Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala, CEO of Development Bank Ghana

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala, says the Bank will this year roll out GH¢500 million to support Ghana’s agricultural ecosystem.

According to him, the money is to strengthen and support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture value chain and consequently rejuvenate the economy by improving food security, enhance productivity and create employment opportunities.

Dr. Nsor-Ambala made this known when he delivered a speech at the Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso, Kwahu over the weekend.

The Forum which was under the theme: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector” forms part of government’s vision of building a more resilient and inclusive economy through SME empowerment.

The Forum had President Mahama as its most prominent guest. It also brought together various business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, various financial institutions including banks and captains of industry to engage stakeholders, discuss policy interventions and explore strategies to enhance Ghana’s business landscape.

The DBG approach focuses on sustainable transformation rather than isolated interventions, ensuring that capital flows to where it can have the greatest impact on economic development.

Over the past years, DBG has provided GH¢1.62 billion in loans to over 650 businesses, with tenures up to 15 years. These investments are projected to generate over 18,000 direct jobs across the country.

The Development Bank currently has active portfolios in 13 regions and will be aiming to cover all of Ghana’s 16 regions this year.

In his remarks at the event, Dr. Nsor-Ambala stated that “what we exist to do is to provide a comprehensive set of support for businesses. Most people would know us for affordable long-term loans but beyond that we do a lot more.

As we speak, we are working with our partner financial institutions to get them to be able to understand the agriculture sector to evaluate it properly. The default position for most financial institutions is to see any such business case as risky and dangerous to invest in.”

“Through the technical assistance programmes we provide, first to the businesses themselves and secondly to the financial institutions with whom we work, we have been able to build capacities within the financial institutions for them to understand especially the agriculture sector to be able to value it properly. Related to that we are working with our development partners around putting in place mechanisms for partial guarantee for the agriculture sector as well an agric-insurance programme that will further reduce the risk associated with the sector”, he added.

Dr. Nsor-Ambala explained that the development finance institution, DBG, is rolling out GH¢500 million to support SMEs in the agriculture value chain to unlock growth potential and ensure sustainable development right from input suppliers and farmers to processors and distributors.

He added that this support was also in alignment with the government’s broader economic recovery agenda, which includes broadening access to affordable financing for local businesses and offering targeted support to SMEs through tailored financial solutions and technical assistance.

“DBG is about inclusive opportunity, that is, creating jobs for our youth, building sustainable businesses, and positioning Ghana as a competitive force in African and global markets” he reassured.

According to the DBG CEO, the Bank’s main areas of focus, in terms of providing support, are ensuring food security through the support the Bank provides to the agriculture value chain, be it farming or agribusiness and others, as well as the manufacturing sector with a focus on import substituting and export.

The Bank also has a value proposition dedicated to the ICT sector and supports human capital development by focusing on health and education. Infrastructure including transport is also a key DBG focus area.

DBG’s commitment to empowering local businesses is not only about fostering innovation and job creation but to also position the private sector as a key economic driver of the economy which contributes meaningfully to national economic transformation.

Development Bank Ghana is a wholesale financial institution established by the Government of Ghana. Since its inception three years ago, DBG has facilitated significant disbursements through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), unlocking projects and value chains to empower several businesses across agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, and high-value services.

The Bank has received funds from the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Kreditanstalt Für Wiederaufbau (KfW), and the African Development Bank.

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a beacon of peace and unity in West Africa.

According to him, Ghana’s various contributions toward resolving conflicts and promoting peace are evident in its commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of the sub-region.

Speaking at the launch of the 50th ECOWAS Summit in Accra on Monday, April 22, 2025, President Mahama said, “Ghana has appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the alliance of Sahel States.”

“I’ve personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations. These efforts reflect our belief that we have a shared destiny as a sub-region and that unity, though challenging, remains the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability,” he added.

The president emphasised that Africa’s unrest could be resolved with the right structures and proper dialogue.

He stated, “Ghana stands ready to serve as a bridge to help mend the fabric of West African unity. We believe that through sustained dialogue, patient diplomacy, and principled negotiation, we can restore cohesion and rebuild trust in our community. This period, ladies and gentlemen, calls for even greater solidarity and understanding for the difficult challenges confronting our brothers in the Sahelian states.”

“Diplomacy is not only about resolving disputes; it’s about creating the conditions for peace, inclusion, and progress. It’s about fostering mutual respect and advancing our common interests,” he noted.

The launch of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS took place in Ghana, with presidents and ministers from various West African countries in attendance.

The celebration will continue throughout the year in all ECOWAS member states.

Watch the video below

SSD/MA

“I think it is a complete charade,” Godfred Yeboah Dame told the BBC.

“It’s the biggest assault on the [judiciary] in the nation’s history, the greatest assault on the independence of the judiciary under the constitutional dispensation of this country.”

Ms Torkornoo is Ghana’s third female chief justice and was nominated in 2023 by former president Nana Akufo-Addo.

It is her responsibility to oversee the administration of justice in Ghana.

According to news agency Reuters, Ms Torkornoo survived a removal request earlier this year when former President Akufo-Addo said a petition to have her dismissed had “several deficiencies”.

Copies of the three recently filed petitions against Ms Torkornoo were not initially made available to her.

But some lawyers argued that withholding the documents was a violation of Ms Torkornoo’s right to a fair hearing.

Copies of the petition were subsequently made available to the chief justice, allowing her to respond to the allegations privately and in writing.

Ms Torkornoo will be invited by the five-member committee to respond again to the petitions before a final decision is reached as to whether she should be removed from office or not.

Ghanaian President John Mahama has suspended the country’s Supreme Court chief justice – a move that marks a first in the country’s history.

Three undisclosed petitions have been filed against Gertrude Torkornoo calling for her removal while an investigation is launched.

Chief justices in Ghana enjoy security of tenure – meaning they can only be removed from office on a few grounds, which include incompetence and misbehaviour.

The content of the petitions has not been made public and she is yet to comment, while Ghana’s former attorney general has claimed her suspension is an attempt to undermine the judiciary.

“I think it is a complete charade,” Godfred Yeboah Dame told the BBC.

“It’s the biggest assault on the [judiciary] in the nation’s history, the greatest assault on the independence of the judiciary under the constitutional dispensation of this country.”

Ms Torkornoo is Ghana’s third female chief justice and was nominated in 2023 by former president Nana Akufo-Addo.

It is her responsibility to oversee the administration of justice in Ghana.

According to news agency Reuters, Ms Torkornoo survived a removal request earlier this year when former President Akufo-Addo said a petition to have her dismissed had “several deficiencies”.

Copies of the three recently filed petitions against Ms Torkornoo were not initially made available to her.

But some lawyers argued that withholding the documents was a violation of Ms Torkornoo’s right to a fair hearing.

Copies of the petition were subsequently made available to the chief justice, allowing her to respond to the allegations privately and in writing.

Ms Torkornoo will be invited by the five-member committee to respond again to the petitions before a final decision is reached as to whether she should be removed from office or not.

Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its global growth forecast to 2.8% for 2025, a significant drop from the 3.3% forecast made in January.

This update is contained in the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO), which cites escalating trade tensions, particularly the United States’ announcement of a wave of new tariffs, followed by countermeasures from trading partners, as major contributors.

These developments have caused ripple effects across global supply chains and dampened investor sentiment.

The report also highlights mounting policy uncertainty as a key factor behind the slowdown.

“Since the release of the January 2025 WEO Update, a series of new tariff measures by the United States and countermeasures by its trading partners have been announced and implemented, culminating in near-universal U.S. tariffs on April 2 and bringing effective tariff rates to levels not seen in a century.

“This alone is a major negative shock to growth. The unpredictability with which these measures have been unfolding also has a negative impact on economic activity and the outlook. At the same time, it makes it more difficult than usual to make assumptions that would constitute a basis for an internally consistent and timely set of projections,” the report stated.

In advanced economies, growth is now expected to slow to 1.4% in 2025, with the U.S. economy seeing a notable downgrade, now projected at 1.8%, nearly a full percentage point below previous estimates.

In emerging markets and developing economies, growth is projected to slow to 3.7% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026, with significant downgrades for countries most affected by recent trade measures, such as China.

The IMF flagged intensifying downside risks, warning that a deeper trade war, rising financial instability, and fragile policy buffers could further deteriorate the global economic outlook.

Vulnerable emerging markets, in particular, could face capital flight, currency pressures, and increasing debt burdens.

The Fund also noted that a reversal or de-escalation of current trade policies could offer a reprieve and potentially revive global growth.

SP/MA

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Accra, April 22, GNA – More than a thousand people gathered at Esoro Park in New Takoradi on Easter Monday to take part in EasterFest 2025, a food bank experience organised by the KGL Foundation.

The event brought together individuals and families from all walks of life for a day of hot meals, community bonding, and shared celebration.

The Foundation’s presence in New Takoradi followed a similar initiative held in Kumasi during Eid, where hundreds of Muslim community members were served warm meals in the spirit of giving.

Recognising the importance of these festive seasons, the Foundation saw Easter as another moment to stand with the people — this time, the Western Region.

EasterFest was attended by some traditional rulers, the Assemblymember for the area, and key members of the New Takoradi community. Their presence underscored the collective belief that compassion, especially in moments of celebration, is a shared responsibility.

Mr. Nii Annorbah-Sarpei, the Programmes Manager, speaking on behalf of the CEO of the KGL Foundation said, “We believe in uplifting Ghanaians wherever we may find ourselves.”

He said these moments, whether during Eid in Kumasi or Easter in New Takoradi allowed them to connect with real people, listen to their stories, and stand with them in love and solidarity.

From the early morning hours, community members began gathering at Esoro Park, creating a festive buzz even before the first meals were served.

Laughter filled the space as children played freely, and elders shared conversations over plates of traditional food.

He said the event was more than a food bank, it became a safe, joyful space for families to come together.

He said the KGL Foundation continued to show its commitment to creating meaningful, on-the-ground impact across the country, with health, youth empowerment, and community wellbeing at the heart of its work.

GNA

CA/

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a scholarship for 1,000 students across the ECOWAS sub-region in Ghana’s bid to strengthen regional bonds.

According to him, it is important to invest more in the vulnerable sectors of the region.

He noted that the scholarship will bridge the gap between the youth in the ECOWAS countries.

The president said this while giving the keynote speech at the launch of the 50th ECOWAS Summit on Monday, April 22, 2025, in Accra.

“Ghana is offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in our universities. This is not just a gesture; it is an act of solidarity. It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”

Mahama called on ECOWAS leaders to lead in harmony and let peace reign in the region.

He said; “Excellencies, as we look to the next 50 years, let unity and solidarity lead us. Let that be our guide on how we respond to insecurity, how we manage our diversity and how we build our prosperity together.

“ECOWAS must remain a forum for listening. It must be a space for healing, a home for visionary African-led solidarity and diplomacy. Ghana reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS vision and the values of dialogue, peace and partnership that sustain it,” President Mahama said.

SSD/AME

The Deputy Director of Elections and Information Technology of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer, says the NDC is happy that the President, John Mahama, has suspended the Chief Justice.

“In fact, as a party, the NDC, we are very much happy, we are so happy, so elated with the decision to suspend her,” he said on The Pulse moments after the Presidency announced the Chief Justice’s suspension.

According to him, the NDC as a party is happy because “Because we want to bring back the glory of the judiciary.”

President John Mahama has suspended the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, on Tuesday, April 22.

This follows the establishment of a committee to investigate petitions against the top judicial official.

The move, announced in a statement from the Presidency, is in compliance with constitutional provisions and follows consultations with the Council of State.

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.

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.

China stands ready to share its latest advanced technologies and technical knowledge with Africa

During a pivotal meeting at the headquarters of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) in Accra, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, underscored China’s commitment to green development and the sharing of advanced technology and technical knowledge with African countries.

Ambassador Tong made these remarks during a courtesy meeting at the ACCPA office, emphasizing that China’s leadership in green development is not only rooted in the latest advancements in technology but also in a spirit of mutual learning and cooperation.

He highlighted that China’s experience in eco-friendly modernization and its portfolio of cutting-edge green technologies are available for African nations to study and adapt as they pursue their own sustainable development goals.

Drawing on the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Ambassador Tong noted that green development was identified as one of the core pillars of the Ten Partnership Actions adopted to guide China-Africa cooperation in the coming years.

He pointed to China’s willingness to support African partners with technical expertise, clean energy solutions, and training opportunities designed to accelerate the continent’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future.

“China stands ready to share its latest advanced technologies and technical knowledge with African countries,” Ambassador Tong stated.

“From clean energy projects to sustainable mining practices, our goal is to empower our partners to achieve modernization that is both environmentally responsible and economically inclusive.”

He further explained that China’s approach is grounded in the belief that no country should be left behind in the global drive toward modernization and environmental stewardship.

The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue on how Ghana and other African countries can harness China’s technological advances to support their own green development ambitions.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (L) and Kwasi Kwarteng

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, Kwasi Kwarteng, has criticised the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his recent emotional reaction on TV over illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, the minister’s public display is a sign of weak leadership.

“Nobody should pamper him for what he did. He has been appointed as a minister to solve problems, not to blackmail people through emotions. That is not what leadership is about.

“He is supposed to provide solutions to problems, not to sit on TV and cry. If he feels he is tired, he should resign,” he noted.

The NPP communicator stressed the need for the government to declare a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey menace.

“This is a gentleman who said that as soon as they came into power, they were going to declare a state of emergency.

“What happened to that? How many days have they been in power? Over 100 days. You don’t need two weeks to declare a state of emergency, it has more to do with executive power.

“To the extent that they hid the elections and branded Akufo-Addo as the chief miner, people even said the headquarters of galamsey is Kyebi,” he stated.

During a recent press briefing, the minister broke down in tears as he described the extent of the damage caused by galamsey in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

JKB/MA

Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians

• Award-winning Ghanaian musician Gyakie has opened up about how she juggled between work and school in a viral video
• The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology spoke about her first stage performance with an interview with Kwaku Manu
• Some social media users have commented on singer Gyakie and Kwaku Manu’s interview trending on YouTube

Ghanaian singer Jackline Acheampong, widely known as Gyakie, has shared her experiences with the pressures of balancing academic life and her burgeoning music career while studying at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

In an exclusive interview with Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu on Aggresive Show, Forever hitmaker, Gyakie, who pursued a degree in Business Administration, expressed that the expectations from her lecturers often led to feelings of discomfort and paranoia.

Ghanaian musician Gyakie noted that her dual identity as a student and a singer resulted in her frequently being put on the spot in class.

Read also

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“Sometimes, going to class becomes uncomfortable because some lecturers know I am a singer, and they randomly ask me questions I am not ready to answer.”

Additionally, she mentioned the challenges with adhering to the prescribed dress code for business students, which added to her sense of unease.

“I would sometimes feel paranoid about how I dressed, especially when fellow students requested pictures on days when I didn’t feel at my best.”

Gyakie talks about her first stage performance

Singer Gyakie also reflected on the anxieties she faced during her initial stage performance at KNUST, recalling it as a particularly daunting experience.

She performed during the Republic Hall SRC week, where technical difficulties with the sound system led to a challenging situation. While some audience members attempted to maintain a positive atmosphere, others expressed their dissatisfaction.

After the performance, Gyakie admitted to feeling overwhelmed and emotional and stated that she cried backstage, she cried because she regretted going there.

Read also

Juliet Ibrahim attends Priscilla Ojo’s wedding, goes through pain to look exquisite

Through her candid reflections, Gyakie highlights the complexities of navigating fame and the expectations that come with it, particularly in an academic environment.

Ghanaian singer Gyakie’s interview with Kwaku Manu is below:

Singer Gyakie slays in a short hairstyle

Ghanaian style influencer Gyakie looked gorgeous in a customised top and black long skirt while rocking a short hairstyle for her photoshoot.

Legendary Ghanaian musician Nana Acheampong’s daughter looked classy in black flat shoes and a gold anklet to elevate her simple look.

Singer Gyakie styled her look with a black leather bag and showed off her Nintendo, which has become the talk of the town.

Check out the photos below:

Gyakie and KiDi drops new song

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about Ghanaian musicians Gyakie and KiDi, who have posted teasers for their new song on Instagram.

KiDi and Gyakie jammed to the brand-new love song that is already popular on TikTok. The musicians’ collaboration to promote Ghanaian music has been praised by certain social media users.

Read also

Ama Endorsed: Late celebrity carpenter speaks about her ill health in old video, netizens react

Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, Prince Fiifi Cudjoe, the CEO of GhanaDwom, popularly called Fiifi Adinkra in Ghanaian entertainment circles, gave his opinions on KiDi and Gyakie’s new collaborative song.

Source: YEN.com.gh

File photo of Damang Mine

The Ghanaian government is reportedly scheduled to meet with top executives of Gold Fields today, April 22, 2025, for high-level discussions on ensuring a seamless transition of the Damang Mine in the Western Region.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the meeting will include senior officials from Gold Fields’ Group Head Office in South Africa.

Key agenda items include a possible extension of Gold Fields’ management of the mine prior to a complete handover to the state.

The government is reportedly open to allowing the company additional oversight time to prevent operational disruptions.

Gold Fields had earlier requested an extended transition period, and indications suggest the government may approve this, subject to specific conditions.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged Gold Fields to maintain equipment operations at the Damang Mine, with workers instructed to remain at their posts pending further directives.

Background

Earlier in April, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the government’s takeover of the Damang Mine following the Minerals Commission’s refusal to extend Gold Fields’ operational permit.

However, today’s discussions could revise the transition timeline, potentially granting Gold Fields up to a year of continued management before full state control.

ID/MA

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The Alliance described the claim as misleading

The Better Ghana Alliance has issued a sharp rebuttal to a recent article published by the Digital Public Policy Forum (DPPF) claiming that KGL is Africa’s most accomplished Lotto Marketing Company (LMC).

In a detailed rejoinder released Monday, the Alliance described the claim as misleading and an apparent attempt to deflect from serious concerns raised by the Financial and Business Services Employees Union (FBSEU) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

Legal ambiguities Over KGL’s status

Central to the Alliance’s concerns is a “misrepresentation” of KGL’s licensing status.

According to the group, KGL is not recognised in law as an LMC under the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722). Instead, it operates as a “Third-Party Collaborator,” a designation that lacks the privileges and responsibilities associated with LMCS.

The group pointed to Section 2(4) of Act 722, which permits collaborations but does not establish a legal basis for the “online LMC” category referenced in the DPPF report.

Regulatory breaches and revenue concerns

Even if KGL were considered an LMC, the Alliance contends its operations would violate several provisions of the Act. These include requirements for prepayment before sales, NLA oversight of sales data, and NLA’s exclusive mandate to pay prize monies and commissions.

It further argued that KGL’s activities have contributed to significant revenue losses to the state.

Citing industry estimates, the group claims KGL’s daily sales, believed to range between GH¢8 million and GH¢12 million, could generate up to GH¢2.8 billion annually under proper LMC frameworks. However, the company’s reported annual contribution of GH¢250 million falls far short of this potential.

Automation and Oversight: A misleading narrative?

While acknowledging the role of digital transformation in modernising public institutions, the Alliance disputes the notion that KGL was a pioneer in this regard.

It insists that the NLA had already developed digital solutions prior to KGL’s entry, citing platforms like *890# and systems such as Simnet and Lots.

DPPF’s portrayal of KGL as a digital innovator, the Alliance argues, omits key facts about previous directives for digital operators to cease operations due to regulatory breaches.

Allegations of institutional capture

The Better Ghana Alliance’s concerns echo those raised in a 2022 petition to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) by a lotto receiver, Kwaku Antwi-Boadu.

The petition accuses KGL of having effectively “impoverished” the NLA and driving it into debt.

The petitioner alleged that delays in commission payments, inability to renovate NLA facilities, and the late disbursement of prize money are the direct results of the NLA-KGL partnership.

Antwi-Boadu also questioned KGL’s technological claims, stating that mobile lottery services predated the company’s involvement.

The petition asserted that the NLA was deliberately weakened to allow KGL to dominate, with concerns having previously been raised with senior national security officials, including Major General (Retired) Adu Amanfo.

Calls for government action

The Alliance urged government agencies and regulatory bodies to conduct an independent investigation into the NLA-KGL relationship and its broader implications for public accountability.

They warn that the current structure allows for significant state revenue leakage, with reports suggesting only GH¢800 million of Ghana’s GH¢1.8 billion lottery market is being captured by the NLA.

In conclusion, the Better Ghana Alliance called for a renewed focus on regulatory enforcement and institutional integrity rather than what it termed the “glorification of a single entity.”

By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 22, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her.

A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case had been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice Torkornoo.

It said the President had consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them.

Members of the Committee include Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court Chairman, and Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court, Member.

The rest are Mr Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General) Member, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces) Member,
and Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana), Member.

The statement said, pursuant to Article 146(10) of the constitution and in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, the President had by a warrant, suspended the Chief Justice with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the Committee’s proceedings.
GNA.
SOF

Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has called on the government to urgently seek alternative markets in response to the proposed tariffs by the United States on Ghanaian exports.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum, Awingobit stressed the need for Ghana to shift its focus toward regional trade opportunities, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“At the time the US imposed the tariff on us, I announced that there is a need for the Ghanaian government to look for opportunities elsewhere. We must tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area to ensure that the 54 countries participating in the AfCFTA can start trading effectively now,” he said.

He added, “I believe market access is key to us, it’s paramount. I strongly believe the government should take the lead in this effort and move forward. The biggest market we were exporting to under AGOA was the US. Now that the US is trying to impose tariffs on us, it gives us the opportunity to look elsewhere.”

He highlighted market access as crucial to the survival and growth of Ghanaian businesses, stressing that the government must take the lead in promoting value addition and export diversification.

Awingobit also expressed optimism about the Ministry of Trade’s efforts to spearhead engagements with other countries to promote Ghanaian goods.

“Looking elsewhere now, I’m happy that the Ministry of Trade wants to lead the charge, to reach out to other countries. China, for instance, is a huge market—the biggest market so far as Ghanaian produce is concerned,” he added.

SP/MA

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