moreover, Islamic Finance mandates strict ethical guidelines that prohibit investments in areas deemed haram (forbidden), including pornography, gambling, alcohol, narcotics, weapons, human trafficking, prostitution, and pork. These prohibitions overlap significantly with biblical ethics and reflect a shared spiritual heritage concerned with purity, dignity, and justice.

     

    By promoting ethical financial conduct, discouraging predatory practices, and fostering genuine partnerships between borrowers and lenders, Islamic Finance becomes a tool for holistic development. It not only addresses material needs but also aligns with spiritual principles found in the Bible.

     

    Shared Values: Christian and Islamic Ethical Finance

     

    1. Rejection of Usury

     

    The Bible is unequivocal in its stance against charging interest on loans, especially to the poor and vulnerable. “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest” (Exodus 22:25). This command is echoed in Leviticus 25:36–37: “Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit.”

     

    Ezekiel 18:13 further warns, “He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not!” This is not merely a financial prohibition—it is a moral imperative. Interest-bearing loans often trap the poor in cycles of debt and despair. Islamic Finance seeks to eradicate this injustice through interest-free mechanisms, profit-sharing, and ethical risk-taking.

     

    Jesus Himself instructed generosity without expectation of return: “If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners… But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back” (Luke 6:34–35).

     

    By eliminating riba, Islamic Finance safeguards against the exploitation of the weak. It embodies the biblical vision of a just society where lending uplifts rather than enslaves. It reminds us that true prosperity is communal, not individualistic.

     

    2. Honesty, Fairness, and Transparency

     

    Both the Bible and Islamic law condemn deceitful practices and require honesty in all dealings. Proverbs 11:1 states, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” Similarly, Deuteronomy 25:13–15 commands, “Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light… Use honest scales and honest weights.”

     

    Islamic contracts are built on transparency, consent, and mutual clarity—key biblical principles. Paul exhorts believers to “speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25). Colossians 3:9 adds, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

     

    Islamic Finance contracts reject gharar (excessive ambiguity) to prevent unjust enrichment and protect all parties involved. Each transaction must be clear, consensual, and just. This practice reflects the biblical standard of integrity and mutual respect.

     

    In a world plagued by financial scandals and predatory practices, Islamic Finance offers a return to ethical roots. It compels lenders and investors to act with conscience, fairness, and accountability—virtues Jesus Himself modeled.

     

    3. Ethical Investing: Avoiding What Is Detestable to God

     

    Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of Islamic Finance is its ethical investment screen. Financial ventures must avoid industries deemed haram (forbidden), including:

     

    Pornography and sexual exploitation

     

    Gambling and speculative trading

     

    Intoxicants and narcotic drugs

     

    Arms production and trade

     

    Human trafficking and prostitution

     

    Pork and pork-based products

     

     

    These align with Christian teachings that call for holiness and purity. Scripture explicitly condemns many of these industries:

     

    Sexual Immorality

     

    “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

     

    “Let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4).

     

    “Do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a prostitute, lest the land fall into prostitution and become full of wickedness” (Leviticus 19:29).

     

    Gambling and Covetousness

     

    “Whoever loves money never has enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

     

    “Do not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).

     

    Intoxicants and Drugs

     

    “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

     

    “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk…” (Habakkuk 2:15).

     

    Violence and Weapons

     

    “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).

     

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

     

    Pork and Unclean Foods

     

    “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses” (Leviticus 11:7–8).

     

    “You must not eat the pig or even touch its dead body; it is ceremonially unclean for you” (Deuteronomy 14:8).

     

    Islamic Finance enforces a strict moral discipline that many modern financial systems lack. It refuses to profit from human misery or moral compromise. As Christians, we must applaud and support any system that resists the commodification of sin.

     

    Conclusion: Be Not Afraid, But Wise

     

    Islamic Finance is not a trojan horse of Islamization. It is an ethical financial system with strong biblical parallels. Rather than oppose it from a place of fear, let us examine its fruits: inclusion, justice, honesty, and protection for the vulnerable.

     

    We are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–16). That requires both courage and humility. Courage to speak up for truth, and humility to learn from others—even those outside our own faith.

     

    As followers of Christ, let us lead with wisdom, not paranoia; with discernment, not division; and with love, not fear. For wherever truth, justice, and mercy are found, there the Spirit of God is at work.

     

     

    —

     

    References

     

    The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)

     

    The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

     

    Usmani, M. Taqi. An Introduction to Islamic Finance. Idaratul Ma’arif, 2002.

     

    Chapra, M. Umer. Islam and the Economic Challenge. Islamic Foundation, 1992.

     

    Vogel, Frank E., and Hayes, Samuel L. Islamic Law and Finance: Religion, Risk, and Return. Harvard University Press, 1998.

     

    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Islamic Finance and Financial Inclusion, 2017.

     

    Ghana Statistical Service, Access to Financial Services in Ghana, 2022.

     

    World Bank Group, Global Findex Database 2021.

     

     

  • UPSA introduces faculty journals to reduce dependency on foreign authored textbooks 

     

    Report by Ben LARYEA

     

    As parts of the drive to provide students with accessible, high quality and cost-effective learning materials directly relevant to their studies University of Professional Students, Accra (UPSA) has launched its faculty authored text book project.

     

    The initiative dubbed; “Faculty Journals” will support students to have easy access to resources tailored specifically to their courses with current curriculum objectives and will encourage faculty to engage in academic writing and publications in order to reduce dependence on expensive third-party text books.

     

    The faculty journals in this regard comes along with essential benefits that enhances professionalism, reputation and academic profile through acknowledged intellectural contributions and faculty though shared academic materials.

     

    It will further create access to cost effective text books directly aligned with course objectives in reducing financial burden as well as tailored curriculum with practical examples to enhance comprehension and application.

     

    Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Vice – Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. John Mawutor, said it is the first step towards the realization of the faculty authored textbook initiative adding that the universities have relied heavily on foreign authored textbook.

     

    He said the initiative will help change the narrative and bring to bear local industries and communities at the center of the university curriculum and will equip students with the requisite local text books that are academic rigorous.

     

    “Lectures will engage local companies in case studies and translate them in to literature to teach students”, he added.

     

     

     

     

  • Short-term gains of Cedi should not lead to complacency’ – analyst warns

     

    APL warns: Cedi gains need lasting reforms.

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

     

    The Africa Policy Lens (APL), a new entrant in the policy think-tank space, has cautioned the managers of the economy to avoid complacency as the local currency – the Cedi – is witnessing a short-term appreciation.

     

    The research and policy analysts group, in a press statement issued last week, emphasized the need for continued reforms, urging the government to build on current momentum with permanent policy measures aimed at fiscal discipline, export diversification, and institutional transparency.

     

    The Cedi has appreciated by over 20% against the US dollar so far this year, making it one of the best-performing currencies globally. As of early-May 2025, the Cedi was trading at approximately GH¢13.5 to the dollar, reflecting a 17% gain since January, APL noted.

     

    “Short-term gains should not lull policymakers into inaction,” the group cautioned. “Sustainable growth depends on deep, structural reforms.”

     

    Meanwhile, the group highlighted factors that have accounted for the significant appreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi in recent months, making a notable turnaround after a difficult 2024. It cited a combination of factors including the government’s fiscal consolidation measures like a sharp reduction in public spending, suspension of new projects, and a freeze on the clearance of arrears which have helped reduce pressure on the currency.

     

    “The Ministry of Finance is reported to have held back payments worth about GH¢69 billion pending audit,” APL stated, “effectively curbing excess demand for foreign exchange.”

     

    At the same time, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has played a central role through strategic interventions. Through the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), the BoG accumulated gold reserves that were later used to support the Cedi via gold-backed foreign exchange operations. Between January and May 2025, the central bank injected nearly US$1 billion into the forex market.

     

    “This included US$490 million in April alone and US$264 million in March,” APL noted, “which helped improve dollar liquidity and ease depreciation pressure.”

     

    “Drawing down reserves and delaying payments are not long-term solutions,” the think tank stressed however.

     

    APL also acknowledges the influence of external factors such as the weakening of the US dollar amid global trade tensions, which have contributed to the Cedi’s recent gains.

     

    APL further pointed out that Ghana has seen similar periods of stability before, particularly between 2017 and 2019 during the IMF Extended Credit Facility program. During that time, the Cedi was relatively stable due to improved fundamentals, disciplined fiscal policy, and external conditions such as rising oil production and commodity prices, thereby suggesting that today’s policymakers can learn from that period by focusing on long-term reforms instead of relying on interventions.

     

    “There are lessons from the past—particularly the 2017–2019 period—that show sustainable stability must be anchored in strong fundamentals, not ad hoc measures,” the organisation stated.

     

    Consequently, it indicated that analysts such as S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Solutions have already warned that the Cedi could face renewed depreciation in the second half of 2025 if structural imbalances resurface.

     

    “Global credit watchers are already flagging risks, and Ghana must act swiftly to insulate itself from renewed pressures,” APL emphasised.

     

    APL calls for stronger policy action, including the completion of debt restructuring, diversification of export revenue sources, and improved fiscal management. It also emphasizes the importance of transparent communication from government institutions to maintain investor confidence.

     

    “To maintain the current momentum, reforms must be bold, and communication must be clear to avoid spooking markets,” the group stated.

     

    In conclusion, APL states that while Ghana’s currency has shown impressive recovery, “the challenge now is to ensure these gains are not only preserved but built upon,” reiterating that “without long-term reforms, the current stability may not hold.”

     

     

  • Businesses okay Mahama’s National Business Consultative Platform initiative

    Ministry, AGI back Mahama’s business dialogue plan.

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Government’s plan to establish a National Business Consultative Platform has received a boost from business players

     

    The initiative announced by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to foster engagement between the government and private sector players, provide feedback on policies, and identify solutions to support business development.

     

    The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) expressed readiness to cooperate with the government to address significant issues within the business community, however raising concerns about heavy taxes and difficulty securing capital which should be addressed during the dialogue.

     

    “We are talking about a lot of taxes, and we are asking the government to take away some of these taxes that are affecting the growth of the sector”. Dean of Regional Chairs of AGI, Tsonam Akpeloo, said in an interview. “We are also talking about access to capital, and the cost associated with accessing this capital.”

     

    He stressed that, “These are issues that the government needs to deal with because we believe that it is only when the president is on this issue that bothers us, that he will be able to take the right decisions and actions.

     

    “So for us, this needs to have a more structured approach to ensuring that we meet the government. We are happy to cooperate to set it up and ensure that it will not just be a launch but rather a meaningful, and productive engagement with the government.”

     

    Akpeloo further urged the government to improve the capacity of local industries, to gain a competitive advantage in the production of essential products on the market, and to help lessen the rate of importation of these products into the country.

     

    “The government needs a certain drastic measure to promote local production because there are products in Ghana that we do have competitive advantages in. There are things that we can produce not only for the Ghanaian market but also to export.

     

    “What we require is for the government to discourage importation of these products that we have and can produce locally. That way, the government will provide the needed capacity for local industry to be able to produce 24 hours.

     

    “Most of our production lines only produce at 50% capacity. We need to make sure that we increase the production to employ people and the only way we do that is when the government discourages the importation of these products that we have local capacity to produce,” he said.