Kofi Ahovi

  By Adade Gyamfi Plastic has become one of the world's most widely used materials. Since large-scale production began in the 1950s, global plastic production has grown exponentially because of its versatility, durability, and relatively low cost. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world now produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic every year. Yet only about nine per cent of all plastic waste is recycled, around 19 per cent is incinerated, while nearly 50 per cent ends up in landfills. The remaining 22 per cent is openly dumped, burned or leaks into rivers, lakes and oceans, making plastic pollution one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. UNEP estimates that the African continent generates approximately 17 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, while recycling rates remain among the lowest globally. I n Ghana, studies by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and d...

  The inability of African countries to meet citizens’ expectations for jobs, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods is contributing to rising migration pressures across the continent, MTN Ghana Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson has said. Dr Yamson said many young Africans were choosing to leave their countries not because migration itself was the problem, but because gaps in economic opportunity, skills development and inclusive growth had created conditions where people felt compelled to seek better prospects elsewhere. Speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar in South Africa on Thursday, July 23, 2026, on the theme “Migration, Economic Opportunity and Africa’s Shared Prosperity: A West African Perspective,” Dr Yamson said governments and businesses must focus on creating economies where citizens can fulfil their aspirations at home. I had the honour of chairing a book launch of our Presidential Chief of Staff on citizen expectations of government. What...

 Prudential Bank LTD has officially launched the second edition of its highly anticipated Step Challenge, a health & fitness event running from July to end of September, the health and wellness initiative designed to foster a culture of well-being across the Bank. The 2026 edition, which embraces healthy lifestyles, promotes teamwork, camaraderie and work-life balance, takes a unique twist, with participants virtually journeying through all 48 participating World Cup Nations, starting from New Zealand and crowning it in Ghana.          Speaking on the launch, Head of Human Resources, Lilian Antwiwaa Asante, highlighted that the drive goes beyond fitness, rather, reflects the Bank’s resolve in creating a supportive and people centered workplace. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and their well-being remains a priority. The Step Challenge is not just about counting steps as a team or as individuals; it is about encouraging ...

  The Government has announced plans to abolish the 20 per cent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, a move aimed at boosting agro-processing, supporting local manufacturers and creating jobs across the agricultural value chain. The measure forms part of the proposed Excise Duty Bill, one of several tax reforms outlined by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23. According to Dr. Forson, the reform is designed to ease the tax burden on domestic producers, stimulate investment in agro-processing and encourage greater value addition to Ghana's agricultural produce. We will abolish the payment of the 20 per cent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices introduced in 2023 to support agro-processing and job creation," the Finance Minister announced. The tax relief is expected to make locally processed fruit juices more competitive, encourage expansion within the manufa...

  The Government has secured more than US$3.5 billion in new investment commitments to revitalise Ghana's upstream petroleum sector, as part of a broader strategy to reverse years of declining crude oil production and strengthen the country's energy security. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the government's investor-friendly reforms have restored confidence in Ghana's oil and gas industry and are already delivering measurable results. He noted that crude oil production had fallen dramatically over the past six years, underscoring the need for urgent policy interventions to attract fresh investment into the sector. Ghana's crude oil production declined sharply from 71.4 million barrels in 2019 to about 36 million barrels in 2025. To reverse this decline, Government has introduced investor-friendly reforms that have already secured more than US$3.5 billion in new investme...

  …central bank’s MPC adjudges upside and downside risks balanced By Toma Imirhe After considering the upside and downside dynamics currently impacting on the performance of the country’s economy, the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 unanimously decided to retain its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14%. This is the second consecutive time it has opted to do so, following a similar decision at its previous meeting in late May. The last time it cut the MPR was in March when it slashed 150 basis points off its hitherto 15.5% - to settle the rate at its current 14% - which marked the final phase of aggressive monetary easing which halved the MPR cut from 28% in July 2025 over five consecutive MPC meetings. The latest decision to maintain the pause on further monetary easing was widely expected by economists, monetary policy analysts and public policy commentators. The Bank of Ghana’s primary objective is to curb inflation which has ris...