Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced the government’s plan to launch a new pharmaceutical manufacturing development policy.

According to her, the initiative will introduce substantial incentives aimed at boosting the local production of essential medicines.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the minister called on pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity, urging them to expand their operations not only to meet local demand, but also to tap into export markets.

“We are also set to launch the pharmaceutical manufacturing development policy, offering robust incentives to encourage local production of essential medicines. I invite our pharmaceutical stakeholders to see the opportunity and scale up operations for local and export markets,” she said.

In addition, the minister stated that her ministry is finalising a component manufacturing policy to support the automotive industry.

She extended a call to industry partners to explore investments in vehicle component production.

“The ministry is currently finalising a component manufacturing policy to support the automotive sector, with a special call to our industry partners at Abossey Okai, Kokompe, Suame Magazine to consider investment in vehicle component manufacturing,” she added.

SP/AE

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Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of NPP

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has brushed aside claims by political science lecturer at the KNUST, Dr Richard Amoako Baah, that he, together with other members of the party plan to leave to form another political group.

Speaking on how to navigate the impending “Thank You Tour” of the party, on Neat FM on April, 22, 2025, he stated that the party seeks to express their gratitude to God, all supporters, and revitalise the grassroot members.

He criticised Dr Richard Amoako Baah for his claim that some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are planning to break away from the party to form a new one.

He explained that the political science lecturer has been demonstrating anti-party behaviours since the 2024 electioneering campaign.

“Is he still part of the NPP? During the 2024 Election season, he stated publicly that the NPP will lose power. He said a lot of things that are anti-party. So, I’m not surprised,” he said in Twi.

Nana B, subsequently, urged party faithful to look beyond anti-party sentiments and focus on revitalising the grassroot after the heavy defeat in the 2024 Election.

He noted that the impending “Thank You Tour” to be held under the theme, “In All Things, Give Thanks to God” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), primarily seeks to regroup and resolve internal issues.

He added that the tour will begin at the NPP Headquarters from April, 23, 2025, before they proceed to visit all 16 regions.

The exercise which aims to reinforce unity and the bond between the party’s leadership and its grassroots, will be climaxed with an interfaith thanksgiving services comprising of both Christians and Islamic observances.

Read the statement below

VPO/AE

Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:

A picture of Pope Francis (wearing white robe with a rosary) engaging with children

The passing of Pope Francis, Head of the Roman Catholic Church, has evoked a profound sense of sorrow, while also prompting a celebration of his enduring legacies and the impactful leadership he demonstrated throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis’s transformational policies and humble lifestyle have come under the spotlight, even as people around the world remember him and reflect on his accomplishments and the significant reforms he championed during his tenure as pope.

GhanaWeb highlights five key things the late Pope Francis will be fondly remembered and celebrated across the globe for.

Advocacy on the Russia-Ukraine War

A defining part of Pope Francis’s legacy was his response to the Russia-Ukraine War. He openly denounced the violence and devastation caused by the conflict, expressing deep concern over the loss of lives and the suffering of countless civilians. Throughout his tenure, he remained a strong advocate for peace, consistently urging all sides to seek a diplomatic and non-violent resolution.

Non-judgmental posture on LGBTQ+ activities

Another key thing the Pope did was his non-condemnation, judgmental, and advocacy for a more open stance of the church on sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community.

Pope Francis gave a seeming posture of being more welcoming to the community rather than pronounce judgment on them.

He is widely remembered for his remark as reported by international news platform, the Associated Press, saying; ‘Who am I to judge?’ in response to a question purportedly about a gay priest.

His remark was widely perceived as comforting, especially by members of the LGBTQ+ community who had long felt shunned and excluded by the church.

Visit to war-torn areas and empathy for victims

Pope Francis emerged as a beacon of hope and refuge for all, particularly for victims of wars, migrants, the underprivileged, and countless other marginalised groups.

He traveled to places seldom visited by his predecessors, including war and conflict zones, refugee camps, slums, and areas affected by natural disasters.

In 2015, he became the first Pope to enter an active war zone when he visited the Central African Republic during its civil war.

Leadership style

Many have eulogised the late Pope for his exemplary leadership style and qualities, which extended their influence beyond the Catholic Church.

He embodied true Christian values, serving as a father figure to all he encountered, regardless of their background or identity.

Modest lifestyle

Pope Francis’ modest approach to life was remarkable, as he chose to live humbly despite having access to considerable luxuries.

As reported by the Associated Press, he rode the bus, prepared his own meals, and frequently visited slums.

His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

MAG/AE

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President John Dramani Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in May 2021 promised to restore licenses of banks that were wrongly collapsed when voted back into power.

Mahama also said he will create a tier banking system that will boost the financial sector.

Read the full story originally published on May 15, 2021 by www.ghanaweb.com.

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has stated that in the event of his election as president, he will restore the licenses of banks that he believes were wrongly shut down.

He made the promise while delivering his formal acceptance speech on May 15, 2023.

John Mahama was declared the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress on May 13, 2023.

The former president noted his government will create a tier banking system that will boost Ghana’s financial sector.

“We shall promote robust, local participation in our banking and financial, telecommunication, tourism, mining, and agric and manufacturing sectors to grow our economy and create sustainable employment for our youths.

“We will restore indigenous Ghanaian investments in the finance and banking sector and we will create a tier banking system that will serve various segments of the market,” he said in his address at the University of Development Studies in Tamale.

John Mahama also noted that he will ensure that those who lost their jobs in the 2019 banking sector clean-up exercise are re-employed.

“We will give the opportunity to experience banking hands who were laid off needlessly to secure their careers once more and move away from the menial jobs that they were compelled to take.

“As far as practicable the banking licenses that were unjustly canceled by this government will be restored,” he said.

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Accra, April 22, GNA – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will today, April 22, 2025, officially launch its 50th anniversary in Accra, Ghana.

The event marks the start of year-long celebrations to commemorate the West African economic bloc, founded 50 years ago, on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Heads of state from member countries are expected to attend the launch.

Among the early arrivals for the Summit is Mr. Muhammed B. S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia.

Celebrations across Member States will follow throughout the year, as recommended by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government.

The programme of activities was validated by the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee during a virtual meeting in February 2025.

Originally comprised of 15 nations, ECOWAS welcomed Cabo Verde in 1977, while Mauritania withdrew in 2000, signing an association agreement in 2017.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exited in January 2025 due to disagreements.

Current members include Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.

As a key pillar of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS works to foster unified economic cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, and trade, boasting a regional Gross Domestic Product of $734.8 billion.

In 2007, the Secretariat transitioned into a Commission to strengthen leadership and strategic direction.

The Commission is led by a President, Vice-President, five Commissioners, and an Auditor General.

Primarily funded by a 0.5 per cent Community tax on imports from non-member states, ECOWAS drives integration through strategic programmes.

It envisions a 2050 transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of Peoples,” aiming for lasting peace and prosperity.

GNA

KAS

Monday’s four sched­uled matches in the top flight of Italian football have been postponed, following the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican announced on Monday morning that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88, having recently been dis­charged from hospital following five weeks of treatment for an infection.

Four Serie A matches – Torino v Udinese, Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Ju­ventus had been scheduled to be played on Easter Monday, which is a national holiday in Italy.

The governing body which oversees the Italian top flight said the fixtures would be rearranged in due course.

Pope Francis was elected to lead the Catholic Church in 2013, replacing Pope Benedict XVI.

The 88-year-old was a known football fan and had supported Argentine side San Lorenzo since he was a child.

A number of Serie A clubs posted tributes to the Pope follow­ing his passing.

“A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” a Roma statement read.

“His faith, his humility, his courage and his dedication have touched the hearts of millions of people, making him a moral refer­ence of our time.” —BBC

MONDAY’S four sched­uled matches in the top flight of Italian football have been postponed, following the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican announced on Monday morning that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88, having recently been dis­charged from hospital following five weeks of treatment for an infection.

Four Serie A matches – Torino v Udinese, Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Ju­ventus had been scheduled to be played on Easter Monday, which is a national holiday in Italy.

The governing body which oversees the Italian top flight said the fixtures would be rearranged in due course.

Pope Francis was elected to lead the Catholic Church in 2013, replacing Pope Benedict XVI.

The 88-year-old was a known football fan and had supported Argentine side San Lorenzo since he was a child.

A number of Serie A clubs posted tributes to the Pope follow­ing his passing.

“A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” a Roma statement read.

“His faith, his humility, his courage and his dedication have touched the hearts of millions of people, making him a moral refer­ence of our time.” —BBC

Ghana has exceeded an important benchmark under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme of increasing the country’s gross international reserve. This has been achieved a year ahead of the completion date of the programme in May 2026.

Data released after a staff-level agreement between the government and the IMF, indicates that Ghana’s gross international reserve hit $9.3 billion as of as of February 2025. This is equivalent to four months of import cover.

Ghana was expected to reach the threshold by middle of 2026 under the programme.

Reacting to the development, senior finance lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Dr Benjamin Amoah described the feat as a good development that could sustain the cedi’s stability.

“I think this is a good development for the cedi. Improving the reserves will send a positive signal to investors that the currency is in a good position”, he said.

He advised the government to continue with the debt sustainability measures to further boost the country’s reserves.

Gov’t and IMF reach staff-level agreement

Ghana and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on a package of economic policies and reforms to conclude the fourth review of the 36-month Economic Credit Facility (ECF)-supported programme on April 15, 2025.

This staff-level agreement is subject to the executive board’s consideration.

Upon completion of the executive board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 267.5 million (about US$370 million). This will bring the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement since May 2023 to SDR 1,708 million, approximately US$2.355 billion.

The Fund in a communique said growth in 2024 was higher than expected, underpinned by strong mining and construction activity.

“The external sector has seen a considerable improvement, driven by solid exports, particularly gold and, to a lesser extent, oil, and higher remittances. As a result, international reserves accumulation has far exceeded the ECF-supported programme targets”, it stressed.

Notwithstanding these achievements, the Fund indicated that the overall performance under the IMF-supported programme deteriorated markedly at end-2024.

“Preliminary fiscal data point to slippages in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, on account of a large accumulation of payables. Inflation exceeded programme targets. Several reforms and policy actions were delayed across the fiscal, financial, and energy sectors”, it added.

Against this backdrop, it pointed out that the new authorities have taken bold measures to address policy slippages and ensure the programme objectives remain within reach.

On the fiscal front, the government has launched an audit of the payables to firm up the size and nature of the slippages. Based on preliminary estimates of new payables, the primary balance posted a deficit of some 3¼ percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to a targeted surplus of ½ percent of GDP.

To address these slippages, the IMF alluded that the government has enacted a 2025 Budget that targets a 1½ percent of GDP primary surplus and adopted several public financial management reforms. The latter includes an enhanced fiscal responsibility framework and new rules to tighten expenditure commitments.

The IMF mission, which was in Ghana last week engaged the authorities on their wide-ranging structural reform program, with a focus on enhancing governance and transparency and strengthening State-Owned Enterprises management in the gold, cocoa, and energy sector. 

The staff met with the Finance Minister Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, and their teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies and other stakeholders.

It expressed its gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and other counterparts for their continued open and constructive engagement.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Ghana and other countries impacted by the United States’ 10% trade tariffs to intensify efforts by implementing economic policies that will protect them from global trade disruptions.

Amid growing global trade tensions, the IMF emphasised the urgency for these countries to prioritise economic stability through bold reforms.

Speaking at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva called on the need for immediate action.

“All countries must redouble efforts to put their own houses in order. In a world of high uncertainty and frequent shocks, there is simply no room for delay in reforms to enhance economic and financial stability and improve growth potential.” Georgieva said.

She added that many economies are entering this challenging period from a weaker position, burdened by significantly higher public debt compared to just a few years ago.

“As such, most countries must take resolute fiscal action to rebuild fiscal space, setting out gradual adjustment paths that respect fiscal frameworks,” she said.

She further acknowledged that some nations may face additional shocks requiring renewed fiscal support.

SP/EB

By Simon Asare

Accra, April. 21, GNA – Asante Kotoko SC has urged fans to remain calm following the dismissal of coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.

Kotoko and coach Ogum parted ways on Monday, April 21, 2025, following a poor run of results that saw the club slip to fourth on the league table.

The Porcupine Warriors are winless in four games, and their woes were compounded by a 3-0 hammering by Accra Lions in midweek and yesterday’s 2-0 loss to Nations FC.

A club statement about Ogum’s dismissal said, “This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.

“We thank Coach Ogum for his dedication and service to the club, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

“We urge our supporters to remain calm and continue to support the club during this transition. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

Despite being six points behind league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, Kotoko still have a chance to clinch the league title with six games remaining.

They have also reached the semi-final stage of this year’s MTN FA Cup.

GNA

KOA

Burkina Faso’s military government has said it foiled a “major plot” to overthrow junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, with the army alleging the plotters were based in neighbouring Ivory Coast.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the coup attempt was led by current and former soldiers working with “terrorist leaders”. The intention was to attack the presidential palace last week, he added.

The aim of the plan was to “sow total chaos, and place the country under the supervision of an international organisation”, Sana said on state television on Monday.

It is the latest of several claims of attempts to remove the junta leader who seized power in 2022 amid increasing militant attacks.

Burkina Faso, like its Sahel neighbours, has been battling armed jihadist groups, with an estimated 40% of the country under their control.

Despite promises by Capt Traoré’s military government to improve security and even seeking new security partnerships with Russia, the situation remains dire with frequent attacks from insurgents.

In this latest coup attempt, which happened last week but details of which have only just been released, Sana said the plotters attempted to use Burkinabe religious and traditional leaders to sway army officers into backing the plan.

“The manoeuvre was to culminate, according to the terrorist plotters’ plan, on Wednesday 16 April, 2025 in an assault on the presidency of (Burkina) Faso by a group of soldiers recruited by the nation’s enemies,” he said.

“The brains outside the country are all located in Ivory Coast,” he added, naming in particular two former army officers, believed to be behind the plot.

He said “sensitive information was passed on to “terrorists” to increase attacks on the military and civilians and “incite a revolt against the authorities”.

Last week, several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested for planning to “destabilise” the government, security sources told the AFP news agency.

The Ivorian authorities have not yet commented on claims it hosted the plotters but the Burkinabe junta has often blamed its southern neighbour of supporting its opponents in exile.

The latest claim comes months after Ouagadougou said it thwarted another “destabilisation” plot against the junta last November.

Burkina Faso, along with two other military-led states – Mali and Niger, has broken away from the regional West African bloc, Ecowas, to form a new alliance.

They have cut ties with former colonial power France and allied with Russia instead.

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Trina Solar is a China-based solar equipment manufacturer with operations across South East Asia

The US Commerce Department has announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on imports of solar panels from four South East Asian countries.

It comes after an investigation that began a year ago when several major solar equipment producers asked then-President Joe Biden administration to protect their US operations.

The proposed levies – targeting companies in Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam – are in response to allegations of subsidies from China and the dumping of unfairly cheap products in the US market.

A separate US government agency, the International Trade Commission, is due to reach a final decision on the new tariffs in June.

The countervailing and anti-dumping duties, as these tariffs are known, vary between companies and the countries their products are made in.

Some solar equipment exporters in Cambodia face the highest duties of 3,521% because of what was seen as a lack of cooperation with the Commerce Department investigation.

Products made in Malaysia by Chinese manufacturer Jinko Solar faced some of the lowest duties of just over 41%.

Another China-based firm, Trina Solar, faces tariffs of 375% for the products it makes in Thailand.

Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment from BBC News.

In recent years, many Chinese firms have moved operations to South East Asia in a bid to avoid tariffs imposed since the start of US President Donald Trump’s first term.

The US Commerce Department’s findings were welcomed by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee – a group of manufacturers that called on the US government to launch the investigation.

“This is a decisive victory for American manufacturing and confirms what we’ve long known: that Chinese-headquartered solar companies have been cheating the system,” said Tim Brightbill, lead counsel to the Alliance.

In 2023, America imported almost $12bn (£8.9bn) in solar equipment from the four countries, according to US Census Bureau figures.

While the planned tariffs are likely to help US solar panel manufacturers, they could also mean extra costs for businesses and consumers who have benefited from the availability of cheaper solar products.

The levies would be imposed on top of other tariffs already rolled out by the Trump administration.

They planned tariffs were announced just days after Chinese President Xi Jinping, completed a tour of Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia.

The trip was aimed to boost ties with the region and encourage those nations to resist what he called “unilateral bullying” by the US.

Trump has so far imposed taxes of up to 145% on imports from China. Other countries are now facing a blanket US tariff of 10% until July.

His administration said last week that when the new tariffs are added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.

China has hit back with a 125% tax on products from the US and vowed to “fight to the end”.

Elvis Ahorgah and Denny Tyler (in black shots)

Ghanaian boxer Elvis Ahorgah, popularly known as The Soldier, lost his bout to British opponent Tyler Denny on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in the United Kingdom (UK).

The bout started with the Ghanaian landing well-timed punches to score maximum points from the judges.

However, he began to press eagerly, which caused him to overcommit and leave openings in his stance.

The British opponent then capitalised on the opening, stringing together a precise four-punch combo in the final seconds to reassert his dominance.

Denny continued to mount pressure on the Ghanaian with more combo punches in the fourth round, eliciting massive cheers from the crowd.

Ahorgah then regained his composure and returned with some thudding body shots that affected the British boxer throughout the course of the bout.

At the end of the ten rounds, The Soldier lost to Denny by a narrow 97-92 decision from the judges after the highly competitive bout.

The Ghanaian boxer will be training to bounce back stronger in subsequent bouts.

Watch the bout below:

Some highlights from Elvis Ahorgah, the soldier’s last night fight against British boxer Tyler Denny, which ended in a close call from officials, with 97-92 in favor of Tyler Denny.

‘Soldier’ put up a tough fight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/A53Oe2r1YI

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) April 21, 2025

Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong

SB/BB