Kofi Ahovi

  Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana continue to face steep borrowing costs, with lending rates varying widely across commercial banks despite increasing competition in the financial sector. The latest Bank of Ghana Annualised Percentage Rate (APR) Report for May 2026 shows that interest rates on SME loans remain significantly higher than those available to large corporate borrowers, underscoring the elevated risk premium banks continue to assign to the sector. According to the report, Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana recorded the highest annualised percentage rate for one-year SME loans at 33.58 percent, while Standard Chartered Bank Ghana offered the lowest rate at 11.03 percent. The more than 22-percentage-point gap highlights the significant differences in the cost of credit available to small businesses across the banking industry. For three-year SME loans, Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) quoted the highest APR at 31.09 percent, whereas Stanbic Bank Ghana offered the mo...

  Investor demand for Ghana's short-term government securities remained resilient for the third consecutive week, with the latest Treasury bill auction attracting bids far above the government's target. Results released by the Bank of Ghana showed that investors submitted GH¢12.70 billion in bids across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury bill tenors, compared with the government's target of GH¢7.36 billion. The auction was oversubscribed by 72.5 percent, underscoring sustained appetite for government debt instruments. The Treasury accepted GH¢9.98 billion of the bids, raising GH¢2.62 billion more than its target as it continued to capitalize on robust investor demand. The 364-day Treasury bill emerged as the preferred investment, attracting GH¢8.31 billion in bids. Of this amount, the Treasury accepted GH¢6.35 billion, representing nearly two-thirds of the total funds raised at the auction. The benchmark 91-day bill received GH¢3.51 billion in bids, with GH¢3.04 billi...

  Investor demand for Ghana's short-term government securities remained resilient for the third consecutive week, with the latest Treasury bill auction attracting bids far above the government's target. Results released by the Bank of Ghana showed that investors submitted GH¢12.70 billion in bids across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury bill tenors, compared with the government's target of GH¢7.36 billion. The auction was oversubscribed by 72.5 percent, underscoring sustained appetite for government debt instruments. The Treasury accepted GH¢9.98 billion of the bids, raising GH¢2.62 billion more than its target as it continued to capitalize on robust investor demand. The 364-day Treasury bill emerged as the preferred investment, attracting GH¢8.31 billion in bids. Of this amount, the Treasury accepted GH¢6.35 billion, representing nearly two-thirds of the total funds raised at the auction. The benchmark 91-day bill received GH¢3.51 billion in bids, with GH¢3.04 billi...

  Ghana and Burkina Faso have agreed to resume cross-border trade in eggs and tomatoes following bilateral discussions that also produced commitments to negotiate a formal trade agreement and establish a joint mechanism to resolve future trade disputes. The breakthrough ends restrictions imposed by Burkinabe authorities on egg imports, which were introduced as a precautionary measure over quality concerns involving eggs from some exporting countries. The agreement was reached during a high-level engagement between officials of the two countries as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and enhance regional economic integration. In a statement, the Government of Ghana said it remains committed to protecting the interests of Ghanaian producers and exporters while fostering stronger commercial ties with neighbouring countries. The Government assures the private sector of its continued commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian traders and producers while promoting str...

  Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes before Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, giving Spain their second World Cup title and first since their triumph in 2010. Spain controlled much of the game and created the better chances, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced several saves to keep his side in the contest. Argentina struggled to threaten in attack and finished the match with 10 players after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in extra time. The victory ended Argentina’s reign as world champions and completed an impressive tournament for Spain, who defeated France in the semi-finals before overcoming the South American side in the final. The final also marked a symbolic passing of the torch, with Spain’s young squad overcoming Lionel Messi’s Argentina to lift football’s bi...

  By Abena Dekyiwah Agyekum Nyarko Victimised by circumstance and soaked in desolation, the street child is confronted with more problems than they can handle. These innocent children are left to suffer the consequences of their parents' irresponsible decisions or the unjustifiable sting of societal wickedness. Whether the child of unconcerned parents, the result of an unplanned pregnancy, an orphan, or an overstimulated, adventure-hungry prodigal son—all these characters are exposed to the hostilities of the streets, attacked by the depravity and immorality found there, robbed of their potential and have their ambitions crushed. The average street child has access to neither a constant supply of daily bread nor a permanent roof over their head. On good days—when they manage to steal enough, when parents have something to spare, or when a philanthropist steps in—the street child may have enough to eat. On bad days, like when a flood strikes their shelter (typically kiosks, under br...

Jibran Qureishi, Head, Africa Regions Economics Research, Standard Bank Ghana faces mounting external headwinds from elevated oil prices and surging shipping costs triggered by Middle East geopolitical tensions. Standard Bank has sharply revised downward its current account surplus projection for 2026, slashing the forecast by approximately $1 billion, primarily driven by soaring petroleum import costs. The revisions underscore the vulnerability of Africa's largest gold producer to global energy market shocks. As a net oil importer, Ghana faces significant headwinds from elevated energy prices. At an oil price of $65 per barrel, petroleum imports account for approximately 29% of total goods imports, a proportion that rises sharply at higher price levels like $90-95 per barrel. Standard Bank analyst Jibran Qureishi spoke about the impact of the crisis. He said, “We still import a lot more oil than we export. This has prompted us to re-look at our current account surplus position. W...

 The nature of financial crime is no longer static. As highlighted in the recent Ghana Association of Bankers Industry Fraud Report, fraud is evolving in form, speed, and sophistication, with material implications for our operational resilience, customer confidence, and systemic stability. What used to be isolated incidents of opportunistic theft has matured into highly organized, syndicated operations. For an economy like Ghana’s, which relies heavily on digital financial inclusion to drive growth, this shift means that financial fraud is no longer just a banking headache. It has escalated into a pressing national security and economic issue. When a fraudster strips an individual of their hard-earned savings or drains a local business of its revenue, the damage ripples far beyond the immediate financial loss. It fractures the foundational element of any thriving economy: trust. As confidence in the ecosystem fades, investors hesitate, consumers become overly cautious, and the over...

 For many years, international banking has been misunderstood. It has often been associated with secrecy, exclusivity or tax avoidance. The reality today could not be more different. In an increasingly interconnected world, offshore banking has evolved into a legitimate financial planning tool used by globally minded individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses seeking stability, efficiency and access to international opportunities. Across West Africa, where businesses are expanding beyond domestic markets and high-net-worth individuals are becoming increasingly global in their outlook, international wealth diversification is no longer a luxury. It is becoming a strategic necessity. As economies across Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire continue to integrate with international markets, the ability to bank beyond national borders is emerging as an important competitive advantage. A changing African economy West Africa is witnessing the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs, investors...

  Kwabena Boamah, Managing Director, Stanbic Investments Management Services (SIMS) Stanbic Investment Management Services (SIMS) has reported strong performance across its Collective Investment Schemes for the 2025 financial year, with total assets under management exceeding a combined GHS 2.5 billion. This milestone reflects significant growth in investor confidence, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and disciplined portfolio strategies. The Funds’ performance was highlighted at the Annual General Meeting held on 19 June 2026, where the company outlined robust gains across its flagship funds - Stanbic Cash Trust (SCT), Stanbic Income Fund Trust (SIFT), and Platinum Debt Income Fund PLC (PDIF). Strong Growth Across Funds All three funds recorded notable growth in assets under management. The Stanbic Cash Trust more than doubled in size, increasing by 114% to approximately GHS 1.66 billion. The Stanbic Income Fund Trust also grew by 35.6% to GHS 645.9 million, while t...

  MTN Ghana will donate relief items valued at GH¢2.5 million to support families and individuals affected by the recent flooding in parts of Accra. The support, which will be provided in partnership with the Multimedia Group and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), aims to bring immediate relief to people whose lives have been disrupted. As part of this response, MTN Ghana, together with its partners, will provide essential items to meet the pressing needs of affected households. These include student mattresses and blankets, mosquito coils and repellents, and food supplies such as rice, cooking oil, tomato paste, canned mackerel, sugar, spaghetti, and oats. Detergents and toiletries will also be provided to help families maintain basic hygiene in temporary living conditions. Distribution will be done in collaboration with NADMO to ensure that support reaches the most affected communities. Speaking on the planned donation, the Chief Executive Officer for MTN Ghan...

  Ghana's transition to a cash-light economy is gathering pace, with digital payments now accounting for more than half of all financial transactions, according to Chief Commercial & Operations Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), Abdul Razak Issaka-Ali. Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Benard Avle on Channel One TV Abdul- Razak said the country's digital finance ecosystem has matured significantly over the past decade, placing Ghana among the world's leading adopters of digital payments. He noted that while cash remains part of everyday commerce, digital payment channels have become the preferred option for many consumers and businesses. If you look at digital payments versus cash, we estimate that Ghana is now about a 50 to 60 per cent cash-light economy. We have made significant progress, but there is still room for growth," he said. According to him, Ghana's progress extends beyond the widespread use of mobile money. He explained that collabora...

  In support of the President’s National Sanitation Exercise, Team Volta Management joined the Dambai District in the Oti Region for a clean-up exercise to promote environmental cleanliness. The team also paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, where discussions centred on electricity supply, commercial operations, energy conservation and development priorities for the Region. The Regional General Manager, Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, encouraged stronger sanitation enforcement to help keep communities clean and shared practical energy-saving measures to reduce electricity costs. The Regional Minister commended ECG Management for the initiative and praised the Dambai District team, led by Madam Irene Mary Odame, for their dedication and service. He also appealed for ECG’s support in extending electricity to the Oti Regional Coordinating Council’s new office complex. Together, through collaboration, we are powering development and building cleaner, more...

  The Ghana Chamber of Mines has launched the 12th edition of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA), officially opening nominations to recognise outstanding achievements and best practices across the country's mining sector. The awards, which celebrate excellence in mining, are open to mining companies, contractors, service providers and industry professionals whose work made a significant impact during the 2025 reporting year. Speaking at the launch in Accra, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, described the awards as one of the industry's most respected recognition platforms, designed to reward excellence, innovation and responsible mining. He encouraged eligible organisations and individuals to submit evidence-based nominations that demonstrate measurable outcomes, stressing that credibility and transparency remain at the heart of the awards process. According to him, all entries will undergo rigorous assessment by an independe...

 By Adade Gyamfi FOR years, Ghana has been celebrated as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in waste management and environmental sanitation. Modern composting plants, waste treatment facilities and innovative recycling initiatives have transformed the country’s sanitation landscape, earning recognition across the continent. Yet, behind these successes lies a growing concern: how to sustainably finance the collection, treatment, and disposal of the ever-increasing volumes of waste generated daily. That concern took centre stage at a high-level stakeholder dialogue on landfill and waste management held in Accra, where government officials, local authorities, sanitation experts and private sector operators warned that Ghana risks reversing decades of progress unless a reliable funding model is urgently established. The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the theme: ‘Alleviating Waste Disposal Crisis in Greater Accra,’ brought ...

  Cabinet has approved the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, a move that restores the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full legal status as a protected forest and reverses the excision of portions of the reserve. The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, during the Government Accountability Series, where he reaffirmed the government's commitment to conserving one of Ghana's most important urban forests. E.I. 144, which took effect on May 1, 2022, removed approximately 361.5 acres (about 146 hectares) from the Achimota Forest Reserve, declaring that the affected land would no longer form part of the protected forest. The Executive Instrument contained detailed survey plans identifying the specific parcels that were excised. The decision at the time sparked widespread public opposition from environmental groups, civil society organisations and members of the public, who warned that removing the protec...

  Gold Board (GoldBod) bought up to 54 metric tons of gold from Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) in ​the first half of 2026, and output from the sector ​is on track to match or surpass last year’s record, ⁠the state entity’s CEO said on Tuesday. The figures and prediction point to ​another strong year for Ghana’s biggest export and foreign exchange earner, helping ​underpin dollar inflows and support an economy emerging from its worst financial crisis in decades. Africa’s largest gold producer has seen ASM output surge following sector reforms to ​stem smuggling losses and boost foreign exchange earnings. Production reached a record ​104 metric tons last year, overtaking large-scale mining output for the first time. We are ‌around 50- 54 metric tons this year (in purchases),” Gold Board (GoldBod) CEO Sammy Gyamfi told reporters. “At this rate, we are likely to match or even surpass last year’s output.”  Gyamfi said the board generated nearly $11 billion in foreign exchan...

  The U.S. Embassy in Accra has announced the temporary suspension of most routine consular services from July 20 to July 31, 2026, to facilitate scheduled maintenance works at its consular facility. According to a public notice issued by the Embassy, normal consular operations are expected to resume on Monday, August 3, 2026. During the maintenance period, the Embassy said walk-in services, including notarial services and Consular Reports of Death Abroad (CRODA), will not be available. However, applicants who have already received email notifications confirming that their passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) are ready for collection will still be able to pick up their documents. Collections will take place every Thursday between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. throughout the maintenance period. The Embassy also indicated that adult passport renewal applications submitted through its drop box service will continue to be processed without interruption. Applicants seeking to ...

  Political economist, author, and Founder of Africa Macro Intelligence (AMI), Lord Fiifi Quayle, has donated copies of his book, Pricing Uncertainty: Black–Scholes, Risk, and the Future of African Finance, to the library of Lashibi Senior High School as part of his commitment to promoting economic literacy, critical thinking, and a culture of reading among Ghana’s youth. The donation forms part of a broader educational initiative to make knowledge on economics, finance, risk, and public policy more accessible to students while encouraging them to pursue excellence in scholarship, leadership, and innovation. Speaking during a brief ceremony at the school, Mr. Quayle urged students to embrace education as the most powerful tool for preparing for an uncertain future. Life is full of uncertainty, but education equips us to face it with confidence. Every book you read, every lesson you learn, and every question you ask prepares you to make better decisions and create opportunities—not ...

  The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has revoked the Dedicated Electronic Money Issuer (DEMI) Licence of Zeepay Ghana Ltd with immediate effect, citing multiple regulatory breaches and the company's persistent failure to comply with supervisory directives. The decision, announced in a public notice dated July 14, 2026, was taken under Section 13 of the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987). According to the central bank, Zeepay repeatedly failed to comply with the terms and conditions of its licence, with its continued operations posing a risk to customers and the stability of Ghana's payment ecosystem. The BoG said investigations revealed that the company issued electronic money without maintaining the required cash backing, resulting in a negative variance that exposed customers and the payment system to financial risk. The regulator further disclosed that Zeepay failed to comply with directives requiring it to inject sufficient funds to fully back customers', agents'...

  Understanding the gap between technological progress and everyday financial behavior Over the past decade, Ghana has made significant progress in digital finance. Mobile money usage has expanded rapidly, with transaction values rising from GH¢447.4 billion in February 2026 to GH¢493.2 billion in April 2026 according to the Bank of Ghana Payment Systems Statistics. Consumers can now complete payments with just a few taps on their phones through platforms provided by fintech companies, while many banks have introduced mobile banking applications to facilitate seamless and convenient transactions. On the surface, it appears that the economy is steadily transitioning toward digital payments. Yet across markets, shops, and everyday interactions, a different reality persists; cash continues to dominate. The Reality on the Ground From roadside sellers to small retail shops, cash remains the primary means of exchange. Even in environments where mobile money and other digital payment opti...

  The top four teams in Fifa's world rankings have made the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time. And the progress of Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3) and England (4) was aided by a Fifa change for the 2026 World Cup. They were put in separate quadrants of the draw so they could not meet before the semi-finals. For that to happen they had to each win their groups - which they did. The separation in the draw meant that Spain could not meet Argentina before the final. Additionally, England and France were put in opposite sides of the knockouts and on a path to meet either Spain or Argentina in the semi-finals if they all progressed. Fifa described the move as ensuring "competitive balance" by establishing "two separate pathways to the semi-finals". And now the semi-finals are France v Spain on Tuesday, and England v Argentina on Wednesday. A similar approach happens at Wimbledon, and in the new Champions League format, at which seeds are kept apart ...

  The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the Bahamas will receive 300 Ghanaian teachers this year. The announcement follows bilateral negotiations between the minister and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Philip Edward Davis. During the meeting, Ablakwa delivered a message of gratitude from President Mahama to the Bahamian Prime Minister for the invitation to engage. The deployment of the 300 teachers represents the first phase of a new cooperation in education between the two nations. According to the Foreign Minister, Bahamian authorities chose to expand the agreement to teachers due to the performance of Ghanaian nurses currently working in the country. It gives us much pride to highlight that Bahamian authorities are deeply impressed with the excellent work ethic of Ghanaian nurses serving under a similar agreement," Mr Ablakwa said in a post on Facebook on Saturday, July 11. The initiative is designed to establish a...

 The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has introduced advanced security screening equipment at the passenger checkpoints of Terminals 2 and 3 at the Accra International Airport as part of efforts to enhance aviation security and improve the travel experience. The upgraded technology is expected to streamline security checks by allowing passengers to keep laptops and other large electronic devices in their cabin baggage during screening, eliminating the need to remove them manually. Under the new system, passengers will also no longer be required to remove shoes and belts during routine screening unless they are selected for additional checks through security profiling. GACL explained that the new equipment will also permit passengers to keep liquids, aerosols and gels in their cabin baggage during screening, although existing aviation security regulations remain in force. The company stressed that liquids above 100 millilitres per container are still prohibited in cabin baggage...

  The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has stated that government interventions to boost local production of tomatoes will begin to yield visible results within the next four months and assured Ghanaians that the country’s dependence on imported tomatoes will soon be over.  He explained that the government had rolled out some interventions aimed at increasing domestic tomato production and reducing imports, particularly from neighbouring Burkina Faso. We have started working on that challenge, and we are bent on reversing that story. Within the next three or four months, the results will be out there for Ghanaians to testify,” he said. Opoku made the remarks when he appeared before Parliament’s Select Committee on Assurances. It was to provide updates on commitments made by President John Dramani Mahama in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).  Opoku explained that the government was investing in irrigation infrastructure, including the construction of...

 The Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring communities affected by the devastating June 29 floods, saying the military has been fully mobilised to lead the nationwide clean-up exercise ordered by President John Dramani Mahama. Speaking during a visit to assess ongoing clean-up operations, Brogya Genfi said the two-day exercise, directed by President Mahama following the floods that claimed about 30 lives and left large parts of Accra submerged, is aimed at clearing refuse, desilting drains and preventing disease outbreaks. He noted that the President's personal involvement in the exercise underscores the urgency of the response and the government's determination to protect lives and property. The Commander-in-Chief, President John Dramani Mahama, is himself on the ground, so we cannot fail the citizens. At the Ministry of Defence, we are providing the strategic direction for the military to deliver the supp...

  The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), STAR Ghana Foundation and Cashew Watch Ghana (CWG) are seeking to diversify funding for Ghana's cashew sector by tapping government support, private sector investment and matched financing as donor funding for development programmes continues to decline. The partners reached the decision during a strategic meeting in Accra, saying a broader financing model was needed to sustain climate-resilient interventions, farmer advocacy and value chain development. The discussions formed part of a review of the Amplifying the Voices of Cashew Farmers (AVCF) Project, funded by STAR Ghana Foundation under the Amplifying Voices for Inclusive Development (AVID) Programme. The organisations also called for increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, farmer education, climate-resilient planting materials, improved land management and extension services to help producers adapt to the growing impact of climate change. The TCDA, as the regulator, ...

 MTN Business has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem by awarding a total of GHS160,000 in cash prizes and business support packages to ten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the MTN Business MSME Day Business Pitch Competition. The competition, organised as part of the SME Accelerate Programme, brought together ten promising Ghanaian businesses to pitch their ideas and demonstrate their potential to drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the country's economic development. The finalists were 10-10 Foodie, Awhenepa Cookery, Edible Treats, House of Lush, Manehlla Foods, Tahir Field Recycling, Tropical Snacks, Bubune Africa Limited, Dyluri Beauty and Lebenam Skin. Following a highly competitive pitching session, Tahir Field Recycling, Edible Treats, Dyluri Beauty, Manehlla Foods and Tropical Snacks emerged as the top winners. Each business received a cash prize of GHS30,000, bringing the total amount awarded to the fiv...