An economist professor at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has called on the Bank of Ghana to clearly communicate its exchange rate targets to avoid uncertainties that could negatively affect the market in the long run.

According to him, the strategies being used to manage the cedi must be transparent and properly communicated.

“I believe the central bank has a certain exchange rate level in mind that they want to achieve and stabilize at, but this hasn’t been communicated. It leaves the market guessing, and that causes uncertainty,” he was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com.

Professor Bokpin added that the Central Bank’s current strategy, which targets inflation by manipulating the exchange rate, is unsustainable.

“Inflation is basically aggregate demand exceeding aggregate supply. If supply is constrained and you only focus on exchange rate-driven disinflation, it’s not sustainable. Whenever the cedi strengthens, the issue is always about sustainability. The ups and downs are not good for the market. They are not good for planning,” he said.

The economist also noted that short-term appreciation may harm the local economy in the long run.

Instead of focusing on short-term gains, he said, “We should rather build our reserves. That allows for predictability and stability, which would be more helpful.”

“What the market is looking for is stability, stability that allows businesses to plan, investors to make decisions, and producers to expand. What you need are supply-oriented policies. Supply-oriented policies will not coexist with what we are doing right now,” he intimated.

Professor Bokpin concluded with a warning, “If we continue this way, we’ll strengthen the cedi, make imports cheaper, and kill our local industry. We’ll lose jobs and undermine long-term economic resilience.”

SSD/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

In the upcoming 2026 Maryland Elections, one name is capturing attention and inspiring hope: His Royal Majesty, His Excellency Osuman Lumor Jeroboam Yah Nii Armah Blackwell, affectionately known as Yahu Blackwell. As the leading candidate for the House of Delegates representing the Republican Party, Blackwell is positioning himself as a transformative figure for the state’s future.

Recently, in a gesture that speaks volumes about his commitment to community engagement, the king celebrated Police Week by visiting local police departments in his district. On May 19, 2025, he brought with him a delightful array of treats from Rita’s Italian Ice, aiming to express gratitude to the hardworking men and women in blue who serve and protect the community. This move not only shows his appreciation for law enforcement but also highlights his understanding of the importance of community relationships in fostering a safer environment for all Marylanders.

Blackwell’s campaign is built around a philosophy of revitalization and renewal, focusing on key issues that resonate with voters across the state. His vision for Maryland includes the introduction of a comprehensive legislative agenda aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing the state. One of his primary objectives is to fix the taxation system, ensuring that more money stays in the pockets of Marylanders where it belongs. By creating a fairer tax structure, he believes that citizens will have enhanced financial freedom, ultimately boosting the local economy.

Education is another cornerstone of Blackwell’s platform. Acknowledging the current education crisis, he is committed to developing strategies that ensure every child in Maryland has access to quality education. This begins with a focus on parental rights regarding their children’s educational experiences, asserting that parents should have a significant role in the education system to guarantee their children receive the best possible guidance.

Public safety remains a critical concern, especially in today’s society. Blackwell’s agenda includes measures to enhance safety and security in communities across Maryland. By fostering stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, along with advocating for laws that support both police and community members alike, he aims to build a safer state for everyone.

Moreover, the energy crisis, particularly concerning Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), has raised alarm among many Maryland residents. Blackwell plans to tackle these issues head-on, proposing innovative policies designed to secure stable and affordable energy sources for families while reducing the financial burden on households across the state.

At the heart of Blackwell’s campaign is a desire to reestablish a sense of morality and community values within Maryland. He champions the idea of bringing the power of God and the community back into the lives of the people.

In conclusion, His Royal Majesty, Yahu Blackwell, is more than just a candidate; he represents a vision for a brighter, more prosperous Maryland. As he embarks on this electoral journey, his commitment to serving the people and addressing their needs remains at the forefront of his campaign, making him a formidable contender in the 2026 elections. Marylanders are encouraged to join him in this call to action, for together, they can pave the way for meaningful change.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that Ghana has resolved the longstanding disarray in its gold purchasing sector, with the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) now holding exclusive authority over all trade involving gold from the small-scale mining sector.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly constituted Governing Board of GoldBod in Accra on Monday, May 19, Dr. Forson explained that previous fragmentation and lack of coordination in the sector had facilitated widespread gold smuggling and caused significant foreign exchange losses for the country.

“I am happy to announce that the erstwhile chaos in Ghana’s gold purchasing sector that prevented the nation from fully benefiting from its gold resources has come to an end.”

He detailed how, in the past, several entities—including the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), private aggregators, and licensed exporters—were all involved in various gold-purchasing schemes such as “gold for forex,” “gold for reserves,” “gold for oil,” and “gold for cash.”

This, he said, resulted in a fragmented and poorly regulated sector with overlapping mandates.

“Despite its primary mandate to optimize mineral investment, MIIF also ventured into gold buying, incurring substantial financial losses,” Dr. Forson noted.

He affirmed that under the new structure, GoldBod has been given the exclusive role of managing official gold trading.

“The Ghana GoldBod is now the sole buyer and assayer of gold, with exclusive mandate to grant licenses to engage in the trade of gold from Ghana’s small-scale mining sector,” he stated.

Dr. Forson commended GoldBod’s early efforts and highlighted its contribution to economic stability.

“Distinguished members of the Board, I am pleased to observe that the GoldBod has already began to fulfil its object and has contributed immensely to the recent stability of the Ghana Cedi through gold reserve accumulation,” he remarked.

The restructuring is expected to not only streamline gold trading operations but also ensure Ghana maximises revenue from one of its most valuable natural resources.

Accra, May 19, GNA –Empower360, an intervention of the Ghana Grow Programme, has supported 32 young women and persons with disabilities with fully stocked starter packs to kickstart their careers in creative entrepreneurship.  

These carefully curated kits, designed for makeup artistry, resin crafts, or soap production, symbolized more than tools. 

The initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation targeted young people aged 15 to 35 and combines practical trade skills with deep personal and business development training to prepare participants to thrive in the real world. 

Mrs Comfort Ocran, the Executive Director, the Springboard Road Show Foundation, said there was real investment in the future of participants who had undergone an intensive five-day training programme.  

She said the programme, in its second phase, had each day packed with hands-on sessions guided by expert trainers and seasoned industry professionals. 

She said they had business development modules delivered by Corporate Secretarial and Training Services (CSTS), which covered the essentials like entrepreneurship, business structure, sustainability, record-keeping, and customer service. 

Mrs Ocran said the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) led sessions on mental health, stress management, and emotional resilience, ensuring a well-rounded support system for all participants. 

Mr Albert Ocran, the Technical Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation, had an interactive mentorship session with the participants, where he shared real-life wisdom on workplace safety, team building, and the value of ethical leadership. 

He said, “What we are doing here is not just about teaching skills; it is about igniting hope and confidence in these remarkable young people.”  

“When you give someone the right tools, the right mindset, and the right support, you’re not just helping them build a business, you are helping them to live sustainable lives,” he added. 

He said Ghana Grows continued to build Ghana’s future by connecting participants with mentors, Youth-Led Organizations (YLOs), and long-term support systems. 

“With their starter packs in hand and confidence in their skills, these 32 participants are now equipped not just to start earning, but to build sustainable livelihoods that could impact generations,” he said. 

Miss Haggai Sackey, the youngest participant, who received a starter pack in soap making said “This training changed my life. I came here unsure of myself, but I’m leaving with skills, confidence, and a clear plan. With the kits I’ve received, I can start my own small business from home and eventually train others in my community.” 

GNA 

Edited by Christian Akorlie

Dr Daniel Armateye Anim is a business strategist and financial analyst

Business strategist and financial analyst Dr Daniel Armateye Anim has projected that the cedi may continue to appreciate against the US dollar into the third quarter of 2025.

According to him, the cedi’s current strength can largely be attributed to the ongoing global trade war, which has impacted economic flows, particularly in ways that have benefited Ghana.

In an interview with GhanaWeb Business, Dr Anim emphasised the significant impact the cedi’s performance could have on the broader economy.

He explained that the appreciation should not be misinterpreted as a sign of long-term strength. Instead, he urged the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to take advantage of the current situation to boost foreign exchange reserves and attract more capital inflows.

“It is possible that the cedi may further appreciate into the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. This is mainly due to the ongoing global trade war, but it is a short-term mechanism that should be well understood by the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance. We need to leverage this to consolidate the gains by strengthening our reserves at the Bank of Ghana and ensuring we attract more inflows,” he said.

Dr Anim further warned that the cedi may begin to depreciate in the fourth quarter of 2025, citing several factors, including the resumption of debt repayments in 2026, which could put significant pressure on the central bank’s reserves.

“The fourth quarter is a peak season for traders and businesses to import more goods into the economy. As a result, there will be increased demand for the dollar, which will likely affect the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and, in turn, impact the value of the cedi,” he added.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has advised Ghana against imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States, warning that such a move could backfire on the domestic economy and derail recent gains in economic recovery.

Speaking at the UPSA National Dialogue on Monday, 19 May, Dr Adam addressed concerns over rising global protectionism following new tariffs imposed by the US on several Ghanaian imports. While acknowledging the negative impact on local exporters, he urged caution.

“We are in the era of trade wars because of the tariffs imposed by the United States of America,” Dr Adam stated.

“Tariffs on imports from Ghana reduce the competitiveness of Made-in-Ghana products in the US market. But reducing the profitability of Ghanaian exporters also means reducing tax revenue for our country.”

The former minister explained that while countries like China and Canada have responded with reciprocal duties, Ghana should not follow the same path.

“Our total export to the US is about 2% of GDP, with non-exempt exports under the new US tariffs standing at 0.4%,” he said. “The effect is therefore very limited, particularly on our international trade position, which has largely supported our recent recovery.”

Dr Adam warned that introducing counter-tariffs would increase the cost of US imports, a move that could have unintended consequences for Ghanaian consumers.

“A reciprocal tariff on imports from the US will increase the cost of US exports to Ghana,” he explained.

He further highlighted Ghana’s consumption patterns, emphasising the strong local demand for imported goods, particularly from the United States.

“Given the obsession in Ghana for imported products, this will reduce the disposable income of Ghanaians, thus leading to lower consumption and lower tax revenue.”

Dr Adam concluded by stressing that Ghana’s economic interest lies in maintaining a stable trade environment rather than escalating tensions with major partners.

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.

Late Ghanaian highlife legend Dada KD

The sudden news of the death of the late veteran Ghanaian musician, Dada KD, has left netizens and entertainment personalities dumbfounded.

The musician passed on in the late hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, after battling a brief illness.

After the news surrounding his death broke out in the media, some personalities such as Empress Gifty, Nana Romeo, Ayisha Modi, Broda Sammy, and others have taken to social media to express their deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Dada KD, before his death, contributed immensely to the music industry. He owned classic masterpieces such as “Fatia Fata Nkrumah” and “Somu Gye,” among others, which became household tunes.

This article will explore five classic songs of the late veteran musician before he passed on.

Fatia Fata Nkrumah

Among his numerous hit songs, Dada KD’s name in the music industry can’t be complete without his classic masterpiece, “Fatia Fata Nkrumah.”

The late musician, known for his love songs, brought his creativity when composing his “Fatia Fata Nkrumah” hit song.

The song, released in 2017, talks about how he has fallen in love and is ready to sacrifice everything for love.

Among the choice of words in the song, the musician did incredibly well with the instruments used in the song, not forgetting his vocals.

Somu Gye

“Somu Gye” is another classic piece from the late highlife musician.

The song was released in 2015, and it is another romantic masterpiece from the musician, which is played on almost every radio station in the mid-afternoon.

Dada KD, known for his impressive song writing, brought his creativity to his “Somu Gye” song.

Ene Menye

Dada KD’s “Ene Menye” is also another love song composed by the late veteran musician.

The song was released in 2015, and it talks about how he reminisces about his past romantic relationship.

Odo Tekyerema

In 2015, Dada KD brought his artistry to this hit song titled “Odo Tekyerema.”

The late musician’s “Odo Tekyerema” is another hit song that is played in every household and ceremony.

The musician brought his creativity, so far as romantic songs are concerned, to this masterpiece as well.

Odo Mu Anigye

“Odo Mu Anigye” is another hit song from the musician, where he talked about how he can’t stay without his lover.

The late Dada KD further expressed how happy he was in his relationship.

JHM/MA

Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs

Cocoa is a key export commodity for Ghana

The Cocoa Development Advocacy Platform (CDAP) has called on the government to decisively address the widening price gap between Ghanaian and Ivorian cocoa, warning that the disparity is fueling cross-border smuggling and threatening the country’s cocoa sector.

According to a statement by CDAP, while cocoa prices in Côte d’Ivoire stood at the equivalent of GH¢3,113 per bag at the end of 2024 just GH¢13 higher than Ghana’s GH¢3,100.

Meanwhile, the West African neighbor has since raised its farmgate price to GH¢3,767.29 per bag.

This, the association believe has created a sharp price difference of GH¢667.29 incentivising Ghanaian cocoa farmers to smuggle their produce across the border in search of better earnings.

“This development threatens the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa value chain and risks undermining the country’s cocoa revenue base. We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively to protect the livelihoods of our farmers and the future of our cocoa industry,”

The platform is also calling on government to fulfill its longstanding commitment to pay farmers 70% of the prevailing world market price for cocoa.

When combined with the $25 Living Income Differential (LID) per bag, CDAP argues this would ensure farmers receive a fair and sustainable farmgate price of approximately GHS 6,000 per bag.

According to CDAP such a pricing model is essential for addressing the deep-seated issues of poverty and exploitation within Ghana’s cocoa sector.

The group also warned that failure to act could result in broader social and economic consequences, including declining productivity, rural poverty, and increased rural-urban migration.

CDAP stressed that the current disparities in pricing have already led to rampant smuggling, which erodes state revenue and undermines the long-term viability of the cocoa sector.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

The family of former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has expressed gratitude to the government and people of Burkina Faso for the naming of a street after him, describing it as an honour not only to the family, but to the people of Ghana.

In a statement read on behalf of the family by Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Executive Director of the JJ Rawlings Foundation, during the ceremony in Ouagadougou on Sunday, May 17, she said: “This is a huge recognition of the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to social justice, a man who gave his life in service to the ordinary people.”

“For Jerry Rawlings the pursuit of a just society; the pursuit of the socio-economic liberation of the ordinary African, from poverty, from food insecurity, from under development and from global marginalisation was not a political ambition. It was a calling, it was a duty. In the same vein, Thomas Sankara dedicated his life to the ideal of a self-sufficient Africa, free from the shackles of neo-colonialism. They both envisioned an Africa where these principles would flourish- a vision still necessary today.” Ms. Asantewaa Rawlings stated.

The naming of the avenue came a day after the grand inauguration of a mausoleum in Ouagadougou, housing the remains of Thomas Sankara and his 12 companions who died on October 15, 1987, of which JJ Rawlings played a significant role in the project. He was the honorary Chair of the Sankara Memorial Committee until his passing in 2020.

Ms. Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of Flt Lt Rawlings, who was accompanied by her brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, said the naming of the avenue marked a significant milestone as it serves as a reminder of the values both Sankara and Rawlings stood for – values deeply rooted in the fight for justice, equality and the conscious awakening of African people.

She reminded the audience of Flt Lt Rawlings’s address at the launch of the Thomas Sankara Memorial Project in October 2016 when he said:

“The journey of emancipation must continue. There is no easy road ahead. The power of imperialist control is almost like a noose around Africa’s neck. The stark inequalities of globalisation, the force-feeding of economic partnership agreements with the attendant imbalance in trade mean we must fight a new political battle against neo-colonialism.”

The naming of the avenue and unveiling of a plaque which was administered by Burkina Faso’s Minister for Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr. Gilbert Ouedraogo on behalf of the country’s Prime Minister, was also attended by the Mayor of Ouagadougou, Maurice Konaté, a delegation from the Thomas Sankara Memorial Committee and members of the public.

Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo paid tribute to the memory of a great fighter for the emancipation of our continent, a voice of Pan-Africanism, a worthy son of Africa, and a great friend of Captain Thomas Sankara and Burkina Faso.

“In our history, we recognise the multifaceted and selfless support that President Jerry John Rawlings once provided to Captain Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara, father of the Burkina Faso Revolution. We cannot ignore the willingness he demonstrated in his time to uncover the truth during the investigation into the assassination of President Sankara,” he declared.

The Spokesperson for the Burkinabe government said: “For our country, where the integration and unity of peoples are already a reality in daily life, the naming of an avenue in memory of President John Jerry Rawlings is an invitation to consolidate everything that unites our two peoples and to ensure that present and future generations pursue our common goal of building a united and prosperous Africa.”

Spanning more than two kilometres, the avenue named after the late President John Jerry Rawlings begins in the north with Avenue Jean-Paul II and ends in the south with Boulevard Capitaine Isidore Noël Thomas Sankara.

Earlier on Saturday a high-powered delegation from Ghana representing President John Mahama attended the inauguration of the Mausoleum.

The delegation included Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security, Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, Lt Col Gbevlo Lartey (rtd), Naval Captain Asaase Gyimah and Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi.

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.

By Elsie Appiah-Osei

Accra, May 19, GNA – The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus of the Energy Committee of Parliament has expressed concern over Ghana’s alleged power sector crisis, criticizing the Minister of Energy, Mr John Jinapor, for “panic-then-retreat” communication.

As a result, the Caucus demanded tangible actions to resolve the ongoing alleged issues plaguing the sector.

“We demand action and results from the Minister of Energy and the government. It is time to stop the talking and put the lights on,” Mr George Kwame Aboagye, the Ranking on the Energy Committee of Parliament said on Monday during a Press Conference in Parliament House.

The Caucus also made key demands which included the fixing of alleged fuel supply issues to ensure stable fuel supply for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), renegotiate alleged burdensome “take-or-pay” contracts, improve efficiency to set KPIs for Electricity Company of Ghana and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to reduce operational and distribution losses.

” We also call for the diversification of energy mix to optimize renewables and gas to reduce reliance on imported fuels as well as smart metering to accelerate roll-out to curb theft and increase revenue mobilization,” Mr Abogye said.

The Minority Caucus also criticized the Minister’s recent statements, which allegedly claimed Ghana had only “2.6 days of fuel left,” as “baseless and economically damaging.”

Mr Aboagye, also the NPP Member of Parliament for Asene-Akroso-Manso, urged the government to prioritize action over rhetoric and address the sector’s financial challenges.

“The patience of Ghanaians is wearing thin, and the economy is suffering. The Minority Caucus’ call to action emphasizes the need for immediate solutions to Ghana’s power crisis. “Enough is enough,” the Ranking on the Energy Committee of Parliament said.

Ghana’s power sector faces significant challenges, including an alleged $1.7 billion debt owed to IPPs, alleged over 35 per cent transmission and distribution losses and alleged frequent power outages (dumsor) affecting businesses and economy.

GNA

CA/

The world football community came together to pay tribute to two cherished figures in Ghanaian football—Wilberforce Mfum and Francis Yaw Frimpong, widely known as Nana Pooley—during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción, Paraguay, on May 15, 2025.

A minute of silence was observed in their memory, a solemn and heartfelt gesture led by FIFA to acknowledge their lasting contributions to the game in Ghana and beyond.

Wilberforce Mfum, a towering figure in Ghana’s football history, passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born on August 28, 1936, Mfum was a key member of Ghana’s victorious 1963 Africa Cup of Nations squad, playing a decisive role by scoring crucial goals throughout the tournament, including in the final.

He scored 20 goals in just 26 appearances for the national team, cementing his legacy as one of Ghana’s most efficient forwards.

His club career included notable spells at Swedru All Blacks and Asante Kotoko before he made a mark in the United States, playing for clubs like Baltimore Bays and the New York Cosmos. Mfum also represented Ghana at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, showcasing his talent on the world stage.

Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley, was a beloved figure among Asante Kotoko fans and served as a vital member of the club’s Supporters’ Communication Team.

His passion for the game was unwavering until the very end. Tragically, he lost his life on February 2, 2025, during a Ghana Premier League fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko SC at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.

The gesture by FIFA at its highest decision-making gathering underscored the enduring impact of these individuals on Ghanaian football culture and community spirit.

Electroland Ghana Limited, a leading dealer in Samsung, Midea, TCL, Nasco electronic products and home appliances, has announced a substantial price reduction across its range of equipment and services dubbed the “Cedis Apicki Promotion.

According to EGL, the move is part of a broader effort to support Ghanaian business owners and consumers following the strengthening of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

Addressing journalists in Accra on May 19, 2025, Head of Marketing & Media Relations at Electroland Ghana Limited, Adiza Ibrahim, revealed that the price reduction took effect on Friday, May 16, 2025, and has been formalised on Monday, May 19.

She added that, even though no definite percentage has been set for the price reduction, the reduction in all products is substantial.

“The good news is about a huge discount promo we are doing. As we all know, the cedi is appreciating, so it is in line that as the biggest consumer electronic company in Ghana, we also follow suit and so therefore we have decided that the prices that we have on all the consumer electronic devices that we sell and all the brands that we represent we will also look at reducing the prices.

“Today, being Monday, May 19, 2025, in line with government directive, Electroland Ghana Limited has reduced prices,” she announced.

Dr Daniel Amarteye Anim is a business strategist and financial analyst

Business strategist and financial analyst Dr Daniel Amarteye Anim has urged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s foreign reserves, warning that rising economic pressures in the fourth quarter could undermine the value of the cedi.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business on Ghana’s economic outlook, Dr Anim stressed the importance of fiscal and monetary measures to cushion the economy against expected future shocks.

“Beef up the reserves at the Bank of Ghana, and by the fourth quarter, it will also be a peak season for our traders and business people to bring more goods into the economy,” he stated.

He further added, “By the fourth quarter, BoG reserves will definitely be affected, and that may further impact the value of the cedi.”

Dr Anim urged the central bank to act swiftly to bolster macroeconomic stability and protect the local currency from renewed depreciation pressures.

His comments highlight concerns over the sustainability of the cedi’s recent gains, particularly as Ghana prepares to resume external debt servicing and navigate global economic uncertainties.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Three fighters of the national youth boxing team, Black Rockets, departed Accra last Saturday night en route to Conakry, Guinea, where they will compete at the 3rd African Youth Boxing Championships between May 16-26.

Minimumweight (48kg) campaigner, George Nii Nortey Dowuona, 18, flyweight (51kg) Mathias Ashitey, 17 and Desmond Pappoe, 17 – light middleweight (71kg), will be flying the flag of Ghana at the event, which features a number of countries from around the continent. 

They will know their immediate opponents after the entry and draws today, ahead of the start of the boxing competition tomorrow.

Accompanied by assistant Black Rockets trainer, Joseph Martey, the trio are expected to use the exposure and competition at the one-week event as preparations for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics qualifiers later this year.

All three were part of the six-man squad that represented Ghana at the IBA World Youth Championships in Budva, Montenegro, last year, the other three having moved up in age to the Elite division with the national amateur boxing team, Black Bombers.

Aside the boxing tournament, the African Boxing Confederation (AfBC) are also hosting three International Boxing Association (IBA) certification courses aimed at elevating professional standards: a Referee & Judge (R&J) course, Coaching course and International Technical Official (ITO) course, all of which began in the Guinea capital last Friday.

Former Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President, George Okoe Lamptey, also Board Member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), is also in Conakry in his role as a certified International Technical Officer (ITO) to supervise the training.

These courses are open to officials and coaches from across the continent in the AfBC’s quest to improve technical expertise, as well as foster uniformity in boxing governance and mentorship.

“The championship underscores efforts to develop boxing talent and infrastructure in Africa, addressing gaps in officiating and coaching quality,” said a statement from the AfBC.

“By combining competition with education, organisers aim to create a sustainable pathway for athletes and professionals, ensuring the sport’s growth aligns with global benchmarks,” it explained.

By Regina Benneh 
 
Fiapre, (Bono), May 19, GNA-The dialysis centre at the Sunyani Teaching Hospital has recorded 114 kidney-related diseases this year, Pastor Jefferson Kwasi Agbotro, a health professional at the facility, has said. 
 
He said all the clients were on dialysis, stating that in 2024, 58 clients were also put on dialysis at the hospital. 
 
Pastor Agbotro, also the Chief Executive Officer of the Friends of Health Association (FOHA), a health-centred Non-Governmental Organisation, expressed concern that kidney-related diseases were common nowadays. 
 
He was speaking at a health forum organised by the Living Grace Ministry for some of its church leaders at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality and cautioned the public against excessive intake of energy drinks. 
 
The public also ensure proper balanced diet and avoid the use of unapproved herbal medicine too, saying self-medication was also dangerous. 
 
Pastor Agbotro said the management and treatment of kidney diseases were costly and urged everybody to take proactive measures and protect themselves. 
 
“There is no cure for kidney failure, however, with treatment people with the condition can live longer and productive lives”, he stated. 
 
Pastor Agbotro said dialysis and kidney transplant were the two treatments options for people diagnosed with the condition. 

GNA 

Edited by Dennis Peprah/Christian Akorlie