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.
“President John Mahama praised for steering early economic recovery in his first 120 days in office.”
President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a pivotal diplomatic mission to Brussels, Belgium, where he will ardently champion the GAVI Alliance’s crucial vaccine replenishment endeavors as a distinguished advocate and ambassador.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was revealed that President Mahama will participate in the prestigious Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, a landmark event co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the GAVI Vaccine Alliance.
The summit’s paramount objective is to mobilize tremendous support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026-2030 strategic framework, which aims to immunize a staggering 500 million additional children, safeguard over 8 million lives, and preclude up to 150 debilitating disease outbreaks, thereby yielding an estimated $100 billion in economic benefits.
Drawing upon his profound understanding of the transformative potency of immunization in Ghana and across the African continent, President Mahama has consistently been a vociferous proponent of a fully funded Gavi. His attendance at the summit underscores the indispensable role of global synergy in ensuring unfettered access to vaccines, particularly in resource-constrained nations.
As aptly noted in the statement, “President Mahama firmly believes that a fully funded Gavi will save millions of lives, unlock substantial economic potential, and fortify global health security.”
The Global Summit presents a critical juncture for securing renewed pledges from traditional and emerging donors, highlighting the proven efficacy and immense value of Gavi’s multifaceted partnerships with governments, international organizations, civil society, and industry leaders.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching over a billion children with life-saving vaccines, preventing an estimated 18.8 million deaths, and generating a staggering $250 billion in economic benefits for lower-income economies. During his sojourn in Brussels, President Mahama will also engage in substantive discussions with prominent leaders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and the visionary philanthropist, Bill Gates.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddi Adams, has stated that the Government of Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama is committed to revive interest in local football.
He made this statement while delivering his speech as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Ghana Football Awards which doubled as the seventh edition of the event.
Arsenal and Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey won the Men’s Player of the Year Award for the third time while Razak Simpson won the Goal of the Year and Home-Based Player of the Year Awards with James Kwesi Appiah winning the Coach of the Year Award.
“We want to see the potential of Ghana’s football reach its highest heights. This is why under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, government is committed to working with stakeholders to revive interest in the local game [of football]. The local game must be revived” the Sports Minister said.
He also acknowledged former Kumasi Asante Kotoko chairman, Herbert Mensah, for his call on football stakeholders to do more to improve the local game. Scroll down to watch video. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
BoG reports economic stability with falling inflation and rising reserves.
Adnan Adams Mohammed
Head of Collateral Registry Department of Bank of Ghana has indicated that the registry registers approximately 9,000 security interests every week with an average growth rate of 31.5%.
Giving further particulars to the above figures, Fred Asiama Koranteng, in 2010, we registered 10,413 security interest registrations, but, rose to 382,215 registrations for the year 2024. Overall, as at the end of 2024, the registry had registered over 1.4 million security interests.
This follows the announcement of the Bank of Ghana to put in place policies and regulatory reforms to strengthen the legal framework governing its Collateral Registry Department as the financial sector credit systems and management keep changing. The Bank has explained that the Collateral Registry has become an integral part of Ghana’s financial infrastructure, supporting secured lending and enhancing credit risk management.
“This is not just a statistic”, Mr Koranteng noted at the 15th anniversary of the registry while outlining the critical role the registry has played in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to access credit.
“It’s the story of empowerment, of economic opportunity, and of a better future. The registry, having grown from an emerging outlet to a cornerstone of garnished credit infrastructure, has significantly contributed to the creation of an enabling environment for countless micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises to access credit that was once beyond their reach. For financial institutions, the registry provides a transparent and reliable platform to assess and manage credit risk,” he added.
Meanwhile, the First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni, speaking on behalf of the Governor at the 15th anniversary of the registry indicated that the Bank is pursuing additional measures to improve operational efficiency within the department.
“As we look ahead, our vision for the Registry is ambitious. We are investing in advanced technologies- including artificial intelligence, to enhance the system’s efficiency, security, and user experience. We are also undertaking policy and regulatory reforms to ensure the legal framework remains agile and responsive to the evolving credit landscape.
“Furthermore, we will deepen partnerships – with institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), the Lands Commission, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). These collaborations will introduce global best practices and technical support to drive further impact,” he said.
Beyond supporting formal banking processes, the Collateral Registry has expanded the frontier of financial inclusion. With the Micro, Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (MSMEs), who often lack traditional forms of collateral, can now use movable assets like stock, receivables, and tools of trade to secure credit.
This is a significant step toward democratizing finance in Ghana. By unlocking access to credit for underserved groups, the Registry has contributed meaningfully to job creation, business resilience, and local economic growth.
”Fifteen years ago, access to credit in Ghana was often constrained by rigid collateral systems, fragmented legal frameworks, and limited transparency” enthused Koranteng.
“For small business owners, access to finance was a distant hope. Today, because of the work we celebrate here, more Ghanaians can secure financing using movable assets – from vehicles to machinery to inventory. As we reflect on the journey of the Collateral Registry, it is important to recognise its role in transforming our credit market and supporting financial inclusion, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).”
“More than a registry, it has become a tool of empowerment,” Dr Mumuni said.
The Registry was established under the Borrowers and Lenders Act, 2008 (Act 773), later repealed and replaced with the 2020 Act (Act 1052). Its creation was a response to a fragmented system for secured credit, where multiple laws coexisted without offering a clear or efficient path for lenders and borrowers.
Before its establishment in February 2010, lending was hampered by information asymmetry, limited data on collateral, and a preference for immovable assets. The lack of a streamlined framework increased risk for lenders and restricted credit access for businesses without land or buildings to pledge.
The Collateral Registry addressed these challenges head-on. By creating a centralized platform for the registration of both movable and immovable assets, the Registry offered lenders a trusted and transparent system to assess credit risk and protect their security interests.
Amidst the government’s decision to postpone the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 indefinitely, due to current tension building up between Israel and Iran, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has described the levy as a strategic policy aligned with the country’s fiscal goals under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
The new levy, whose implementation date was postponed to June 16, 2025 from its initial date of June 9, to allow time for critical stakeholder consultation, especially with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, will charge GH¢1.0 per litre on selected petroleum products.
According to the government, the levy aims at addressing long-standing debt and financial shortfalls in the energy sector. However, many Ghanaians including transport operators, businesses and ordinary citizens have strongly opposed the levy, raising red flags on the grounds of no consultation and awareness education. But the IMF thinks otherwise.
“On the fuel levy, what I can say is that this is a new measure that will help generate additional resources to tackle the challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, and it is also going to bolster Ghana’s ability to deliver on the fiscal objectives under the programme,” Julie Kozack, Director of IMF’s Communications Department said at a press briefing last week.
“The revenue measure will play a crucial role in helping Ghana tackle structural issues in the sector while supporting broader fiscal reforms.”
According, Richmond Rockson, the Spokesperson and Head of Communication for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in an interview, over the weekend, explained that the decision is influenced by recent fluctuations in global oil prices.
Meanwhile, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has described the government’s decision to suspend the implementation of the Fuel Levy as a “sensible” and timely move, given the looming global oil price hikes driven by Middle East tensions.
Reacting to the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) directive to indefinitely postpone the rollout of the GH¢1 per litre levy, Cudjoe said on Facebook that the government was right to step back and reassess the potential economic impact before proceeding with such a policy.Ghanaian tourism
“As oil prices are set to rise due to tension in the Middle East, the government must assess the situation and likely impact before rolling out the GHS 1 ‘dumsor’ levy,” he wrote.
Cudjoe further urged the government to respond to the looming crisis by fast-tracking domestic oil production, investing recent foreign exchange and gold windfalls wisely—particularly in agriculture—and recovering stolen public funds from the last eight years to reinvest in economic buffers.
The levy has unsurprisingly drawn criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who argue that it adds to the cost burden on already struggling consumers.
Meanwhile, the government insists the impact on consumers will be marginal, pointing to current fuel prices at the pump, which it says remain lower than in previous high-inflation periods.
The amended Bill, passed under certificate of urgency is expected to generate an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in revenue to help sustain the energy sector deeply wallowing in a debt that has a potential to collapse the energy sector.
However, major stakeholders have expressed disappointment at the government over immediate passage of such a Bill, which has the potential to have an overriding cost increase effect on all aspects of the economy – thereby affecting cost of living and doing business – without consultation.
Commercial transport operators had previously threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on June 10, 2025, in protest against the newly introduced levy. According to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the decision to implement the levy was taken without adequate consultation and risks pushing many operators out of business due to rising operational costs.
Abass Ibrahim Imoro, Public Relations Officer of GPRTU said initially during a press event while reacting to the development “We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward. In the event that our call is not heeded, we will be compelled to take industrial action and park our vehicles on June 10, 2025. We urge the government to consider the impact of the levy on the transport sector and the consequences of our action on the economy, and engage us in meaningful deliberations to help address challenges in the energy sector,”
President John Dramani Mahama however has assured Ghanaians that the new levy will not lead to an immediate increase in fuel prices at the pump.
“Our energy sector is saddled with over US$3.1 billion in debt, and we require an additional US$1.8 billion to ensure a continuous fuel supply for thermal power generation in the coming months,” he noted. “If we fail to act decisively, we risk a collapse that would threaten national productivity and industrial progress.”
The President emphasised that the levy forms part of a broader, urgent strategy to rescue the country’s struggling energy sector and ensure consistent electricity supply.
He acknowledged the concerns of Ghanaians but stressed that the decision was made after careful consideration of its potential impact on households and businesses.
“With the recent gains in macroeconomic stability and the strengthening of the cedi, this levy is not expected to result in any immediate fuel price increases,” he said.
“We fully understand the challenges facing citizens, and this intervention was not undertaken lightly.”
President Mahama further revealed that the estimated GH¢5.7 billion in revenue from the levy will be strictly allocated to settling longstanding energy sector debts, financing fuel procurement, and preventing future power shortages.
To ensure accountability, the funds will be ring-fenced, independently audited, and excluded from the Consolidated Fund. Audit reports will also be made public to enhance transparency.
The President’s appeal has received mixed reactions from stakeholders and across social media platforms. While some have applauded the initiative as a bold and necessary step to revamp the energy sector, others remain skeptical, fearing it could eventually translate into increased costs for consumers.
The Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG), has thrown its support behind the government’s introduction of the GHc1 Energy Sector Levy, describing it as a necessary and urgent measure to address the country’s growing energy sector debt.
“This policy intervention is both necessary and time-sensitive, given the precarious financial state of the sector. It must be stated with clarity and conviction that the current accumulation of debt, now significantly compounded and overdue, was entirely avoidable. The sector’s distress, which affects power producers, fuel suppliers, and system reliability, is a direct consequence of the mismanagement and misapplication of previously established Energy Sector Levy and bond proceeds and loans”, the Chief Executive Officer of IPGG, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has said in a statement while acknowledging that the levy was crucial to restoring financial stability within the power sector.
Conversely, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has cautioned that the levy could push many downstream petroleum businesses toward insolvency and derail clean energy targets in the country.
The levy applies to petrol, diesel, LPG, naphtha, fuel oil and marine gasoil, raising the cumulative tax burden from 22% to 26% of the ex-pump price according to the oil marketers.
“The cumulative impact of rising taxes, limited margins, and increasing financial obligations threatens the sustainability of many OMCs and LPGMCs within the sector,” Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO and Industry Coordinator of COMAC said in a press statement.
A significant number of OMCs/LPGMCs are already burdened by debt, and further fiscal pressure could lead to widespread insolvency, job losses, and broader economic disruption”, he added.
“Any future rise in international Brent crude prices will compound cost pressures. With limited flexibility, marketers would be forced to pass on higher costs to consumers—potentially triggering up to a 5% drop in demand, especially among smaller players,” COMAC added.
Also, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu-Aboagye, has indicated that the government has not provided enough of a buffer before reintroducing cost pressures at the pump.
“The intended purpose of the levy is very relevant in supporting the energy sector and addressing its mounting debt. However, I take issue with both the timing and the rate of the increase. The rate of about 8% of the current price per litre is quite high”, he said at the launch of the 5th Chamber Business Awards.
“We’ve only recently started enjoying some relief from lower fuel prices, just about a month ago. Considering the financial strain consumers have faced, there should have been a grace period before any additional burden was introduced.”
GNCCI President Stephen Miezen added that the private sector is willing to partner more closely with the government to drive sustainable growth, reduce imports and expand local production, but such collaboration requires mutual respect and strategic engagement.
“The private sector is eager and prepared to collaborate with the government to boost production, reduce imports, and expand exports. For this to be effective, there must be deeper engagement, shared goals, and a strong mutual commitment between policymakers and the business community” he has asserted.
Hon Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak at the Passing-Out Parade of Security Officers
By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Minister of the Interior, Hon Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has directed the Management of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to as a matter of urgency operationalise the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund as provided for in Section 22 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020.
At the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema, he commended the leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.
In a post shared on his social media account, he wrote;
“Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema. I took the opportunity to commend the current leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.
“The recent increase in arrests is a clear indication of the tighter measures that have been implemented; aimed at making Ghana an unattractive destination for illicit drug trafficking and the syndicates. Government, in collaboration with NACOC, remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle drug networks and ensure a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.
“I was pleased to note that the graduating cadets have successfully completed the rigorous six-and-a-half-month training programme. This training has equipped them with essential skills in pharmacology, financial investigations, and intelligence gathering. These competencies will empower the new officers to combat the illicit drug trade with fairness, integrity and professionalism.
“I also tasked NACOC to operationalize the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund, which is intended to support research, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for individuals battling addiction. In support of this initiative, I pledged to provide the seed fund and encourage corporate bodies as well to contribute as part of their corporate social responsibility.
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“Furthermore, I reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to NACOC and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“I emphasized that the battle against drugs requires a collective national effort. I urged the graduating cadets to perform their duties with courage, professionalism and compassion.
“Finally, I congratulated the cadets on their achievements and called on all stakeholders to work together in protecting our nation and building a Ghana free from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
Passing-Out Parade at the Ankaful Prison Officers
At a similar event of Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School, Hon Muntaka Mubarak wrote…
“Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School in the Central Region.
In my remarks, I emphasized the urgent need for correctional reform in Ghana and highlighted Government’s commitment to transforming the Ghana Prisons Service into a modern correctional institution focused on rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration.
I reaffirmed that the Government remains committed to expanding vocational training, educational programmes and productive inmate enterprises—key interventions that reinforce our vision for a correctional system grounded in genuine transformation. Correctional facilities must become centres of reform, not merely places of detention.
This is not an act of charity, but a strategic investment in our national security and human capital. When we equip inmates with employable skills, we reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Rehabilitation and reformation do not occur in isolation—they must be linked to purposeful and productive activity.
To give practical effect to this policy, I announced that the Government will scale up support for prison-based ventures. Initiatives such as carpentry, tailoring, agriculture and industrial operations, including bottled water production, will be central to building a sustainable and self-reliant correctional economy.
I also directed all institutions under the Ministry for the Interior to prioritize the purchase of bottled water and toilet rolls produced by the Ghana Prisons Service. This initiative will not only reduce the financial burden on the state, but also generate internal revenue and promote inmate productivity.
I reassured the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service of the Government’s unwavering support—a commitment that extends beyond logistical and infrastructural improvements to the reformation of the very foundation of correctional practice in Ghana.
To the new officers passing out today, I urged them to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism. Their service must reflect the high standards of the Ghana Prisons Service and uphold the trust and confidence the nation has placed in them.”
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Ghana Automotive Summit 2025
Adnan Adams Mohammed
Hon. Julius Debrah, has emphasized on Ghana’s potential to become a major vehicle export hub in West Africa, referencing successful exports to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Chief of Staff, representing President John Dramani Mahama at the Ghana Automotive Summit 2025, encouraged the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into production lines and promised the government’s commitment to providing practical support and incentives to investors.
Accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Hon. Stan Dogbe, he recalled Ghana’s rich car assembly history from the 1970s and described today’s developments as a renaissance — a rebirth of national industrial ambition. He underscored the importance of local production in creating jobs, restoring dignity, and making brand-new vehicles affordable for ordinary Ghanaians.
“As a government, we are all ears,” he said. “Let’s move this industry forward — together.”
President John Mahama in a discussion with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson
Adnan Adams Mohammed
All things being equal, President John Mahama’s ‘BIG PUSH’ initiative will soon receive a boost as the government prepares to re-enter the international bond market amidst soaring investor confidence.
This comes as Fitch Ratings has upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook, signalling a major vote of confidence in the country’s ongoing economic recovery under the stewardship of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The upgrade reflects significant progress in Ghana’s fiscal and debt management, following the successful restructuring of $13.1 billion in Eurobond debt and the near-completion of outstanding external debt negotiations. Fitch notes that Ghana has normalised relations with most commercial creditors and expects full restructuring to be finalised by the end of 2025. This will usher Ghana back onto the international bond market to access funds for its developmental agenda.
The NDC in its election 2024 manifesto indicated it will roll out the ‘Big Push’ for national infrastructure development to continue its legacy of massive infrastructure development to boost growth and create sustainable jobs.
The “Big Push” is a policy aimed at driving national infrastructure development in Ghana, focusing on completing abandoned projects, revamping the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and expanding water supply systems.
This initiative includes a US$10 billion accelerated plan and specific projects like the Sogakope Trans-Boundary Water System and the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam.
According to the Fitch report, one of the standout achievements is the sharp decline in inflation, which has dropped from 23% in 2024 to 18.4% in May 2025—the lowest rate in over three years. Inflation is expected to continue falling, averaging 15% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, supported by tight monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and improved exchange rate stability.
The Ghana cedi has appreciated significantly in recent months, reversing previous trends and helping to ease price pressures on imported goods and fuel. Fitch credits the cedi’s strong performance to renewed confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic fundamentals and proactive interventions by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has led a bold economic reset since assuming office, with a clear strategy focused on fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and restoring market confidence. Under his leadership:
Ghana’s public debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decline to 60% in 2025, down from 93% in 2022; Gross international reserves are now at $6.8 billion, with more growth expected in 2025 and 2026; The fiscal deficit is narrowing, with a projected primary surplus of 0.5% of GDP in 2025.
Interest payments now consume only 25% of revenue, down from 48% in 2021; Real GDP growth remains solid, at 5.7% in 2024 and projected at 4% in 2025.
In response to the credit upgrade, senior officials at the Ministry of Finance attributed Dr. Forson’s firm policy direction and stakeholder engagement for restoring Ghana’s credibility in global markets.
“This milestone reflects the Finance Minister’s bold leadership in navigating Ghana out of default and laying the foundation for sustainable growth,” one official stated. “Lower inflation, a stronger cedi, and renewed investor interest are all signs that the economy is stabilising.”
The Fitch upgrade is more than a technical rating change—it’s a significant endorsement that will boost Ghana’s appeal to foreign investors, support the reopening of domestic capital markets, increase the country’s access to cheaper credit and ease pressure on public finances.
Dr. Forson, speaking earlier this month, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to staying the course:
“We are building an economy that works for everyone. This upgrade is a signal that Ghana is back on track, and we will not relent in protecting the gains we’ve made.”
Ghana’s path from default in 2022 to a ‘B-’ stable outlook in mid-2025 represents one of the strongest sovereign credit turnarounds in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years. But as Dr. Forson and the Ministry of Finance continue to emphasise, this is not the finish line. With inflation declining, the exchange rate stabilising, and debt falling, the Fitch upgrade is not only a win for the government but a hopeful sign for all Ghanaians looking forward to a more stable and prosperous future.
The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr. Wisdom Kofi Dogbe, is currently in London attending the council meeting and annual general meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Cocoa Commerce, where key discussions surrounding the future of the cocoa industry are taking place.
In addition to this pivotal gathering, the MD is also participating in the board meeting of CMC UK, a vital subsidiary of the company, aimed at enhancing CMC’s international presence and operations.
Seizing the opportunity to further CMC’s mission, the MD has conducted a series of productive visits with the company’s cocoa bean buyers and stakeholders. These engagements are not just about transacting business; they are about deepening relationships and fostering collaboration that transcends the traditional buyer-seller dynamic. “Our goal is to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial and focused on sustainable growth,” the MD stated during one of the meetings. “We want to work together to innovate and enhance the quality and delivery of our cocoa product while prioritizing sustainability.”
At the heart of these discussions is a bold vision to transform CMC into a global force in the cocoa industry. The MD emphasized that this vision aligns with the broader ambitions of Cocobod, Ghana’s leadership, particularly in supporting the President and the finance minister’s mandate to foster economic recovery and growth in the country. “As we strengthen our relationships with international buyers and stakeholders, we contribute to a framework that not only benefits CMC but also reinforces Ghana’s position in the global cocoa market,” the MD remarked.
The highlights of the trade talks included discussions on innovative cocoa processing techniques, quality assurance measures, and the importance of sustainability in the supply chain. The MD reiterated that CMC is committed to promoting ethical sourcing and empowering local partners, which is essential for driving positive change in the sector. “This is not just about selling cocoa; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.”
The meetings also provided a platform to explore opportunities for joint ventures and collaborations that could lead to new product development and market expansion. The MD expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of these engagements, stating, “By working hand in hand with our partners, we can innovate and adapt to the changing demands of the global market, ensuring that CMC remains competitive and relevant.”
As CMC continues to navigate the complexities of the global cocoa landscape, the MD remains steadfast in the commitment to contribute to Ghana’s economic recovery and the legacy of H.E President John Dramani Mahama. “Together, we can build a resilient cocoa sector that not only meets the needs of today’s consumers but also secures a prosperous future for generations to come,” the MD concluded.
With this strategic approach, CMC is poised to make significant strides on the international stage, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cocoa industry and playing a crucial role in the economic development of Ghana. The ongoing engagements in London mark a pivotal moment in CMC’s journey toward achieving its ambitious goals and supporting the nation’s growth trajectory.
Eni Ghana and its OCTP partners, Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd (Vitol) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has started drilling operations in the Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2.
This mark a significant milestone in the further development of Ghana’s upstream energy sector.
The drilling operations around 60 nautical miles off Ghana’s coast, in close proximity to the John Agyekum Kufour FPSO, as part of the broader Sankofa field’s development plan.
The Deep Value Driller (DVD), a state-of-the-art drillship, started activities offshore Ghana following completion of operations in Côte d’Ivoire. Equipped with advanced automated technology, the rig ranks among the most advanced in the world in terms of operational performance and safety.
After a stakeholder engagement with community ahead of drilling
This activity reflects the partners’ ongoing commitment to unlocking additional value from the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block, ensuring long-term production sustainability and contributing to Ghana’s energy security.
Ahead of the campaign, Eni and its OCTP partners, Vitol and GNPC, have carried out comprehensive stakeholder engagement programs along Ghana’s coastline to ensure open communication and promote collaboration with communities. The activity, involving more than 800 fishermen and local leaders, has been conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Petroleum Commission (PC), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Ghana Navy, Fisheries Commission, and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC).
Eni has been present in Ghana since 2009 with offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, with an equity production of about 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company is the operator of the OCTP project with a 44.4% share, in partnership with Vitol (35.6%) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (20%). The joint venture’s portfolio of projects also includes initiatives in the areas of training, economic diversification, access to water and sanitation, and access to energy.
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