Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Villa Park

Image source, Getty Images

Unai Emery has enjoyed too much success in Europe to listen to talk of glorious failure but, if there is such a thing, Aston Villa delivered it on a night of pure theatre at Villa Park.

Villa’s Champions League odyssey ended with defeat by Paris St-Germain, but the manner in which they unnerved arguably the most impressive side in this season’s competition demonstrated that they belonged in this elite company.

It has been 43 years since they were last in this competition, then as holders. It will not be as long again if they continue the progress under expert European operator Emery, who almost engineered yet another glory night to add to his stellar managerial CV.

It is probably just as long since the grand old stadium rocked like this in such an electric atmosphere, as Villa looked down and out when PSG struck twice early on to extend their 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Paris.

At 5-1 down on aggregate, it had all the makings of a long and painful night for Spanish boss Emery and his players as they were punished by this brutally brilliant PSG.

But they launched a stunning series of counter-punches that left PSG on the ropes, and Villa just one goal away from forcing extra time.

Villa Park is a stadium built for the Champions League – although there was a mis-step before kick-off when the Europa League theme was played.

It is something they will not want to hear next season.

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Ministers of Rwanda, the Maldives and Venezuela on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

He described the meeting as “mutually beneficial”.

Discussions focused on deepening cooperation, trade, energy, climate, tourism and UN reforms.

“Grateful to Excellencies Olivier J. P. Nduhungirehe of Rwanda, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel of the Maldives and Yvan Gil Pinto of Venezuela for the exceptionally fruitful talks.

“Ghana will continue to abide by its long-held foreign policy creed of being friends of all and enemies to none,” he wrote on X.

In a separate post, Mr Ablakwa, said that Ghana and Singapore have agreed to continue to maintain the Visa Waiver Agreement.

He says they have also agreed to deepen the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade, skills education and IT.

He said this on his X page after meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, His Excellency Hawazi Daipi.

“Indeed a great honour meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, His Excellency Hawazi Daipi,” his post said.

He added “It’s refreshing that Ghana and Singapore will continue to maintain our Visa Waiver Agreement. We have also agreed to deepen our cooperation, particularly in trade, skills education and IT.”

He further thanked the High Commissioner on behalf of President Mahama and the people of Ghana for the special invitation from Singapore President, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam to President John Mahama to pay a state visit to Singapore.

“Best times for Ghana 🇬🇭 Singapore 🇸🇬 relations,” Mr Ablakwa stressed.

Under the waiver, citizens from both countries do not need a tourist visa when visiting each other.

Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Singapore Visa.

This tourist visa typically allows a short-term stay.

The Singapore tourist visa remains valid for 1 month. A total of 3 documents are required to apply for the Singapore Visa for free.

The agreement came into force in 2018.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for a change in citizens’ attitudes towards cleanliness and proper sanitation practices.

According to the Minister, many Ghanaians have not been adhering to appropriate waste disposal measures, which has long-term consequences for the nation and even affects the quality of food consumed.

He noted that fishermen venturing into the sea are now catching more rubbish than fish due to pollution caused by household waste.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during a meeting with leaders of major Christian religious institutions in Accra, the Minister emphasized the importance of sanitation and announced the upcoming launch of the National Sanitation Day initiative.

He called for collaboration from churches and all sectors of society to support efforts to keep the country clean.

He stressed that the Christian community plays a vital role in society and that their involvement in sanitation efforts would be highly beneficial.

“The tour we are undertaking is all about preaching the sanitation message ahead of the upcoming National Sanitation Day. On the first Saturday of every month, the day will be dedicated to ensuring cleanliness across the country. On that day, no one should go to work or engage in any other activities except cleaning their environment,” he stated.

“If you observe our seas today, when fishermen go fishing, they catch more rubbish than fish. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone complies with the directives of the National Sanitation Day,” he added.

As part of the sanitation campaign, the Minister visited the National Peace Council, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church to solicit their support in promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility

AM/KA

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The Bono Region has, over the years, witnessed a string of high-profile and gruesome murder cases—many of which remain unresolved.

From the chilling Abesim killings to recent murders in Dormaa West and Sunyani West, grieving families are still waiting for justice.

The region has become the backdrop for some of Ghana’s most disturbing homicide cases in recent memory.

Among the most notorious is the Abesim case, which stunned the nation in August 2021. Richard Appiah, a 28-year-old footballer, is accused of murdering his stepbrother, Louis Agyemang, and 15-year-old Stephen Sarpong. Shockingly, he allegedly stored their mutilated remains in a refrigerator at Alaska Junction in Abesim.

Appiah was quickly arrested by the Bono Regional Police, and then Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, visited the community to offer condolences. The case was later moved to the Accra High Court, but nearly four years on, there has been little progress—leaving families frustrated.

“The case was here, but it was transferred to Accra, and I don’t have anybody to transport me to and from Accra. I even thought the police would transport me to and from Accra so that my cost would come down, but since then, nobody has given me the data for the case. I don’t even have the data for the case now,” Yeboah Asuama, father of one of the victims, told Channel One News.

He is calling for the trial to be relocated to Sunyani to speed up the process.

“I am appealing to the State Prosecutor to transfer the case from Accra to the Sunyani High Court. I believe justice will prevail,” he added.

The region has since recorded other chilling incidents. In February this year, mobile money vendor Japhat Yeboah was killed at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District. Six suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations. The victim’s family has, for now, declined to speak publicly.

Another grisly case in 2024 shook the community of Ahyiayem in the Sunyani West Municipality. A 60-year-old woman, Ama Banawa, and her daughter, Mercy Yeribu, were found brutally murdered in their home. Police say investigations are still ongoing.

These recurring crimes—and the slow pace of justice—have heightened public anxiety and left affected families in prolonged distress.

There are growing calls for authorities to prioritise these cases and ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.

The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has declared that the government possesses the necessary political will to confront and defeat illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

Dr Omane Boamah’s remarks follow a significant military operation in the Western Region, where the Ghana Armed Forces discovered and dismantled a hidden galamsey settlement accommodating over 10,000 individuals.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 16 April, Dr Boamah stressed that the fight against illegal mining will no longer be dominated by rhetoric but by decisive action.

“We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he wrote, signalling a shift towards a results-driven approach to tackling the environmental crisis posed by galamsey activities.

The Minister made a heartfelt appeal to illegal miners, urging them to vacate Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies for the sake of their lives and the environment.

“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he pleaded, underscoring the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country’s natural resources.

Dr Boamah assured the public that the Ghana Armed Forces have been fully equipped and empowered to deal with the situation.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered. We have the needed political will,” he affirmed, adding that the military would continue to act decisively in support of national efforts to safeguard the environment.

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.

The Ministry of Finance has initiated an eight-week forensic audit into GH¢4.4 billion in outstanding government payables, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced during a press conference on April 15, 2025.

The press briefing, held jointly with officials from the Bank of Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), outlined the scope of the audit, which will be conducted by the Auditor-General’s office in collaboration with two international accounting firms.

The primary aim of the exercise is to verify the authenticity and actual amounts of unpaid government obligations that have accumulated over time.

Dr. Forson emphasized that the audit is part of corrective actions under Ghana’s IMF programme, supported by the Extended Credit Facility. He stated, “These steps are meant to strengthen our public expenditure controls and stop the continued build-up of arrears.”

The audit team will also provide recommendations for addressing any irregularities discovered during the process.

This move follows the government’s failure to meet several targets under the IMF programme, including missing the 2024 primary surplus target. The Ministry attributes this to a “large buildup of payables.”

The audit is part of a broader fiscal reform effort by the government, which includes recent amendments to the Public Financial Management Act. The revised law introduces a debt ceiling of 45% of GDP to be achieved by 2035, mandates annual primary budget surpluses of no less than 1.5% of GDP, and establishes an independent Fiscal Council to oversee public spending.

The audit is expected to conclude in June, ahead of the IMF Executive Board’s review of Ghana’s next tranche disbursement of $370 million. If approved, this will bring the country’s total receipts under the current programme to $2.3 billion.

Dr. Forson’s announcement followed the conclusion of a two-week IMF review mission, which ended with a Staff-Level Agreement between the Fund and the government. The Minister described the agreement as a positive step toward restoring macroeconomic stability and putting public debt on a more sustainable path.

Meanwhile, arrears in the energy sector, which have long been a challenge for the national budget, will be addressed through new payment systems. These include the Cash Waterfall Mechanism and a Single Treasury Account structure designed to regularize payments to Independent Power Producers.

In related measures, the Ministry of Finance will begin publishing quarterly rankings of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies based on their compliance with new spending rules.

ALSO READ:

Former Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne

Former Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne has described the decongestion of the central business district of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, as a difficult task.

He made the comment in response to a threat by the new Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, who warned that he would unleash his team on vendors operating on sidewalks in the city’s core commercial center.

During a press conference on Monday, April 14, the Mayor outlined a new approach, which he described as a blend of democratic ideals and military-style enforcement to deter street vending.

“I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space and you don’t leave the space, and I get there and you’re still there with my boys — right there and then, we will beat you.

In the middle of Adum, if I’m alone, you’ll be lucky. But if I’m with my ten boys, in their pick-up with their whips — trust me, we will beat you. If you don’t want to experience that, do what is right and lawful.

This is Otumfuo’s city, the Garden City of West Africa, and we have to preserve it. If you want to make my job difficult, I will make your body feel the difficulty you’re causing me,” he warned.

In an interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Sam Pyne criticised his successor’s threat to use force against traders operating on pavements in the city’s central business area, calling the approach “undemocratic” and potentially counterproductive.

Although he acknowledged that addressing congestion and street trading in Kumasi is a complex task, he stressed that flogging non-compliant traders is not the solution.

“It’s a difficult task dealing with the people of Kumasi, which I must admit. But as for the approach — you see, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, like all other metropolitan municipalities, has by-laws. We have our by-laws that are fixed, and they deal with all offenses and infractions.

So, going ahead with this ‘democratic terrorism’ is not the way to go,” he said.

He cautioned that such a hardline stance might unnecessarily provoke public discontent and resistance.

Mr. Pyne emphasized the importance of long-term infrastructure development and targeted enforcement over the use of force. He pointed to initiatives his administration had undertaken to relocate traders and decongest the central business district, including scheduled market development projects.

“One key solution is the completion of the Central Market Phase Two. That facility, when finished, will include a massive terminal on the ground floor, which will take vehicles off the streets and significantly reduce congestion. Traders naturally follow the flow of passengers — once we remove the vehicles from the roadsides, the traders will follow suit.”

KA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Government has firmly stated its commitment to the existing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, dispelling any notions of renegotiation or extension.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at a joint press conference with the IMF in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, emphasized the government’s resolve to fully implement the programme aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and fostering sustainable growth.

“Renegotiating pre-supposes that you don’t believe in the programme and so you want to open up the conversation to look at other parameters of the programme. That isn’t the position of the government. The government is committed to the implementation to achieve the objectives of the IMF programme,” Dr. Forson asserted.

Acknowledging that certain structural benchmarks and quantitative targets were missed prior to the current administration’s tenure, the Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to achieving the programme’s outlined objectives.

To address these challenges, Dr. Forson outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening expenditure controls, eliminating the accumulation of arrears, improving budget credibility, and enhancing fiscal and debt sustainability.

A key initiative involves a comprehensive audit of payables and commitments, commissioned to the Auditor-General and two international audit firms.

Read Also: IMF agreement vindicates NPP’s economic record – Minority challenges gov’t’s fiscal claims

“We have commissioned the Auditor-General, together with two (2) international audit firms, to audit the pay ables and commitments to validate their legitimacy and values, and provide recommendations for corrective measures. The audit is expected to be completed within eight weeks ,” he disclosed.

Furthermore, the government has amended the Procurement Act to tighten control over central government procurements.

“We have passed an amendment to the Procurement Act to ensure that the issuance of commitment authorisation (e.g., commencement certificate) by the Minister for Finance is a prerequisite for all central government procurements under the Authority or the Central Tender Review Committee,” Dr. Forson stated.

Ghanaians living in the United States—whether students, workers, or visitors—are being urged to comply with a new U.S. immigration rule that requires all foreign nationals to register with authorities and carry proof of their legal status at all times.

This follows a new directive under an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which is now being enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The rule took effect last Friday and applies to all non-U.S. citizens aged 18 and above, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other African nationals.

According to the USCIS, everyone considered a “foreign national” (or “alien” under U.S. law) must have proof of their legal status—such as a Green Card, visa documents, or the I-94 entry record—with them at all times.

Who Needs to Register?

• All non-citizens aged 18 and above

• Visitors, students, workers, Green Card holders

• Canadians staying more than 30 days

• Parents of children under 14 must register them too

Children under 14 must be registered by their parents or guardians. Once they turn 14, they are required to re-register and undergo biometric processing (fingerprinting) within 30 days.

Even those who have previously registered are being advised to update their information using the new online system. A new form, G-325R, must be completed, and biometric data will be collected unless exempted.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to comply with the rule could lead to:

The law now allows even local law enforcement, such as traffic police, to ask foreign nationals for proof of registration or legal status.

Legal Experts Urge Ghanaians to Take Action

Immigration lawyers in the U.S. are warning that this is not a rule to take lightly.

“For Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals in particular, this is not a rule to ignore,” said an immigration attorney in New York. “If you’ve been in the U.S. for more than 30 days and don’t have your papers in order, you could face serious consequences.”

Steps You Must Take

1. Register Online – Fill out Form G-325R on the USCIS website.

2. Get Biometric Screening – Attend fingerprinting if required.

3. Carry Your Papers – Always have your Green Card, visa, or I-94 with you.

4. Register Your Children – Do this before they turn 14, and re-register them once they do.

Ghanaians in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to consult immigration experts, stay updated on legal requirements, and take immediate steps to comply with the new rules

The Government of Ghana is to provide between eight and 12 per cent interest rates loans to small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially to agribusinesses to expand for export.

The SMEs On-lending facility would be jointly managed by the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat under the Office of the President and the Bank of Ghana, Development Bank of Ghana and some private financial institutions.

The facility part 24-hour Economy Policy electioneering promise by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) ii the run-up to the 2024 general elections.

Dr Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance, Markets and Partnership at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, announced the proposed facility during the media launch of the 2025 Horticulture Expo in Accra, on Tuesday.

Dr Dodoo said the unique financing model for agribusinesses and exporters was designed by government to enable those enterprises to deal with forex fluctuations and be competitive on the international market.

For agri-enterprises to access the SMEs On-lending facility, one has to belong to a recognisable association such as the Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) to de-risk investment payments to ensure loan recovery and sustainability of the facility.

The facility would also include provision of seed capital, extension services and technical capacity-building opportunities for agribusiness farmers to expand and add value to their products and services.

“This is not politics but a citizen-led initiative to grow agricultural-based businesses to take charge of our economy,” Dr Dodoo stated.

The 24-Hour Economy Policy, he explained, was about ensuring partnership with the private sector to unlock financial investments for agribusinesses, promoting food sufficiency and accelerating job creation opportunities for the Ghanaian youths.

Dr Dodoo said: “So, the 24-hour Economy Policy intends to increase our outputs, add value to our raw materials and ensure robust productivity.

“Ghanaians must take control of the US$77 billion GDP of our economy and that required us to deal with structural deformities in the economy and ensure strategic value chain.

“For instance, we need to take charge of the US$1.2 billion textile industry and ensure supply chain efficiency.”

Mr. Davis Narh Korboe, President of Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters, in his welcome remarks, expressed the Association’s determination to exceed five-billion-dollar export of non-traditional exports.

The second edition of the Horticulture Expo will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) from June 11 to 13, this year.

The expo is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors and 5,000 participants both locally and internationally, to engage in business-to-business meetings, networking and seminars.

It is to aid Ghanaian exporters to connect to the international markets and forge partnerships for expansion of their businesses.

It would also enable exporters to be competitive on the global markets, adopt innovative approaches in doing business and adding value to their products.

Some of the key commodities that would be promoted and highlighted during the expo include coconut products, mango, pineapples, sweet potatoes, onions and growing of chilies.

Source: GNA

The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, declaring that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been fully empowered to confront the galamsey menace.

The Minister’s remarks follow a major military operation in the Western Region, where a concealed illegal mining settlement housing over 10,000 people was uncovered and dismantled.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 16 April, Dr Boamah made clear that the era of rhetoric is over, stressing that the government’s approach will now be grounded in tangible results.

“We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he stated, underlining a renewed focus on decisive enforcement rather than public commentary.

The Defence Minister also issued a solemn appeal to illegal miners, urging them to withdraw from protected areas.

“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he implored, calling attention to the long-term harm illegal mining poses to both human lives and the natural ecosystem.

Dr Boamah further assured the public that the military has been given the authority and political backing required to carry out their mandate effectively.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered. We have the needed political will,” he declared, signalling the government’s readiness to take all necessary actions to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

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.

A 27-year-old trader, Emmanuel Kofi Asare, has accused a Crime Officer at the La Police Station of allegedly demanding a bribe of GH¢4,000 to settle his case outside the court.

According to a GHOne TV report, Asare, who has been charged with unlawful possession of narcotic plants, appeared in court on April 15, 2025, as part of the legal process.

However, he made an accusation against the Crime Officer handling the case, directly addressing the trial judge, Mrs Susanna Edufful.

Asare alleged that the officer had demanded the GH¢4,000 bribe during his arrest at La Wireless on March 24, 2025. His inability to provide the amount, he claimed, resulted in his prosecution.

He further stated that he was arrested alongside a friend, who managed to pay the police the requested amount and was subsequently released.

“A 27-year-old trader, Emmanuel Kofi Asare, has dropped a bombshell at the Circuit Court in Accra, accusing the police officers who arrested him of bribery and corruption. Asare, charged with unlawful possession of narcotic plants, claimed that the police demanded GH¢4,000 each from him and his friend to settle the case.

“His friend, whose name was not disclosed, allegedly made the payment and secured his freedom. However, Asare’s GH¢1,500, which was insufficient, was rejected, leading to his prosecution in court,” GHOne TV reported in a social media post on April 15, 2025.

Following these allegations, the judge has ordered the Crime Officer at the La Police Station to appear in court and respond to the claims made against him.

Asare pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000, with two sureties backed by documentation worth the amount.

The case has been adjourned to May 7, 2025.

A 27-year-old trader Emmanuel Kofi Asare has exploded with a bombshell at the Circuit Court in Accra, accusing police officers who caused his arrest of bribery and corruption. Asare, charged with unlawful possession of narcotics plants, claimed police demanded GHc4,000 each from… pic.twitter.com/MWp5hp5b6f

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) April 15, 2025

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

Adverts from six companies selling liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) have been banned in the UK for trivialising the risks and exploiting women’s insecurities around body image.

All of them appeared on Facebook or Instagram and used time-limited deals to “irresponsibly pressurise” customers into booking, says the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

One ad, for example, tried to entice customers with an “exclusive opportunity” to get a “perfect peachy look”.

Liquid BBLs involve injecting filler into the buttocks to lift them and make them look bigger or rounded.

The ASA says because of the risks involved, cosmetic surgery should be portrayed as a decision that needs time and thought, rather than urgency to book quickly and grab a deal.

Clinics must be socially responsible and should not trivialise procedures or play on consumers’ insecurities, it says.

One ad said: “Get the curves and contours you’ve always wanted with our safe and effective body filler treatments. Feel confident every step of the way! Safe, proven, and beautifully natural results.”

Another claimed a 0% infection rate at its sterile clinic, with minimal pain.

The ASA says liquid BBLs would carry some level of risk to the patient, such as infections.

It adds: “Marketers must not suggest that happiness or wellbeing depends on conforming to a particular body shape or physical appearance.”

The advertising watchdog says it has been using AI to proactively search for online ads that might break the rules.

Three of the clinics – Beautyjenics, Bomb Doll Aesthetics and Ccskinlondondubai -did not respond to the ASA’s inquiries.

Rejuvenate Clinics said it has reviewed ASA guidance and will remove all references to time-limited offers and state in ads that the surgery is carried out by a medical professional with ultrasound, to minimise risks and enhance safety.

EME Aesthetics said all its clients are given a full consultation and are under no obligation to book any procedures, and it therefore considers that its ad had not pressured consumers or trivialised the risks of cosmetic procedures.

Dr Ducu said it will ensure it follows the ASA’s rules and guidance, that the time-limited Black Friday offer was intended to provide consumers with an opportunity to access the company’s services at a discounted rate, and it always encourages consumers to make informed decisions without pressure.

Liquid BBL facts

• Plastic surgeons say liquid BBLs can carry significant risks and require expert skill and training to perform
• The UK industry is not regulated though – beauty clinics offer them
• Large amounts of filler may be injected with possible serious side-effects, such as blood clots and sepsis
• The recent death of mum-of-five Alice Webb has highlighted safety concerns around BBLs

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.

The Vice President of Debt Capital Markets & Distribution at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Baffour Agyarko Kwakye, has said that the sustainability of Ghana’s capital markets is dependent on a stable macroeconomic environment.

Speaking on a panel at West Africa Bond Market Conference on the topic “The Opportunities and Challenges of Developing Africa’s Bond Market – Demand, Supply, and Liquidity,” he highlighted the importance of coordinated regulatory collaboration and macroeconomic resilience as central pillars for a thriving bond market.

He said that “Restoring and maintaining macroeconomic stability in Ghana is essential to the recovery and sustained development of our capital markets.

“Following the 2022 Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, it is clear that trust and investor confidence are the lifeblood of any successful bond market. Without macroeconomic stability, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract and retain investment.”

Mr. Kwakye pointed out that Ghana’s capital market has undergone significant stress in recent years, particularly during the domestic debt restructuring exercise, but remains a critical vehicle for long-term financing for both the public and private sectors.

He also acknowledged the strides made by key stakeholders, especially the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), in rebuilding confidence and creating a more robust and responsive capital market ecosystem.

“I want to take a moment to commend the Ghana Stock Exchange for the tremendous support they continue to provide to market participants,” he said.

He further advocated for enhanced collaboration among regulators, particularly between the GSE, SEC and the Bank of Ghana, to address structural issues and unlock the full potential of Ghana’s bond market.

“Often, we see that regulatory silos can stall progress. But with more strategic collaboration, some of the persistent issues we face could be resolved more efficiently, and this would significantly deepen the resilience and liquidity of our bond market,” Mr. Kwakye explained.

The West Africa Bond Market Conference is a premier industry event jointly hosted by the Ghana Stock Exchange and the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).

This high-level gathering convenes senior market participants, including policymakers, regulators, central banks, financial institutions, and market infrastructure providers, to engage in in-depth discussions on the current state and future direction of West Africa’s bond markets.

The conference serves as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, regional collaboration, and the promotion of deeper, more integrated capital markets across the sub-region.

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.

Some economic analysts are calling on the government to accelerate efforts in providing the necessary assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure the smooth continuation of the country’s bailout program.

Ghana recently reached a staff-level agreement of the IMF following a review of its progress on key policy reforms and economic targets, setting the stage for the release of a $370 million tranche.

Speaking to Citi Business News, Economist Professor Godfred Bokpin stressed the importance of maintaining momentum to secure full executive board approval and continued support from the Fund.

“Government has demonstrated good faith, and for that reason, the Fund is inclined to give us a clean bill of health to some extent. However, if you read the staff report thoroughly, there are still a number of reservations that must be addressed urgently,” he noted.

Prof. Bokpin added that further steps will likely be required from the government before the IMF Executive Board meets to finalize the agreement.

Despite the recent progress, the IMF noted a significant dip in program performance towards the end of 2024. The Fund attributed this to fiscal slippages ahead of the general elections, which resulted in a sharp rise in outstanding payments, missed inflation targets, and delays in key reforms.

In response, Ghana’s new administration has introduced a set of corrective measures, including a more disciplined 2025 national budget and strengthened public financial management reforms aimed at restoring program momentum.

The IMF mission also held talks with Ghanaian authorities on addressing long-standing structural weaknesses in fiscal management, procurement processes, and social protection—particularly to shield the most vulnerable from the effects of inflation and fiscal adjustments.

Additionally, the Bank of Ghana’s recent policy rate hike is expected to support ongoing efforts to curb inflation.

On the structural side, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and governance reforms, especially in the management of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) within the gold, cocoa, and energy sectors.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase Ayirebi, has urged the government to focus on consolidating the gains made in Ghana’s economy instead of undermining them for political advantage.

His comments follow the minority’s claim that the recent staff-level agreement between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) vindicates the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

This is in response to assertions by the current government that the previous administration breached the IMF programme and mismanaged the economy.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, April 15, Nkrumah underscored the need for policy continuity and responsible governance.

“What they have to do as a government is to try to build on it and not every turn and at every corner seek to find ways of undermining the progress that the Ghanaian economy has made,” he said.

He accused the current administration of deliberately discrediting economic data for political gain—an effort he believes has been debunked by the IMF’s own assessment.

“It was their attempt to try to undermine the economic data so that they could score political points that have now been exposed by the fund,” he stated.

Nkrumah also expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic direction, emphasising the importance of bipartisan collaboration.

“We are happy when Ghana makes progress between NPP and NDC,” he said, adding that the IMF’s findings affirm the country is still on the right track.

Read also

You’re disappointing Volta region, fix ‘dumsor’ – James Gunu to ECG

​The Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Atta Issah, has called on the government to rethink its dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic support.

His remarks come on the back of a recent staff-level agreement between the IMF and Ghana, following the fourth review of the country’s three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme. If approved by the IMF Executive Board, the deal will unlock approximately US$370 million in financial assistance.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Issah, a member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, voiced concern over Ghana’s recurring engagement with the IMF over the past three decades.

“I only urge that this should be the last time as a country we cede our sovereignty to external partners. We have the brains in this country. Why is it that for 17 times consecutively, every government in the last three decades has in one way or the other signed up to the IMF programme?

“And I think that it’s cause for us to reflect as a nation and to make sure that this becomes the last time we will approach the IMF again,” he suggested.

Mr. Issah acknowledged the role both the Akufo-Addo and Mahama administrations have played in managing the economy, stressing that the country’s achievements are the result of efforts across different governments.

“For me, I know that the NDC should get the credit, as well as the NPP who just left power should also get credit in terms of how we managed this IMF programme,” he stated.

The IMF, in its recent review, noted that Ghana’s economy outperformed expectations in 2024, boosted by strong performance in the mining and construction sectors. However, the Fund also raised concerns about potential fiscal slippages ahead of the upcoming general elections and delays in key structural reforms.

Minority donates GHS200k to support Kantamanto market fire victims

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Environmentalist Alhaji D.S. Mahama Iddrisu

The Arise for Change for Economic Growth (ACEG) has emphasized the need for Ghana to chart a new course in economic development.

According to ACEG, Ghana’s economic revival must be built on the pillars of culture, environmental sustainability, and strategic resource management.

D. S. Mahama Iddrisu, the National Chairman of ACEG, speaking during the Ghana @ 68 Culture, Heritage, Environmental and Economic Growth Forum (CHEEGF) in Accra on April 15, 2025, criticized what he described as decades of mismanagement and over-reliance on external institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. He argued that these institutions have painted a misleading picture of Ghana as a “fast-growing economy” without addressing its underlying vulnerabilities.

“Despite our abundant natural resources, Ghana continues to struggle because these assets are neither refined nor leveraged for national benefit,” he stated.

He particularly criticized the economic stewardship of the previous administration under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, citing what he described as “poor financial management” and the misuse of foreign exchange reserves during the tenure of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

ACEG, which boasts over 500,000 members, outlined a comprehensive strategy to restore sustainable economic growth. The key pillars include:

Prioritizing land, water, the environment, and capital as foundational national assets.

Strengthening education, healthcare, and trade systems.

Human Capital Development – Investing in education and healthcare.

Infrastructure Renewal – Improving roads, housing, energy, and related sectors.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

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Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has launched a scathing attack on the previous government’s SIM registration exercise, describing it as a national fraud.

The Ningo Prapram MP said it was a complete waste of public and private resources and flagrantly disregarded the rights of Ghanaians.

“It is not re-registration. It is a registration,” the Ningo Prampram MP said bluntly on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday.

“You would be doing a re-registration if there were a registration in the first place. There was a sham. There was a hoax. There was a hoodwinking of Ghanaians. An unfortunate episode in the history of our country.”

He did not hold back in his critique of how the exercise was handled. “Irresponsible public governance, to put it lightly,” he said.

“Where Ghanaians were told they were registered. Meanwhile, no registration was happening.”

When asked why no one has yet been held responsible, especially given the financial and legal implications of the failed exercise, Sam George made it clear that accountability is on the way.

“Early days yet,” he said. “The Attorney General is responsible for holding everyone who holds public office.”

He confirmed that some steps have already been taken.

“We have sent some information to him, and we’re still building further evidence and sending it to the Attorney General,” he said.

The Minister stressed the importance of leadership accountability, contrasting his own conduct with what he described as the recklessness of his predecessors.

“I sit in this chair today mindful of the fact that tomorrow I won’t be here, and my actions and inactions will be held accountable,” he said.

“That’s what those who occupied the seat before appear to be oblivious to.”

His tone grew sharper as he questioned the patriotism and integrity of the previous leadership.

“When you look at the brazen nature of their reckless actions, it leaves you asking yourself—do these people love this country to start with?” he asked.

“Do they understand what it means to be Ghanaian?”

He continued, “Do they understand the weight of responsibility that sits on your shoulder when you hold the high office of Minister of State?”

Sam George could not hide his disbelief at the damage done between 2021 and 2023.

“I cannot, for the life of me, imagine how, today, vested with this responsibility, one would act in such a reckless manner,” he said.

“To take the country down the road for two years, claiming that you were doing registration, taking the biometrics of citizens and not cross-managing them well.”

He accused the previous administration of operating in “flagrant disregard of our data protection laws and our service security laws,” adding, “People must have a certain modicum of respect for Ghanaians.”

The Minister’s comments are the most direct condemnation yet of the controversial SIM registration campaign.

His remarks raise fresh questions about data governance, financial waste, and political accountability in Ghana’s digital transformation efforts.

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.