Kofi Ahovi

 In a significant boost to UK-Ghana trade and investment relations, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), in partnership with the UK-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme, has launched the UK-Ghana Trade Resource Centre, a practical market-access platform designed to help businesses identify opportunities, navigate export requirements and build commercial partnerships between Ghana and the United Kingdom. The UK and Ghana enjoy strong trade relations, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately £1.6 billion in the year to Q1 2026. Yet, despite this progress, significant untapped opportunities remain for businesses in both countries. The Trade Resource Centre has been established to help bridge information gaps, connect businesses with the right partners, and support firms to take greater advantage of opportunities under the UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement. The launch formed one of the major outcomes of the UK-Ghana Trade & Investment Summit 2026,...

 Businesses trading between Ghana and China stand to benefit from faster, more convenient and potentially cheaper payments following the introduction of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) in Ghana, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, has said. With CIPS, businesses can access a more direct payment route to Chinese counterparties, reducing the need for US correspondent or intermediary banks,” Asomaning said at the Ghana-China Day in Accra on Wednesday. CIPS, he explained, gives businesses a more direct route to settle eligible transactions in Chinese yuan (RMB), cutting their reliance on correspondent and intermediary banks. CIPS is a wholesale payment system authorised by the People’s Bank of China that facilitates payments in RMB, providing an alternative channel for businesses engaged in Ghana-China trade. According to Asomaning, payments between the two countries had traditionally passed through intermediary banks, including US corresponde...

  Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has called for a major change in the way Ghana trades with China, saying the country must move beyond exporting raw materials and focus more on processing and manufacturing locally. Dr. Forson said China had become Ghana’s largest trading partner, but the country was not getting enough value from the relationship because too many exports remained in their raw form. He made the call at the opening of the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation. China is now Ghana’s largest trading partner, but the structure must improve,” the Finance Minister said. He said Ghana wanted to increase the amount of cocoa and other raw materials processed locally before they were exported to China and other international markets. According to Dr. Forson, Ghana’s goal is to attract Chinese investment into factories, processing plants and other businesses that can create jobs and build local skills. We seek inv...

  President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level bilateral talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, culminating in the signing of three key agreements aimed at strengthening economic, trade and agricultural cooperation between Ghana and Belarus. President Mahama was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Belarusian Presidential Palace on Monday as part of his State Visit to the Republic of Belarus. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral relations and identifying new opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors critical to the economic development of both countries. The engagements resulted in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), covering the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation in Trade and Economic Affairs, enhanced collaboration between the chambers of commerce of both countries, and cooperation in agriculture. The agreements are expected to create a structured framework for increased trade, investment and technical co...

  President of South Korea , Lee Jae Myung , has expressed confidence that the ongoing visit by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama , will deliver concrete benefits for both nations and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Speaking at a summit in Seoul on Wednesday, March 11, President Lee said he expects the visit to produce tangible outcomes that will positively impact the citizens of both countries. I hope that President Mahama’s visit to South Korea will serve as an opportunity to generate tangible outcomes of cooperation that the peoples of both countries can truly feel,” President Lee said. According to reports by Yonhap News Agency , the South Korean leader highlighted the strong partnership that has developed between the two countries over the years. The two countries have achieved remarkable results in cooperation across various fields, including maritime security, trade and agriculture,” he noted. President Mahama arrived in South Korea on Tuesday, March 11, for a four-...

 Algeria Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mourad Louhaidia has reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting Ghana and Africa. Speaking at the Algerian 71th revolution day in Ghana, he highlighted Algeria's strong relations with Ghana, citing historical ties and cooperation. We are proud to have had Ghana as a key partner in our struggle for independence," Ambassador Louhaidia said. "We will continue to support Ghana and Africa in our pursuit of development and self-determination." Algeria and Ghana have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties, with cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and energy. The Ambassador expressed optimism about deepening relations, citing Ghana's development progress. We are committed to working with Ghana to address common challenges and promote African solidarity," he said The minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, in her keynote address also reaffirmed the Ghana's commitment to strength...

  Prudential Bank has taken a significant step to support the growth of its Commercial Banking customers and prospects by organizing an international business trip to Turkey, Qatar and China. The trip facilitated in partnership with Nita Travel and Shipping Company, aimed to expose Ghanaian business leaders to new trading opportunities and partners, promoting business growth and development. The Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Bernard Gyebi, commenting on the tour emphasized the Bank's commitment to providing advisory services & customer growth. We are dedicated to ensuring our customers get the best from their trading activities. This business trip is a testament to our goal of providing stress-free business deals for our cherished customers," he said. A section of the participants travelled to Turkey and another group went to Qatar before they all arrived in China for the major session. In Turkey, they attended the African Business Forum and Expo (AFEX), a 2-day In...

  The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has urged world leaders to adopt fairer and more inclusive global trade policies to help rebuild international economic cooperation. Speaking at the launch of the London-Accra Initiative—an effort to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two cities—Khan warned that recent trade wars and protectionist policies were creating unnecessary divisions among nations. Right now, there are people who want to build walls between us—imposing tariffs, creating trade barriers, and pointing out our differences,” Khan said. “I’m clear: we should be building bridges, not walls. We should be bringing people together. That’s why this initiative is so important.” He emphasised the importance of collaboration over confrontation and championed policies that promote shared growth and connection. Reaffirming London’s position as a global city open to all, he extended a warm invitation to people around the world: To those who haven’t been to London yet, shame ...

 Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has revealed that government will next month unveil a comprehensive agribusiness export policy aimed at boosting international market access for Ghanaian farmers and processors. Speaking at Channel One TV’s   AgriFair  2025 on Saturday, June 21, Sampson Ahi said the new policy will define strategic support systems and incentive structures for exporters, while also serving as a roadmap to expand agricultural production and increase value addition to local produce. We in the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness we have a programme in place to launch the policy with regards to the agribusiness where we will spell out benefits, advantages that exporters can take. “I am sure we will launch it somewhere next month. When we do that we will engage the exporters so that they can take advantage of what government has for them,” Ahi stated. The Deputy Minister highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership in...

  Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has emphasised the importance of adhering to international standards to expand Ghana’s access to global markets. She highlighted key steps, including the regulation of agricultural inputs and addressing social issues, to enhance the country's economic prospects. Appearing before Parliament's Appointment Committee for vetting on Wednesday, January 21, she said: “It is important that we do the right things to access international markets." She also pointed out the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s commitment to ensuring that only approved chemicals are used in agricultural production. She noted that failing to meet international standards undermines the nation’s efforts, adding, “If we work hard but our produce and products fail to meet international standards, we are doing ourselves a disservice.” Madam Ofosu-Adjare also stressed addressing issues such as child labour in collaboration with th...

 In a resolute proclamation, Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, has underscored the Ghanaian Government’s unwavering commitment to propelling the country’s private sector towards amplified exports, with a particular focus on the expansive U.S. market. Cognizant of the vast consumer landscape in the United States, Hammond underscored the government’s determined stance to foster a conducive environment for Ghanaian enterprises to capitalize on this pivotal avenue. Addressing an august gathering at the 2023 U.S.-Ghana Business EXPO on August 10, 2023, Hammond articulated that the government’s compass is fixed on empowering the private sector to navigate the intricacies of the U.S. market under the strategic banner of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). “The U.S.-Ghana EXPO stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to cultivate robust bilateral trade affiliations between Ghana and the U.S.,” affirmed Hammond, a sentiment that resonates with the sub...

 A DEPUTY Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, has said that the country was ready for the full operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. He said the customs unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was ready and had the competence to provide certificates of origin including all the requirements in place for the smooth take-off of the agreement. “We have everything in place and we are part of the seven countries which have already traded under the Guided Trade Initiative,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the 1st Annual General Assembly Meeting of the African Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). Three years after the launch of the AfCFTA, African countries are yet to take full advantage of the agreement due to the inability of some countries to submit their tariff schedules to the AfCFTA Secretariat for technical validation. The AfCFTA agreement when fully operationalised is expected to create a market size of over 1.4 ...

 Bilateral Trade between Ghana and Italy reached a record high of €520 million in 2021. This figure is set to be exceeded this year as bilateral trade between the two countries was already approaching €600 million as of August 2022. At the West Africa Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition in Accra, the Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and Togo, Daniela d’Orlandi, said the most important part of Italy’s exports to Ghana were the capital goods, stating that over €16 million of machinery and equipment was traded in 2021. She said that was a reflection that a lot of companies in Ghana have chosen Italy as a technology partner. “Still our ambition is to re-enforce bilateral cooperation with the Ghanaian market even more as our Italian Trade office in Accra, with the support of the embassy, has put in place several activities to create opportunities for Italian and Ghanaian companies to connect and start new projects together,” she stated. Large delegation Commenting on the exhibition, the ...

The Secretary General of the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) , H.E. Wamkele Mene, will be holding a historic Conference in Tanzania to demonstrate their commitment to the inclusion of Women and Youth in the AfCFTA. Gracing this all-important event is H.E. Samia Suluhu Hasan, the president of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Jewel Taylor, Vice President of Liberia, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, president and chairman of Afreximbank, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, President, African Development Bank,  H.E. Monique Nsanabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson, African Union alongside other dignitaries from different sectors. The conference which takes place from 12 th -14 th September 2022, in Dar es Salaam at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center, United Republic of Tanzania, is held under the theme “Women and Youth: The Engine of AfCFTA Trade in Africa”, which will provide a platform for women and youth in trade, policymakers, development partners, financiers, and other key...

A trade expert, Maame Awinador-Kanyirige, has urged African governments to put in place the right road infrastructure to facilitate trade on the continent. Although the Africa Continental Free Trade Area is expected to remove trade barriers on the continent, she said one of the critical things that has to be done was the need to put in place an effective transportation system to enable the smooth movement of goods. In an interview with the Graphic Business on June 29, 2022, on the effect of the two-year border closure due to COVID-19 on the Ghanaian economy in terms of cross border trade, she said an improved transportation system was the only way to move goods at a cheaper cost between states. One of the biggest things is looking at policies that help improve the supply chain – transport, the movement of goods and services, storage, among others. Because once we are strengthened within, we can have more capacity to perform externally by competing on a global scale,” she said She said ...

The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, has asked African countries to leverage the platform provided by the trade pact to create regional trade networks and global affiliations. He said this would enable their markets to build resilience in the supply chains and reduce reliance on external markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us a once in a lifetime opportunity to make bold decisions that will put us on a path to resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery, he said at the opening of the 13th World Trade Promotion Organisations (WTPO) conference in Accra on May 17. “With the AfCFTA, Africa now has an important instrument to assist countries to look inward for solutions to their COVID-19 economic challenges,” he stressed. The two-day event is being organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) on the theme: “Bold Solutions for Resilience and Recovery.” Mene ...

Trade and Industry Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, says Ghana is ready to be used as entry point for Emirati businesses interested in investing in the country. United Arab Emirates has emerged as one of Ghana’s major trading partners with value of trade averaging about $1.7 billion between 2011 and 2019. Kyerematen said trade continues to remain stronger even with the disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic where total trade stood at over $2 billion with Ghana consistently recording balance of trade surplus over the past years. Addressing participants at a Ghana Business Forum in the ongoing Dubai Expo, Kyeremanten also said Ghana is seeking to advance cooperation and support with the UAE in strategic investments needed to harness the vast resources for industrial transformation as well as boost trade and investment. This platform will not only enhance partnership between Ghana and UAE, but will enable us to share experiences, as well as exchange information on priority sectors, special...

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe lbas (retd), has asked Ghana and Nigeria to leverage their strengths within the sub-region and the continent to increase trade among themselves. He said the two countries accounted for over 70 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, therefore, it was prudent for the two countries to do more among themselves as far as trade was concerned. Vice Admiral Ibas made the call when he led a delegation to the GIHOC Distilleries Limited to familiarise himself with the company’s operations. Among the delegation was a team from Aphro Spirit. Aphro Spirit has been trying to make approaches to try to increase relations between Ghana and Nigeria Two of the crucial topics discussed were the beverage industry and how the two countries could create a beneficial partnership. Read also: AfCFTA: Local businesses must expand or risk collapse – AGI The visit was also to help strengthen the bilateral trade between Ghana an...