Kofi Ahovi

 MTN Ghana is observing this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Children.” The campaign is taking place in various parts of the country. During the launch event with over 100 students from the Police Depot Cluster of Schools at Tesano, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, MTN Ghana's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, emphasized that this year's campaign aims to protect everyone, especially women and children, from digital violence. She mentioned that MTN is working closely with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Cyber Security Authority to raise awareness about the risks and impact of harmful online behaviors. “We are already familiar with physical forms of gender-based violence. However, as more of our life is spent online, so has abuse also moved to the digital space, showing up as cyberbullying, harassment, and other harmful online actions, most of which d...

A  Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice President of MTN Group, called for stronger alliances between academia, government and industry to foster a generation of African innovators prepared to shape the continent’s technological future. He made this address at the 2025 graduation ceremony of Accra Technical University (ATU), themed “Emerging Technologies: How Prepared is the ATU Graduate?” During his speech, Asante urged young African graduates to take the initiative in shaping the continent’s technological destiny by becoming creators and innovators rather than mere consumers of digital technology. He stated, "The curious, tech-savvy graduate of the 21st century will not only use technology but will also shape it with foresight and a sense of shared human purpose." Referring to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 2023 Report, Asante noted that Africa's share of global technology patent filings has decreased from 4.4% a decade ago to 3.2% in 2023, despite the cont...

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) are at odds over the Ghana Water Company Limited's (GWCL) admission that a 24/7 water supply remains unattainable, even with the new tariff structure. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has made it clear that while it will strive to maintain water flow across the country, Ghanaians should not expect a continuous supply of water under the newly approved 15.92% tariff. This increase, sanctioned by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), is deemed insufficient to support the necessary investments for uninterrupted water service. In a recent appearance on PM Express, GWCL's Communications Manager, Stanley Martey, expressed concerns about the sustainability of operations with the current tariff. He stated, “The new tariff is far too little to sustain the level of investment required to guarantee uninterrupted water.” Martey pointed out that even the PURC acknowledges the inadequacy of this increment, wh...

  The German Development Cooperation, in partnership with Ghana's Ministry of Finance, has concluded the Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) Programme, achieving significant milestones in promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. Launched in 2023, the PFS Programme aimed to expand access to finance, promote green and sustainable business models, and improve employment opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Over three years, the programme has reached over 6,000 MSMEs, contributing to the creation of 500+ jobs. It has developed 25 financial products with 15 financial institutions, benefiting 2,400 MSMEs, with 74% of these being women-led businesses. "We developed financial products together with financial institutions. We reached about 6,000 micro small medium enterprises with our intervention, and created more than 550 jobs," said Dr. Christian Jahn, Head of the PFS programme. He also noted that the programme ha...

  The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has issued a stern warning to the Ghanaian government, urging an immediate halt to the ratification of the Revised Lithium Agreement with Barari, currently before Parliament. The IEA's stance is clear: the agreement, in its present form, is a dangerous echo of past failures, potentially jeopardizing Ghana's future prosperity. The IEA warns that this agreement mirrors the exploitative models seen in Ghana's gold and oil sectors, failing to align with international frameworks that Ghana has committed to. Drawing lessons from nations like Norway, Chile, and Botswana, the IEA underscores the importance of resource sovereignty. The IEA emphasizes that the current agreement violates the spirit and intent of key international agreements, including the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1803 (1962), the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3281 (1974)...

  President John Dramani Mahama is actively urging international vaccine manufacturers to collaborate with the Ghanaian government in establishing a Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Hub. This strategic initiative aims to enhance health security not only for Ghana but for the entire African continent. During his address at the WHX Leaders Conference, Mr. Mahama highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly Africa's heavy reliance on imported vaccines. He stated, “We cannot continue to depend entirely on imports for vaccines that determine our survival. We are calling on manufacturers and investors to collaborate with government to make this hub a reality.” The proposed hub is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s capacity to produce vaccines locally, thereby strengthening the region's preparedness for future health emergencies. Mr. Mahama emphasized that Ghana's existing pharmaceutical capabilities, combined with its strategic location in West A...

  Ghana’s housing sector, grappling with an estimated two million-unit deficit, is poised for a significant boost as the State Housing Company Limited (SHC) and Republic Bank have signed a new mortgage partnership. This initiative aims to alleviate long-standing affordability challenges and enhance access to home financing for Ghanaians. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in Accra, is expected to broaden mortgage accessibility across various income brackets, tackling one of the most persistent bottlenecks in the country’s real estate market. Despite a strong demand for housing, many potential homeowners find themselves locked out of the formal housing system due to limited access to mortgage financing. According to the World Bank, Ghana requires between 70,000 and 133,000 new housing units each year. However, only about a third of this demand is currently met, with much of the available supply skewed towards high-end properties that are often unaffordable for middle- and...

 Ghana is losing a significant financial loss due to illicit financial flows, with an estimated $1.4 billion lost annually, according to Dr. Gloria Afful-Mensah, an economist. Speaking at a tax dialogue organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in Accra, Dr. Afful-Mensah emphasized the need for decisive action to tackle illicit financial flows especially in the extractive sector We all have a responsibility as individuals, CSOs, media, and academia to address this issue," Dr. Afful-Mensah said. She noted that Ghana's institutions are good, but questioned whether they are strong enough to effectively deal with illicit financial flows. The economist also expressed disappointment that the new tax reforms do not explicitly consider gender, despite the potential impact on women-owned businesses. "We want to see a more inclusive VAT system," she said. Illicit financial flows are a major challenge for Ghana, with the country losing an estimated $1.4 billion a...

  By Samuel Dowuona The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Dzata George, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, granted an exclusive interview to TV3 about his ten months of stewardship. The interview touched on a number of industry issues such as network quality of services, the DSTV saga, the upcoming SIM registration, the 15 new industry legislations in the pipeline and also the sensitive issue of what government intends to do with the embattled AT Ghana. Conspicuously missing in that interview though, were two of the hottest industry issues since Sam George became minister - the AT Ghana-Telecel "merger or absorption", and the end of year deadline for the rollout of 5G in Ghana. One cannot confirm whether the interview was intentionally designed to avoid those two sensitive topics, or it was just the interviewer who forgot to ask about those. Interestingly, the interviewer, Rowland Walker, delved a bit into the AT Ghana issue, but stopped shor...

  By Efo Small Every year, Ghana honours its farmers with speeches, parades, and awards. But beneath the ceremony lies an uncomfortable truth: we are celebrating agriculture while destroying the very foundations that make agriculture possible. This year, National Farmers’ Day should feel less like a celebration and more like a national alarm. A Nation Killing Its Own Agricultural Future Galamsey has devastated Ghana’s environment at a scale that threatens our very survival: About 65% of our rivers are polluted, silted, or dying. Toxic mercury and cyanide have infiltrated water bodies and farmlands. Food crops grown in galamsey zones now show dangerous heavy metal contamination , raising silent but deadly public health concerns. How do we celebrate farmers when the land they cultivate and the water they depend on are being poisoned beyond recognition? We cannot pretend agriculture is flourishing when the pillars that sustain it - water, soil, and forests - are collapsing. Leadership...

  By Nana Kofi Barfour | nbobonsu@gmail.com Imagine a humid Monday morning in Accra, a young man called Joseph stands at the middle of UTC, Accra-Central with a broom in hand probably taller than himself. Joseph has been unemployed for more than two years and now, under the Accra Metro Assembly’s (AMA) GH¢100-a-day street sweeping initiative, he finally can depend on an income. Well, its good money, but the question is: how long will it last? This uncertainty reflects a deeper national dilemma, one that Ghana naively refuses to confront. A few months before this AMA initiative was made public, the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) quietly proposed a 300 per cent increase in its Sanitation Module Beneficiary allowances up to a figure over GH¢750 from the initial GH¢258. This move came after YEA’s suspension of its contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, claiming dissatisfaction with the allowance structure for the beneficiaries. This proposal, while ostensibly a relief for workers, ina...

  Daniel Jeddman, a Ghanaian gospel artist based in Germany, recently received a major endorsement from German music legend Heino during one of Andreas Ellermann's shows on Hamburg-1. Heino gave Jeddman a heartfelt "two thumbs up," which has sent shockwaves of excitement among fans and observers alike. This gesture is seen as a significant vote of confidence from one of Germany's most iconic voices, potentially elevating Jeddman's reputation across European audiences and the diaspora Fans have been raving about the endorsement online, calling it a major boost for Jeddman's international gospel career. The support from Heino could lead to more cross-genre collaborations and increased exposure for Jeddman within German and European gospel and Christian music communities. With his unique blend of gospel and inspirational music, Jeddman has already made a name for himself in Ghana and beyond, and this endorsement could be the catalyst for even greater success. Dan...

  Ghanaian-born, Germany-based gospel minister Daniel Jeddman has achieved a major milestone after winning the prestigious Male Artiste of the Year – Europe title at this year’s Contemporary Gospel Music Awards (Ghana). The recognition celebrates his consistent impact in spreading gospel music across Europe and uplifting audiences through his unique sound and deep spiritual message. Jeddman, widely admired for his vocal strength and inspirational songwriting, has steadily built an international presence. His music, branding, and ministry connect with both African and European audiences, making him one of the most influential Ghanaian gospel voices abroad. Industry observers say this award marks a new chapter for the singer, opening opportunities for bigger platforms, continental collaborations, and international tours. Supporters and fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, describing the win as “well deserved” and “long overdue.” Daniel Jeddman continues to rai...

 Dr. Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Ltd's Tarkwa Mine, has made history as the first woman to receive the prestigious Mining Personality of the Year award at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA). The ceremony, held in Accra, recognized Dr. Kuupol Kuutor's trailblazing leadership and contributions to Ghana's mining sector. She has broken barriers, demonstrating transformative leadership and excellence in safety, innovation, and responsible mining. Dr. Kuupol Kuutor was appointed Tarkwa Mine Manager in May 2024, becoming the first woman to lead a major mine in Ghana. Prior to this, she served as Gold Fields' first female Metallurgical Manager, overseeing metallurgical operations at both the Tarkwa and Damang mines. A champion for women in mining, Dr. Kuupol Kuutor sponsors academic prizes at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and is active in professional bodies promoting women's empowerment in the industry. She holds a PhD in...

  Investor confidence in Ghana's short-term debt market is on the rise, with the latest treasury bill auction recording a 38.14% oversubscription. The Bank of Ghana's data shows that investors submitted GH¢8.01 billion in bids, far exceeding the government's target of GH¢5.80 billion. The Treasury accepted GH¢6.95 billion, indicating strong demand for risk-free government securities. The 91-day bill led the pack, attracting GH¢4.90 billion in tenders, followed by the 182-day bill with GH¢2.09 billion and the 364-day bill with GH¢1.01 billion. The yield curve showed mixed movements, with the 91-day bill edging up to 11.08% and the 182-day bill climbing to 12.55%. The 364-day bill saw its yield moderate to 12.70%. The Treasury is targeting GH¢6.94 billion in its next auction, with momentum still strong. This oversubscription demonstrates investors' continued appetite for Ghana's short-term debt instruments.

  The Bank of Ghana says is undertaking a strategic rebalancing of its total foreign reserves, which includes a partial divestment of its gold holdings. The initiative forms part of the Bank’s broader strategic asset allocation framework, aimed at aligning the composition of reserves with long-term objectives as captured in the Bank’s Monetary Policy FAQs. By adjusting its exposure, the Bank seeks to reduce vulnerability to gold price volatility, thereby minimising the need for active hedging within its defined risk parameters. While the Bank maintains an informed view of global gold price trends, it stresses that its approach is not speculative. Instead, the move is a disciplined and prudent risk management strategy, ensuring that decisions on reserve composition are guided by long-term stability and financial resilience rather than short-term market fluctuations. The rebalancing could improve Ghana’s external reserve management efficiency while maintaining confidence in the count...

  The International Telecommunication Union’s World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a resounding call for nations to accelerate universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable digital growth. The high-level gathering, attended by government delegations, policy leaders, and technology experts from across the world, underscored that access to reliable digital infrastructure is now a prerequisite for economic competitiveness, social participation, and national development. Centered on the theme “Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future,” the conference highlighted widening digital inequalities and urged countries, particularly in emerging markets, to adopt bold strategies that lower broadband costs, expand network coverage, and strengthen the resilience of critical communications systems. Stakeholders stressed that connectivity ...

  Ghana was in a full-blown economic crisis when it sought an IMF bailout in July 2022. It was a combination of pre-existing vulnerabilities and global shocks. It was also a combination of elevated fiscal deficits and mounting public debt brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war. The country by end-2022 was dealing with a 45% depreciation of the cedi against the dollar and inflation rising to a record 54% in December of that year. Ghana had no option than to confront the reality of a crisis that demanded decisive and coordinated reform. The Bank of Ghana took bold measures to re-anchor monetary discipline. It tightened monetary policy and halted financing of the fiscal deficit which made inflation retreat to 23% two years after among other fiscal-side policies. Fast forward to 2025, the current inflation trajectory is one of the most dramatic disinflation periods in the country’s recent history outperforming the government’s own 11.9% end-year projection. Context ...

  Developing countries are closing 2025 under intense financial strain, having paid $741 billion more in external debt service between 2022 and 2024 than they received in new financing — a reversal that is deepening economic vulnerability and eroding fiscal space across emerging markets. The scale of the shortfall is detailed in the World Bank’s latest International Debt Report, released in December, which warns that low- and middle-income economies are now facing their most severe financing pressures in decades as rising interest costs and shrinking access to credit tighten conditions. The report highlights mounting fiscal distress, with interest payments alone soaring to $415 billion, diverting resources away from health, education, infrastructure, and other essential services. External debt stocks reached a record $8.9 trillion, including $1.2 trillion owed by 78 low-income countries eligible for IDA support. Although global interest rates peaked in 2024 and international bond m...

  Stakeholders in Ghana’s Shipping, Trade, and Logistics sectors have unanimously called for the expansion of the Disinfection Health Service operated by the Ghana Health Service through its Crisis Management partner, LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited. This call was made during a stakeholder meeting on the Ghana Health Service’s Disinfection Health Service held in Accra on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Representatives from key industry associations including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana (EFFAG), Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) commended the effectiveness of LCB Worldwide’s operations...