The BoG says this marks an improvement on the $5.57b surplus

The Bank of Ghana has disclosed that the country recorded a trade surplus of US$8.5 billion as of October 2025, equivalent to 9.7 percent of GDP, according to the latest Summary of Economic and Financial Data released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

This marks an update and significant improvement on the US$5.57 billion surplus recorded in the first half of the year.

The latest figures show that the stronger surplus continues to be driven primarily by robust gold export earnings, which rose to US$15.2 billion within the first ten months of 2025.

International gold prices remained exceptionally high throughout the year, crossing the US$4,000 per ounce mark in October, providing a major boost to Ghana’s export revenues.

Ghana’s trade surplus hits 307% to $5.57 billion in first half of 2025 – BoG report

Total exports as of October stood at US$23.3 billion, with gold accounting for the largest share.

Cocoa exports generated US$2.8 billion, while crude oil exports contributed US$2.2 billion.

Other exports, including non-traditional products, amounted to US$3 billion.

On the import side, total imports reached US$14.8 billion, driven mainly by oil and non-oil goods, though import growth lagged behind exports, helping to widen the surplus.

The BoG noted that the strong trade performance has supported Ghana’s external buffers, with gross international reserves now standing above US$11 billion, providing about 4.8 months of import cover.

This compares with reserves of US$11.12 billion recorded at the end of June 2025, when the country posted a trade surplus of US$5.57 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 307.4 percent increase over the same period in 2024.

Analysts say the sustained improvement in the external position has contributed to the recent stability and strengthening of the cedi against major trading currencies since mid-year.

The central bank expects the positive trend to continue, provided global gold prices remain elevated and domestic production levels are maintained.

ID/AE

The potential return of Ghana Airways represents a shift from nostalgia to hard-nosed economic strategy. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s update at the 2025 Diaspora Summit suggests the government is ready to stop the flight of capital. For decades, Ghana has watched billions in ticket revenue migrate to foreign carriers.

This revival is about plugging that leak. It is a bold move to transform Accra into the primary hub for West African travel at a time when African passenger traffic is projected to triple by 2050.

Reclaiming the Economic Runway

A national carrier is more than a status symbol; it is a tool for financial retention. Currently, a significant portion of the fares paid by travellers visiting Ghana stays in Europe or the Middle East. Aviation contributes roughly $4.1 trillion (£3.28 trillion / GHS 47.15 trillion) to global GDP, yet Africa captures less than 3% of that value. By capturing this market, Ghana can reinvest those profits into local infrastructure.

“As a former captain for the original Ghana Airways, seeing our tailfin in the red, gold, and green again isn’t just about pride—it’s about professional dignity,” says Capt. Kwesi Mensah, who flew the DC-10 for two decades. “We have the human talent; what we need is a management model that treats the cockpit like a boardroom and not a political office. If we get the UAE partnership right, we can finally stop being passengers in our own sky.”

While the technical staff sees a professional rebirth, the thousands of Ghanaians living abroad see a more personal financial incentive.

“Every time I fly home, I pay a foreign airline nearly £1,200 ($1,500 / GHS 17,250),” says Abiba Adamu, a Ghanaian professional living in London. “If that money went to a Ghanaian company, it would feel like I’m building my own house.”

Beyond ticket sales, the airline will create jobs for pilots, engineers, and ground staff. “We aren’t just buying planes; we are building an ecosystem,” says aviation consultant Kojo Boateng. “This includes maintenance centres that could serve the entire region.” This supports the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.

Global Image and Political Will

The restoration of the “Black Star” in the skies serves as a powerful diplomatic statement. President John Dramani Mahama has made the project a centrepiece of his administration’s economic plan. Speaking on Dec. 20, 2025, Mr Ablakwa noted that a technical committee is nearing the final phase of the airline’s restoration.

“The President has instructed that efforts be accelerated so that we can have Ghana Airways back in the skies,” Ablakwa said. “It’s about our pride. It’s about demonstrating, as Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, famously said, that the Black man is capable. We are capable of managing our own affairs.”

Crucially, the revival is backed by a strategic technical partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), providing the operational expertise that previous attempts lacked. The partnership was formalised following high-level diplomatic talks in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2025, during which Emirati officials committed to assisting Ghana in establishing a sustainable, business-driven model for the new carrier.

The 2026 E-Visa: A Digital Gateway

To complement the airline, the Foreign Minister announced a nationwide Electronic Visa (e-visa) rollout during the closing session of the Maiden Diaspora Summit 2025 on December 20.

“I am delighted to announce that this government, under the direct instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, will be rolling out an e-visa policy in the first quarter of next year, 2026,” Minister Ablakwa stated. “There will be a special dispensation for Africans in the diaspora—our 17th Region—so that you can travel to the motherland easily, smoothly, and more conveniently.”

This policy includes a “reciprocal fee structure,” ensuring foreign entry costs mirror those charged to Ghanaians abroad. This digital infrastructure is designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically stifled tourism and investment.

In the bustling markets of Makola, the news is met with cautious hope. “The e-visa is good, but I want to see the airline bring the price of things down,” says Esi Gyamfi, a local trader. “If the airline carries our goods cheaply, then my children can afford to eat better. I want to look up at the sky and say, ‘That is my plane, and it is working for me.'”

The Sceptic’s View: Risks and Fiscal Discipline

Despite the optimism, the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains cautious. Through its Communication Directorate and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the party has consistently called for rigid fiscal guardrails. They argue that without absolute transparency and a genuine private-sector lead, a state-led airline risks becoming a financial burden.

“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past where taxpayers’ money was used to subsidise inefficiency,” an official NPP statement noted during the transport sector debate in late 2025.

Critics further point to the razor-thin net profit margins in African aviation—projected by IATA at just 1.1% for late 2025—as a warning that national pride must never override economic reality.

Lessons from a Turbulent Past

To understand the future, one must look at how the original Ghana Airways fell. It collapsed in 2005 under a staggering $160 million (£128 million / GHS 1.84 billion) debt. Mismanagement and political interference were the primary engines of its downfall. The new model avoids these old traps through a public-private partnership (PPP). In this setup, the state keeps a minority stake while private investors handle operations. “The goal is a business that happens to fly a flag, not a government department with wings,” explains a member of the technical task force.

Navigating the African Sky

Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, views this as a “triple threat” strategy involving the e-visa, the airline, and a 24-hour production cycle. “The programme would organise production around integrated value chains… linking agriculture to processing through logistics hubs,” Tanoh explained at the 2025 summit.

This high-level logistical framework translates directly into competitive advantages for local industry leaders who rely on the speed of transit to stay profitable. “A national airline that connects us directly would be a game-changer for businesses like mine,” says Kwame Agyapong, a prominent Ghanaian tourism and hospitality mogul. “Under the 24-hour economy, we need to move goods and people at 2 AM just as easily as 2 PM. Having our own carrier means we control the schedule, the cargo rates, and ultimately, our own growth.”

However, the carrier must still navigate a continent where jet fuel prices are 17% higher than the global average. Furthermore, the region struggles with “blocked funds,” with IATA reporting that Africa accounts for $954 million (£763 million / GHS 10.97 billion) in un-repatriated airline revenue as of late 2025.

Moving Beyond the Horizon: A Final Verdict

The revival of Ghana Airways is a high-stakes gamble with potentially massive rewards. Success hinges on one factor: the ability to separate politics from the cockpit. If the government maintains its “arm’s length” approach through the PPP model, Ghana could reclaim its sovereignty in the skies. For now, the technical team’s completion marks a moment of rare bipartisan hope for a nation ready to fly again.

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.

Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has described the sharp depreciation of the cedi between 2022 and 2023 as the most disastrous period in Ghana’s contemporary economic management, arguing that its impact plunged millions of citizens into hardship.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, December 31, Mr Ofosu said the rapid fall of the local currency severely disrupted businesses, eroded incomes, and drove up the cost of living to unprecedented levels.

He recalled that between July and November 2022, the cedi depreciated sharply from about GH₵6 to nearly GH₵17 to the dollar, a development he said crippled businesses and forced many to shut down.

According to him, inflation climbed to about 54 per cent at its peak, leaving households struggling to cope with daily price hikes.

Mr Ofosu cited a Ghana Statistical Service report indicating that in 2023, about 8.5 million Ghanaians went to bed hungry at some point, attributing the situation to what he described as economic mismanagement under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

He added that unemployment also surged during the period, reaching about 14 per cent, translating into roughly two million unemployed youth.

The social sector, he argued, was equally affected, with challenges in education and health despite the Free SHS policy.

He noted that feeding and textbook supply became major problems in schools, while the National Health Insurance Scheme was saddled with persistent debt, forcing service providers to protest over delayed payments.

Against this backdrop, the Government Communications Minister said any administration taking over from the NPP would inevitably face severe difficulties.

He, however, argued that President John Mahama has responded decisively by appointing what he described as a competent economic management team.

He pointed to the appointment of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister and Dr Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana as key steps in stabilising the economy.

According to Mr Ofosu, the outcomes are already evident, particularly in the performance of the cedi. He said for the first time in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, the local currency has recorded significant appreciation within a single year.

“The depreciation of the cedi, which was one of the biggest problems of the economy, has been tamed,” he said, noting that by the close of the year, the cedi was projected to have appreciated by about 24 to 25 per cent against the US dollar.

He stressed that such a development did not occur under the previous administration, adding that while Ghana’s import-dependent economy remains a structural challenge, currency stability has brought some relief to businesses and households.

Mr Ofosu maintained that any fair assessment of President Mahama’s economic performance must be measured against the severe conditions inherited, insisting that recent gains demonstrate a deliberate effort to restore stability and confidence in the economy.

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.

Banda Boase (Bono), Dec. 31, GNA – The Chief of Banda Boase, Odeefour Dua-Bata-Bour Ligbi Wullotei II, has commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its tireless efforts in driving infrastructure development in the community.  

Speaking at a community gathering during the thanksgiving and familiarisation tour of Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament (MP) for Banda Constituency, the chief expressed gratitude for the visible progress made in just one year since the NDC assumed office.  

“In just a year since the NDC was voted into power, our community has seen a wave of development projects,” Odeefour Wullotei II said, highlighting several ongoing and completed projects. These include a six-unit classroom block and staff quarters for Banda Boase D/A Junior High School, a 10-seater water closet facility (90 per cent complete), a new police post with four residential quarters, and a polyclinic project slated to begin in January 2026.  

The chief thanked Mr Ibrahim for his commitment to transformational change in the area and appealed for the completion of the long-awaited Wewa Junction-Banda Boase-Nsawkaw road project, which remains a major challenge for residents.  

In response, Mr Ibrahim, who is also the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development, assured residents that current projects were just the beginning.  

“What you have seen so far is just the start; there’s much more to come,” he said.  

He announced a school feeding programme for local children starting next academic term and reaffirmed the NDC government’s commitment to leaving no community behind under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.  

Addressing road concerns, Mr Ibrahim explained that the current contractor’s eight-year performance on the Wewa Junction-Banda Boase-Nsawkaw road project would be assessed before the contract is terminated and re-awarded.  

GNA  

Edited by Regina Benneh/Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

Ghanaian businessman and media proprietor Dr. Osei Kwame Despite has publicly rejected allegations linking him to occult practices, expressing disappointment that his charitable activities have provoked unfounded accusations that he says threaten to undermine his reputation.

The founder and chief executive of Despite Media Group addressed the allegations in an audio message shared by Fadda Dickson, the Managing Director of the media conglomerate, explaining that the accusations arose after he assisted someone in need.

Dr. Despite stated he was surprised by claims questioning the motivations behind his philanthropic efforts, particularly given his longstanding commitment to religious observance and community support through his media platforms and personal resources.

Response to Reputation Concerns

According to the audio message, Dr. Despite expressed bewilderment at facing criticism for charitable actions that he characterized as motivated purely by goodwill toward fellow Ghanaians. He stated that an unidentified individual accused him of involvement in occultism, a term he claimed unfamiliarity with and characterized as an attempt to damage his public standing.

The businessman emphasized his commitment to righteous living since returning to Ghana following deportation from an unnamed foreign country. He stated he has consistently fulfilled religious tithing obligations and maintained moral conduct throughout his business career.

Dr. Despite appealed to Ghanaians to evaluate his character based on observable actions and interactions rather than unsubstantiated rumors circulating about his personal life or business practices. He expressed confidence that those who know him personally would attest to his integrity and positive intentions toward others.

The media mogul suggested that proximity to him would reveal his true character, asserting he harbors no malicious intentions toward anyone and urging the public to disregard negative characterizations that contradict his demonstrated behavior patterns over many years.

Blood Donation Initiative Context

Dr. Despite also addressed broader criticism regarding his use of media platforms for humanitarian initiatives, specifically mentioning his radio stations’ role in facilitating blood donations for patients experiencing medical emergencies at Ghanaian hospitals.

He explained that hospital administrators approached him requesting assistance in publicizing critical blood shortages affecting patient care. Given his ownership of widely listened radio stations with substantial audience reach, he agreed to broadcast appeals encouraging voluntary blood donations from the listening public.

The businessman recounted a specific incident at the 37 Military Hospital where medical personnel treating an accident victim faced urgent blood supply challenges. According to his account, doctors required blood for immediate transfusion plus two additional units held in standby reserve to ensure patient stability during treatment.

The patient’s immediate family members were reportedly abroad and unavailable to donate blood locally. Dr. Despite stated that despite extensive searching, obtaining the required blood proved difficult until his intervention facilitated locating a willing donor.

He expressed emotional distress at the situation, noting that his media platform provided unique capacity to mobilize community response for life saving purposes. The businessman characterized this incident as exemplifying his broader commitment to leveraging business resources and public influence for humanitarian objectives.

Philanthropic Work and Public Perception

Dr. Despite’s statements reflect ongoing tensions between public scrutiny of wealthy individuals in Ghana and philanthropic activities undertaken by business leaders. High profile entrepreneurs often face questions about wealth accumulation sources and motivations behind charitable giving, particularly when donations or assistance occur through visible public channels.

The businessman operates multiple radio and television stations under the Despite Media Group umbrella, including Peace FM, Okay FM, Neat FM, and United Television (UTV). These platforms collectively reach millions of Ghanaians daily through news programming, entertainment shows, and public affairs content.

Despite Media Group has grown from modest beginnings into one of Ghana’s largest indigenous media conglomerates since its establishment. Dr. Despite himself has become a recognizable figure in Ghanaian business circles, known for hosting elaborate events and maintaining relationships with entertainment industry personalities, politicians, and fellow entrepreneurs.

His business success story represents a narrative of entrepreneurial achievement in Ghana’s private sector, though details about specific business operations beyond media holdings remain relatively private compared to his public persona.

Religious Observance Claims

The businessman’s emphasis on tithing and religious commitment reflects the significant role that Christian faith plays in Ghanaian society and business culture. Many successful business leaders publicly attribute their achievements to divine blessing and demonstrate commitment through church attendance, financial contributions, and involvement in religious community activities.

Tithing, the practice of donating ten percent of income to religious institutions, represents a standard expectation within many Christian denominations operating in Ghana. Dr. Despite’s assertion that he consistently fulfills tithing obligations positions him within mainstream religious practice common among Ghanaian business leaders.

The deportation reference in his statement remains unexplained regarding specific circumstances, timeline, or country from which he was deported. This biographical detail has occasionally surfaced in public discussions about his background but without comprehensive documentation in publicly available sources.

Media Platform Humanitarian Applications

Dr. Despite’s description of using broadcast media for blood donation mobilization aligns with broader patterns of Ghanaian radio stations facilitating community service initiatives. Radio remains Ghana’s most widely accessible mass medium, particularly reaching populations without consistent internet access or television availability.

Hospital blood banks in Ghana periodically face supply shortages affecting emergency medical services and surgical procedures. Blood donation campaigns through radio broadcasts can generate substantial response from listeners, potentially addressing critical shortfalls that endanger patient care.

The National Blood Service Ghana coordinates blood collection and distribution nationally, but relies partly on voluntary donations mobilized through various channels including media appeals, workplace campaigns, educational institution drives, and community events.

Media personalities and station owners who dedicate airtime to humanitarian appeals often receive public recognition for facilitating life saving interventions, though such activities can also attract scrutiny regarding underlying motivations or potential commercial benefits from enhanced public profiles.

Reputation Management Considerations

Dr. Despite’s public response to occult allegations represents a defensive posture aimed at protecting personal and business reputation against claims that could potentially affect commercial relationships, media credibility, and social standing within Ghanaian society.

Accusations of occult involvement carry particular weight in Ghana where traditional spiritual beliefs coexist with widespread Christian and Muslim religious practice. Such allegations can damage business prospects, social relationships, and public trust even without substantiation if they gain widespread circulation.

Public figures in Ghana occasionally face rumors or allegations regarding spiritual practices, wealth accumulation methods, or personal conduct that spread through social media, informal communication networks, and entertainment gossip channels. Managing such allegations requires careful public relations strategies balancing direct denial against avoiding amplification of negative narratives.

The businessman’s strategy of directly addressing allegations through an audio statement disseminated via his Managing Director suggests coordination with trusted media executives to shape public messaging. Fadda Dickson’s role in sharing the audio positions Despite Media Group’s internal communication channels as vehicles for reputation management.

Broader Context of Charitable Scrutiny

Ghanaian society maintains complex attitudes toward wealth accumulation and philanthropy, with successful business leaders often facing expectations for community support alongside questions about business practices and wealth sources. This dynamic creates pressures for visible charitable giving while simultaneously generating skepticism about philanthropic motivations.

Some observers interpret high profile charitable acts as genuine altruism reflecting cultural values of community support and religious obligation. Others view such actions more cynically as reputation management strategies, tax planning mechanisms, or attempts to cultivate political connections and social capital.

The businessman’s frustration at facing criticism despite charitable efforts reflects tensions between these competing interpretations of philanthropic activity in contemporary Ghanaian society.

Whether Dr. Despite’s public statements effectively address the allegations or generate additional scrutiny will depend partly on public response, media coverage patterns, and whether specific individuals or groups offer contrary narratives regarding the businessman’s activities or character.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges that prominent Ghanaian business figures navigate in balancing public visibility, commercial success, philanthropic engagement, and reputation management within a society characterized by diverse perspectives on wealth, spirituality, and social obligation.

The Ministry of Finance has announced that it has
successfully settled a $709-million Eurobond obligation on Tuesday 30th December 2025, ahead
of its due date.

That, it said marked another significant milestone in Ghana’s economic recovery and
debt-management efforts.

“This brings total payments in 2025 alone to $1.4 billion to Eurobond holders
under the restructuring memorandum, comprising payments of $349.52 million,
$349.52 million, and $709.00 million.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Finance and copied to the Ghanaian Times in Accra on Wednesday said “The timely settlement reaffirms Ghana’s credibility as a sovereign borrower and
underscores government’s commitment to restoring investor confidence through
transparent, predictable, and disciplined debt-service practices.”

Building on this achievement, the Ministry of Finance said, government would intensify reforms in domestic
revenue mobilisation, public financial management, and public debt management.

“Fiscal buffers will continue to be strengthened to support debt-service obligations
and sustainably finance Ghana’s development agenda,” the Ministry of Finance stated.

The statement said the government expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their support and understanding,
which had been vital to the country’s economic recovery.

“We also take this opportunity to appeal for continued forbearance and cooperation
as further economic reforms are implemented in the coming year to consolidate the gains
achieved in 2025,” the Ministry of Finance stated, adding that “May 2026 be our best yet .”

BY TIMES REPORTER

The Ghana cedi delivered an unexpected Christmas gift to importers and travelers this festive season, strengthening substantially against major currencies in a reversal that has sparked both celebration and concern among economists and business operators.

Bank of Ghana interbank data shows the local currency appreciated markedly during the final week of December 2025, with the dollar exchange rate dropping from approximately GH¢11.35 on December 24 to around GH¢10.65 by December 29, before settling near GH¢10.95 on December 30.

This performance represents a dramatic shift from historical patterns, where the cedi typically weakened during December as demand for foreign exchange surged alongside holiday spending and year end business settlements.

Festive Season Strength

The appreciation extended beyond the dollar to encompass other major trading currencies. The British pound sterling declined from approximately GH¢15.30 on December 24 to around GH¢14.91 by December 29, according to central bank figures. The euro similarly eased from about GH¢13.37 to lower levels across the same period.

Market observers noted the movement was particularly striking given that December usually sees heightened forex demand from businesses settling annual obligations, travelers purchasing foreign currency for trips abroad, and parents paying tuition fees for children studying overseas.

The cedi’s cumulative appreciation over 2025 stands at approximately 25 percent against the dollar, marking one of the strongest annual performances for the currency in recent decades and positioning Ghana as home to one of the best performing currencies globally this year, according to international currency tracking platforms.

Multiple Drivers Behind Currency Gains

The cedi’s Christmas strength appears to stem from a confluence of factors rather than a single dominant force. International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme inflows have played a supporting role, with the Fund’s Executive Board completing Ghana’s fifth review on December 17 and approving immediate disbursement of approximately US$385 million. This brought total disbursements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to roughly US$2.8 billion since programme approval in May 2023.

Seasonal dynamics also contributed to the appreciation. The Christmas period traditionally sees reduced trading activity as businesses close for holidays, offices operate skeleton staff, and import demand moderates temporarily. This slowdown in forex requirements eases pressure on the cedi and allows supply side factors to drive exchange rate movements.

Remittance inflows from Ghanaians living abroad traditionally peak in December as diaspora residents send financial support home for family celebrations and year end obligations. These transfers boost dollar supply in the local market, providing additional support for the currency.

Ghana’s external sector performance throughout 2025 created favorable foundations for the Christmas appreciation. Robust gold and cocoa exports strengthened the current account, while gross international reserves exceeded US$11 billion by year end, providing approximately 4.8 months of import cover and surpassing IMF programme targets.

The Bank of Ghana’s Gold for Reserves programme, which involves purchasing domestically produced gold to build foreign exchange buffers, contributed to reserve accumulation and provided the central bank with enhanced capacity to manage currency volatility.

Benefits for Importers and Price Stability

The stronger cedi delivers tangible advantages for businesses and consumers dependent on imported goods. Fuel importers, manufacturers sourcing raw materials from abroad, and retailers bringing in consumer products all benefit from reduced cedi costs for dollar denominated purchases.

These savings can translate into slower price increases for end consumers, supporting the Bank of Ghana’s inflation targeting objectives. Ghana achieved single digit inflation for the first time in four years during 2025, with the rate declining from 23.8 percent in December 2024 to 8 percent by October 2025.

Currency stability contributed significantly to this disinflation process by reducing imported inflation pressures and anchoring price expectations. The Christmas appreciation reinforces this trend and potentially creates space for further monetary policy easing by the central bank.

Households also benefit through reduced costs for overseas remittances sent by family members, lower prices for imported goods, and enhanced purchasing power when traveling abroad for business or leisure.

Challenges for Export Competitiveness

However, the cedi’s strength creates complications for Ghana’s export oriented sectors. Gold mining companies, cocoa producers, and non traditional exporters all receive fewer cedis for every dollar earned from international sales when the local currency appreciates.

This dynamic can squeeze profit margins for exporters, particularly those with significant cedi denominated operating costs including labor, local supplies, and utility expenses. Companies may face pressure to reduce costs, defer investments, or potentially scale back production if currency trends undermine export competitiveness.

The IMF has cautioned about excessive cedi appreciation affecting export sectors. In October 2025, the Fund’s African Department Director noted that while stabilization was positive, authorities needed to ensure the appreciation did not become too frothy and harm competitiveness.

The Bank of Ghana injected approximately US$1.4 billion into currency markets during the first quarter of 2025, followed by an additional US$2 billion in the second quarter. However, the central bank subsequently reduced interventions as import demand surged following the cedi’s appreciation, seeking to balance support for exporters with constraints on importers.

Revenue Implications for Government

The cedi’s strength carries fiscal consequences beyond export earnings. Import duties represent a significant revenue source for government, but these collections partly depend on the cedi value of imported goods at the time customs duties are assessed and paid.

When the cedi appreciates, the local currency equivalent of imports declines, potentially reducing duty collections even if import volumes remain stable or increase. This creates an additional challenge for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as it pursues ambitious domestic revenue targets outlined in the 2026 budget.

The Ministry of Finance projected non oil tax revenue of 9.1 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2026, up from 8.7 percent achieved through September 2025. Maintaining this trajectory requires sustained improvements in tax administration, compliance, and collection efficiency across all revenue streams including import related duties.

Export based revenue streams face similar pressures. Government receives royalties, corporate taxes, and other payments from mining and cocoa sectors based partly on cedi denominated earnings. Currency appreciation that reduces these cedi earnings translates into lower government revenues unless compensated by higher international commodity prices or increased production volumes.

Sustainability Questions Linger

The durability of the cedi’s Christmas gains remains uncertain as Ghana enters 2026. Several factors could influence currency trends in coming months, including international commodity price movements for gold and cocoa, Ghana’s key foreign exchange earning exports.

Import demand patterns will prove crucial, particularly whether businesses that deferred purchases during late 2025 return aggressively to forex markets in early 2026 to replenish inventories and meet contracted obligations.

The Bank of Ghana faces delicate balancing decisions regarding forex market interventions. Excessive support for the cedi risks depleting reserves and creating artificial exchange rate levels that prove unsustainable, while insufficient intervention could allow volatility that disrupts business planning and economic stability.

Monetary policy coordination presents another consideration. The central bank has begun cautiously easing its policy rate following inflation’s decline to single digits, reducing the rate from 28 percent in early 2025 to 21.5 percent by year end. Further easing could affect capital flows and currency dynamics if domestic interest rates become less attractive relative to foreign alternatives.

External developments including global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and policy decisions by major central banks will continue influencing investor sentiment toward emerging market currencies including the cedi.

Policy Coordination Imperative

The cedi’s Christmas performance underscores the complex trade offs facing Ghanaian policymakers as they navigate between competing priorities of currency stability, export competitiveness, inflation control, and revenue mobilization.

Achieving optimal outcomes requires close coordination between fiscal policy managed by the Ministry of Finance, monetary policy implemented by the Bank of Ghana, and structural reforms addressing competitiveness challenges in key sectors.

The government’s 2026 budget emphasized continued fiscal discipline with a programmed primary surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP, alignment with IMF programme commitments, and sustained focus on domestic revenue mobilization to reduce dependence on external borrowing.

These fiscal anchors support currency stability by reinforcing investor confidence and reducing pressures for monetary financing of budget deficits. However, maintaining discipline while addressing development needs and social protection requirements demands careful expenditure prioritization and sustained reform implementation.

The Bank of Ghana’s challenge involves preserving inflation gains while supporting economic growth through gradual monetary easing, maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves to manage volatility, and ensuring the currency reflects market fundamentals rather than speculative pressures or artificial interventions.

Structural competitiveness reforms spanning infrastructure improvements, energy sector efficiency, digital transformation, and skills development can help exporters maintain profitability despite currency appreciation by reducing production costs and enhancing productivity.

The cedi’s festive season rally has delivered welcome relief to many Ghanaians, but whether these gains prove sustainable and balanced against broader economic objectives will become clearer as 2026 unfolds and policy choices crystallize.

The port management said such claims are inaccurate

The management of the Tema Port has debunked reports of a strike action and prolonged labour unrest among its workers.

The management assured port users, investors and the business community that operations remain stable, efficient and uninterrupted.

This was made clear in a press statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, where the management responded to claims by the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) that labour unrest and operational delays at the port could disrupt activities and force cargo diversion to neighbouring ports.

According to the management, these claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the current operational situation at Ghana’s leading port facility.

The statement explained that there was a disagreement in November among some dock labourers over the introduction of a 24-hour shift system as part of efforts to align port operations with the President’s 24-Hour Economy policy, aimed at boosting efficiency, creating employment opportunities and improving service delivery.

Under the new arrangement, dock workers operate on structured eight-hour rotational shifts, allowing three workers to share one role over a 24-hour period.

However, according to management, the disagreement emerged when some workers chose to work all three shifts themselves instead of adhering to the rotational system.

The statement clarified that the issue did not escalate into a strike and did not result in any shutdown of port operations.

“Through engagement and dialogue, the matter was resolved amicably within a short period, and normal operations have continued without interruption,” the statement said.

The Tema Port management stressed that there is currently no labour unrest at the port and cautioned against public commentaries that could unnecessarily create anxiety among stakeholders.

Tema Port to become most efficient in Africa – President Mahama

It urged industry players to seek clarification from official sources before making public pronouncements.

Reaffirming its commitment to excellence, the management said the Port of Tema remains fully operational and dedicated to delivering reliable, efficient and world-class port services while supporting key national development initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy policy.

“The Port of Tema remains open, fully operational, and ready to serve Ghana’s trade and industrial needs,” the statement concluded.

ID/AE

The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, has called on the government to take a keen interest in programmes that expand opportunities for national service personnel, describing such interventions as critical to reducing Ghana’s growing youth unemployment challenge.

Speaking at a workshop on Promoting Erasmus+ Opportunities and Combating Gender-Based Violence among National Service Personnel in Kumasi, Mr Reagan Fynn stressed that initiatives of this nature must move beyond awareness creation and deliver practical outcomes for young graduates struggling to find jobs after national service.

“So it’s a good initiative, and I urge the government to also take it up and take an interest in such access so that it will also help.

Aside from getting employment, it also broadens the young people and builds their capacity going forward,” he said. He added that stronger government involvement would help turn such programmes into sustainable solutions rather than one-off interventions.

Mr Reagan Fynn noted that many graduates complete tertiary education and national service only to face limited employment opportunities, a situation that continues to fuel frustration among the youth.

He said structured access to international exposure, skills development and career pathways could make a significant difference, adding that the NSS in the Ashanti Region is exploring ways to scale up the workshop to open more job opportunities for service personnel.

According to him, exposure to international programmes such as Erasmus+ can better prepare young people for the job market while supporting national development. He argued that equipping service personnel with global skills and experience positions them to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic growth and efforts to reduce unemployment.

Also speaking at the event, a Senior Research Scientist at the CSIR Crops Research Institute and Project Coordinator of the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey, said the workshop was designed to bridge the information gap that prevents many service personnel from accessing international scholarships and career development opportunities.

Dr Botey explained that the programme focuses on two key areas: access to European scholarship and career opportunities under Erasmus+, and education on gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace. He said the initiative aims to empower young people to protect themselves while improving their career prospects.

“I know the government wants to build quality education, and it is important that this quality is not only in-country,” Dr. Botey said. “There is a lot of unemployment in the country. These forums can be another stepping stone. You get sa cholarship, you get to know other cultures and diversity, and also bring a lot of inclusivity.”

The workshop, which is fully funded by the European Union, aligns with Ghana’s broader policies on education, youth development and skills training. Dr Botey encouraged the government to deepen bilateral engagements with European programmes and channel such opportunities through universities and the National Service Scheme.

Participants welcomed the initiative, saying it offered practical guidance on accessing scholarships and international exposure. One participant, Eunice Eshun, said the workshop helped her understand how skills acquired abroad could be brought back to support national development.

“The employment in this country is limited, so going outside gives us a broader view,” she said. “If I learn how systems work elsewhere and come back to implement what I’ve learnt, it will help others as well.”

Other participants agreed that with stronger government backing for programmes like Erasmus+, Ghana could reduce youth unemployment while building a skilled and globally exposed workforce.

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.

MTN Ghana will conduct a four-hour system maintenance from midnight to 4:00 a.m. on January 2, 2026, to integrate the government’s revised Value Added Tax (VAT) tariff structure into its billing systems.

The telecommunications operator announced that subscribers will be unable to purchase airtime or data bundles through any retail channels during the maintenance window. This includes recharge transactions via Mobile Money using the *170# shortcode, the myMTN application, Electronic Voucher Distributors, and third-party banking platforms.

MTN selected the early morning hours to minimize disruption to business activities and daytime economic transactions. The company stated that the upgrade will ensure all network charges accurately reflect the statutory VAT reforms taking effect across Ghana’s telecommunications sector from January 1, 2026.

Voice calls and existing data bundles are expected to remain functional throughout the maintenance period. However, MTN cautioned that real-time balance updates, automated bundle renewals, and Mashup services may experience temporary suspension until systems are fully restored.

The maintenance responds to implementation of the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), which restructures Ghana’s consumption tax framework. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) reduced the standard VAT rate to 20 percent from the previous composite rate of 21.9 percent, while abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and recoupling the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) levy to allow input tax credits.

For telecommunications companies, aligning internal billing systems with the new statutory requirements is mandatory to prevent pricing inconsistencies and regulatory violations once revised rates become operational. The technical adjustments involve reconfiguring transaction platforms, updating tax calculation algorithms, and synchronizing retail systems across multiple service channels.

MTN urged subscribers to complete necessary airtime and data purchases before the midnight cutoff on January 1. The company advised customers to confirm sufficient credit balances to cover communication needs during the early morning hours, particularly for night-shift workers, travelers, and early-morning commuters who may require emergency connectivity.

Ghana’s telecommunications sector generates substantial revenue for mobile network operators including MTN, Telecel Ghana, and AirtelTigo. Industry analysts estimate that VAT-related charges constitute a significant portion of consumer telecommunications costs. The government’s decision to reduce effective tax rates aims to ease household expenses while maintaining revenue adequacy through improved compliance mechanisms.

The VAT reform includes raising registration thresholds for goods dealers from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000, exempting thousands of small businesses from mandatory compliance. However, large-scale operators like MTN remain fully registered and must implement changes across their entire service infrastructure.

Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at GRA, explained that consumers will now pay 20 percent rather than 21.9 percent on telecommunications services. The recoupling of NHIL and GETFund as deductible input taxes eliminates cascading tax effects that previously inflated costs throughout service delivery chains.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended Ghana’s VAT reform as part of fiscal consolidation efforts under the country’s Extended Credit Facility program. IMF technical assistance emphasized improving revenue efficiency, reducing compliance costs, and aligning Ghana’s tax system with international best practices.

Telecommunications companies across Ghana face similar system integration challenges as the VAT reform affects pricing throughout the sector. Operators must ensure their billing platforms correctly calculate revised taxes, generate accurate invoices, and maintain audit trails for regulatory compliance monitoring.

MTN Ghana serves millions of subscribers across voice, data, Mobile Money, and enterprise services. The company’s market position requires maintaining service reliability while implementing mandatory regulatory changes. Any pricing discrepancies arising from incomplete system updates could trigger customer complaints, regulatory scrutiny, and financial penalties.

The company emphasized that all services will be fully operational by 4:00 a.m. on January 2, allowing normal transactions under the new VAT framework throughout the business day. Subscribers seeking clarification on how VAT changes affect specific service packages can contact MTN customer care centers or visit retail outlets after systems are restored.

Ghana’s digital economy increasingly relies on telecommunications infrastructure for mobile payments, internet access, business communications, and government services. Policy changes affecting telecommunications costs have broad implications for economic activity, digital inclusion, and consumer purchasing power.

The timing of MTN’s maintenance coincides with the New Year holiday period when many Ghanaians engage in extended celebrations and travel. Some subscribers may find the service interruption inconvenient, particularly those requiring emergency airtime purchases during overnight hours.

However, telecommunications analysts note that conducting system upgrades during off-peak periods represents standard industry practice for minimizing customer impact. The four-hour window allows technical teams sufficient time to deploy software updates, conduct testing, and verify system integrity before returning to full operational status.

Beyond MTN, other telecommunications operators and financial service providers will need to implement similar system adjustments to comply with the revised VAT regime. Banks, mobile money agents, and electronic payment platforms that facilitate telecommunications purchases must ensure their systems correctly apply new tax rates across all transaction channels.

The VAT reform represents one component of Ghana’s broader economic recovery strategy following debt restructuring and fiscal stabilization programs implemented during 2024 and 2025. Government officials describe simplified tax administration as essential to improving revenue collection while creating a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth.

For consumers, the practical impact involves slightly lower effective tax rates on telecommunications services beginning January 2. Whether these savings translate into reduced retail prices depends on how operators adjust their service tariffs and pricing structures under the new regulatory framework.

Cole Palmer and Semenyo featured in the Chelsea-Bournemouth game

Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s 2–2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2025.

The winger was a thorn in the Blues’ side as he consistently took on defenders and delivered incisive passes to penetrate their backline.

Semenyo’s game began nervously when his tackle on Willian Estevão resulted in a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to equalize after David Brooks had opened the scoring in the 6th minute.

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández restored Chelsea’s lead in the 23rd minute, but Bournemouth quickly fought back.

Bournemouth planning to sign Fatawu Issahaku to replace Semenyo

Semenyo’s long through ball split the defense, and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez failed to deal with it, allowing Justin Kluivert to pounce and level the score at 2–2.

In the second half, both sides created chances but were unable to find the back of the net, as the game ended in a draw.

Semenyo was instrumental throughout, constantly supporting the attack while also tracking back to help the defense, giving his side the balance they needed.

This comes as Semenyo’s move to Manchester City is expected to be finalised in the coming days in a £65 million deal, following his impressive performances.

Watch the highlights below:

Antoine Semenyo vs Chelsea

No Refunds @ManCity 🧏🏽 pic.twitter.com/uUalniWhQh

— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) December 30, 2025

SB/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Acting Defence Minister Ato Forson inaugurates 9-Member Ministerial Advisory Board

A recent social media poll conducted across multiple platforms reveals that most Ghanaian businesses believe the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is hurting rather than helping their operations, reigniting a debate about how tax enforcement impacts entrepreneurship and job creation in the country.

The survey, conducted by Business Outlook with Vivian Kai Lokko, asked respondents whether the GRA’s activities were helping, hurting, or doing both to businesses. Results varied significantly across platforms, with informal sector operators expressing the most negative views.

On Instagram, where many micro-entrepreneurs, traders and side hustlers are active, 100 percent of respondents said the GRA is hurting businesses. TikTok users, who tend to represent similar demographics, showed 79 percent saying the authority hurts businesses, with only 21 percent believing it helps.

LinkedIn users, typically professionals and formal business operators, presented more mixed opinions. Among this group, 56 percent said the GRA hurts businesses, 33 percent said it both helps and hurts, and 11 percent believe it is helping.

On X (formerly Twitter), respondents were split evenly, with 38 percent saying the GRA hurts businesses, 38 percent saying it both helps and hurts, 19 percent unsure, and only six percent saying it helps.

The findings suggest that businesses closer to daily cash flow pressures and informal trading expressed more negative views of the tax authority. This pattern indicates the problem may not be taxation itself but rather how tax enforcement is experienced by different categories of businesses.

The survey results emerged after businessman and New Patriotic Party (NPP) politician Kennedy Agyapong made strong statements in December 2025 during an outreach engagement in the Central Region. Agyapong called on the GRA to stop intimidating entrepreneurs and instead support job creation efforts.

“The GRA should stop treating Ghanaian businessmen like criminals,” Agyapong stated. “When people try to build companies in this country, they go through too much frustration. How do we expect to create jobs when the very institutions meant to help are scaring business owners?”

The Assin Central Member of Parliament is not the first prominent figure to raise such concerns. In March 2024, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia accused the authority of harassing businesses under the guise of tax collection during an interaction with members of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to Dr. Bawumia, the problem stems from the GRA’s practice of setting unrealistic revenue targets for its officers. This situation, he argued, results in overtaxing existing businesses instead of expanding the tax base to include more taxpayers.

“They are harassing businesses. That harassment is coming from the sort of targets that are created at their office,” Dr. Bawumia explained. “They are setting unrealistic targets. Because the tax base is narrow, officers are given monthly targets and are left wondering where to find the money.”

The Vice President added that officers often return to the same taxpayers already paying taxes and come up with new reasons for them to pay more, rather than bringing new businesses into the tax net.

Following Bawumia’s March 2024 statements, the GRA denied allegations of harassment. Assistant Commissioner Emelia Assam, speaking at the Oxfam Tax Dialogue on March 21, 2024, stated that no tax officer authorized to carry out compliance work is expected to harass any client.

“There is no harassment with tax collection. GRA staff don’t go out to harass,” Assam said, adding that the authority has compliance issues to address daily but does so professionally.

The Ghana Revenue Authority Workers’ Union (GRAWU) also expressed displeasure with Bawumia’s characterization of their work. In a press statement, the union said it found the Vice President’s comments unfortunate and considered them an attack on the efforts of hardworking staff.

However, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) supported Bawumia’s assessment. In a March 2024 statement, TAGG said its members continue to face extortion and harassment by GRA officials.

“The Vice President couldn’t have said it any better because his pronouncement is a true reflection of daily happenings in the business community,” TAGG stated. The group criticized the deployment of multiple task forces to monitor traders when the GRA could leverage cutting edge systems instead.

Small and medium sized enterprises contribute approximately 70 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for roughly 92 percent of all businesses in the country as of 2024, according to economic data. This makes their survival and growth a national economic priority.

Business Outlook’s poll findings indicate that many enterprises question whether the current tax system understands their cash flow realities, supports growth during difficult economic cycles, and treats them as partners in development rather than targets for extraction.

When compliance feels intimidating instead of enabling, the consequences extend beyond frustration to include slower business growth, job losses and discouraged entrepreneurship. The perception gap between how the GRA views its enforcement activities and how businesses experience those activities appears significant.

The broader debate centers on whether Ghana’s tax system can simultaneously collect revenue efficiently while building trust with the businesses generating that revenue. Trust appears to be a missing component in current relationships between many taxpayers and the tax authority.

For businesses operating in Ghana’s informal sector, which comprises a substantial portion of economic activity, the challenges are particularly acute. These enterprises often lack sophisticated accounting systems, operate on thin profit margins, and face irregular cash flows that make compliance with formal tax requirements especially difficult.

The survey responses suggest that Kennedy Agyapong’s December 2025 comments resonated with widespread sentiments among business owners rather than representing an isolated political statement. The consistency of negative perceptions across different platforms, particularly those dominated by smaller businesses, points to systemic concerns about how tax enforcement affects entrepreneurial activity.

Tax experts note that effective revenue collection requires balancing enforcement with taxpayer education, support services and proportionate penalties. Systems that rely primarily on aggressive audits and penalties without corresponding support mechanisms risk damaging the business environment they depend upon for sustainable revenue generation.

Ghana’s tax base remains narrow relative to the size of its economy, with a significant portion of economic activity occurring outside formal tax structures. Expanding this base requires not only enforcement but also making compliance accessible and worthwhile for businesses currently operating informally.

The ongoing tension between revenue mobilization targets and business sustainability raises questions about long term economic development strategies. If existing taxpayers consistently feel pressured rather than supported, efforts to formalize more businesses and expand tax compliance may face resistance.

For many Ghanaian businesses, particularly those in the small and medium enterprise sector, the fundamental question is not whether they should pay taxes but whether the system helps them survive long enough to generate taxable income consistently. Until that concern is addressed through policy and practice, negative perceptions of the GRA are likely to persist regardless of the authority’s stated intentions.

The Business Outlook survey, while not a scientific study with controlled sampling, provides insight into how different segments of Ghana’s business community perceive their interactions with tax authorities. The strong negative sentiment among informal sector operators suggests an urgent need for dialogue about how tax enforcement can support rather than hinder economic growth objectives.

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA – Ghana has  settled a US$709 million Eurobond obligation, bringing the total payments made to Eurobond holders in 2025 to US$1.4 billion under the government’s restructuring memorandum, the Ministry of Finance has announced.

A press release issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry and copied to the Ghana News Agency on December 31, stated that the payment marked “a major milestone in Ghana’s economic recovery and debt-management efforts.”

The settlement was done on Tuesday, December 30.

The statement noted that the 2025 payment schedule, comprise three major tranches: two payments of US$349.52 million each, and a final US$709 million settlement.

The Ministry noted that the timely settlement reaffirmed the country’s credibility as a sovereign borrower and the government’s commitment to restoring investor confidence through transparent, predictable, and disciplined debt-service practices.

“Building on this achievement, government will intensify reforms in domestic revenue mobilisation, public financial management, and public debt management,” the statement said.

It added that fiscal buffers would continue to be strengthened to support future debt-service obligations and sustainably finance Ghana’s development agenda.

The government expressed gratitude to the public for their support and understanding throughout the economic recovery process.

The Ministry appealed for continued forbearance and cooperation as the country prepared to implement further economic reforms in 2026 to consolidate the gains achieved over the past year.

GNA

Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage

Think of Ghana’s rivers and wetlands as the nation’s secret lovers: vital, life-giving, often taken for granted, and now vanishing before our eyes.

The seductive flow that once quenched cities and cradled ecosystems is fading, choked by climate change, greed, and neglect. As Ghana sweats under an unrelenting sun and whispers circulate about another dry season looming, a critical question simmers: Are our cities ready for a future where water is the most coveted lover of all?

The evidence is stark, flowing far beyond mere anecdote. Rivers that once roared are now timid trickles. Iconic wetlands, nature’s sponges and water filters, are shrinking, paved over or poisoned. Researchers point to an alarming new phenomenon: “extinct rivers.”

Streams like the once-perennial Kawir River in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality, or countless smaller tributaries across Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions, exist now only in memory and old maps, buried under concrete or suffocated by silt from unchecked erosion.

The Climate Squeeze:
Ghana’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement (2020-2030) lays bare the threat. It identifies water resources as critically vulnerable to climate change, predicting intensified droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures.

These changes directly threaten the recharge of rivers and aquifers cities desperately rely on. The NDC ambitiously targets a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and significant adaptation, but the water clock is ticking faster.

“Climate change isn’t just about hotter days; it’s about disrupting the entire hydrological cycle,” explains Dr. Millicent Kwaw, a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, whose focus is on climate change and health.

“Longer dry spells mean less water feeding our rivers and replenishing groundwater. When the rains do come, they are often intense, causing floods that carry topsoil and pollutants straight into our remaining waterways, further degrading them. Our cities are caught between scarcity and deluge.”

The Galamsey Guillotine:
Compounding the climate crisis is the relentless assault of illegal mining – galamsey. This isn’t just about lost gold; it’s about murdered watersheds. Excavators rip through riverbanks and forest buffers. Mercury and cyanide poison the water.

Silt, thick as gruel, smothers riverbeds, destroying habitats and drastically reducing water storage capacity. Researchers point to rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin as tragic case studies.

“The impact of galamsey on river systems is catastrophic and often irreversible on human timescales,” states Dr. Solomon Owusu Ansah, a Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics Consultant. “We’re not just talking about dirty water; we’re talking about fundamentally altering river morphology, destroying the natural infrastructure that regulates flow and filters water. These rivers are becoming sterile channels of mud. The extinction of smaller streams is directly linked to upstream deforestation and mining activities that destroy their headwaters.”

The Urban Blind Spot?
Meanwhile, Ghana’s cities swell, demanding more water while often treating their natural water assets – wetlands and river corridors – as waste dumps or land banks for development. Wetlands in urban peripheries, crucial for flood absorption and groundwater recharge, are disappearing under housing and industry.

“The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Framework rightly prioritizes ecosystem-based adaptation, specifically highlighting wetland restoration and protection as key strategies for urban resilience,” notes Dr. Millicent Kwaw. “But translating this framework into enforceable local plans and changing the mindset that sees wetlands as ‘waste lands’ is the real battle. Cities are engines of growth, but without water security, that engine seizes.”

Is There Hope in the Flow?
The NDC and NAP Framework offer a roadmap. Key actions include:

· Strengthening Water Resource Management: Implementing integrated approaches as outlined in the NDC.
· Ecosystem Restoration: Prioritizing wetland and riparian buffer zone rehabilitation (a core NAP strategy).
· Cracking Down on Galamsey: Enforcing mining laws and promoting sustainable alternative livelihoods – essential for protecting water sources.
· Urban Water Sensitive Design: Mandating rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and protecting urban green-blue infrastructure (wetlands, parks along rivers).

Projects like the ongoing restoration of the Sakumono Ramsar site near Tema and efforts to protect the Densu Delta wetlands demonstrate commitment. Community-led initiatives reviving small urban streams are also emerging.

The Bottom Line:
The future of water in Ghana’s cities is not a distant abstraction; it’s written in the drying beds of once-great rivers, the ghostly silence of extinct streams like the Kawir, and the shrinking embrace of vital wetlands. Ghana’s climate pledges recognize the crisis and propose solutions.

But the urgency demanded by researchers – to curb galamsey’s devastation, rigorously implement the NAP’s ecosystem protections, and fundamentally revalue urban water landscapes – must translate into relentless, visible action. Our cities’ vitality, economy, and very habitability depend on winning back the love of our most essential resource before its whisper fades into silence forever.

This article is written as part of a collaborative project between JoyNews, CDKN Ghana, and the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability at the University of Ghana, with funding from the CLARE R41 Opportunities Fund.

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.