Kofi Ahovi

    International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan The Pan African Business Forum (PABF) has thrown its full weight behind International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim A. A. Khan , urging global stakeholders to respect the outcome of an independent judicial review that cleared him of any wrongdoing. In a strongly worded statement addressed to the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Ambassador Paivi Kaukoranta , the Forum expressed “firm and unequivocal support” for the Prosecutor in the wake of recent media reports and internal developments within the ICC. The statement, signed by Dr. Ladislas Prosper Agbesi on behalf of the Forum’s Executive Committee, highlighted what it described as troubling attempts to cast doubt on the findings of a duly mandated judicial panel. According to PABF, the panel—comprising three distinguished international judges—conducted a thorough and impartial review of the evidentiary record and reached a unanimous conclusion...

  A Tender Committee has recommended the grant of the mining lease for the Damang Gold Mine to Engineers and Planners Limited, following a competitive evaluation process conducted by the Minerals Commission. The recommendation comes after a tender process initiated under Regulation 258 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing Regulations), 2012 (LI 2176), aimed at selecting a strategic investor to take over the mining lease and operations of the Damang mine. According to the report, four companies responded to the public tender announced in the media. Out of these, two firms were shortlisted by the Mineral Titles Department of the Minerals Commission and subsequently submitted to the Tender Committee for detailed assessment. After what was described as a comprehensive evaluation, Engineers and Planners Limited emerged as the highest evaluated bidder, leading to the Committee’s recommendation for the award of the lease. Gold Fields Ghana Limited, which has operated in the country since...

  The Chief Executive Officer of Development Bank Ghana, Prof. Randolph Nsoh-Ambala, has explained that government’s $500 million oil palm financing facility is intended to catalyse private sector investment and transform Ghana’s oil palm industry. The facility, announced in the 2026 Budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, will provide long-term financing for players in the oil palm value chain, including a five-year moratorium on both principal and interest payments. Speaking at a roundtable discussion on oil palm financing in Accra, Prof. Nsoh-Ambala explained that the initiative is designed to restructure the sector, improve productivity, and strengthen local processing capacity while reducing the country’s dependence on imported palm oil. There have been some confusions around what this represents,” he noted. “What government seeks to do with this fund is to transform the various fragmented production units within the value chain into a coherent ecosystem that will a...

  The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is pushing back against concerns over lost revenue following the abolition of the E-Levy, COVID-19 levy and betting tax, revealing stronger-than-expected collections in early 2026. The development challenges assumptions that removing the taxes would significantly weaken government revenue, even as pressure mounts to find new fiscal buffers. Speaking at a forum organised by the Centre for Policy Scrutiny, the Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Elsie Appau Klu, posited that while the tax removals were initially seen as a setback, the outcome has been more nuanced. She argued that “initially, like any person would think, yes, of course, abolishing these three taxes were considered as losses to government, and it puts some pressure on our staff.” But she pointed to a strong revenue rebound, stating that “this first quarter we have achieved 20% more than what we’ve collected last year… the GRA… has collected 33.7 billion Ghana c...

  Over the past decade, Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has emerged as one of Ghana’s most influential platforms for youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. What began as a bold idea—to inspire young people to see agriculture not as a last resort but as a thriving pathway for innovation and enterprise—has grown into a movement that is shaping the future of food systems across the country. Since its establishment in 2016, KIC has empowered thousands of young Ghanaians with the right skills, tools, and opportunities needed to build successful agribusinesses, creating more than 61,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributing to sustainable food systems. Turning Ideas into Agribusiness Ventures At the heart of KIC’s work is its flagship youth entrepreneurship program, the AgriTech Challenge which equips university or college students and graduates with the entrepreneurial mindset and technical skills needed to develop innovative solutions in agriculture. Through training, mentorship, m...

  Stakeholders are calling for a deliberate national policy and stricter enforcement measures to boost domestic rice production and consumption as Ghana pushes toward rice self-sufficiency and improved food security. One proposal under consideration is the introduction of a dedicated day each week for the consumption of locally produced rice to encourage demand and support the growth of the domestic rice industry. The initiative would mirror existing national campaigns that promote local foods, such as the recently introduced Wednesday Fugu Day. Speaking at a breakfast meeting and policy dialogue in Accra to promote the ‘Eat Ghana Rice Campaign’, stakeholders emphasised that achieving self-sufficiency in rice will depend not only on increasing production but also on strengthening domestic consumption. The meeting, held under the theme “Promoting Ghana Rice Consumption for National Food Security and Economic Growth,” brought together policymakers, industry players and development pa...

  Ghana could significantly expand domestic processing of raw cashew nuts under a proposed partnership between the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) and PSL Machinery, a global manufacturer of cashew processing equipment and turnkey factory solutions. The proposal, currently under review by TCDA, seeks to establish multiple cashew processing plants in the country and scale up processing capacity as part of efforts to increase value addition in the sector. If implemented, the initiative aims to enable full domestic processing of Ghana’s cashew output within five years, targeting a processing capacity of about 500,000 metric tonnes annually—double the country’s estimated annual production of roughly 250,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts (RCNs). The move is expected to strengthen Ghana’s position in the global cashew value chain and enable the country to capture greater economic value from the crop, which remains one of its most important non-traditional exports. The Chief Executive...

  The Executive Chairman of CellTel Networks Limited, Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson made a compelling case for aligning education with industry as a pathway to economic transformation at the inaugural Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Annual Public Lecture on TVET Transformation in Africa, held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre at the University of Education, Winneba. The former AGI president, Dr. Kludjeson, delivered his remarks as part of a three-member panel responding to a keynote address by Prof. Tagoe. He argues there is a critical need to rethink the role of education in national development, positing that Ghana must move beyond traditional academic models to embrace industry-centered training. 'Education is industry." Dr. Kludjeson emphasized, urging stakeholders to reconsider how institutions prepare students for the real world. According o him, the disconnect between education and industry remains one of the key barriers to job creation and economic growth. Dr...

 The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced the arrival of a new fleet of buses aimed at reducing ongoing road transport difficulties across the country. In a Facebook post on Sunday, March 5, the minister addressed the situation and outlined steps being taken to improve public transport. He said that the government had begun receiving buses as part of a broader plan to expand capacity and ease pressure on commuters. In the meantime, 100 29-seater buses have arrived in the country to ease recent road transport challenges,” he stated. According to him, the newly delivered buses are part of a larger procurement of 300 vehicles intended to strengthen the public transport system and improve mobility nationwide. He further explained the timeline for the remaining deliveries, adding that “another batch of 100 will arrive in August, with the last batch of 100 arriving in November.” The arrival of the buses is expected to gradually improve transport condi...

  The Government has secured a $92 million financing agreement with a Korean contractor to begin work on the long-delayed University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS). President John Mahama is expected to announce a governing council for the university soon, following Parliament’s approval of legislation establishing the institution and outlining its management structure. The council will oversee strategic planning, policy direction, financial management and the appointment of senior officials. It will also foster partnerships with other universities, support income-generating activities, and ensure adherence to governance standards, including transparency and conflict-of-interest rules. The university’s main campus will be located at Bunso in the Eastern Region, with additional campuses planned for Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region and Acherensua in the Ahafo Region. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on 3 April 2026, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, confir...

 Suspected armed men in Samia, a small town in Kebbi State, Nigeria, have allegedly blocked and detained several Ghanaian trucks transporting vegetables from Niger through Nigeria to Ghana. According to reports, the incident is linked to tensions between traders in both countries. Some Nigerian onion traders in Accra allegedly had their goods prevented from being offloaded by certain Ghanaian traders. The armed men are said to be retaliating by taking similar action against Ghanaian transporters. The stranded trucks are carrying perishable goods, mainly onions, which risk going bad if the situation persists. The drivers usually buy their goods from Galimi, a farming community in the Republic of Niger and transport it through Nigeria, into Benin and to Togo and finally to Ghana. The drivers, who have reportedly been held for nearly three days, are appealing to the Ghanaian government particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene. Speaking to Citi News, one of the drivers...

  Asante Gold Corporation recorded a net loss attributable to shareholders of US$345.44 million for the eleven months ended December 31, 2025, a sharp deterioration from the US$62.18 million loss reported for the previous financial year, according to the company’s audited consolidated financial statements released on March 31, 2026. The financial statements, signed by Director Alex Heath and Director David Anthony, showed that revenue for the period increased to US$482.59 million from US$458.88 million, driven by a higher average gold price realised of US$3,372 per ounce compared to US$2,403 per ounce in the prior year. However, the company sold 143,138 ounces of gold, down from 190,985 ounces in the previous year. Total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders widened to US$345.44 million from US$62.18 million, while basic and diluted loss per share increased to US$0.55 from US$0.16. Production declines at both mines Gold equivalent production for the period fell to 146,571...

 The President of Zimbabwe, H. E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Thursday 2nd April, 2026, toured the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) in Accra as part of his State visit to Ghana, describing the facility as a strong example of how technology and local expertise can transform sanitation into opportunity. In his remarks, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of embracing technology and innovation in addressing sanitation challenges across the continent. He noted that, advances in modern systems were changing how waste was managed and creating new opportunities for value addition and environmental sustainability. He stressed that African countries must leverage knowledge, build local capacity and adopt efficient systems that improve public health while generating employment for young people. The Zimbabwean President said partnerships such as the one between Jospong Group and Zimbabwe's GEO Pomona Waste Management demonstrated what can be achieved through collaboration and s...

  The purpose of this piece is to demonstrate that SIGA’s policy of encouraging inter-trading among certain specified entities is lawful in principle, commercially rational, and fully consistent with its mandate to safeguard and enhance the value of the State’s ownership interests. Among others, the policy derives its legitimacy from Ghana’s State Ownership Policy. Properly understood, the policy does not amount to unlawful market interference, nor does it displace the internal decision-making authority of boards and management of the affected entities. Rather, it is a strategic ownership-guidance measure designed to strengthen cooperation within the State’s portfolio, retain economic value within the public asset base, promote efficiency, and support the long-term sustainability of enterprises in which the State has a direct interest. At the heart of the matter is the nature of SIGA’s statutory role. SIGA exists to oversee and administer the State’s interests in specified entities...

  Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) announces the completion of the structural separation of its mobile money business, in line with its strategic objective to scale its fintech operations and to comply with the localisation requirements of the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987). The merger became effective, March 31 st , 2026 , following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent and receipt of the required regulatory approvals. The transaction involved the statutory merger of MobileMoney Ltd., the former operator of the Company’s mobile money business, with MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), a newly incorporated entity established to operate the mobile money business in accordance with the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). No new shares were issued by MTN Ghana as part of the transaction. MTN Ghana, following the completion of the merger, reiterates the following: The mobile money business is now operated by MobileMoney Fintech LTD. (MMFL) . MTN Ghana’s shareholding st...

  Elevate Africa has announced the selection of 23 mid-career professionals from 18 African countries for the 2026 Cohort II of its Elevate Africa Fellowship, a leadership programme designed to strengthen capacity and drive sustainable development across the continent. The organisation said the Fellows were drawn from a competitive pool of over 4,000 applicants, with more than 700 completing the application process, underscoring the growing demand for structured leadership development opportunities in Africa. The Fellowship, an initiative founded by Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III, brings together professionals working across key sectors including education, media, governance, business, climate and social impact. According to Elevate Africa, the selected Fellows cut across five regions, East, West, Southern, North and the Indian Ocean, highlighting the depth of talent and leadership potential across the continent. Speaking on the development, the Media a...

Tsenku Hiking Club, a company limited by guarantee, has handed over a fully refurbished ICT laboratory to Tutu Methodist School at a ceremony held on the school’s premises on the Akwapem Ridge. The Obosomase-based club, now in its twelfth year, has been steadily transforming schools across the Akuapem Ridge one project at a time—and this latest handover marks its most ambitious intervention yet. The ceremony was attended by Nana Appiah Anti IV, Tutuhene and Atipimhene of Okuapeman; Mr. Sammi Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akwapem North; Rt. Rev. Dr. John K. Buabeng-Odoom, Superintendent Minister (Mampong Circuit); and Hon. John Evans Kumordzi, Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North. The refurbished laboratory is fully equipped with 21 desktop computers, as well as student desks and chairs (seating 40), creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The project, valued at over GH₵150,000, was funded through donations raised during the 2025 Madness Walk—primarily from ...

  President William Samoei Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to transform Kenya ’s energy landscape through the adoption of nuclear power, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term economic and industrial strategy. Speaking at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2026 in Nairobi , the President announced that Kenya aims to more than triple its installed electricity capacity from 3,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts within the next five to seven years. Of this, 3,000 megawatts will be generated from nuclear energy. As part of the roadmap, construction of a 2,000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County is expected to begin in 2027, with commissioning targeted for 2034. President Ruto underscored the central role of energy in national development, stressing that reliable power supply is critical to unlocking industrial growth and economic transformation. He noted that  “Energy is the lifeblood of industrialisation, innovation, and economic tran...

 The MTN Ghana Foundation has committed GHS1.2 million to support smallholder women farmers and unemployed youth through a modern farming initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and skills development. As part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain,” the Foundation pledged to establish a model farm at Pantang Hospital in the La Nkwantanang Municipality. The project is designed to equip an initial group of 60 smallholder women farmers with advanced agricultural techniques to improve both yield and efficiency. The model farm initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the La Nkwantanang Municipal Agriculture Department and Defarmercist. Together, these partners provide specialized expertise in agronomic support and capacity building to empower women farmers across the municipality. The initiative also forms part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to celebrate and support women in agriculture, recognizin...

  Corporate payments are the lifeblood of modern commerce. From supplier settlements and payroll to cross-border transactions and collections, the efficiency of payment systems directly influences how businesses operate, scale, and compete. In Ghana, as in many emerging markets, digital transformation is rapidly reshaping the way businesses interact with banks and manage financial flows. What was once a largely manual and fragmented process is evolving into a more integrated, real-time, and data-driven ecosystem. Yet the transformation is driven by the need to address persistent challenges within the traditional payment systems and to ensure that the fast‑evolving needs of modern corporates are effectively addressed. Historically, many corporate payment processes in Ghana have relied on manual workflow and legacy infrastructure. Paper-based instructions, cheques, and batch uploads remain common across organizations, often leading to delays, reconciliation challenges, and operationa...

  Auditor-General has revealed that GH¢20 million was paid as mobilisation funds for the construction of a Parliamentary Service Hospital, despite no work being done on the project. The payment was made on December 31, 2024, under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, according to findings presented to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. The contract for the project was signed by former Minister of Health Bernard Okoe Boye. Appearing before the committee on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Michael Yamson, said the project has stalled due to a change in location from the parliamentary precincts to the National Security premises. Between the Government, specifically, the Ministry of Health, and Sienna Services, for the construction of a specialised hospital for Parliament, an agreement was reached to pay 15% mobilisation of GH¢108 million, out of which GH¢20 million was paid,” he said. “We have writt...

 Ghana is hosting a three-day strategy meeting of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), with climate experts and national focal points working to consolidate a unified African position ahead of COP31 in Turkey and COP32 in Ethiopia. The meeting, running from March 30 to April 1, is the first in-person strategic session under Ghana’s chairmanship of the AGN—a milestone marked by the assumption of leadership by Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, the first Ghanaian to chair the group since the country signed the UN climate convention in 1992. Welcoming participants, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, said Africa’s influence in global climate talks depends on its ability to stay united. “Africa’s strength in global climate negotiations has always been its unity,” she said, describing the meeting as timely and essential in shaping Africa’s priorities ahead of the next two COPs. Prof. Klutse noted that although Africa contrib...

  Utility consumers across Ghana will begin enjoying lower electricity and water bills from today, April 1, following a downward tariff adjustment by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The Commission announced a 4.81% reduction in electricity tariffs and a 3.06% decrease in water charges for the second quarter of 2026. The new rates take immediate effect as part of PURC’s routine quarterly tariff review mechanism. In a statement, the regulator explained that the adjustments reflect recent changes in key economic indicators, including the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation trends, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel—particularly natural gas used in thermal power production. PURC noted that the tariff review process is designed to ensure utility pricing remains aligned with prevailing economic conditions while balancing the interests of consumers and service providers. In addition to the reductions, the Commission introd...

  Global renewable energy capacity recorded a sharp increase in 2025, rising by 692 gigawatts (GW) to reach a total of 5,149 GW, according to the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The report, Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 , shows that renewables accounted for 85.6% of all new power capacity added worldwide, underlining their growing dominance in the global energy mix. This represents a 15.5% annual increase and highlights the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels. The surge comes amid renewed geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have heightened concerns over energy security, supply disruptions, and volatile fossil fuel prices. IRENA noted that renewable energy—being locally available, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable—offers countries a more stable and resilient alternative. Director-General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera, said the sector continues to show strong momentum despite global uncertainty. “In the mid...

  Ghana’s inflation rate eased further to 3.2% in March 2026, marking its lowest level since the 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) rebasing, according to new data from the Ghana Statistical Service. The latest figure represents a slight drop from 3.3% recorded in February and a sharp decline from 22.4% in March 2025—a year-on-year fall of 19.2 percentage points. It also extends Ghana’s disinflation trend to 15 consecutive months since January 2025, signaling sustained macroeconomic stabilisation. On a monthly basis, however, prices edged up marginally by 0.1% between February and March, indicating modest increases in the general price level. Food inflation continued to ease, falling to 2.3% from 2.4% in February, with prices declining by 0.3% month-on-month—offering some relief to households. Non-food inflation also dipped slightly to 3.9%, although prices in this category rose by 0.3% over the same period. A sharper divergence was observed between goods and services. Inflation for g...

  Geopolitical conflicts have historically played a decisive role in shaping global economic outcomes, particularly through their influence on capital markets. The escalating tensions and military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States represent a critical inflection point for the global financial system. Unlike localized conflicts, this crisis sits at the center of global energy supply chains, international finance, and geopolitical power dynamics, making its economic consequences both immediate and far-reaching. For global capital markets, the war introduces uncertainty, disrupts supply chains, and triggers a reallocation of capital across asset classes. For emerging economies such as Ghana, the effects are even more pronounced due to structural vulnerabilities, including dependence on imported fuel, exposure to currency volatility, and reliance on external capital flows. This article provides a detailed and analytical examination of how the conflict is resha...