The Africa Development Council (ADC) has expressed concern over increasing agitation among sections of the Ghanaian public regarding the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”

In a statement released on Saturday, April 26, the ADC acknowledged the patriotism and vigilance displayed by citizens passionate about safeguarding Ghana’s environment and future.

However, the Council cautioned against exerting undue pressure on leadership for immediate fixes, urging all parties to “hasten slowly.”

The ADC noted that the scale of environmental degradation inherited from the previous administration has been monumental, creating a complex situation that demands both critical thinking and time to resolve sustainably.

Citing recent breakthroughs — notably the discovery and dismantling of a clandestine “City in the Forest” operation — the Council commended the government’s proactive measures against illegal mining.

“This achievement is a testament to the seriousness and commitment of the administration in addressing the underlying challenges,” the statement read.

The ADC further emphasised that the government’s efforts to curb galamsey come at a time when it is also managing an economic recovery, following what the Council described as a “catastrophic financial situation” left by the previous regime.

In light of these circumstances, the Council called on organisers of an upcoming demonstration to reconsider and postpone their plans in the spirit of national unity and good faith.

According to the statement, The ADC believes that giving the government the necessary space will facilitate the deployment of innovative, environmentally friendly mining technologies and accelerate the restoration of degraded lands and polluted water bodies.

The statement concluded with a call for dialogue, patience, and strategic collaboration among all stakeholders, stressing that these are critical to securing a sustainable, prosperous, and green future for Ghana.

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Ghana’s rising star, 16-year-old para-athlete Gilbert Ampiah from St. Augustine’s College, secured a bronze medal in the High Jump T44 category at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

Clearing an impressive 1.73 meters, Gilbert claimed his first international medal, showcasing his dedication, resilience, and extraordinary talent.

Notable Achievements

• Personal Bests:
  • 1.60m: Cleared at Ekumfi Atwa in 2023, outjumping able-bodied athletes.
  • 1.82m: Achieved during St. Augustine’s inter-house competition.
  • 1.86m: Current personal best, set at a recent competitive event.
• Classification: Successfully completed official classification from April 21 to 23, meeting international para-athletics standards.
• Inspiration: Gilbert’s determination and talent make him a beacon of hope and inspiration for Ghanaians.

Gilbert’s bronze medal not only celebrates his personal triumph but also positions him as a strong contender for future global competitions.

The Marrakech Grand Prix serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Commonwealth and Paralympic Games, offering Gilbert a platform to further showcase his remarkable skills.

With his relentless spirit and growing list of achievements, Gilbert Ampiah is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of para-athletics.

The Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Neenyi Ghartey VII, has made a fervent appeal to the people of Bawku and surrounding communities, calling for an immediate end to ongoing violence in the area.

Speaking at the 29th Congregation of UEW on Saturday, April 26, Neenyi Ghartey VII said he was addressing the nation not only in his capacity as Chancellor but also as a concerned Ghanaian citizen.

“Let peace reign, let the guns go silent, let peace speak louder in Bawku,” he said.

The Chancellor emphasised the devastating impact of the conflict on families, children, and livelihoods, warning that persistent violence was unravelling the rich cultural fabric and industrious spirit for which Bawku is known.

“Bawku is a land rich in culture, strength and resilience, its people have long been known for their industrious spirit. But today, that spirit is being tested. Families are being torn apart, children cannot go to school, and livelihoods are crumbling under the weight of persistent violence,” he lamented.

Neenyi Ghartey VII stressed that national development and education could not flourish while communities remained trapped in cycles of conflict.

“We cannot educate a nation while part of it burns; we cannot and must not allow this to continue,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to silence the guns and raise the voices of reason, unity, and brotherhood, reminding them that conflict only brings suffering and destruction.

“Children cannot go to school, and livelihoods are crowning under the wings of persistent violence. We cannot educate a nation while part of it burns, we cannot and must not allow this to continue,” he concluded.

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play videoLeader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga

Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has urged Ghana to expand its trade horizons by exploring markets like Guyana while pushing for a bold shift toward local production and manufacturing.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business, Ayariga questioned why Ghana has yet to tap into the Guyanese market, highlighting the broader need for the country to become a producing rather than a consuming economy.

He pointed out that everyday essentials, from electronic gadgets to clothing, are largely imported, emphasising the high cost of locally made goods, such as a Guyanese outfit, and questioning why such items remain unaffordable for many.

“There is a need for structural economic reforms to support local businesses, including lowering the cost of production, improving access to affordable credit, and creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurship,” he said.

“What about the Guyana market? Should we look at that? Of course,” Ayariga added, stressing that Ghana must rethink its heavy reliance on imports and begin harnessing its own economic potential.

“There are so many problems we need to solve. We need to have low costs of production, low costs of manufacturing, low interest rates, and available facilities for businesses to grow,” he continued.

Ayariga’s comments contribute to the growing calls for economic diversification, trade expansion, and self-reliance as Ghana seeks to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.

SP/MA

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Dr Bawumia (L) and Dr Boakye-Danquah

A former government spokesperson has launched a blistering critique of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of betraying former President Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by distancing himself from key government failures during his ongoing “Thank You Tour.”

In a strongly worded open letter shared on April 26, 2025 and posted on net2tvgh.com, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security under the Akufo-Addo administration, condemned Dr Bawumia’s attempts to disassociate himself from controversial policies such as the E-levy and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

Dr Boakye-Danquah, who is now in the camp of former presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, pointed out that Dr Bawumia remained silent during the implementation of these policies, despite his role as Vice President and head of the Economic Management Team, only to later claim opposition when seeking political advantage.

“Bawumia’s claim that he opposed the E-levy, a highly controversial tax policy, is inconsistent with his silence during its introduction and passage, despite public outcry and its significant impact on Ghanaians,” he wrote.

“As Vice President, he had a platform to voice dissent or influence policy but chose not to, only to later claim opposition when it suited his political ambitions.”

He added, “Bawumia’s failure to publicly address or mitigate the DDEP’s impact, while now implying he was not fully responsible, reeks of opportunism and undermines the administration’s collective accountability.”

Boakye-Danquah also criticised Bawumia for shifting blame onto Akufo-Addo for economic hardships, including the cost-of-living crisis and fuel price hikes, despite being a key architect of the government’s economic policies.

He further accused Bawumia of hypocrisy, citing his past promotion of initiatives like the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), which later collapsed, while failing to address grievances from beneficiaries of the School Feeding Programme and afforestation workers.

“This narrative contradicts his earlier boasts of the NPP’s achievements, such as the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), which he championed but later collapsed due to non-payment of stipends, leaving thousands of youth stranded.

“Similarly, his silence on the non-payment of caterers under the School Feeding Programme and workers in the afforestation programme further exposes his inconsistency in addressing government failures he was complicit in,” he added.

Bawumia’s recent criticisms of the National Cathedral project and illegal mining (galamsey) were also described as acts of disloyalty, given his prominent role in the administration.

The former spokesperson dismissed Bawumia’s claim of ignorance about the pre-election fuel price increase as implausible, questioning whether it reflected negligence or deliberate deceit.

“These issues, mired in controversy and public discontent, were part of the administration’s agenda, yet Bawumia now seeks to absolve himself of responsibility, despite his prominent role in government.

“His claim of being unaware of the petrol price hike before the election is implausible for a Vice President deeply embedded in the administration, suggesting either gross negligence or a deliberate attempt to feign detachment,” he wrote.

Dr Boakye-Danquah concluded his letter by condemning Bawumia’s “justification tour” as a self-serving attempt to rewrite history, urging Ghanaians to reject leaders who evade accountability.

“Dr. Bawumia’s ‘justification tour’ is a calculated attempt to rewrite his legacy by scapegoating President Akufo-Addo and the NPP for failures he actively contributed to.

“His inconsistencies, championing policies in power but disowning them in defeat and his disloyalty to the President and the party that elevated him discredit his credibility as a leader.

“Ghanaians deserve a leader who takes responsibility, not one who shifts blame to salvage personal ambition.”

Dr Bawumia has yet to respond to the allegations.

ID/MA

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has praised Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for demonstrating strong leadership and unity by inviting his former competitors to join him on the party’s Thank You Tour.

Speaking on Sunday, 27 April, as part of the tour activities, Mr Kodua highlighted Dr Bawumia’s unifying character as crucial for the NPP’s progress ahead of the 2024 general elections.

According to Mr Kodua, Dr Bawumia’s decision to involve his former flagbearer contestants reflects his commitment to fostering togetherness within the party.

“It is the unifying character of Dr Bawumia that has made it possible for him to invite all those he contested against to be part of this important tour,” Mr Kodua stated, adding that such leadership was necessary to heal divisions and build a stronger party.

He further noted that by bringing everyone on board, Dr Bawumia was sending a clear signal that the party’s interest was above personal ambitions. “The NPP must work together, and Dr Bawumia is leading by example,” Mr Kodua emphasised.

He encouraged all members of the party to rally behind the flagbearer to ensure victory in the upcoming elections.

The General Secretary concluded by urging the grassroots and stakeholders to draw inspiration from the show of unity exhibited by the leadership.

“This is the spirit we need to move forward. Unity is our strength, and with it, the NPP will be unstoppable,” Mr Kodua said to enthusiastic applause from party supporters.

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The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has slightly lifted the lid on the much-anticipated report of the Mike Oquaye Committee, which investigated the reasons behind the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

Addressing NPP stakeholders at various meetings in the Western Region, on the opening day of the party’s Thank You Tour led by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the General Secretary stated that details of the report would not be made public for “strategic reasons.” 

However, he explained that, in order to successfully implement the committee’s recommendations, it was important for party stakeholders to be made aware of certain aspects, particularly some of the reasons for the party’s defeat, as captured in the report.

Key among the reasons, Mr Kodua noted, were the actions and inactions of the government regarding certain critical issues. 

These included the government’s failure to prioritise key projects in the party’s strongholds, a poor relationship between the government and the party, the arrogance of power, and internal bickering, among others. 

The audience, who had shared similar sentiments with the Prof Oquaye Committee during its investigations, were in full agreement as the General Secretary outlined the factors identified.

Mr Kodua stressed the need for the party to fully implement the committee’s recommendations. 

He added that, as part of the process, a Constitutional Review Committee has been inaugurated, and he urged members of the party to submit their proposals to it.

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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced that the heavy rainstorm which occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025, caused power outages in various parts of the country.

In a public announcement released on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the ECG informed its customers and the general public about the disruptions to their network due to the severe weather event.

“The Electricity Company of Ghana wishes to inform our cherished customers and the general public that the heavy rainstorm that hit parts of the country today, Saturday, 26th April, 2025, has caused some outages within our network,” the announcement stated.

The ECG assured all affected customers that their engineers are working assiduously to repair the faults and restore power supply.

The company expressed its deep regret for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected power interruptions.

Featured

Mohammed Ali

Apr – 27 – 2025 , 10:14

1 minute read

Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has partly attributed the party’s loss in the 2024 general election to the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral project and a late fuel price increase.

Speaking in Takoradi at the start of a nationwide Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia responded to reports allegedly leaking from the Mike Oquaye Committee findings, which suggested that his perceived religious “flirting” contributed to the party’s electoral defeat.

Dr. Bawumia dismissed the claim, instead pointing to tangible economic and governance issues.

According to him, the uncompleted National Cathedral project, which had already consumed $58 million in public funds, significantly eroded public trust and fuelled voter dissatisfaction.

He also cited the rise in fuel prices just three days before the election as another major factor that turned voters against the NPP, insisting that religion or tribal affiliations were not to blame for the loss.

Dr. Bawumia’s remarks come at a time when internal party discussions are intensifying around the causes of the 2024 electoral outcome, with many stakeholders pushing for a candid review to reposition the NPP for the future.

“The national cathedral we were not able to complete after $58 million was sunk into into it, caused a lot of rage in the public,” he stated.

“Also, three days before the election day, the price of fuel went up. When I heard it, I thought it was a joke. The drivers were angry at us. So, people went to vote against us with anger. That is why we put together the Mike Oquaye Committee to produce a report on why we lost. I am happy that there is no religious factor, and tribal factor that caused our defeat,” he stated.

In a bid to provide equal opportunities for young people in the Greater Accra Region and beyond, Reverend Minister Latifa Adekanla has established the LOLA Hope Foundation Ghana to empower young and vulnerable individuals.

The foundation aims to support those who wish to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) but lack the financial, emotional, and other essential support required to achieve their aspirations.

Speaking at the official launch of the foundation on Friday, 25th April, Rev. Latifa shared her journey and the inspiration behind the initiative. She revealed that she was able to attend secondary school thanks to the generosity of a sponsor, which paved the way for her success.

“I benefited from someone’s benevolence, I wouldn’t have gone to secondary school if not for someone who sponsored me,” she said. “I realised there are many people out there who need education, whether formal or informal, but have no one to help or guide them. That’s why we are launching the LOLA Hope Foundation.”

“This foundation will cater for vulnerable and underprivileged individuals who want to attend school but lack the means,” she added.

Rev. Latifa called on individuals and organisations to support her mission to positively impact the lives of those in need. She explained that the foundation will assist bright but financially disadvantaged students in accessing formal education at all levels.

For those interested in informal education, her LOLA Hair and Beauty initiative will provide vocational training in hairdressing, cosmetology, and other areas within the beauty industry.

She noted that even before the foundation’s official launch, several young people had already benefited from its educational support programme. Now, she is creating a platform for more people to join in and support the cause.

Rev. Latifa added that individuals interested in acquiring vocational skills will be supported through the LOLA Beauty and Hair College or any other TVET institution, under the umbrella of the foundation.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, she highlighted that her vision aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 8, aiming to reduce poverty and promote decent work and economic growth. “I want everyone to have something meaningful to do, which will help close the poverty gap,” she said.

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Lands minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated that there will be an issuance of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses on June 30, 2025.

He noted that he expects Parliament to approve the Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) when they resume sittings to facilitate the process in their bid to protect forests.

The issuance, if done, will make Ghana the first country in Africa and the second in the world to achieve the FLEGT license in enhancing Forest Law Enforcement.

During a courtesy call by the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, on April 25, 2025, Armah-Kofi Buah assured that he is working assiduously to get the license issued on time.

“All is set for the issuance of Ghana’s first FLEGT License. The only outstanding task is the ratification of a second batch of Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs), which we expect Parliament to address after the Easter break,” he stated.

The minister also expressed his profound gratitude to the EU officials for supporting Ghana’s natural resources sector, urging them to continue their strong partnership so that they can be fruitful in the years ahead.

The FLEGT license, if issued, will aid in protecting various natural resources, especially forests, to avoid destruction.

SB/MA

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Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasised that Africa’s prosperity presents a significant opportunity for the global economy, calling for deeper collaboration amid rising global trade tensions.

Speaking at a press briefing on the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa on Friday, April 25, 2025, Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department, said the region is poised to become the main source of labour, investment, and consumption over the next decade.

“A strong, stable, and prosperous Africa is important not just for its people, but for the world,” Selassie stated.

The event was part of activities for the 2025 Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, DC, USA.

Despite heightened global uncertainty driven by trade disputes, Selassie stressed that external support for Africa, as it undergoes a critical demographic transition, is of “tremendous strategic importance for the future of our planet.”

The IMF projects Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth to ease slightly to 3.8% in 2025, with a modest rebound to 4.0% in 2026. However, Selassie cautioned that escalating global trade tensions could dampen the region’s outlook.

The Regional Economic Outlook report noted a worrying decline in official development assistance to the region, even as many countries grapple with inflationary pressures and external shocks, just as early signs of policy success begin to emerge.

“Building robust fiscal and external buffers is more important than ever, underpinned by credibility and consistency in policymaking,” Selassie advised.

He emphasised that Sub-Saharan Africa must improve spending efficiency and strengthen public financial management to unlock benefits for its citizens.

High economic growth, he added, is imperative to create the millions of jobs the region needs to sustain its expanding workforce.

Reaffirming the IMF’s commitment, Selassie noted that since 2020, the Fund has disbursed more than US$65 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa, including over US$8 billion in the past year alone.

He also pledged that the IMF would continue to expand its policy advice and capacity development efforts to support the region’s economic resilience.

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The Minister for the Interior on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument renewed the Curfew hours imposed on Binduri Township and its environs in the Upper East Region from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am  effective Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Government urges Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth, and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them as well as to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area.

Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the Binduri Township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons, men wearing smocks, and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.

Additionally, the movement of motorbikes, tricycles, ‘aboboyaa’, and the like are banned for both men and women. Any person found riding motorbikes, tricycles,and ‘aboboyaa’ will be arrested and prosecuted.

Signed:

MUNTAKA MOHAMMED-MUBARAK (MP)

MINISTER FOR THE INTERIOR

Issued this day, Sunday, April 27, 2025

Multiple people are dead and others injured after a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a festival in Vancouver.

Local police say a 30-year-old man from the city in British Columbia is in custody, adding that they are confident this is not an act of terrorism.

The Filipino community’s Lapu Lapu Day festival was underway when the incident took place shortly after 20:00 local time (04:00 BST).

A food truck owner tells the BBC the car drove “completely straight, right through the crowd”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he’s “devastated” to learn about the deadly incident, as do the leaders of the Conservative Party, the Green Party, and the NDP.

What we know so far
Emergency services are still responding to what police are calling a “mass casualty incident” in Vancouver, Canada.

Festival host says they’re heartbroken by ‘senseless tragedy’
Filipino BC, the group that hosts the local Lapu Lapu Day festival, says they are devastated for the families and victims.

“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy,” the group says.

“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other,” they add.

“Do not hesitate to access the resources available. You are not alone.”

Here’s what we know so far:

-The incident happened shortly after 20:00 local time on Saturday, April 26 (04:00 BST on Sunday), April 27, during the Filipino community’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival.

-Witnesses say a man drove through a street full of people and lined with food trucks

-Police say there are “multiple” fatalities and injuries, but haven’t given specific numbers

-A 30-year-old man from Vancouver is now in custody

-Police say they are confident this was not an act of terrorism

It’s already past midnight in Vancouver, and police say they’ll give an update in the morning.

Festival host says they’re heartbroken by ‘senseless tragedy’

Filipino BC, the group that hosts the local Lapu Lapu Day festival, says they are devastated for the families and victims.

“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy,” the group says.

“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other,” they add.

“Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone.”

Emergency services are still responding to what police are calling a “mass casualty incident” in Vancouver, Canada.

Here’s what we know so far:

The incident happened shortly after 20:00 local time on Saturday (04:00 BST on Sunday) during the Filipino community’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival.

Witnesses say a man drove through a street full of people and lined with food trucks
Police say there are “multiple” fatalities and injuries, but haven’t given specific numbers
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver is now in custody

Police say they are confident this was not an act of terrorism
It’s already past midnight in Vancouver, and police say they’ll give an update in the morning.

Stay with us as we bring you all the key developments.

Vancouver Police ‘confident incident was not act of terrorism’

Vancouver Police have just posted another update on their social media.

“At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” it says.

‘It was such a beautiful celebration, such a family event’ – NDP leader recalls

Earlier we brought you a statement from NDP leader Jagmeet Singh – who was attending the Lapu Lapu Day block party before the incident unfolded.

He’s since been filmed at a separate event where he has provided fresh reaction to the news that a man drove his SUV through a crowd of people.

“It keeps on playing through my mind,” he says in a video shared on social media, as he reflects on the happiness of children attending the family event.

“The kids that were having such an amazing time, such joy, the incredible warmth of the people there. I just keep playing through my head such a beautiful celebration and such a family event – people coming together from all ages.

“No event deserves violence, obviously. It is horrible.

“Just imagine that joy with the contrast of the horrible death and destruction to happen at an event like that is something I can’t comprehend.”

What is Lapu Lapu Day?

Lapu-Lapu Day is celebrated every year in the Philippines on 27 April. It marks the memory of Lapu-Lapu, a national hero who stood up against Spanish colonisation.

The festival was officially set up in Vancouver in 2023. A statement on its website says, “The declaration not only honours the heroic legacy of Datu Lapu-Lapu but also symbolises the cultural harmony and mutual respect that thrive in the province of British Columbia.”

He’s since been filmed at a separate event where he has provided fresh reaction to the news that a man drove his SUV through a crowd of people.

“It keeps on playing through my mind,” he says in a video shared on social media, as he reflects on the happiness of children attending the family event.

“The kids that were having such an amazing time, such joy, the incredible warmth of the people there. I just keep playing through my head such a beautiful celebration and such a family event – people coming together from all ages.

“No event deserves violence, obviously. It is horrible.

“Just imagine that joy with the contrast of the horrible death and destruction to happen at an event like that is something I can’t comprehend.”

…..

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is confident that Ghana will reach a Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 55 per cent by 2028, putting it on a sustainable path.

“If we have reached an agreement, it’s because those overall objectives are still on track. So the response is yes. Ghana is still on track to achieve those objectives,” said Mr Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana.

He was responding to a question at a roundtable with Ghanaian journalists during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA, on Friday.

He attributed the country’s ability to reach debt sustainability to being on track in achieving targets under the ongoing $3 billion loan supported programme with the IMF, urging the country to adhere to programme objectives.

However, he said it was important for the Government to remain steadfast in implementing the programme as planned, by adhering to all reforms and objectives, especially as trade tensions could pose some risks.

Mr Roudet commended the Government for the high level of commitment and ownership of programme objectives, including the reinstatement of stronger fiscal rules and institutions, as well as authorisation by the Ministry of Finance before procurement.

He expressed optimism that the Fiscal Council that would have more teeth, be capable of assessing fiscal policy ex ante at the time a budget was being prepared and exposed to see whether the fiscal rule had been respected.

He expressed the hope that the economy would stabilise, as inflation went down and the deficit moved back on track with the programme objectives.

That would strengthen confidence in the Ghanaian economy, bolster investment and the role of the private sector, Mr Roudet said, adding that it would “not just be in one sector, but across the board.”

Source: GNA

Stephane Roudet is IMF Mission Chief for Ghana

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is confident that Ghana will reach a Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 55 percent by 2028, putting it on a sustainable path.

“If we have reached an agreement, it’s because those overall objectives are still on track. So the response is yes. Ghana is still on track to achieve those objectives,” said Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana.

He was responding to a question at a roundtable with Ghanaian journalists during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Group spring meetings in Washington DC, USA, on Friday.

He attributed the country’s ability to reach debt sustainability to being on track in achieving targets under the ongoing US$3 billion loan supported programme with the IMF, urging the country to adhere to programme objectives.

However, he said it was important for the Government to remain steadfast in implementing the programme as planned, by adhering to all reforms and objectives, especially as trade tensions could pose some risks.

Mr Roudet commended the Government for the high level of commitment and ownership of programme objectives, including the reinstatement of stronger fiscal rules and institutions, as well as authorisation by the Ministry of Finance before procurement.

He expressed optimism that the Fiscal Council that would have more teeth, be capable of assessing fiscal policy ex ante at the time a budget was being prepared and exposed to see whether the fiscal rule had been respected.

He expressed the hope that the economy would stabilise, as inflation went down and the deficit moved back on track with the programme objectives.

That would strengthen confidence in the Ghanaian economy, bolster investment and the role of the private sector, Roudet said, adding that it would “not just be in one sector, but across the board.”

Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance

Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance, has emphasised that achieving excellence in Public Financial Management (PFM) must be anchored on effective governance, accountability, and transformative development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) in Ho, Thomas Nyarko stated that the government has taken bold corrective measures to overhaul the country’s PFM architecture.

He noted that since assuming office, the government has amended both the PFM and Procurement Acts to accelerate the implementation of an enhanced fiscal framework, including the establishment of an independent Fiscal Advisory Council.

The two-day conference, held at the Ho Technical University auditorium under the theme “Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence,” has drawn accountants and finance professionals from across the country.

Highlighting recent achievements, Nyarko said that within four months, the government had strengthened controls on new spending commitments, launched a comprehensive audit of uncovered arrears, and operationalised a fiscal compliance framework.

Additional measures include expanding the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, conducting payroll audits and functional reviews of selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), enhancing risk management systems, and updating the centralized inventory of all public investment projects.

Thomas Nyarko stressed that the CAGD is central to these reforms, being the institution mandated to ensure the effective, transparent, and accountable use of public funds.

He warned that the era of recklessness and misuse of public resources is over, pledging that infractions will be met with the full force of the law.

He expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a catalyst for innovation, institutional renewal, and strategic partnerships that will strengthen Ghana’s economic and fiscal governance.

In his remarks, Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant General, disclosed that more than 4,000 government salaries had been suspended following payroll reviews, which revealed inconsistencies with National Identification Authority (NIA) numbers and questionable data credentials.

He reminded payroll validators of the serious consequences for processing payments for unqualified individuals, as outlined in PFM Regulation 90 (2019) and Section 96 of the PFM Act (2016), Act 921, and pledged strict enforcement of sanctions.

To enhance payroll data security and integrity, Agyei outlined measures including strong data encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, biometric identification and validation, regular data audits and reconciliations, penetration testing, and increased collaboration with the Internal Audit Agency.

He urged CAGD staff to uphold values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to public interest, stressing, “Let us commit to improving public financial management not merely as a catchphrase, but as a consistent standard of excellence.”

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), highlighted the interconnectedness of the GRA and CAGD, likening the two institutions to “unidentical twins”, one responsible for mobilizing resources and the other for managing expenditures.

He called for both institutions to operate above reproach and deliver services with integrity and innovation.

Also addressing the conference, Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu stated that excellence in PFM would directly lead to improved infrastructure, quality education, better healthcare, and sustainable development anchored in transparency and public trust.

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, represented by Togbe Adu Bobi IV, reminded participants that effective and ethical management of public resources is not just a professional obligation but a patriotic duty.

He urged the gathering to reignite a passion for building a Ghana where fiscal responsibility, innovation, and transparency are the hallmarks of governance.