Kofi Ahovi

  The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has commended the Government of Ghana and President John Dramani Mahama for spearheading the successful passage of a historic United Nations resolution on reparative justice for slavery. In a press statement issued on March 31, 2026, ISODEC described the resolution—which declares the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity”—as a major milestone in the global pursuit of justice for people of African descent. The organisation noted that the resolution formally recognises the transatlantic slave trade, which led to the forced displacement of more than 12 million Africans, as a systemic crime with enduring consequences, rather than a distant historical tragedy. This historic resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade ‘the gravest crime against humanity’ is a major win not only for people of Africa and African descent but also for all those who strive for justice in the world,” the statement said. It ...

  Government has announced an Initial Pricing Guidance (IPG) range of 12% to 12.5% for its 7-year cedi-denominated bond. This signals that, depending on the outcome of the auction, the Finance Ministry could settle within this range as the interest payable to investors. The guidance was contained in the latest market update on the bond issuance. Some market analysts say the range reflects improving economic conditions. They note that the current 7-year bond on the secondary market trades around 13% to 14%, making the new guidance an improvement and a sign of stronger macroeconomic fundamentals. According to the update, the book-build process is now open and will close in the afternoon of Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Further updates on the book, including timing and any revisions to the pricing guidance based on demand, will be communicated to the market as necessary. Investors are also watching closely to see how much government aims to raise from the market. Background On March 30, t...

The Government of Ghana has unveiled an ambitious airport infrastructure modernisation programme aimed at positioning the country as West Africa’s leading aviation hub, with funding anchored on a newly approved passenger-based levy. The initiative, introduced in the 2026 national budget under the administration of John Dramani Mahama , forms part of a broader economic reset agenda focused on enhancing transport connectivity and logistics efficiency to boost trade, tourism, and investment. In a directive issued by the Ministry of Transport Ghana to the Board of Airline Representatives Ghana , authorities announced that the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) will take effect from April 1, 2026. The levy will apply to all tickets issued from that date for both domestic and international travel, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, and on-duty airline crew. The AIDC is expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next decade to finance critical aviation infras...

  The Ghana Chamber of Mines has commended the Government of Ghana and Atlantic Lithium Limited following the successful ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s position in the global minerals market. The Chamber said the Ewoyaa Lithium Project represents a significant boost to Ghana’s mining portfolio, positioning the country as an emerging player in the global energy transition through the supply of critical minerals. According to the Chamber, the milestone reflects strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, aligning the project with Ghana’s broader economic and industrial development agenda. The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, while stimulating economic activity in host communities. It will also contribute to national revenue, infrastructure development, and skills transfer, helping to ensure long-term shared benefits for c...

Ghana's football authorities are on the hunt for a new coach after sacking Otto Addo, just 70 days before the World Cup kicks off. Addo's departure follows back-to-back defeats to Austria (5-1) and Germany (2-1). Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah is an early favorite to take over as interim coach, despite currently leading Sudan's national team. Other potential candidates include Hervé Renard, Tom Saintfiet, and Winfried Schäfer, with Appiah's familiarity with Ghanaian football making him a strong contender. The Ghana Football Association has thanked Addo for his contributions and promised to announce a new technical direction soon. Ghana's upcoming friendlies against Wales and Mexico will be crucial in shaping their World Cup preparations.   More soon.

  The government is preparing to introduce a new Loans Act aimed at tightening controls on public borrowing and ensuring that all debt contracted delivers measurable value to the economy. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the policy direction following the signing of Ghana’s 11th bilateral debt restructuring agreement with EXIM India, describing the move as part of a broader reset of the country’s debt management strategy. According to the Minister, the proposed legislation will strictly define the permissible uses of borrowed funds, with a clear requirement that every loan be linked to high-impact, value-for-money investments. he law is expected to eliminate non-essential borrowing and strengthen fiscal discipline across government financing decisions. The initiative forms part of efforts to consolidate gains from Ghana’s ongoing debt restructuring programme and restore long-term sustainability. Authorities say the country is steadily transitioning toward a low ris...

  The decision by the United States to join Israel and Argentina in formal opposition to a landmark United Nations resolution on slavery has sparked a rigorous debate over the intersection of historical accountability and modern international law. While the measure passed with broad support, the  American defence  reveals a deep-seated resistance to shifting the legal definitions of "justice" for centuries-old wrongs. This tension highlights a growing divide between the moral imperatives of the Global South and the rigid legal frameworks maintained by Western powers. The Ghana-led resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity passed the United Nations General Assembly on March 25, 2026. Despite receiving 123 votes in favour, the measure faced a sharp rebuke from a small coalition of dissenting nations. The United States joined Israel and Argentina in voting against the proposal. The vote followed a high-profile push by President ...

  Mining giant Asanko Gold Ghana has signed a four-year contract worth 400 million dollars with Rabotec, signalling confidence in the growth of Ghana’s mining industry and the creation of new employment opportunities. The agreement, unveiled at a ceremony in Accra, is expected to generate approximately 3,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect positions, while also promoting skills development and supporting host communities. Beyond the Numbers Speaking at the contract signing on March 30, Managing Director Dr Charles Amoah emphasised the strategic nature of the partnership. Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has entered into a 400-million-dollar contract with Rabotech. This builds on a long-standing relationship and reflects the next phase of our work together. It also allows Rabotech's strong performance over the first two years of the existing contract, giving us confidence in their capability to take on this next phase,” he said. He emphasised that the contract was about more than finances. ...

  Ecobank Ghana has announced the appointment of former Managing Director of Stanbic Bank and President of the Ghana Association of Banks, Chief Alhassan Andani, as its new Board Chairman, effective Thursday, 26th March 2026. According to a notice by Ecobank sighted by Joy Business, his appointment marks a significant milestone for the Bank as it continues to strengthen governance, deepen resilience and consolidate its leadership in Ghana's financial sector. Ecobank on Chief Andani’s Expertise Ecobank, in the notice,e stated that Chief Andani is one of Ghana's most respected and accomplished banking and finance professionals, bringing to Ecobank an exceptional track record of over 36 years of industry experience across corporate investment banking, financial management, strategic leadership, and governance. He has held several influential executive and governance roles within the banking industry, earning recognition as one of the country's most impactful and trusted leader...

 Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has reported a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, posting a 36.1% year-on-year growth in total revenue, as the company continues to solidify its position as a key driver for Ghana’s digital and economic transformation. MTN Ghana also recorded a 43.5% increase in EBITDA, with margins improving from 57.1% to 60.1%, while profit after tax surged by 55.9%. Speaking to shareholders at the eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, credited the organisation’s strong growth to heightened customer engagement and strategic expansion in core business areas, including data, mobile money, digital and voice services. He emphasized that MTN’s performance is a testament to the dedication of management, staff, partners and a favourable macroeconomic environment. Dr. Yamson said, “MTN Ghana’s impressive results were reinforced by a notable recov...

  MTN Group posted excellent operational and financial results for 2025, delivering significantly on our  Ambition 2025  strategy and transitioning to  Ambition 2030  priorities to capture value from the attractive structural growth opportunities brought about by accelerated data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa. We reported very strong commercial outcomes led by MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana; a resilient performance from MTN South Africa; robust free cash flow; improved return generation; and a 45% jump in the dividend. We also unveiled an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework, including a R6 billion share buyback programme, and re-affirmed our medium-term guidance, updating our return and leverage metrics. The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025  strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone in line with our priority to deepen digital and financial in...

 It was a scene of warmth, elegance, and utmost honesty at Prudential Bank Limited’s Head Office as the Bank’s female staff gathered to mark International Women’s Day (IWD). Far from a stiff corporate ritual, the event was set up as a serene "girls' tea session," complete with a beautifully arranged space, all purple showing in dress and decor, a hearty breakfast, and lunch. However, the real nourishment came from the conversation, as three formidable women took the stage in a panel discussion to dissect the perennial struggles of "Work-Life Balance and Office Romance" in the high-pressure world of banking. Head of Human Resources, Lilian Antwiwaa Asante; Unit Head for Branch & Channel Monitoring, Nancy Evelyn Korkor Oheneba-Dornyo; and Branch Manager at the Ring Road Central Branch Elsie Kumordzi took turns to share thoughts and personal experiences on the topic. The central theme of the morning was quickly established: "balance" might be a myth. ...

  Ghana is confronting fresh economic pressure following Burkina Faso’s indefinite suspension of fresh tomato exports—a move that threatens a vital supply chain and highlights the country’s heavy reliance on imports. The issue came into focus during bilateral talks between the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and the Burkinabè Ambassador on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. At the heart of the discussions was the export ban, which the Minister described as a major concern for Ghana’s economy. The country sources an estimated 70 to 80 percent of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, with the trade valued at roughly $400 million each year. The suspension is expected to disrupt food supply and drive up prices, placing additional strain on households and businesses. Tomatoes, a staple in many Ghanaian diets, play a crucial role across the food value chain—from local markets to agro-processing industries. A shortage could therefore fue...

  The government has recorded a second consecutive shortfall in its treasury bills (T-bills) auction, as rising interest rates and shifting investor sentiment continue to weigh on demand. Latest auction results from the Bank of Ghana show that the government missed its target of GH¢4.93 billion by about GH¢1.0 billion, attracting total bids of approximately GH¢3.93 billion—representing a 20.14% undersubscription. Of the bids received, GH¢3.23 billion was accepted. Investor appetite remained strongest for the 91-day bill, which accounted for about 64.7% of total bids. A total of GH¢2.55 billion was tendered for the instrument, with GH¢2.21 billion accepted. The 182-day bill recorded GH¢762.97 million in bids, of which GH¢661 million was taken up. Meanwhile, the 364-day bill saw relatively weaker demand, with GH¢625.12 million tendered and only GH¢359.17 million accepted. Despite the subdued demand, interest rates continued to rise across all tenors. The yield on the 91-day bill edge...

  The government is set to raise GH¢15.231 billion through treasury bills and bonds between March and June 2026 as part of efforts to finance its budget and refinance maturing debts. The planned borrowing will primarily be conducted through short-term treasury bills—specifically the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day instruments—issued weekly via primary auctions. Settlements for these transactions will occur one working day after the auction. In addition, the government will introduce medium- to long-term bonds once restrictions linked to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) are lifted. These bond transactions will settle two working days after issuance. According to the Bank of Ghana, the strategy aims to establish benchmark bonds that will help deepen the domestic capital market and guide investor decision-making. The issuance calendar for the period is expected to provide clarity and predictability for market participants. The move also forms part of a broader effort to streng...

Residents of Agyanwiam and Sokolo in the Tain District, and Canada and Aprakukrom in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region , are now benefiting from improved access to safe drinking water following the installation of mechanised boreholes in the communities. The intervention is expected to significantly enhance the supply of potable water, improve hygiene practices, and help prevent outbreaks of waterborne and skin-related diseases that have long affected residents. For many years, the communities depended largely on streams and other unsafe water sources for their domestic needs. This exposed residents, particularly women and children, to waterborne infections and skin-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), while forcing them to travel long distances in search of water. The provision of the mechanised boreholes is therefore expected to ease the burden of water scarcity and promote healthier living conditions in the beneficiary communities. The project, which invo...

The Ghana Institute of Architects has raised alarm over a critical shortage of architects in the country, warning that the situation poses serious risks to public safety and construction standards. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, March 30, the Institute’s President, Tony Asare, revealed that Ghana has only about 10 approved architects serving all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs). He described the situation as a major systemic gap that leaves many construction projects without proper professional oversight, increasing the likelihood of structural failures. We have 261 assemblies, and there are only ten architects. I am not sure they have more than twelve or twenty,” he said. His comments come in the wake of the recent building collapse at Accra New Town, which resulted in fatalities and multiple injuries. According to Asare, the lack of qualified architects within local assemblies often leads to weak supervision of building projec...

  The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has taken custody of 37 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis, following a successful maritime operation by the Ghana Navy’s Special Boat Squadron. The interception took place on Friday, March 27, at Goi, near Ada in the Greater Accra Region, as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking along Ghana’s coast. Preliminary checks by NACOC suggest each sack contains about 70 parcels of the suspected substance, indicating a large quantity likely meant for distribution. The team also recovered items believed to have been used in the operation, including an outboard motor, two gallons of premix fuel, and five empty containers. The seized canoe and all items have been handed over to NACOC for further investigation and possible prosecution. NACOC says it has begun investigations to identify and arrest those behind the smuggling attempt, as surveillance and enforcement activities in the area are stepped up.

  An NHS healthcare assistant has been awarded £1,425 in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was subjected to harassment by a colleague who repeatedly called her 'auntie'. Ilda Esteves, 61, informed her NHS colleague, Charles Oppong, that she found his constant use of the term offensive, a tribunal heard. Oppong, a nurse, defended his actions by saying ‘auntie’ was a term of respect for older women in Ghanaian culture. He also told Esteves that she would be a "good match for the older staff member". Esteves successfully brought a claim against the NHS for harassment based on her age and sex. Esteves began working as a healthcare assistant at the West London NHS Trust, specialising in Women’s Forensic Services, in September 2022. She testified that Oppong, based at St Bernard's Hospital in London, had called her 'auntie' on multiple occasions, despite her requests for him to use her name. She also highlighted two instances where he commented...

  Stakeholders at the National Forum on “Media and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana” have called for stronger collaboration between the media and state institutions to effectively combat corruption in the country. The forum, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa in Accra , brought together representatives from government, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, academia, and development partners to deliberate on strengthening accountability systems. Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah , underscored the critical role of a vibrant and independent media in tackling corruption, warning that the menace remains deeply entrenched in Ghana. He noted that the country’s performance on global corruption indices reflects stagnation, with scores consistently below 50 percent. Initiatives like ORAL give some semblance of hope that we’re taking efforts against corruption seriously. These efforts can only succeed if they are supported by ...

  Ghana has averted a potential power disruption after  Karpowership  suspended plans to shut down its operations in May, following successful negotiations with government over a $400 million debt. The agreement secures the continued supply of about 450 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, easing immediate concerns over power stability. Energy and Green Transition Minister,  John Abdulai Jinapor has  confirmed that both parties have agreed on a structured repayment roadmap, leading to the withdrawal of an earlier shutdown notice. He said, government is managing Ghana’s broader energy sector debt crisis, which continues to weigh heavily on the country’s fiscal position and power supply chain. According to the Minister, the debt forms part of legacy obligations that have complicated ongoing reforms in the sector. He noted that government engagement with Karpowership reflects a broader strategy of active liability management and stakeholder negotiations t...

  A symbolic cross made from recycled waste in  Agbogbloshie  has returned to Ghana ahead of a public procession, after being blessed by  Pope Leo XIV  at the Vatican. The piece, created by scrap dealer and artisan  Iddrisu Salifu —a Muslim based in Agbogbloshie—is set to take centre stage during a procession scheduled for March 28, 2026, in  Accra . The event is expected to highlight themes of faith, transformation, and environmental consciousness. Constructed from discarded electronic waste, particularly mobile phones, the cross combines materials salvaged from one of the country’s most well-known scrap hubs. Its brass component was entirely produced by Salifu using recycled materials sourced locally. That element was later sent to  Missio Aachen in Germany, where it formed part of a broader artistic collaboration. A German artist, Barbara Vosso, subsequently added new elements, completing the structure with glass that encases fragments of mobi...

  Russia has expressed readiness to support African countries in calculating the total amount of reparations that Western nations could pay for crimes committed during the colonial period. The position was outlined on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, by  Irina Abramova , Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, during a press conference on the theme  “The Responsibility of Western Metropolises for the Consequences of Colonisation: History and Modernity,”  according to the African Initiative media agency. Her remarks come in the wake of growing global momentum for reparatory justice, following the backing of 123 nations for a motion at the United Nations to recognise the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime ever committed against humanity. The motion was tabled at the UN General Assembly by  John Dramani Mahama . Madam Abramova explained that Russia intends to collaborate with African experts to build a strong, eviden...

  The Blueprint DNA Organisation has reported a growing demand for paternity testing in Ghana, as more individuals turn to scientific methods to confirm biological relationships. The findings are contained in a new report titled “Understanding Paternity Testing in Ghana: Findings from a Nationwide Laboratory Dataset,” presented at a stakeholder and media briefing at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Speaking at the event, the Medical Director of Blueprint DNA, Dr. Abeiku Ghansah, said the report is based on anonymized laboratory data and reflects trends among individuals who actively sought testing due to uncertainty about biological relationships. “This partnership will simplify insurance processes, reduce cost barriers, and make protection more convenient for our customers,” he said. He noted that four in ten paternity tests conducted in 2025 — about 42.3 percent — excluded the tested man as the biological father. The report furth...

 On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 123 countries voted in favour of the slavery reparations motion tabled by President John Dramani Mahama at the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution called on the UN to recognise the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime ever committed against humanity. Following extensive debate, the motion was adopted with 123 votes in support. Three countries — the United States, Argentina, and Israel — voted against it, while 52 nations abstained. Here is the full list of countries that voted in support of the reparations motion.   

  By Francis Atayure Abirigo When Memory Feels Like Evidence There was a time in Ghana when the idea of tomato scarcity in March would have sounded almost absurd. For those of us who grew up in the Kassena-Nankana areas in the 1980s and 1990s, tomatoes were not just a crop. They were an economy, a culture, and in many ways, a future for the youth. I do not speak from hearsay. I was part of that system. I farmed. I dug wells with my own hands. I drew water with buckets and ropes to water my beds of tomatoes. I watched seasons rise with promise and fall with loss. Today, those same lands tell a different story. And if we are honest with ourselves, this is not an accident. It is a policy failure. The Golden Era of Dry-Season Farming In the Upper East Region, particularly within Kassena-Nankana communities such as Doba, Kandiga, Mirigu, Manyoro, Nayagegnia, Nyangua, Navio, Nakolo and Pungu (not exhaustive), dry season farming was once the backbone of local livelihoods. Tomatoes dominat...