Kofi Ahovi

  By Raphael Apetorgbor Ghana’s ambition to be Africa’s trusted investment hub will depend as much on cyber security as on infrastructure or policy reforms. Across the continent, the Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report estimates that more than 3 billion dollars has been lost to Cyber incidents between 2019 and 2025. Sectors most affected include finance, healthcare, energy and government services. In August, Interpol and African investigators recovered nearly 100 million dollars from suspected fraudsters.  While important, this figure is only a fraction of the wider losses, underlining the urgent need for stronger investment in cyber resilience. Ghana’s progress and recognition At the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie (Esq.) reminded stakeholders that every cyber security attack is not just a technical glitch but a threat to capital, markets and long-term...

 The launch of Kusuum Home’s Ghana chapter in East Legon wasn’t just an event; it was a necessary statement. In a world drowning in generic interiors, Kusuum arrived with a simple promise: to make our walls tell our stories. This is about elevating tradition into something essential and modern. The evening of 25 September 2025 began not with a ribbon-cutting, but with a spiritual declaration, a moment of prayer led by Bishop Lorraine Rejoice Laryea that grounded the entire enterprise. It was immediately followed by the uncompromising rhythm of a Kpanlogo drumming troupe. This wasn't background music. It was the brand’s DNA, played loud. The Idea is the Product Founder and Creative Director Muriel Sackey-Quaye articulated the vision that is the only brief that matters: "Tonight is more than just the unveiling of a brand, it is the unveiling of a vision. A vision born out of a simple, yet powerful belief: that our walls can tell our stories.” She wasn't talking about décor....

  In a resounding win for Ghana’s global standing, the United States has officially reversed its visa restrictions on Ghanaian citizens, ushering in a new era of restored trust, expanded access, and diplomatic grace. Effective immediately, Ghanaians are once again eligible for five-year multiple entry visas, along with enhanced consular privileges that affirm mutual respect between the two nations. This landmark breakthrough was personally conveyed to Ghana’s delegation by Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. At the heart of this diplomatic success stands Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, whose tireless negotiations and principled advocacy helped dismantle the barriers imposed earlier this year. His efforts reflect not only strategic brilliance but a deep commitment to restoring Ghana’s dignity on the world stage. Months of high-level engagement ...

 By Hon. Paul Twum-Barimah (Former MP, Dormaa East) The launch of Ghana’s National Energy Compact under the World Bank and the African Development Bank’s Mission 300 at the UN General Assembly is bold and inspiring. The targets universal electricity access by 2025, scaling up renewables, and creating 300,000 jobs are commendable. Every Ghanaian should welcome this ambition. But applause must not replace scrutiny. For such a pledge to succeed, we must demand transparency, accountability, and protection of Ghana’s long-term interests. It is worth noting that Ghana’s energy transition is not starting from scratch. Under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), we developed the National Energy Transition Framework (2022–2070), which is now guiding Ghana’s decarbonisation path. We also crafted the Ghana National Green Jobs Strategy (2021–2025) to ensure that renewable growth translates into sustainable employment. Practical projects were rolled out too. The Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SR...

  GIZ Ghana, through its Digital Transformation for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ghana (DTEG) Project, has partnered with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation to conduct the Ghana Digital Economy Outlook 2025. The study, which is in line with the Government of Ghana’s recognition that digital transformation is a strategic enabler of growth, is committed to leveraging ICT to accelerate inclusive economic progress. Commissioned on 18th October 2024, this national research study is a landmark initiative designed to highlight the state of digital transformation in Ghana, while identifying opportunities for inclusive growth, job creation, and the development of future digital strategies. Specifically, the Outlook will provide critical insights into Ghana’s digital ecosystem, focusing on: Assessing the current state of digital transformation in Ghana. Identifying sectors where digitalisation has significantly impacted the economy. Highlighting high-poten...

  GCB Bank Plc has unveiled a bold, comprehensive sustainability programme that sets a new standard for responsible banking in Ghana. At the heart of the programme are six flagship initiatives: Sheagles Soar, R³ (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle), i-360, Evolve, and EagleTouch. Each is crafted to embed social impact, environmental stewardship, and strong governance across the bank’s operations. Together, they position GCB as a leader in sustainable finance. Launching the programme, Board Chairman Professor Joshua Alabi called it a “blueprint for a sustainable future,” stressing that GCB is forging ahead to lead sustainable banking in Ghana and beyond. As the premier bank, we must lead by example. By putting people and planet first in all our operations, we will secure profit in the truest sense: profit that is inclusive, resilient, and beneficial to all stakeholders,” Prof. Alabi said. Managing Director Farihan Alhassan underscored that sustainability is not an add-on but a cultural shi...

 Digital consumers are expected to enjoy improved picture and sound quality by the second quarter of 2026, as the government moves to clear hurdles delaying Ghana’s full migration from analogue to digital television. A major setback has been the over 82 million cedis in duties on set-top boxes currently locked up in warehouses. The government says resolving these bottlenecks is critical to fast-tracking distribution and completing the switch. Sector minister, Sam Nartey George speaking at the Broadcasting at Crossroads forum organized by the Africa Media Bureau in partnership with Channel One TV and Citi FM expressed optimism that final distribution will soon commence, assuring stakeholders of government’s commitment to achieve a full digital migration despite Ghana missing previous deadlines. “We have not done the digital switch over because of some of the things I inherited—policy wise there was this purchase of set top boxes. The boxes are stack in a warehouse. There are duties ...

  Latest data from the Treasury shows that investor demand for Treasury bills weakened last week as the government fell short of its target by 2.11 billion cedis. Figures from the Bank of Ghana revealed that the Treasury accepted 3.46 billion cedis in bids, against a target of 5.58 billion cedis. This represented a shortfall of 37.5 per cent. The 91-day bill attracted the bulk of demand. The Treasury accepted 2.65 billion cedis, almost the entire 2.66 billion tendered. The 182-day bill followed, with 695 million cedis accepted out of 705 million submitted. Meanwhile, 116 million cedis was cleared on the 364-day note, from the 119 million tendered. Analysts attributed the undersubscription to weak liquidity among commercial banks, following the Bank of Ghana’s open market operation that absorbed nearly ¢19 billion ahead of the auction. They also pointed to persistently low appetite for T-bills. The shortfall pushed yields slightly higher across the curve. The 91-day bill rose 5 basi...

 Prudential Bank has successfully concluded its 3-month Step Challenge, a health initiative aimed at promoting employee health and wellness. The challenge, which included a mandatory health check and a step challenge, encouraged employees to prioritize their physical activity and healthy habits. Prudential Bank culminated its Step Challenge with a vibrant health walk and aerobics session. The event featured an approximately 2-hour walk covering 11 kilometers. The route spanned from the bank's head office on Ring Road Central to Kanda Highway, through the Airport Residential Area, and back via Liberation Road, ending at the head office. The bank declared June as Health Screening Month, marking a strategic shift towards fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes health and wellness. Employees underwent comprehensive medical check-ups, including tests to monitor their health and adopt preventive care practices. Speaking to the media after the health walk, Lilian Antwiwaa Asante, H...

  The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of GH₵1.74 billion in July 2025, the highest monthly revenue the company has ever achieved. This milestone was revealed by Julius Kpekpena, Acting Managing Director of ECG, during a meeting with the Energy Committee of Parliament on Friday September 26. This year, July, we had our highest ever revenue that ECG collected—GH₵1.74 billion. It’s a record and we want to celebrate that,” Kpekpena said, expressing pride in the company’s recent financial performance. Beyond the revenue milestone, ECG is also focusing on improving its internal processes to enhance customer experience. The company has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing delays and frustrations faced by customers when applying for power connections or meters. We want to reduce the frustrations applicants face in getting power supply or in getting meters. We know we have some issues in some of the districts and regions, and...

  Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has confirmed that the Deloitte audit report on Development Bank Ghana (DBG) will be handed over to the Attorney General for possible legal action, in what he described as a decisive step in restoring integrity at the state-backed lender. The move follows consultations with key development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, Germany’s KfW, and the European Investment Bank. These institutions have backed the government’s position that accountability at DBG is  “non-negotiable.” Dr. Forson emphasized that individuals found culpable will face consequences, adding:  “a new dawn is beginning for DBG,”  but stressed that swift reforms are critical to rebuild the Bank’s credibility. Concerns about governance at DBG have persisted since last year, when the World Bank acknowledged it was reviewing allegations of financial mismanagement at the institution. The claims, amplified by Bright Simons of IMANI Africa...

 The World Bank has cautioned that Ghana must resist the temptation of rushing back to the Eurobond market, warning that such a move would be seen by international investors as the “easy way out.” The Bank argues that credibility cannot be rebuilt through fresh borrowing but only through discipline, transparency, and politically difficult reforms. “Importantly, the new administration [Mahama Administration] should also refrain from a hasty return to the Eurobond market, which international investors would interpret as taking the easy way out,”  the report said.  “Instead, the government should focus on strengthening the country’s fiscal and growth fundamentals and on convincing the private sector… that public debt is on a sustainable path.” The Bank stresses that Ghana’s economic recovery depends on strict adherence to the Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy and full transparency of the Annual Borrowing Plan. It adds that the government must use the post-election honeymo...

  A National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed high levels of heavy metals in some selected food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market. The surveillance, carried out across all 16 administrative regions, assessed levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in turmeric, cereal mixes (tom brown), bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and some skin-lightening creams and lotions. The National Summary Report was supported by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and its findings were presented to stakeholders, including market women, regulators, health professionals, researchers, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and development partners. The findings revealed that kohl recorded 77.79 percent contamination rate for lead, with the Upper East and Eastern regions recording a 100 percent contamination rate. Turmeric recorded a 42.09 percent conta...

  A major International Police (INTERPOL) operation across 14 African countries has led to the arrest of 260 suspected scammers, with Ghanaian authorities playing a pivotal role by apprehending 68 individuals and seizing a significant haul of evidence. According to an Interpol statement, the coordinated crackdown, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0, targeted criminal networks exploiting social media and dating platforms to carry out romance scams and sextortion, causing an estimated $2.8 million in losses to 1,463 identified victims globally. During the operation, police identified IP addresses, digital infrastructures, domains and social media profiles linked to members of the scam syndicates. These leads and the subsequent arrests also resulted in the seizure of USB drives, SIM cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures across Africa. The operation, which ran from July 28 to August 11, 2025 and was funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Com...

 The Ministry of Education has launched investigations into allegations circulating on social media that placement into some senior high schools can be influenced through bribery. The probe follows a viral post attributed to Gertrude Adzo Borklo, who claimed that gaining admission into Aburi Girls’ Senior High School costs GH₵15,000. In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, and signed by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry said it views the matter “with the utmost seriousness” and has initiated immediate investigations. According to the Ministry, the allegation appears to feed into a “conspiratorial narrative” aimed at creating the false impression that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) Computerised School Placement System is for sale. The BECE Computerised School Placement System is entirely free of charge. At no point is payment required to access this service,” the statement emphasised. The Ministry revealed that attempts t...

  The World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Robert Taliercio, has advised government to lean more on concessional external financing from institutions such as the International Development Association (IDA) rather than depending heavily on expensive domestic borrowing to finance capital projects. Speaking at the launch of the World Bank’s 2025 Policy Notes: Transforming Ghana in a Generation in Accra on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Taliercio emphasised that concessional IDA loans provide far more favourable terms than domestic Treasury-bill borrowing. He pointed out that short-term domestic financing (T-bills) carried an average interest rate of 27.4 percent between 2023 and 2024, while IDA regular and blend financing attracted interest and service fees between 0.75 percent and 2.0 percent, coupled with extended grace periods. Even with recent declines in average domestic borrowing costs to 11.9 percent in September 2025, new IDA blend terms offer sign...

  President John Dramani Mahama is calling for Africa to have a stronger voice in the world’s multilateral financial institutions. He argues that the global financial architecture is skewed against the continent. President John Dramani Mahama made the remarks while delivering Ghana’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly. We demand not only a reform of the Security Council, but also a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions,” he declared. President John Dramani Mahama has also been touting Ghana’s economic turnaround under his administration. He said his government has strengthened the cedi, reduced inflation to 11.5%, and maintained price stability within eight months of assuming office. In just eight months, we have achieved a significant reduction in inflation, from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025, restoring price stability ...

  In a significant move to strengthen trade between, Ghana and the United Kingdom, Sampson Ahi, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Trade Agribusiness & Industry, met with John Humphrey, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa. The bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the UK Ghana Investment forum held in Accra, aimed at discussing key issues and opportunities for cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, Sampson Ahi outlined Ghana’s priority areas that require UK support and assistance. One of the main concerns was import restrictions, which Ghana hopes to address through strengthened trade relations with the UK. We cherish our partnership with the UK and believe that with the right support, we can take our trade relations to the next level,” Sampson Ahi said. A major highlight of the meeting was the review of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act. This review is expected to open up market access and facilitate trade between Ghana and the UK. According to ...

  MobileMoney Limited, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, is set to thrill customers in Kumasi as the MoMo Festival (MoMoFest) makes its stop at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow with an electrifying Rapperholic Concert headlined by award-winning rapper Sarkodie. The MoMo Festival, which has been running in different parts of the country, is designed to deepen financial inclusion, raise awareness about MoMo fraud prevention, and showcase how mobile money can make everyday transactions easier and more rewarding. Alfred Hammond, SeniorManager, Fintech Marketing, MobileMoney LTD explained that MoMoFest is more than just an entertainment event. He said MoMoFest is a movement to make financial services accessible, relatable, and rewarding for all, while educating the public on how to stay safe from fraudsters. Tomorrow’s event features a Cashless Market and Fair where over 50 vendors will offer goods and services to patrons who can conveniently pay with MoMo. There will also be fun activiti...

  The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced that achieving a net-zero energy transition by 2070 will require investments of more than $500 billion. To mobilise the needed funds, the Ministry plans to introduce tax incentives for renewable energy projects and streamline regulations to attract greater private sector investment. Speaking at the West Africa Green Economy Roundtable 2025 organised by Pent Media Centre in partnership with African Consolidated Analytical Limited Chief Director of the Ministry, Solomon Adjetey, reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a resilient energy transition framework. “Net zero means that whatever emissions you generate must be reduced or eliminated through matching measures. Our programme targets 2070, but we are working to reach that goal even earlier. As outlined in our transition document, the estimated cost for Ghana to achieve net zero is over $500 billion,” he said. Chairman of the Prisons Service Council, Apostle Alexan...

  Ghana has taken another bold step in its economic recovery and resetting journey with the signing of a Bilateral Debt Restructuring Agreement with the United Kingdom, covering some US$256 million. The agreement, signed in Accra by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and Trade Commissioner for Africa, Mr. John Humphrey, is the third bilateral agreement concluded by Ghana under the G20 Common Framework, following similar deals with France and the Export-Import Bank of China. Beyond restructuring, the deal unlocks the reinstatement of financing by UK Export Finance (UKEF) for five transformative infrastructure projects: •Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulimakom Road Project •Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) •Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange and Ancillary Works Project Phase II •Construction of Phase 1 of the Tema–Aflao Road Project •Redevelopment and Modernisation of Kumasi Central Market Dr. Forson described the signing as both a relief and a call to action, n...

  The Ghanaian cedi is experiencing fluctuations against major international currencies. Here's a breakdown of the current exchange rates Forex Bureaus: - USD/GHS: Buy ₵13.20, Sell ₵13.60 - GBP/GHS: Buy ₵18.20, Sell ₵18.60 - EUR/GHS: Buy ₵15.60, Sell ₵16.00 Banks: - USD/GHS: Buy ₵12.40, Sell ₵12.68 - GBP/GHS: Buy ₵16.80, Sell ₵17.17 - EUR/GHS: Buy ₵14.60, Sell ₵14.99 Bank of Ghana: - USD/GHS: ₵12.31 - GBP/GHS: ₵16.64 - EUR/GHS: ₵14.51 REALITY CHECK Expect the cedi to end September weaker than it began, trading in the upper bands of ₵13.50/USD, ₵19.20/GBP, and ₵16.80/EUR in the open market. Short-term volatility will persist, but policy credibility and targeted inflows remain the strongest anchors for stability. The Big Reset Lens Markets thrive on trust, liquidity, and transparency. Ghana’s forex market must evolve beyond firefighting to a system where: - Bureau rates converge closer to bank benchmarks - Market psychology is guided by credible policy signals - The cedi becomes a sy...

  The government has directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains from farmers across the country for storage, following projections of a bumper harvest in 2025. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) said the decision is aimed at addressing a possible glut on the market, given the expected high yields this season coupled with unsold carry-over stocks from the 2024 harvest. According to the Ministry, this is the first time since the establishment of NAFCO that such significant resources have been made available to enable large-scale grain purchases for storage. Officials explained that the move will help minimise post-harvest losses while guaranteeing the availability of strategic food reserves to safeguard the country against future shortages and emergencies. MoFA further urged farmers to remain calm and assured them that NAFCO will be active in the market to buy their produce, ensuring a ready market and stabilizing prices. The general p...

  Four out of six members of the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee voted in favour of cutting the policy rate by 350 basis points to 21.5 percent at the 126th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings held from September 15-17 2025. This was contained in the minutes of the Committee’s recent meeting. The members based their decision on signs of an improving economy, a more stable outlook and continued easing in inflation. However, the Committee also highlighted risks ahead. In particular, they cautioned that upcoming utility tariff hikes could exert fresh pressure on inflation which will potentially slow down the disinflation process. Also, the Committee revised the single currency Net Open Position of banks from ± 5 percent to between 0 and –10 percent, effective October 1, 2025. The monetary policy rate remains the benchmark for lending and influences the cost of credit for businesses and households. Here is the policy decision submissions by MPC members: MEMBER 1 The glob...