Ghana Top Stories And Latest News

Ghana Receives $13 Million From Japan To Upgrade Tamale's Electrical Supply.

Japan has awarded Ghana a $13 million grant to upgrade Tamale's electrical supply, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

Mr. Ablakwa stated in a Facebook post on Monday, March 10, 2025, that he formalized the agreement by signing an Exchange of Notes with Yoshimoto Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana.

"To unlock a grant of 1.92 billion Japanese Yen (US$13 million) for the stabilization of electricity supply in Tamale City, I signed an Exchange of Notes with His Excellency Yoshimoto Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, this morning," he said.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the project is a component of larger talks between Ghana and Japan to improve collaboration in a number of areas. "The close friendship between Ghana and Japan is reflected in this project and many others that are being discussed," he said.

Tamale, a city that has seen numerous outages in recent years, is anticipated to benefit from the arrangement by having its power supply issues addressed. Information about the grant's particular infrastructure enhancements and implementation schedule has not yet been made public.

Because of My low Tolerance, I steer Clear of Dramatizing Pals. -Fella Makafui

Fella Makafui, a Ghanaian actress and businesswoman, has proclaimed a new phase in her personal development that will be characterized by a conscious departure from negativity.

Fella recently shared on Instagram that she has changed her perspective and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for drama, gossip, and toxic friendships. In place of interactions that encourage distraction and negativity, she now surrounds herself with good influences who foster her growth and has refocused her attention on self-improvement, healing, and achievement.

"I've had a different energy. I don't want to be the same person I was before, and I'm not the same person I was before. I have very little tolerance. Therefore, she added, "I don't want to be around anyone that I can't grow with or learn from."

According to Fella Makafui, she has been consciously creating a calm and pleasant existence and is now determined to protect that good energy. "I just want to enjoy my solitude, my peace, and to shut out the world completely." I adore being here, and I've been manifesting and finding solace in my elevation.

Amenfiman Bank Announces a GH¢500 Million Loan Package for MSMEs That Does Not Require Collateral.

To assist micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) throughout the nation, Amenfiman Rural Bank PLC has launched a GH¢500 million loan package that is free of collateral.

The project was introduced at the bank's yearly "Special Time with Customers" Customer First Engagement event. To assist micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) throughout the nation, Amenfiman Rural Bank PLC has launched a GH¢500 million loan package that is free of collateral.

The project was introduced at the bank's yearly "Special Time with Customers" Customer First Engagement event.

Innovative finance for SMEs
Dr. Alexander Asmah, the CEO of Amenfiman Rural Bank, spoke at the launch and emphasized that the project was based on the successful first phase of the AMERB MSME Donkomi Promo, which was introduced in 2024.

He claimed that the creative loan program was a significant advance for the nation's banking industry, allowing worthy micro and small business owners to obtain up to GH¢1 million without the customary collateral security requirements.

"We are aware of how important MSMEs are to promoting job development and economic expansion. With an outstanding non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of just 1.79 percent in 2024—as opposed to the industry average of 22%—our distinctive risk management approach has enabled us to lend to this sector in a sustainable manner, Dr. Asmah said.

The efficacy of the bank's lending methodology is demonstrated by the fact that since the first phase of the AMERB MSME Donkomi Promo began in mid-2024, approximately GH¢200 million has been disbursed to micro and small firms, with an exceptional 100% recovery rate.

Forming Strategic Alliances To Increase Influence
Dr. Asmah also emphasized the bank's partnership with Development Bank Ghana (DBG), which allowed the bank to provide MSMEs—especially women-led and young entrepreneurs—with long-term funding.

"In order to promote job creation and economic growth, we are giving priority to companies in manufacturing, agriculture and agribusiness, hospitality, information and communications technology (ICT), and other high-impact industries through our partnership with DBG," he continued.

An Appeal For Action
Dr. Toni Aubynn, the board chairman of Amenfiman Bank, spoke to the audience and emphasized the critical need for more robust financial assistance for MSMEs.

This industry is a key component of our economic recovery plan, accounting for almost 70% of all jobs in Ghana. Their largest obstacle, he said, is still getting access to reasonably priced loans and assistance for business development. Dr. Aubynn went on to say that the bank has developed methods to reduce credit risks and give small businesses the much-needed financial lifeline because it was a financial institution dedicated to their expansion.

With more than GH¢1.8 billion in total assets, Amenfiman Rural Bank PLC is among the biggest rural banks in the nation.

The bank, which presently has GH¢1.5 billion in customer deposits, achieved history by being the first organization in the Rural and Community Banking (RCB) sector to mobilize deposits beyond GH¢1 billion. The most recent initiative, according to bank officials, underlined the bank's leadership in financial inclusion and its dedication to revolutionizing the MSME sector.

Such audacious measures will be crucial in empowering companies, generating employment, and promoting long-term national growth as the nation continues its post-pandemic economic recovery.
Following the introduction, the bank released a statement saying, "Micro and small business owners can now take advantage of this opportunity to access hassle-free funding and scale their businesses to new heights."

The Necessity of Performing a Litigation Search Prior to Purchasing land in Ghana

Due to the risky nature of our land acquisition system, it is generally acknowledged by Ghanaian property buyers that they must do further due diligence before making a payment to any individual or organization claiming to be the owner of land in Ghana.

When it comes to due diligence, a prospective buyer of land in Ghana frequently thinks about searching the Lands Commission for information on the land's ownership.

You should not ignore the importance of performing a litigation search on the seller (i.e., family, group, individual, real estate company, or even the state), even though this is a huge step in confirming that the land seller does, in fact, own the land in question.

A litigation search is a fairly straightforward but frequently disregarded prerequisite for obtaining land free of incidents and preventing the loss of your hard-earned real estate because you chose not to perform one before paying a supposed landowner—who may or may not be the true owner. In order to determine whether the person or corporation claiming to be the owner of the land in question is involved in any ongoing legal proceedings, a potential buyer of land must perform a litigation search.

The court or courts that have jurisdiction over the land in question—that is, the courts that surround the area in question—are where this search is carried out. To find out if there is any ongoing litigation concerning your land seller, for example, it would be wise to perform a litigation search at the Tema and Accra Courts if the land to be bought is located in Tema.

Because each court has its own monetary jurisdiction, the value of the land might determine which court in the hierarchy should conduct the search. However, Ghana's High Courts have unrestricted monetary authority when it comes to initiating new land cases.

Given the aforementioned, it is imperative that you conduct a lawsuit search at the High Courts that are closest to the land you plan to buy.

Since it is well known that the majority of land cases in Ghana go all the way to trial and rarely receive a final ruling at the courts where the matter started, it is also more convenient to search our appellate courts (the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court).

As demonstrated in the recent Supreme Court case of BOI STOOL & ORS vs. DANIEL ADDOQUAYE & ORS, there are, in fact, numerous instances in which a search conducted by the Lands Commission will indicate that a specific family, stool, or entity is the legitimate owner of a parcel of land, only to have that determination overturned on appeal.

According to a Daily Graphic article from April 30, 2002, the Numo Nmashie Family, who had falsely claimed ownership of roughly seventy (70) villages in Accra, was granted permission by the Lands Commission. The article's then-executive secretary stressed that the High Court had directed the commission to create a judgment plan for the Numo Nmashie family regarding these seventy (70) villages, which stretched from Peduase to Kpeshie Ridge.

In contrast, the Supreme Court of Ghana ruled in the Boi Stool case mentioned above that the plotting of the aforementioned 70 villages into the name of the Numo Nmashie family should be removed from the Commission's records because the High Court's ruling, which served as the basis for the plotting, was obtained fraudulently, and moreover, the Apex court had already determined who owned the lands in the majority of the 70 affected villages in earlier lawsuits.

A simple Lands Commission search may lead you to believe that the land seller is the owner of the land without disclosing that there is an appeal pending on the same case before an appellate Court. This is why it is essential to perform a comprehensive litigation search on any parcel of land you intend to purchase, from lower Courts up to the Supreme Court, as revealed by the Boi Stool case mentioned above.

This omission results from the fact that the most recent court ruling on a land dispute can only be included once the case has been resolved in court and the winning party has taken action to have the judgment plan plotted in the Lands Commission's records so that it will appear in any upcoming search results the Commission issues. One common truth that Ghanaian land buyers need to be aware of is that court rulings provide legitimacy to the majority of holdings, particularly stool and family estates. Some of these rulings might be controversial, inconclusive, or even definitive.

On the other hand, a land with a final court decision has strong title. Actually, a court's final ruling in determining what qualifies as legitimate title to land was incorporated into the Ghanaian Lands Act.

In any case, if you hire a skilled real estate attorney, they can comprehend the subtleties of these judgments and provide you with suitable advice regarding the legal implications of the judgment or judgments that serve as the foundation for the land seller's interest and title in the property he is trying to sell.

Because of My low Tolerance, I steer Clear of Dramatizing Pals. -Fella Makafui

Fella Makafui, a Ghanaian actress and businesswoman, has proclaimed a new phase in her personal development that will be characterized by a conscious departure from negativity.

Fella recently shared on Instagram that she has changed her perspective and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for drama, gossip, and toxic friendships. In place of interactions that encourage distraction and negativity, she now surrounds herself with good influences who foster her growth and has refocused her attention on self-improvement, healing, and achievement.

"I've had a different energy. I don't want to be the same person I was before, and I'm not the same person I was before. I have very little tolerance. Therefore, she added, "I don't want to be around anyone that I can't grow with or learn from."

According to Fella Makafui, she has been consciously creating a calm and pleasant existence and is now determined to protect that good energy. "I just want to enjoy my solitude, my peace, and to shut out the world completely." I adore being here, and I've been manifesting and finding solace in my elevation.

Mahama and Traoré Talk on the Future of ECOWAS Relations, Trade, and Security.

On Monday, March 10, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama met with Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the interim leader of Burkina Faso, to talk about economic cooperation, security issues, and regional relations.

After the meeting, Mr. Mahama told reporters that they had talked about the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Economic Community (AEC). He added that he now had a better understanding of Burkina Faso's and its regional partners' worries about their relationship with ECOWAS.

He promised President Traoré that at the upcoming ECOWAS meeting, he would share similar worries with other West African leaders. "The leadership has lost trust in one another, and although it will take time to rebuild, we must endeavor to do so," Mr. Mahama stated.

Security was another topic of debate, especially the rising threat of terrorism in the Sahel. Mr. Mahama pointed out that Niger and Burkina Faso had increasingly been affected by what started in Mali. He emphasized the importance of presenting a unified front against terrorism, likening it to a cancer that will spread throughout the area if not addressed jointly.

High on the agenda were Ghana and Burkina Faso's trade and economic relations. The two presidents discussed how to facilitate agricultural commerce, create a direct flight from Accra to Ouagadougou, and enhance the transit corridor for Burkinabe importers using Ghana's ports.

Expanding the petroleum transit corridor and boosting Ghana's exports of energy to Burkina Faso were further concerns.
According to Mr. Mahama, Burkina Faso had purchased a storage facility in Tema and was thinking of shipping petrol and diesel products to Ouagadougou via Ghana's pipeline system.

FJ-WoRDA calls on The Government To Give the Women's Bank, the School Feeding Program, and Survivor Shelters top priority.

The African organization Female Journalists for Women and Rural Development (FJ-WoRDA) has called on the government to act right now in order to fulfill its promise to create the long-awaited Women's Bank.

The organization claims that women, particularly those living in rural areas, still encounter major obstacles when trying to obtain financial resources, which hinders their ability to grow their businesses, provide for their families, and make a significant contribution to economic development.

In a statement signed by FJ-WoRDA Executive Director Shirley Asiedu-Addo and issued on International Women's Day, the organization emphasized how urgently the government must step up its efforts to establish the Women's Bank.

One of the largest obstacles still facing women, especially those living in rural areas, is access to financial resources. The creation of this bank will give women access to a specialized financial institution that will help them become economically empowered, which will ultimately help families and communities, the group said. In addition to promoting financial inclusion, the group expressed concerns over the nation's school feeding program and demanded urgent changes to guarantee that children from disadvantaged families, especially those living in rural regions, receive wholesome meals on a regular basis.

The group asked the government to improve the administration and execution of the program and emphasized the importance of a healthy diet for academic achievement.

"A feeding program that is effectively organized and run is essential to guaranteeing that no child is denied an education because of hunger. Lack of food causes learning difficulties for many kids in underprivileged communities. The statement said that if the school feeding program is carried out correctly, it will help close the gap and give kids the food they need to concentrate on their education.

The necessity for more support networks for victims of gender-based and domestic abuse was also emphasized by FJ-WoRDA. The organization made the point that victims of abuse frequently do not have access to safe places where they can go for protection, rehabilitation, and refuge. In order to guarantee that victims of abuse receive the attention and assistance they are entitled to, the group urged the government to open at least one survivor's shelter in each area.

"When domestic and gender-based abuse occurs, too many women and children suffer in silence because they have nowhere to turn. In order for victims to find refuge, receive counseling, and reconstruct their lives in a secure setting, the government must give the construction of shelters nationwide first priority, according to FJ-WoRDA.

The organization utilized the event to celebrate the historic accomplishment of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was just elected Vice President, in addition to promoting these important reforms. Her win, according to the group, is a significant turning point for women in leadership and evidence that they are more than capable of holding the nation's top positions.

"The fact that she was elected to this important position is a strong indication that women are capable of holding prominent positions in government. The statement added, "It is an inspiration to young girls and women across the nation, reaffirming that they too can rise to positions of influence with determination, competence, and opportunity."

FJ-WoRDA reaffirmed its dedication to promoting laws and programs that benefit rural communities and women. The group urged all parties involved—the government, commercial industry, and civil society organizations—to work together to create a more welcoming society where women and children receive the assistance they require to prosper.

As we commemorate International Women's Day, we remind everyone involved that intentional action is necessary for true advancement. The group closed by urging the government and all pertinent entities to collaborate in order to ensure a more inclusive and equal society where women's rights are upheld and their contributions are recognized.

Three Are Proposed To The General Legal Council By The Attorney General.

Three people have been nominated by Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr. Dominic Akurutinga Ayine to serve on the General Legal Council (GLC) in compliance with Section 1(2) of the Legal Profession Act 1959.

The candidates are Dr. Abdul Bassit Aziz Bamba, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law; Mrs. Clara Beeri Kasser Tee, a lecturer at the same university; and Mr. Francis Xavier Sosu, a member of parliament for Madina.

Dr. Ayine confirmed in a letter to the Chief Justice that the President had been properly notified of the nominations, demonstrating the government's dedication to fortifying the regulatory body for the legal profession.

Upholding the standards of the legal profession in Ghana is largely dependent on the General Legal Council, which regulates professional conduct and legal education.  It is anticipated that the appointment of these people will strengthen the Council's authority to oversee legal practice and education in the nation by bringing a variety of knowledge and experience to the table.

The Trade Minister Gives The GSA Permission To Shut Down Cement Factories That Produce Inferior Goods.

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has been authorized by Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, to shut down all cement manufacturing firms that produce inferior goods for the Ghanaian market right away.

According to her, closing these factories would prevent them from releasing hazardous goods onto the market that constituted major risks to professionals, consumers, businesses, and property owners.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare stated, "Close down companies that are defaulting with substandard products to stop production until they can demonstrate that they can produce quality products consistently and until you are satisfied that they are not circulating substandard products."

Alarming information

At a stakeholder meeting of the nine-member Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) and industry participants on March 5 of this year, the GSA presented data on cement quality, which revealed that certain cement companies are manufacturing cement that does not adhere to Ghanaian standards.

However, the Cement Manufacturers Development Committee Regulation L.I. 2480 gives the minister the authority, acting through the committee, to revoke the license of any cement manufacturer that fails to adhere to Ghanaian standards.

Furthermore, any product that does not meet Ghanaian standards may be prohibited from being sold, produced, or distributed by the Ghana Standard Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1,078). 

The mechanism of suicide

Safety is crucial, so pricing should never be used as a suicide tactic to create subpar products, according to Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare, who made this statement at a stakeholder meeting held at the ministry in Accra last Friday. Because subpar products, particularly those made of building materials, run the risk of collapsing on everyone.

"We all stay in hotels and guesthouses, and if the quality of the cement is not checked, our families, relatives, and friends are at risk," she stated. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare presided over the meeting, which was held in response to recent unilateral cement price increases announced by cement companies without consulting the nine-member CMDC.

The committee was established in accordance with LI 2480) and is chaired by Professor Alex Dodoo, the Director-General of the GSA. Its duties include monitoring and coordinating cement manufacturing activities as well as supervising the expansion and development of the local cement industry.

A representative of the Association of Ghana Industries, an independent expert, Rt Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, a committee member, and Prof. Dodoo, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, attended the meeting.

The Chief Director of the ministry, Noah Tumfo, and Sampson Ahi, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, were also present.

The difficulties facing the cement industry were also covered, with special attention paid to the quality of cement available on the market and the recent price increases. During the meeting, the industry participants acknowledged that they unilaterally raised their prices and promised to lower them while abiding by the law when making future price announcements in good faith. 

Fair prices

The minister made it clear that although cement prices should be reasonable, businesses should stop using subpar materials in their manufacturing. Therefore, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare promised to visit cement factories frequently in order to make sure that problems with inferior cement would be "a thing of the past."

"We will monitor prices to make sure that no inferior product is produced because it would be suicidal for the industry to produce inferior products in order to remain competitive, and that will not occur. "To protect everyone, including professionals, engineers, homeowners, and consumers, we will make sure that the industry is properly regulated," the minister promised.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare went on, "We are not here to control prices, but we want fair pricing; we want to protect consumers and also facilitate industry."

Respect The Law

Regarding price hikes, the minister stated that the law was explicit in stating that the CMDC, not the industry, was responsible for announcing cement prices. In order to keep consumers informed, the committee will publish the maximum ex-factory price of the two primary cement types available in Ghana at the start of each month: 32.5 R and 42.5 R, she said.

"The committee will refuse if the prices declared by the companies are not satisfactory, and you cannot sell if your price is not approved," she said. "The legislation mandates that your retail prices be certified by the committee prior to you selling," Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare went on.

Price Reduction  

According to Prof. Dodoo, the committee has given each cement company until the eighth of each month to announce their prices, whether or not they have increased, so that the committee can publish them to customers on the fifteenth of each month.

He said that although cement prices were impacted by exchange rate fluctuations because nearly 70% of their inputs were imported, they had to keep in mind the challenging times Ghanaians were going through.

Ghana's Economic Recovery Relies On Enhancing Internal Revenue, According To The Finance Minister.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has highlighted the importance of boosting domestic revenue collection as one of seven key strategies to rejuvenate the economy and speed up national development. He noted that Ghana's performance in revenue collection has lagged behind that of its counterparts and pointed out that the past decade has seen unsatisfactory revenue mobilization. Dr. Forson mentioned these points during his presentation on the Ghanaian Economic State at the opening of the National Economic Dialogue (NED) 2025 in Accra yesterday. This event was part of President John Dramani Mahama's pledge to fulfill a 120-day social contract.

The Finance Minister highlighted other key areas of focus, such as achieving a balance between fairness, simplicity, and effectiveness, while aiming for a qualitative fiscal consolidation. This includes safeguarding expenditure that promotes growth and supports social programs.

Additionally, priorities include adhering to public financial management and procurement regulations; implementing strong commitment controls to ensure optimal value for money and uphold fiscal discipline; increasing the effectiveness of public spending on social initiatives and infrastructure projects; gradually eliminating expensive, regressive, and inefficient energy subsidies; restructuring state-owned enterprises that lead to potential liabilities and quasi-fiscal expenses (such as COCOBOD and the Electricity Company of Ghana); and reinforcing Ghana's fiscal framework by redesigning fiscal rules to better facilitate automatic stabilizers.

The two-day event revolves around the theme "Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Aspire Together."

Participants include government representatives, policymakers, business executives, Members of Parliament, diplomats, development allies, and delegates from banking, finance, and insurance sectors. Additionally, civil society organizations, scholars, researchers, women's and youth groups, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, local community members, and grassroots citizens of Ghana are gathering to deliberate on strategies for promoting inclusive economic growth and national advancement.

The aim of this dialogue is to present the actual state of Ghana's economy to stakeholders and citizens, formulate a domestic fiscal framework to steer the national budget, and underscore key structural reforms and policy priorities crucial for revitalizing the economy.

The conversation focuses on six key themes: Growth with Diversification, Export Competitiveness, Productivity, Technology, and Human Well-being (DEPTH), aiming for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Transformation. It emphasizes Growth led by the Private Sector, Maximizing Business Potential, Infrastructure Development to address deficiencies for Economic Transformation, Structural and Policy Reforms, Strengthening Essential Sectors for Economic Growth, and Enhancing Good Governance and Anti-Corruption efforts.

Dr. Forson expressed the government's commitment to revamping the economy to foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

"There is an immediate requirement for comprehensive policies and institutional reforms that boost productivity, enhance infrastructure quality and services, and raise human capital and workforce proficiency. These changes have the potential to transform Ghana over a generation, potentially tripling its per capita income by the year 2050," Dr. Forson noted.

The Finance Minister stated that the government's goal is to transition from an economy primarily reliant on factor accumulation and natural resource exploitation to one propelled by productivity and human capital development. Discussing the National Economic Dialogue, Dr. Forson described it as a "Chance to consider our economic situation, tackle urgent issues, and set a path toward a more prosperous future for all citizens."

Dr. Ishmael Yamson, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for NED 2025, emphasized that the task of revitalizing Ghana is pressing and cannot be postponed. He highlighted the necessity for home-developed strategies to tackle the numerous socio-economic challenges the nation faces.

Dr. Yamson emphasized the importance of transforming the economy to create employment opportunities and inspire hope among the many unemployed young people, noting that Ghanaians are weary of enduring poverty and hardship. The NED Chairman commended the President for organizing the event and proposed that it become an annual gathering to engage with the private sector and key stakeholders in discussing strategies to bolster the economy.

Ghana Ceases Using Gold for Oil Payments 

Ghana’s newly appointed central bank governor has halted the country's initiative of exchanging gold for oil and anticipates the cedi will regain stability following last year’s fluctuations.

"We aim to uphold a suitable monetary policy," stated Johnson Asiama, 56, head of the Bank of Ghana, in a discussion on Friday. He noted that along with the fiscal discipline pledged by President John Mahama's government, this approach "should assist in sustaining steadiness in the foreign exchange markets."

With the current interest rate at 27 percent and inflation reduced to 23.5 percent in January, Asiama believes that enhanced coordination between monetary and fiscal policies should alleviate price tensions as the nation moves past the economic distress caused by its 2022 debt default. As Africa's largest gold exporter, Ghana sought a $3 billion rescue package from the International Monetary Fund and reorganized its debt after failing to meet its financial commitments.

After experiencing a 19% depreciation against the U.S. dollar last year, the governor anticipated that the cedi would dodge further "extreme volatilities" that it has recently faced.

The previous government, which Mahama decisively defeated in the December elections, initiated the gold-for-oil scheme to mitigate currency fluctuations. Under this program, the central bank acquired gold using local currency and then used it in trade or oil procurement.

“We have incurred some losses on that front,” Asiama, who received his doctorate in economics from the University of Southampton, mentioned to Bloomberg Television’s Ondiro Oganga, without elaborating. “So, we have implemented a suspension” on the trade, he noted.

Ghana's oil imports amounted to $4.5 billion in 2024. By September, the Bank of Ghana had acquired 65.4 tons of gold for its foreign reserves and the barter initiative, with foreign reserves amassing 30.5 tons by the end of the previous year. The central bank might step back from its bullion-buying initiative, transferring the responsibility to a forthcoming Gold Board, according to his statement.

Asiama, appointed by Mahama on February 25, has committed to curbing the central bank's losses after it reported an unprecedented budget overrun of 60.9 billion cedis ($3.9 billion) in 2022, primarily due to loan write-offs necessary to secure an International Monetary Fund bailout. "I assure you that this year will not end in losses," Asiama stated. "We are implementing effective measures to manage operational expenses."

Africa World Airlines (AWA), Ghana's leading airline and the longest-operating carrier on the Lagos–Accra route, has unveiled intentions to broaden its flight services within Nigeria.

Africa World Airways, a prominent airline renowned for its commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent, is set to expand its flight services to Nigeria. This strategic move underscores the airline's dedication to facilitating travel and fostering economic ties within the region. By increasing the frequency of flights to Nigeria, Africa World Airways aims to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in this bustling West African nation, known for its vibrant economy and cultural diversity.

During a recent Trade Partners’ Forum and Award Reception, Kingsley Chima, AWA’s Country Manager in Lagos, detailed the airline’s approach, stating: “Re-establishing our pre-pandemic capacity of five daily flights has been difficult since the pandemic's impact. Our current priority is to enhance service to three daily flights and to bring back early morning departures from both Accra and Lagos. Our ongoing triumph is a reflection of the steadfast support from our partners, for which we are sincerely thankful.”

Nigeria, with its population exceeding 200 million, represents a significant market for the aviation industry. The expansion of flight services will not only boost tourism but also promote business exchanges and cultural interactions. This initiative is expected to support Nigeria's economic growth by providing more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travelers.

Jonathan Kofi Appiah, the Head of Commercial Operations, praised AWA for its endurance in a sector where airlines on the Lagos–Accra route generally last only five to ten years. He stated, “Africa World Airlines has not only exceeded this standard but also continues to provide outstanding, safe, and dependable service to our esteemed passengers.”

Furthermore, Africa World Airways plans to employ modern aircraft equipped with advanced technology to ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience. This expansion aligns with the airline's broader strategy to strengthen its network across Africa, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for travelers throughout the continent.

Mr. Appiah underscored the airline’s dedication to punctuality, saying, “As the foremost carrier on this path, we focus on timely performance, guaranteeing smooth departures and arrivals throughout our network. Furthermore, we plan to increase travel flexibility for our customers with upcoming flights to Port Harcourt.”

Overall, Africa World Airways' decision to expand its services to Nigeria reflects its commitment to providing reliable and efficient travel solutions, thereby contributing to the development of the region's aviation sector and its integration into the global travel network.

Ken Ofori-Atta, The Ex-Finance Minister, Is No Longer Marked As A Person Of Interest By The Office Of The Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Ken Ofori-Atta, who previously served as the Finance Minister of Ghana, is no longer under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which had previously marked him as a person of interest. This development signifies a notable shift in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his tenure in the financial sector. The OSP, tasked with probing corruption and corruption-related offenses, had initially flagged Ofori-Atta during its comprehensive investigations into financial management and accountability issues. However, after thorough examination and analysis, the office decided to remove him from their list of individuals under investigation.

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, labeled him a fugitive on February 12, 2025, due to his failure to specify a return date to the country for questioning. Mr. Ofori-Atta, who held the position of Finance Minister from 2017 to 2023, is being scrutinized for potential corruption and related infractions. The Special Prosecutor has detailed five significant investigations involving the former Finance Minister.

1. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and GRA Agreement

Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently being scrutinized over the contractual agreements involving Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), aimed at boosting revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, as well as the minerals and metals resources value chain.

2. Termination of ECG and Beijing Technology Limited Agreement

The Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating the cancellation of a project contract focused on reducing distribution losses and enhancing the network, which was between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited.

3. National Cathedral Project

Mr. Ofori-Atta is under scrutiny for his role in the selection of contractors, procurement of materials, activities, and financial transactions related to the contentious National Cathedral initiative.

4. Procurement of Ambulances

The former Finance Minister is associated with inquiries into the contracts overseen by the Ministry of Health, initially started by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives, for the acquisition, post-purchase service, and upkeep of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

5. GRA’s Tax Refund Account Payments

The OSP is examining the disbursements made from and the management of the tax refund account operated by the Ghana Revenue Authority.

On February 18, 2025, Mr. Ofori-Atta, through his legal representatives, officially notified the OSP of his intention to return to the country and specified a particular date for his return. This represented a departure from his prior stance of staying abroad indefinitely.

Following this notification, the OSP assessed his situation and concluded that the proposed return date was reasonable. Consequently, the Special Prosecutor adjusted his scheduled appearance to coincide with his anticipated arrival.

"Mr. Ofori-Atta has been taken off the OSP's wanted list and is no longer regarded as a fugitive, on the condition that he returns as planned," stated the OSP in an announcement. The OSP warned that should he fail to come back or miss the rescheduled meeting, he will be placed back on the wanted list, and legal measures will be taken to ensure his presence.

His removal from the list comes after weeks of conjecture regarding his location and his willingness to participate in the investigation. The OSP reiterated its commitment to pursue all legal avenues if he does not return as promised.