Kofi Ahovi

 Ghanaian Afro-Beat/pop star Sefa has officially released her brand-new single “Busy Body,” featuring award-winning dancehall Icon Stoneboy. The vibrant collaboration blends catchy Afro pop/ Afrobeat melodies with dancehall energy, delivering a fun and relatable story about modern relationships and the famous friend-zone experience. “Busy Body” humorously explores a situation many listeners know too well — a girl insisting a guy is “just a friend,” yet still expecting attention, favors and expensive gifts. Through witty lyrics and infectious rhythm, Sefa playfully calls out the mixed signals, while Stoneboy adds his signature charisma and smooth delivery, giving the record an undeniable crossover appeal. Produced over an upbeat and danceable rhythm, the song captures everyday dating culture among young people and is already sparking conversation on social media. With its relatable storyline and sing-along chorus, “Busy Body” is poised to become a fan favorite across radio, streamin...

 Laws designed to ensure equal economic opportunities for women are only half-enforced on average across the world, indicating that the barriers that keep women from contributing fully to growth and prosperity are far steeper than previously thought, according to a new report from the World Bank Group. Even if the laws were fully enforced, women would still enjoy barely two-thirds of the legal rights of men. For the first time, the latest  Women, Business and the Law  report assesses not only the degree of equality in laws on the books, but also the extent to which those laws are enforced. Legal experts surveyed estimated that laws that encourage full economic participation by women are only half-enforced, indicating that governments have a long way to go. Even as they make progress in establishing new equal-opportunity laws, economies on average have in place fewer than half of the policies and services needed for enforcement. Only 4% of women ac...

The government has announced plans to intensify dredging works at the Tema Port in a bid to resolve operational challenges that have left several clinker shipments stranded at the harbour and disrupted supply chains for cement manufacturers. The move comes after industry players raised concerns over persistent congestion at the port, which has lasted for more than two weeks and slowed the discharge of essential raw materials used in cement production. Manufacturers warn that the delays risk affecting production schedules, increasing operational costs, and potentially pushing up prices within Ghana’s construction sector if the situation is not resolved quickly. Speaking to journalists after a stakeholder engagement, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, assured industry players that the government has already begun taking concrete steps to improve access to the port and restore smooth vessel movement. There is not any assurance on paper. It is already work ongoing. We started...

  Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has opened the week relatively stable on the interbank market, but a widening spread between official and retail foreign exchange rates is raising fresh concerns about underlying demand pressures. Data from the  Bank of Ghana shows the interbank rate for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at a buying price of ₵10.89 and a selling price of ₵10.90 to the US dollar, compared to Monday’s opening level of ₵10.96. However, conditions in the retail forex market tell a different story. At forex bureaus, the dollar is trading at an average of ₵11.80, significantly above the official interbank rate. Commercial banks are quoting around ₵11.55, positioning themselves between the central bank’s rate and bureau prices which is a clear indication of tiered access to foreign exchange liquidity. The divergence is not limited to the dollar. The British pound is trading at ₵14.70 on the interbank market but averages ₵16.10 at forex bureaus. Similarly, the euro is pr...

  Cocoa farmer associations have called for negotiations between Ghana and Ivory Coast to establish proper regulations on cocoa supply to the world market in a bid to secure better prices for producers. The farmers believe coordinated action between the two leading cocoa-producing countries would help stabilise supply and strengthen their bargaining power on the international market. Speaking to Citi News on Monday, February 23, 2026, the President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, said reliable data must guide decisions on pricing and supply. Currently, when you have to make any argument, it has to be based on fact and data. But the data as we have now is not favourable, so how do we push for more?” he questioned. He stressed that the government has the authority to help regulate supply levels in collaboration with its Ivorian counterparts. The government, in this case, also has the power to control the supply. So, they should look at all other...

  Gold Fields expects gold prices to remain elevated in the near to medium term, supported by geopolitical uncertainty, sustained central bank buying and strong investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Speaking on the company’s performance for the year and outlook on Channel One   TV ’s  The Point of View   on Monday, February 23, Group CEO Mike Fraser said while current market conditions remain favourable for gold producers, the company is cautious about anchoring its strategy on short-term price movements and  overreliance on short-term price spikes. Gold Fields, he explained, bases its long-term planning and investment decisions on consensus forecasts rather than prevailing spot prices. Gold prices have surged in recent months amid global economic uncertainty, currency volatility and shifting monetary policy expectations. Also, current long-term consensus estimates place gold around $3,300 per ounce, and he stressed that all major capital allocation and ...

  Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Plc hosted a Business roundtable in Accra to examine the evolution of Ghana’s capital markets, with discussions focusing on how digital assets are transitioning from retail-driven activity toward structured, bank-led infrastructure. The meeting brought together regulators, infrastructure providers, pension fund trustees, real estate investment trusts managers and asset managers to assess how policy direction can translate into credible market development. The session was also attended by Standard Chartered executives including Global Head of Financing and Securities Services, Margaret Harwood-Jones and the Africa Head of Financing and Securities Services Michelle Swanepoel. At the center of the discussion moderated by Jojo Bannerman, Head of Markets, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, was the view that digital assets are gradually moving into mainstream financial systems rather than operating on the margins. Across Africa, digital asset growth has la...

 Cashew farmers in the Bono Region have received targeted training in financial management as part of efforts to improve credit access and strengthen farm productivity in one of Ghana’s key non-traditional export sectors. The training, organised by Cashew Watch Ghana, focused on equipping farmers with practical skills in savings culture, record-keeping, documentation and credit management — competencies considered essential for unlocking financing and scaling production. The engagement, held at Nsawkaw in the Tain District, brought together farmers and financial institutions in a partnership dialogue aimed at bridging longstanding information gaps between lenders and producers. The forum formed part of the implementation of the ‘ Amplifying the Voices of Cashew Farmers Project’ , funded by Star Ghana Foundation. According to organisers, the initiative seeks to improve collaboration between farmers and financial institutions while demystifying lending requirements that many smallhol...

 Passengers travelling through Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport will soon experience faster and more convenient security screening as Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) moves to install advanced 3D analogue baggage scanners, Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare has announced. Speaking at the 5th Aviation Ghana Breakfast Meeting in Accra, she said the new technology will eliminate the need for passengers to remove items such as liquids from their carry-on luggage during screening GACL is also pushing for the removal of the requirement for passengers to take off their shoes at security checkpoints as part of broader efforts to modernise passenger processing. We are bringing in 3D analogue scanners for baggage screening so passengers don’t have to take out things like liquids. We have also asked that the requirement for passengers to take off their shoes be repealed. We are in 2026, and we need to enhance the passenger experience,” she said. The improvements form p...

 The Ministry of Finance has outlined significant improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators, pointing to declining inflation, lower interest rates, and a stronger currency as evidence of a broad-based recovery in 2025. The figures were detailed in a press statement issued on Monday, February 23, 2026. The statement indicated that real GDP growth reached a provisional 6.1 per cent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, largely driven by the services and agriculture sectors. Non-oil growth stood higher at 7.5 per cent, compared to 5.8 per cent over the same period in 2024. Inflation, which had remained elevated at the end of 2024, fell steadily for thirteen consecutive months, dropping from 23.5 per cent in January 2025 to 3.8 per cent by January 2026. The 91-day Treasury bill rate also declined significantly from 27.7 per cent at the end of 2024 to 6.5 per cent in February 2026, while average commercial lending rates eased from 30.25 per cent in 2024 to 20.45 per c...

 Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has interdicted two doctors and two nurses in connection with the alleged refusal to provide emergency treatment to a road accident victim who later died of his injuries after being turned away from three hospitals while on an ambulance. The decision was contained in a statement issued by the hospital on Monday, February 23, 2026, after public outrage over reports that the victim was turned away despite being in critical condition. The hospital indicated that the staff members have been temporarily relieved of their duties pending investigations. According to management, a committee has been set up to conduct a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether established emergency care protocols were breached. All personnel linked to the case have been directed to cooperate with the investigative process to ensure transparency and fairness. The deceased, 29-year-old Charles Amissah, an engineer with Pro...

  Nearly 40 per cent of ambulances under the National Ambulance Service are currently not operational, raising concerns about the country’s emergency response capacity. Of the 318 ambulance stations nationwide, only 191 vehicles are currently operational, leaving 127 out of service. The situation has been attributed largely to the ageing fleet and the absence of timely replacements. Officials explain that ambulances typically have a five-year operational lifespan, after which maintenance demands increase significantly. Without systematic fleet renewal, breakdowns become more frequent, affecting response times and service delivery. The disclosure comes amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s emergency healthcare system following the death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6, 2026. Although he was stabilised by Emergency Medical Technicians, he was reportedly unable to secure admission at the Ridge Hospital...

  The General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Richard Selormey, has warned that there is a stark gap between Ghana’s emergency healthcare policies and what occurs in practice, describing the system as dangerously fragmented and in urgent need of reform. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Dr. Selormey said that although policy documents outline clear standards for accident and emergency services, the reality in many hospitals falls far short. It is good that you are referencing the policy and the guidelines document,” he said in response to a question about emergency unit requirements. “But there is always a translation from policy into reality.” According to him, Ghana has “many beautiful policies and guidelines”, yet implementation remains a major challenge. If you ask me directly, what happens on the ground is totally different from what exists,” he stressed. The discussion followed a review of official guidelines requiring ...

 Prudential Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to Ghana's agricultural transformation, throwing its weight behind the Tree Crop Development Authority's (TCDA) vision to make six targeted tree crops major economic drivers. This came to the fore when the Bank participated in a high-level panel discussion, themed "Investment Opportunities in the Tree Crops Sector in Ghana", which was held as part of the week-long Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition in Accra organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority. The Executive Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at the Bank, Edward Commey, stressed that the Bank is fully aligned with the government’s plans to diversify the cash crop sector to complement the Cocoa’s contribution.  I congratulate the Tree Crops Development Authority for the strides made so far," he stated. "Today, we have all the relevant stakeholders under one roof which goes to reinforce the fact that the necessary attention is being ...

 MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, has completed a three-day working visit to Ghana. His visit sought to advance the company’s digital ambitions and reinforce the Group’s commitment to the Ghana market. Mupita, in a media interaction last Friday, announced plans to invest US$1.1 billion in Ghana over the next three years to strengthen its infrastructure and improve service delivery. He said the accelerated capital expenditure underscores the company’s confidence in its Ghanaian operations. We are going to accelerate capital investment within the business, US$1.1 billion equivalent over a three-year period to build robust infrastructure. Previously, we invested US$1 billion over five years. This acceleration demonstrates that Ghana remains a material operation for the Group.” During the visit, the Group CEO engaged with key stakeholders across the public sectors. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and driving investment to support Ghana’s national developmen...

 The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, says Ghana has recorded significant economic gains under President John Dramani Mahama, with the country’s standing in Africa improving.   According to Dr. Pelpuo, Ghana is now ranked as the eighth richest country in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding GH¢100 billion, up from its previous position as the 10th richest. Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the minister attributed the improvement to what he called effective leadership and sound economic management within the first year of the Mahama administration. This government is a committed government. The president has shown that leadership can change a lot. With this one year that just passed, Ghana can be different altogether. We were in 10th position when it comes to rich countries. After one year of administration, good governance and committed leadership, we shot up to the 8th position, with a GDP that is ab...

 Prudential Bank Limited, an indigenous Bank and MasterCard, a leading digital payment and collections enabler have renewed their pledge to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Corporates with innovative propositions to support their businesses. This strategic collaboration was revealed when a delegation from Mastercard paid a courtesy call on the management of Prudential Bank at the Bank’s head office in Accra. The engagement provided a platform for both institutions to align on strategic priorities for 2026 and explore deeper collaboration across Corporate Banking, SME, personal banking empowerment, and digital payments solutions. Speaking at the meeting, Mastercard's Country Director, Bossman Kwapong, emphasized the importance of understanding Prudential Bank's vision for the year ahead. Prudential Bank remains a strategic partner to Mastercard. As the year begins, it is important to understand their needs and look at areas we can collaborate. This engagement allo...

  Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed that formal processes are underway to investigate the alleged diversion of 18 articulated trucks loaded with assorted goods, including cooking oil, spaghetti, and tomato paste, in what is suspected to be a transit fraud scheme. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 23, the Deputy Minister assured the public that authorities are treating the matter with urgency and will impose sanctions on all persons found to have played a role in the operation. He stressed that the government is determined to clamp down on organised customs-related fraud and restore discipline within the system. According to him, the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has already directed the leadership of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to act swiftly on the matter. He disclosed that preliminary steps, including internal reviews and administrative procedures, have commenced and could soon lead to immediate...

  The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has urged the public to disregard media commentary suggesting an imminent shortage of   Liquefied Petroleum Gas  (LPG), assuring consumers that there is adequate stock to meet demand. In a press release dated Friday, February 20, 2026, the Authority said it had taken note of publications referencing comments by the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Dr. Riverson Oppong, who reportedly advised the public to fill their cylinders in anticipation of a possible gas shortage. The NPA, however, maintained that there is no basis for panic buying. The NPA wishes to assure the general public that there is enough LPG in stock to meet demand. The country currently has an LPG stock of over a month’s cover, with LPG production by the local refineries at its highest level. “Additionally, as per the national import plan, the country is expected to take delivery of an LPG cargo within the next two weeks to further shore...

  President John Dramani Mahama has said that reducing   steel  imports by even 20 to 30 percent annually could save Ghana hundreds of millions of dollars, underscoring the importance of industrial self-reliance. Mahama speech transcripts If we reduce steel imports by even 20 to 30% annually, the foreign exchange savings alone could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. This is what industrial sovereignty is about,” he said. President Mahama made the remarks during the commissioning of the B5 Plus LTD   Steel  Manufacturing Plant on Friday, February 20, highlighting the plant’s role in strengthening domestic steel production. Steel consumption is a strong indicator of industrial development,” President Mahama said. “Across emerging economies, per capita steel consumption rises in tandem with infrastructural development, urbanisation, and industrial expansion.” Ghana’s annual steel demand is estimated at over 1.2 million metric tonnes, driven prima...

 Treasury bill interest rates declined sharply across all tenors in the latest auction, reinforcing expectations of lower borrowing costs for businesses and households, while the government recorded strong investor demand that significantly exceeded its target. Data released by the Bank of Ghana showed that the yield on the 91-day Treasury bill fell by 215 basis points to 6.45 percent , marking one of the steepest recent declines and signaling easing liquidity conditions in the financial market. Similarly, the 182-day bill rate dropped to 8.18 percent , down from 10.67 percent , while the 364-day bill yield declined by 86 basis points to 12.93 percent , continuing the downward trend across the yield curve. The sustained drop in yields is expected to reduce the government’s borrowing costs and potentially translate into lower lending rates by commercial banks, providing support for private sector growth and overall economic expansion. Strong investor demand drives oversubscription ...

  Passenger arrivals through Ghana’s international airport and land borders declined in 2025, reflecting softer cross-border travel activity, according to the Bank of Ghana’s January 2026 Monetary Policy Report. Arrivals fell by 8.5 percent year-on-year to 111,631 in July 2025, down from 121,995 recorded in July 2024. However, on a month-on-month basis, arrivals showed modest recovery, rising by 3.0 percent compared to June 2025, suggesting a gradual rebound in travel flows. On a cumulative basis, total passenger arrivals for the first seven months of 2025 reached 722,020, slightly below the 724,412 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024, reflecting marginal contraction in overall traffic through key entry points, including the Kotoka International Airport and major land borders. Port container traffic surges In contrast to the decline in passenger movement, international trade activity at Ghana’s two main seaports recorded significant growth during the review period. Tot...

  Ghana has retained its position as the world’s top-performing country in mobile money regulation, achieving a higher score in the 2025 Mobile Money Regulatory Index published by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) . The country recorded an overall score of 96.10 percent , up from 95.06 percent in 2024 , reinforcing its global leadership in establishing a strong regulatory framework that supports mobile money growth, financial inclusion, and digital innovation. The GSMA’s Mobile Money Regulatory Index evaluates the effectiveness of regulatory environments across 90 countries , measuring how policies enable safe, accessible, and sustainable mobile financial services. Ghana’s improved performance highlights the strength of its regulatory oversight, consumer protection mechanisms, and commitment to fostering a resilient digital financial ecosystem. The ranking further cements Ghana’s reputation as a global benchmark for mobile money governance, reflecting y...

 Ecobank Ghana has rewarded more than 4,000 customers in the grand finale of its ‘5-Star Enjoyment’ promotion held at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi. In total, 4,268 customers received various cash prizes and gift packages in the final draw, marking the climax of the nationwide savings promotion designed to encourage a strong culture of financial discipline among Ghanaians. The ‘5-Star Enjoyment’ promotion, launched in partnership with the National Lottery Authority, forms part of the bank’s strategic initiative to reward loyalty and promote savings among its customers. The campaign targeted 10,000 customers nationwide, with earlier draws held in November and December 2025. Head of Marketing and Brand at Ecobank Ghana, Regina Ofori, disclosed that the bank disbursed a combined total of GH₵630,000 in cash and other rewards during the Kumasi final. “An amount of GH₵367,500 was paid out as direct cash rewards, while GH₵262,500 was distributed in the form of shopping vouchers, insurance ...

  The Bank of Ghana ("BoG") and the Securities and Exchange Commission('SEC") have noted with concern the increasing advertisement of virtual asset and stablecoin products, including the use of large billboards in Accra and other parts of the country by certain Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). According to the Central Bank, all VASPs, including those operating within the BoG and SEC sandbox, are hereby directed to refrain from mass marketing or public promotional campaigns on virtual assets, unless expressly authorised by the BoG and SEC. Furthermore, virtual asset advocacy is a regulated activity under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154), and requires registration with the BOG and SEC. The Central Bank added detailed rules on advocacy and advertisements will be issued in due course. The Act further provides for transitional arrangements for existing VASPs to apply for licensing or registration once the regime becomes operational. The Cen...

 AngloGold Ashanti on Friday posted a near tripling in full-year profit, mainly driven by record gold prices and increased production, and declared reserves of nearly 5 million ounces at its U.S greenfield project. The miner's headline earnings rose to $2.725 billion in the year ended December 2025, up from $954 million the year before. AngloGold produced 3.1 million ounces of gold in 2025, a 16% increase over the previous year, mainly due to the first full-year contribution from the Sukari mine in Egypt, where the company acquired a 50% stake in 2024. As spot gold prices surged more than 60% last year to a series of record highs, the company received an average gold price 45% above the previous year, helping it declare a quarterly dividend of $1.73 per share. That brings AngloGold Ashanti's total payouts for 2025 to $1.8 billion. U.S. RESERVES AngloGold announced initial mineral reserves of 4.9 million ounces at its Arthur Gold Project in Nevada following pre-feasibility studi...

 Residents of Mehuntem Mile 10 in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality (PHMA) have been taken through an intensive childhood cancer awareness campaign as the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation strengthened efforts to promote early detection and improve access to healthcare in its host communities. Held under the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change", the initiative went beyond commemoration, delivering practical health education and direct services to families within the Foundation’s operational catchment area. In partnership with the Municipal Health Directorate and PHMA, the Foundation organised community engagements focused on educating residents about early warning signs of childhood cancer, preventive measures, and available treatment options. Health professionals underscored the importance of early diagnosis in improving survival outcomes among children. To further reduce financial barriers to healthcare, the Foundation facilitated free registration and renewal of...

  The Bogoso-Prestea Mine has recorded its first gold pour after 24 months of complete shutdown, a major milestone, signaling the resumption of production and renewed economic activity in host communities. The Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Patrick Appiah Mensah, says the development marks a turning point for the historic mine, which had faced prolonged operational and financial difficulties. Addressing members of the media Mr. Appiah Mensah described the gold pour as a symbol of resilience and responsible Ghanaian leadership, declaring that the mine is “no longer a story of decline.” According to him, when Heath Goldfields assumed control of the mine a year ago, it inherited significant challenges. The Prestea Underground Mine was flooded, the process plant was non-operational, and the water treatment plant was not functioning. Salaries and contractor payments were in arrears, while utility debts ran into millions of dollars. He said the company has since stabilised operat...

  Tullow Oil on Friday announced a broad capital revamp and a series of deals to deepen its presence in West Africa, as the heavily indebted firm moves to steady its operations and secure longer-term growth. The company has signed a refinancing deal with Glencore and owners of about two-thirds of its $1.3 billion senior secured notes due May 2026, extending debt maturities by more than two years to November 2028, it said. Tullow has been fighting with natural production declines and delayed government payments, which have strained cash flow and forced the independent oil producers to cut costs amid mounting debt. The company also separately agreed to buy the floating production, storage, and offloading vessel serving Ghana's TEN oilfields for $205 million, in a deal CEO Ian Perks said will cut fixed costs and boost long-term cash flow. It has also struck a deal with the Ghanaian government to extend its West Cape Three Points and Deep Water Tano Petroleum agreements. RUNWAY FO...

  Chief Executive Officer of Serene Insurance and 2 nd Vice-President/Chairman of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), Mercy Naa Koshie Boampong, has strongly defended the capacity of local insurance companies to provide cutting-edge, growth-oriented risk cover regimes for marine/aviation cargo to safeguard import trade in the long term. Citing Serene Insurance as an example of local capacity, Boampong noted her company was well-placed financially and technically to support the country’s import trade through marine cargo insurance. The strong assurance to importers, regulators and industry stakeholders comes on the back of government’s decision to intensify enforcement of compulsory domestic marine insurance for all commercial imports, noting that local insurers such as Serene Insurance Company Limited possessed requisite experience, technical know-how, the financial muscle and ability to underwrite Ghana’s marine cargo risks at scale. She noted that marine insurance is not a new ...

 Accra came alive over the weekend as the lawns of the Accra Polo Club Gardens transformed into a melting pot of culture, music, and high-level networking at the unforgettable edition of The Blend Festival 2026, powered by two Ghanaian giants, Prudential Bank Limited and Rana Motors. From the early hours of the evening, attendees dressed in sophisticated casuals and cultural attire, streamed into the venue, creating an atmosphere of excitement, elegance and celebration. The diverse audience reflected the festival’s unique identity, drawing together various communities and music lovers who gathered not only to enjoy world-class performances but also to network and celebrate shared experiences. The stage came alive with electrifying performances from renowned acts including The Blend Band, whose dynamic set ignited the crowd; Ghanaian music icon Wiyaala captivated audiences with her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, while rising star MaaMi delivered a captivating set that ...