Kofi Ahovi

  The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adaptation (WASCAL) and its partners are considering the development of a groundbreaking mobile app, MIGRAWARE, to enhance migration data collection in Ghana, providing valuable insights into environmentally influenced migration patterns. The app will utilize cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze data on migration trends, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. Key features include real-time data collection, geospatial analysis, and sentiment analysis. The app is part of the Rural, Urban, And Cross-Border Migration in West Africa- An Integrated Assessment Framework of Drivers, Processes, and Sustainable Responses (MIGRAWARE) project, funded by the German Ministry of Education which aims to bridge the gap in migration data, supporting evidence-based policy decisions. MIGRAWARE app is a game-changer in migration research; we realized that one of the key gaps that we have or we face on migration issues in W

  Ghana and other countries exporting products to the European Union (EU) will have an additional 12 months to address environmental degradation issues, such as illegal mining, impacting their commodities like cocoa. This extension comes as the EU considers postponing the Deforestation-Free Product Regulation, initially set to take effect on December 30, 2024. The proposed deadline extension arises from concerns expressed by EU trade partners regarding their readiness for the regulation’s implementation. The regulation was first introduced on June 29, 2023, with a compliance deadline of December 30, 2024. However, the European Parliament has yet to make a decision on this proposal, which has already been approved by the European Council. If approved, the new timeline would see the regulation implemented in December 2025 for large and medium-sized companies and in December 2026 for small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulation aims to ensure that key commodities like cocoa, palm oi

 The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is bolstering its reserves to curb the cedi’s depreciation against major foreign currencies as demand for forex is anticipated to rise with the upcoming festive season. The Central Bank’s move aims to reassure businesses and consumers by steering the local currency towards greater stability in response to current pressures. At present, the cedi is trading at nearly GHS 17 to a dollar on the forex market, reflecting a year-to-date depreciation of 24.3%. However, Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, emphasized that strengthening reserves is essential to mitigating fluctuations in the cedi’s value and safeguarding economic stability. Some are praying that the cedi will recover to GHS 10.00 to a dollar. These are the problems in our economy, the issues about the exchange rate and financial sector issues. But I think the good news is that we are making progress because the developments we are seeing are not different from other jurisdictions. “So, we n

  Some cocoa farmers in Ghana have lodged a formal complaint with COCOBOD, calling for swift action to address longstanding issues including deforestation, child labour, unsafe pesticide use, and, crucially, the payment of their living allowance. The farmers’ complaint seeks to hold COCOBOD accountable by testing a grievance mechanism that the regulator set up as a condition for securing a $600 million loan from the African Development Bank in 2019. The farmers, 30 in number have raised concerns, pointing out that, despite COCOBOD’s regulatory authority, the cocoa sector has struggled with these issues for over a decade. The farmers argue that these persistent challenges undermine the welfare of cocoa farmers and their families, claiming that COCOBOD has not effectively monitored or managed the impact on the community. Phidelia Gameli, one of the farmers, emphasized the need for COCOBOD to prioritize farmer welfare. “Improving the welfare of cocoa farmers should be at the forefront of

 The Ghana Fintech and Payment Association is taking significant steps to expand access to digital financial services in the northern and middle parts of the country in 2025. The Association believes this initiative will promote inclusive access, noting that a larger portion of users in the southern sector currently rely on digital financial services. During a media briefing following the launch of the fourth Ghana Fintech Awards and Dinner Night held on Friday, October 25, 2024, in Accra, the Association’s President, Martin Awagah, announced plans for a series of roadshows aimed at raising awareness among potential users in rural areas. A lot of digital financial services products have been developed, and the majority of them are being used within the southern belt of Ghana. So, more opportunities need to be exploited within the northern and middle belts of Ghana. Now, there’s the need to also take education to them. That’s one of the things that we are working with other stakeholders

 An analysis of Ghana’s power generation data from 1 st  September 2024 to 27 th  October 2024 by the Institute for Energy Security (IES) reveals significant and consistent shortfalls in meeting daily system peak demand, impacting both domestic energy stability and electricity export potential to neighbouring countries, and forcing power imports from La Cote d’Ivoire to augment shortfalls in domestic power generation. Generation versus demand alignment Across the dataset, daily power generation regularly falls below the system peak demand of roughly 3700 megawatts (MW), with generation averaging around 3000 MW and thus missing the target by approximately 700 MW daily. This persistent shortfall suggests underlying issues, potentially rooted in generation capacity limitations, resource constraints, or operational policies that prioritize certain efficiency thresholds. Such shortfalls mean that Ghana faces daily challenges in fulfilling its total energy requirements, which has led to prac

 The government has launched its high-speed internet service 5G today, November 1, 2024, in Accra. The company fronting this service, NextGen Infraco, stated that it stands ready to assist the country in leveraging 5G to drive critical sectors of the economy for long-term benefit. The Managing Director of NextGen Infraco, Tenu Awoonor, in his opening remarks at the official launch, promised that while the government seeks to revolutionise the country’s digital landscape, NextGen Infraco will ensure there is financial and economic value for the country’s huge investment in this global transition. With 5G we can create a more inclusive society where no one in Ghana is left behind. Whether a farmer in Tamale, a small business owner in Kumasi or a student in Cape Coast, 5G will connect you to the world and open doors to new opportunities. “At NextGen Infraco, we are deeply proud to play our part in this transformation. We are not just watching, we are investing in the future of Ghana. We b

 Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been recognized as one of the top companies in Ghana, securing 3rd place at the 21st Ghana Club 100 Awards organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. This award celebrates MTN Ghana's impressive revenue growth over the past year, its market leadership, and the innovative digital services it has introduced. It also acknowledges the significant investments made in network expansion and improvement, as well as the extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the company. The award certificate presented to MTN states, “The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre proudly presents this certificate to MTN Ghana for being the top-ranked company in the telecommunications sector for the 21st Edition of the Ghana Club 100 Awards.”   MTN Team with the award Receiving the award, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, expressed his gratitude and said, "We are honored to receive this prestigious recogn