Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao

President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in 2023, the White House said Thursday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Trump “exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden Administration in their war on cryptocurrency.”

Leavitt’s statement went on argue that the Biden administration’s sentencing of Zhao was too harsh — a view the president and his top advisers share after Binance’s months-long lobbying campaign for a pardon for Zhao, who goes by CZ.

The pardon, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, could open the door for Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, to operate in the US once again.

But Trump, who has pledged to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet,” has his own ties to Binance. His family’s crypto firm, World Liberty Financial — on which their wealth is increasingly dependent, is hosted on Binance.

Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison in May of 2024 after pleading guilty to charges that he failed to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program.

Zhao stepped down as CEO of Binance, the crypto exchange he founded in 2017, and agreed to pay $200 million in fines. The company agreed to pay more than $4 billion in fines and other penalties as part of a coordinated settlement with the federal government in 2023. Binance admitted to engaging in anti-money laundering activities, unlicensed money transmitting and sanctions violations.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of being inconsistent in its stance on the anti-LGBT bill, saying those now in power once forced the issue on the previous administration but are now trying to avoid responsibility.

Speaking in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin said there was nothing wrong administratively with how the matter had been handled in the past.

He alleged that the current government used the debate around LGBT rights to gain political advantage during the Akufo-Addo administration but is now backing down because of pressure from international partners.

“You used it to win elections. Now, when your stakeholders, the international community, are warning you, you want to run away. Run to where? You are now in the kitchen, and you feel the heat,” he said.

He recalled that when he was in government, he had pleaded with the then-opposition to manage the issue carefully, but they refused.

Afenyo-Markin said the opposition at the time pushed the bill through Parliament, even during its third reading, despite his concerns.

According to him, these same provisions that the current government once supported are now the ones they are hesitant to defend.

He said this change of position shows the difficulty of governance and the pressure that comes with being in power.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Thomas Nyarko Ampem is the Deputy Minister of Finance

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on all stakeholders to rally behind the newly launched Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), describing it as a defining step toward building a modern, connected, and resilient nation.

Speaking at the launch of the infrastructure plan, Nyarko Ampem reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the GIP becomes the cornerstone of Ghana’s infrastructure transformation agenda.

“This launch is a milestone that marks a decisive step toward transforming our nation’s infrastructure landscape and accelerating Ghana’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive growth,” he said.

He noted that the Ghana Infrastructure Plan is a practical expression of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for continuity and long-term national development that transcends political cycles.

He added that the Plan not only sets a clear roadmap for infrastructure investment but also strengthens coordination and accountability across government and private sector actors.

The Deputy Minister explained that the Ministry of Finance is particularly focused on three imperatives essential for success: collaborative financing, effective coordination, and strategic communication.

President Mahama unveils Ghana Infrastructure Plan

According to him, these pillars will ensure that the Plan does not merely remain a policy document but becomes a living framework that drives real transformation.

“We at the Ministry of Finance stand ready to co-lead on all fronts. Infrastructure financing is a foremost priority of President Mahama’s government. Through the Big Push Initiative, we have allocated GH¢13.9 billion as part of a US$10 billion medium-term programmed financing to accelerate infrastructure expansion,” he announced.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that the government is strengthening the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to serve as a key vehicle for blended financing, while also reforming the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to attract more private capital into major infrastructure projects.

He emphasised that beyond technical soundness, the success of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan would depend heavily on strategic communication and public engagement.

“This Plan represents a grand national vision. We must communicate it effectively to inspire collective ownership and attract private sector partnerships for its implementation,” he noted.

He reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s readiness to partner with the NDPC, Parliament, and the private sector to execute the Plan effectively, stressing that its full implementation would mark a turning point in Ghana’s economic renewal.

The Ghana Infrastructure Plan, prepared by the National Development Planning Commission, provides a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development over the next three decades, focusing on transport, energy, water, sanitation, digitalisation, and housing.

It is designed to promote inclusive growth, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term resilience for Ghana’s economy.

Deputy Finance Minister rallies support for newly launched Ghana’s infrastructure Plan (GIP)

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on all stakeholders to rally behind the newly launched Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), describing it as a defining step… pic.twitter.com/9psz6Le8FL

— Ministry of Finance, Ghana (@MoF_Ghana) October 23, 2025

SP/MA

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By Benjamin A. Commey

Accra, Oct 23, GNA – Mr Joseph Bukari Nape, the Minister of Transport, has revealed plans to revamp urban mobility with smart, resilient infrastructure, aiming to reduce congestion, enhance public transport, and create sustainable cities for a growing population. 

He said, this would be done by investing massively in smart and resilient infrastructure in all modes of transport, to create meaningful opportunities for young people, women, and persons with disability to actively participate in our transport economy. 

“Excellency, our vision goes beyond mere implemental change, it demands bold reforms and prioritises efficiency, safety, and sustainability across all modes of transport, namely road, rail, maritime, innovation, and the emerging digital mobility platforms,” Mr Nikpe said. 

The Transport Minister announced this at the opening ceremony of the maiden Ghana Transport and Logistics Fair (GTLF) 2025, in Accra, on Wednesday. 

The fair is being held on the theme: “Resetting Transport Sector for Connectivity, Innovation and Investment”. 

President John Dramani Mahama graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. 

The three-day event, organised by the Ministry in collaboration with Digital Eye, aims to showcase innovation, such as latest vehicles, aviation technologies, shipping solutions, rail concepts, electronic mobility, and digital platforms, as well as attract investment and promote collaboration to redefine the country’s transport and logistics sectors. 

Mr. Nikpe described the GTLF as a testament of government’s unwavering commitment to progress, innovation, and inclusivity within the transport and logistics sector. 

He highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s transport sector, citing ongoing projects such as the expansion and modernisation of the Kotoka International Airport, notably the repurposing of Terminal Two and the construction of a new air traffic control tower to enhance safety, in the aviation sector. 

He stated that the government was also extending the runway at  Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region to accommodate medium-sized aircrafts, while measures including advanced passenger information, passenger name record systems to detect threats at the airports. 

Additionally, Mr Nikpe disclosed that new measures had been introduced at the country’s including advanced passenger information, passenger name record systems to detect threats, guarantee safety and security at the airports. 

On maritime transport, Mr Nikpe said the rehabilitation of the Tema harbour breakwater was ongoing, explaining that when completed, it would ensure vessel safety and operational efficiency.  

Additionally, he said, the Ghana Shippers Authority was working to reduce port business costs through effective regulation of shipping services,  while efforts were also underway to develop coastal water transportation to complement the existing road transport systems, with feasibility studies set to begin soon.  

For public transport services, the Minister disclosed that several parallel programmes were currently underway to renew the fleet of Metro Mass Transit Limited and Intercity STC Coaches Limited, with the goal of improving and expanding services and also to drive sector decarbonisation through electronic buses and the development of related charging infrastructure. 

“Excellency, the review of the road safety traffic act 2004 and the regulation 2012 are ongoing to create a regulatory environment that promotes safety and encourage the use of motorcycles and tricycles for fair-paying passenger services and support job creation for our team and youth,” the Minister added. 

Regarding the railway sector, Mr Nikpe said, work had resumed on the Western Rail Line, which was previously halted, while services had also began on the Tema–Nkpakadan Line, and would be upscaled for fleet operations with the development of port infrastructure at the Volta Lake to receive vessels. 

“These interventions are supported by strategic partnership with the public sector, mobilising the investment to make Ghana the preferred transport and logistics hub within the West Africa sub-region and under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he indicated. 

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, who was the Chairman of the event, emphasised the importance of building a strong and robust transport sector, explaining that it was crucial in advancing trade within the country and across the continent.  

“Transportation is very important; that is what allows people to move, that is what allows goods to move and therefore that is what allows trade to happen and therefore development to spread across the entire country and hopefully, across the entire continent of Africa,” he said.  

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

The Volta Region has officially announced the maiden edition of the Volta Economic Forum 2025, set for October 31, 2025, at the Reddington Beach Resort in Keta.

The landmark event represents a bold policy and investment push to position the region as Ghana’s next economic frontier.

With the theme “Harnessing the Volta Corridor Economic Potential for the 24-Hour Economy Take-off,” the Forum is designed as a strategic investment platform to attract both local and international investors across key growth sectors including energy, agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy.

Organisers say the Forum goes beyond dialogue. It aims to chart a coordinated policy framework that aligns public and private sector priorities for inclusive and sustainable regional development.

Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Volta Regional Commissioner of the National Development Planning Commission, described the upcoming Forum as “a defining moment and a call to action for investors and policymakers to unlock the region’s full potential.”

According to him, Volta’s strategic coastal location, skilled workforce, and expanding infrastructure base make it a prime destination for investment and industrial growth under Ghana’s evolving 24-hour economy initiative.

Stakeholders at the event will deliberate on policy reforms, flagship projects, and investment partnerships aimed at accelerating the region’s economic transformation and positioning Volta as a competitive hub for trade and innovation.

The Forum is expected to feature high-level participation from government officials, development partners, traditional authorities, captains of industry and international investors, signalling a new phase of collaborative economic planning.

As the region declares itself “open for business,” the Volta Economic Forum is set to become a cornerstone of Ghana’s subnational investment drive; anchoring regional growth within the country’s broader economic diversification strategy.

In 1981, an unlikely group from Leeds scored a number one hit with their icy cover version of an obscure 60s soul hit.

With Tainted Love, Soft Cell set a template for 80s synth-pop duos: The flamboyant frontman paired with an unassuming keyboard technician.

Dave Ball, who has died at the age of 66, was that musical force, creating ominous, polyphonic soundscapes to match Marc Almond’s lyrics about X-rated movies and sado-masochism.

Tainted Love sold more than 21 million copies over the worl and was followed by hits such as Say Hello, Wave Goodbye and Torch, before the band split in 1984. Reunited in the 2000s, they had completed a new album in the days before Ball’s death.

In a statement, the musician’s family said he had died peacefully in his sleep at his home in London on Wednesday 22 October.

It comes less than two months after Soft Cell played a headline show to 20,000 fans at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames.

During that concert, Ball performed in a wheelchair, as he had for the last two years, following a spate of ill-health.

“I managed to damage myself quite a bit,” he told the Yorkshire Post in 2023. “I fractured lower vertebrae in my spine and cracked about five ribs and broke my wrist”.

After catching pneumonia and developing sepsis, he was placed in an induced coma and remained in hospital for seven months.

However, he had been in “a great place emotionally” over the summer, as he worked on Soft Cell’s new album, Danceteria, which is scheduled for release next year.

“He was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago,” said Almond in a tribute.

“It’s so sad as 2026 was all set to be such an uplifting year for him, and I take some solace from the fact that he heard the finished record and felt that it was a great piece of work.”

Almond has thanked his bandmate for “being an immense part of my life and for the music you gave me”, adding: “I wouldn’t be where I am without you.”

Ball had also been part of the pioneering techno duo The Grid, who scored a UK top 10 hit in 1994 with the banjo-powered Swamp Thing.

His bandmate from that era, Richard Norris, also paid tribute, remembering Ball’s “endless laughter” and “unwavering friendship”.

“Being in a duo with someone is different from being in a band, the bond is very tight,” he added.

“That’s how it was with us. We went through so many remarkable, extraordinary, life-affirming experiences together. Thank you, Dave.”

Born into a single-parent household in Chester in 1959, Ball was given up for adoption when he was 18 months old.

He grew up in Blackpool with adoptive parents Donald and Brenda Ball, who changed his first name from Paul to David, alongside his younger sister Susan, who was also adopted.

He met Almond at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977, where they were both studying art. Fuelled by a shared love of Northern Soul, they formed Soft Cell the same year, and quickly recorded an EP, which was given early airtime by Radio 1’s John Peel.

They were an unusual pairing: Ball was quietly hunched over his keyboard, while Almond was a flamboyant showman, all glitter and eye-liner; but they achieved a rare musical alchemy.

Ball had developed a fascination with synthesizers after watching Kraftwerk appear on BBC science show Tomorrow’s World, and began to marry dark electronica to the soaring melodies Almond was writing.

Tainted Love became the UK’s second biggest-selling single of 1981, shifting 21 million copies worldwide. Alongside hits by Gary Numan, Human League and Ultravox, it helped paved the way for the synth-pop sound of the 80s.

The song was also included on their full-length debut, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which spawned two further top five singles: Bedsitter and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye.

They followed the album with the stand-alone single, Torch, which peaked at number two in 1982.

Fame had its upsides. “I loved being able to afford my first home, having money and travelling, which makes me sound like a Miss World,” Ball recently told Classic Pop Magazine.

But it also presented problems. “Newfound wealth meant we could afford newfound drugs to relieve the boredom” of media interviews and TV performances, Ball said.

“I know that’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a good reason, because it works for so many bands.”

Amidst the hedonistic lifestyle, the duo were also drifting apart, but they managed to create a second classic album – the wayward, tense and aptly-titled The Art Of Falling Apart.

They released one more album, 1984’s This Last Night In Sodom, before dissolving the band to concentrate on other projects.

Almond went on to have a successful solo career, including the top 10 hit Something’s Got A Hold Of My Heart; while Ball created The Grid, who mixed acid house with ambient pop over a long-lasting collaboration.

Soft Cell reunited in 2001, producing the Top 40 album Cruelty Without Beauty.

After another hiatus, they reappeared in 2018, releasing the original singles Northern Lights and Guilty (Cos I Say You Are) before performing what was supposed to be a farewell show at the O2 Arena on 30 September, 2018.

However, they remained together, recording their fifth album, Happiness Not Included, during the 2020 Covid lockdown.

Ball recently described the band’s new music as a tribute to the New York club scene they frequented while recording their first two albums.

He added that his time in hospital had influenced the band’s sound.

“I had strange recollections when I was in and out of hospital because I was on morphine,” he told Classic Pop.

“The new songs are a digital reflection of the sounds in my head from that time.

“In parallel, it’s about the times me and Marc got up to in the 80s.”

The final mixes were completed only days before Ball died. It is due for release in Spring 2026.

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.

Donatus Atanga Akamugri is the Upper East Regional Minister,

Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has charged the various Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the region to ensure that their composite budgets aligned with the government’s promises in the reset agenda.

He said the government had entered into a social contract with the people of Ghana to implement strategic policies and interventions aimed at transforming lives, and that all efforts must be directed towards achieving that goal.

“This is the time you are going to set your priorities, objectives, and programmes to actualise the vision of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government that won the election.”

“You must translate all the promises we made to the electorate into concrete terms and capture them in your budgets,” he said.

Speaking at the Upper East Regional Composite Budget Hearing held in Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District, the minister reiterated the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil all promises made to Ghanaians.

“The President cannot implement these promises outside the budget. It is through the budget that they will be realised. You, the core staff of the Assemblies, must therefore ensure that these objectives are reflected in your budgets so that we can translate the government’s intentions into tangible results that positively impact the lives of our people,” he added.

You failed to fix ECG, who will pay the debt? – Ayariga to Afenyo-Markin

The various Assemblies are currently preparing their Medium-Term Development Plans for 2026 to 2029 to ensure that government policies and programmes are properly costed and captured in implementable budget frameworks.

The exercise, which is being conducted across all 16 regions of Ghana, is in accordance with Regulation 173 of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378).

Speaking on behalf of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, Akamugri noted that the government was committed to “resetting” all aspects of the national economy and cautioned against any breaches of financial management regulations.

“You are reminded to comply fully with the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), the Public Procurement Act, 2025 (Act 1139), and all other relevant statutes to safeguard the public purse,” he said.

At the Regional Composite Budget Hearing, four Assemblies, Bolgatanga East, Bongo, Binduri, and Bawku West, presented their proposed budgets and programmes.

Issues relating to education, healthcare, roads, water, and sanitation dominated the discussions, and the Assemblies appealed to development partners to support the government in addressing these challenges.

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Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on all stakeholders to rally behind the newly launched Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), describing it as a defining step toward building a modern, connected, and resilient nation.

Speaking at the launch of the infrastructure plan in Mr. Nyarko Ampem reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the GIP becomes the cornerstone of Ghana’s infrastructure transformation agenda.

“This launch is a milestone that marks a decisive step toward transforming our nation’s infrastructure landscape and accelerating Ghana’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

He noted that the Ghana Infrastructure Plan is a practical expression of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for continuity and long-term national development that transcends political cycles. He said the Plan not only sets a clear roadmap for infrastructure investment but also strengthens coordination and accountability across government and private sector actors.

He explained that the Ministry of Finance is particularly focused on three imperatives essential for success, collaborative financing, effective coordination, and strategic communication. According to him, these pillars will ensure that the Plan does not merely remain a policy document but becomes a living framework that drives real transformation.

“We at the Ministry of Finance stand ready to co-lead in all fronts. Infrastructure financing is a foremost priority of President Mahama’s government. Through the Big Push Initiative, we have allocated GH¢13.9 billion — part of a US$10 billion medium-term programmed financing — to accelerate infrastructure expansion,” he announced.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that government is strengthening the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to serve as a key vehicle for blended financing, while also reforming the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to attract more private capital into major infrastructure projects.

Mr. Nyarko Ampem emphasised that beyond technical soundness, the success of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan would depend heavily on strategic communication and public engagement. “This Plan represents a grand national vision,” he said. “We must communicate it effectively to inspire collective ownership and attract private sector partnerships for its implementation.”

He reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s readiness to partner the NDPC, Parliament, and the private sector to execute the Plan effectively, stressing that its full implementation would mark a turning point in Ghana’s economic renewal.

The Ghana Infrastructure Plan, prepared by the National Development Planning Commission, provides a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development over the next three decades, focusing on transport, energy, water, sanitation, digitalisation, and housing.

It is designed to promote inclusive growth, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term resilience for Ghana’s economy.

Antoine Semenyo better than Martinelli, Trossard, Doku and Gakpo – AgbonlahorAgbonlahor insists the Ghanaian’s form makes him good enough to start for any of the league’s traditional top six clubs.

Semenyo has been in scintillating form this season, netting six goals and assisting three in just eight matches for Bournemouth.

His explosive pace, strength and end product have made him one of the standout performers of the 2025/26 campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor challenged the top clubs to move for the 25-year-old.

“I look at the league table, and name me a team he doesn’t start for on that left-hand side. Name one,” he said.

“He’s better than [Manchester City’s] Doku. He starts for Arsenal if [Eberechi] Eze plays in that number 10 position. [He’s] better than [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Leandro] Trossard. Better than [Cody] Gakpo [at Liverpool]. Starts for Spurs.”

Semenyo signed a new deal with Bournemouth in July 2025, extending his stay until 2030, with reports suggesting a £75 million release clause.

A familiar pattern emerges when a cargo vessel arrives at Ghana’s Tema Port, one of West Africa’s busiest maritime gateways. Paperwork is spread across multiple desks, customs inspections take longer than expected, and trucks form long lines around the port’s perimeter. Across the Atlantic, American trading partners supported by advanced logistics networks use dashboards to monitor these developments, hoping that shipments will clear immediately.

For decades, inefficiencies in data exchange, manual documentation, and poor coordination among port stakeholders have quietly increased business costs between the United States and Ghana. However, as Ghana continues to establish itself as a regional logistics hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area, there is an opportunity to move beyond traditional trade approaches. Integrating artificial intelligence and supply chain analytics gives Ghana a transformative opportunity to reduce friction, improve predictability, and expand its influence in West African commerce.

Rather than viewing this as a challenge, Ghana should see it as a strategic opportunity to reimagine trade through data, technology, and collaboration, leveraging the strengths of American digital logistics frameworks while developing capacity within Ghana to create a resilient, insight-driven trade ecosystem.

The untapped potential of a transatlantic partnership

The trade relationship between the United States and Ghana remains strong and full of potential. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (2024) reports that two-way trade between the two countries exceeded 2.9 billion dollars in 2023. Ghana exports agricultural products, cocoa derivatives, and minerals to the United States, and imports industrial machinery, equipment, automobiles, and refined energy products.

Despite consistent growth, structural inefficiencies remain throughout Ghana’s trade chain. Port congestion, repetitive clearance procedures, and manual data handling all result in unnecessary costs for traders. These issues are not unique to Ghana, but their persistence impedes its ability to compete with global logistics hubs that have adopted digital transformation.

The United States is a valuable reference point. Its ports and trade corridors are increasingly aided by predictive analytics, real-time visibility tools, and automation systems that improve operational efficiency. As Ghana modernizes and currently explores digital platforms, it will be prudent to learn from the technological and process efficiency of the US system, while leveraging its workforce’s adaptability and innovation to design solutions appropriate for the African trading environment.

When Time Turns into a Tariff

Delays in logistics processes are an invisible tariff on trade. According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (2023), Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest customs efficiency and logistics reliability. Ghana’s container dwell time at Tema and Takoradi ports averages six to twelve days, while global benchmarks are three or four days (Amoako Tuffour & Boakye, 2022).

Every additional day of delay results in higher storage costs, increased demurrage, and lower capital efficiency. The consequences are especially damaging for businesses that deal with perishable goods. Delays erode confidence among trading partners, discourage future investment, and are costly. The absence of integrated and actionable data, rather than just infrastructure, is at the heart of the problem. Too many decisions are reactive, rather than predictive. A trade system based on analytics would change this dynamic by allowing decision makers to anticipate disruptions and manage flow more proactively.

Supply Chain Analytics: Transforming Data into Insight

Supply chain analytics converts operational data into intelligence that informs real-world decisions. It enables organizations to identify inefficiencies, model risk, and forecast outcomes before they happen (Gunasekaran et al., 2017). Global logistics leaders like Rotterdam and Singapore have continually use analytics and digital twin technology to simulate port activity, forecast congestion, and optimize equipment deployment (OECD, 2022). The results are precise: faster turnaround times, lower costs, and greater transparency.

Adoption of such technology has the potential to reshape Ghana’s trading landscape. Predictive models could aid customs in anticipating high-volume cargo days. Artificial intelligence could detect patterns of noncompliance and flag anomalies before they become bottlenecks. Blockchain systems could authenticate documentation and reduce administrative redundancy (Hofmann & Rüsch, 2017). The United States has demonstrated how data integration between agencies and private operators improves visibility, compliance, and trust. Ghana’s opportunity lies in contextualizing these lessons; creating an ecosystem where analytics serve local realities and regional trade goals rather than replicating foreign models.

Reframing Trade as a Data Partnership

Reimagining trade between the United States and Ghana requires shifting from physical exchange to digital collaboration. When properly used, trade data can become the most asset in accelerating growth. Ghana’s customs clearance consists of several independent systems run by agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and several freight forwarders; limited coordination results in duplicated tasks and inconsistent data records.

A data exchange framework between the United States and Ghana would help bring these systems together under a single interoperable platform. Trade documents, inspection reports, and tariff payments can all be easily verified, shared, and archived using secure cloud technology. This would:

Improve transparency and accountability.

Enable faster pre-clearance of goods.

Provide richer analytics to policymakers.

Build confidence among international investors.

Such a framework would also promote data diplomacy, a modern approach to international cooperation that strengthens ties through information sharing and technological capacity development (UNCTAD, 2023).

AI as a Catalyst for Trade Efficiency

Artificial intelligence is no longer experimental in logistics; it is a necessity. AI systems can analyze thousands of cargo movements, detect irregularities, and forecast capacity constraints faster than any manual method (Wamba et al., 2020). AI is already automating and modeling data in the United States to transform warehousing, predictive shipping, and supply chain security. As Ghana modernizes its ports, incorporating artificial intelligence into customs management and logistics oversight can potentially deliver exponential efficiency gains.

Equally important is developing human capabilities to keep up with technological advancement. Partnerships between Ghanaian universities, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, and academic institutions in the United States could lead to establishing data analytics and digital logistics training programs. Building human expertise will ensure Ghana’s transformation is long-term, inclusive, and locally driven (World Economic Forum, 2024).

Policy, Partnerships, and People: The Key Enablers

To achieve long-term success, Ghana must base transformation on three enablers: policy, partnership, and people.

Policy: The Ministry of Trade and Industry should incorporate supply chain analytics into its industrial and trade policy framework. Establishing a National Smart Port Strategy aligned with AFCFTA’s digital trade objectives would provide direction and accountability (African Union Commission, 2023).

Partnership among Ghanaian authorities, US agencies, and private sector actors can accelerate technology adoption. Prosper Africa, for example, provides a platform for investing in data infrastructure and exchanging ideas.

People: Skilled professionals are the foundation of successful digital transformations. Training customs officials, port managers, and data analysts ensures that technology empowers rather than overwhelms organizations. As Ivanov and Dolgui (2020) point out, resilient supply chains rely on technology and humans’ ability to interpret and act on data.

A broader call for strategic action

The logistics sector in Ghana will face a watershed moment over the next decade. The country can advance from operational efficiency to strategic intelligence with the right combination of leadership, investment, and innovation.

Ghana should take deliberate steps toward:

Create a National Center for Supply Chain Analytics to coordinate research, data integration, and policy modeling. This center could work with leading academic institutions like MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics or Cranfield University to adapt existing frameworks (Christopher, 2016).

Implement AI-powered customs clearance systems to predict cargo surges and dynamically allocate resources. Predictive analytics has been shown to reduce clearance times by up to 30% (Gunasekaran et al., 2017).

Create public-private data partnerships to encourage real-time trade statistics sharing, thereby reducing corruption and increasing transparency (Wamba et al., 2020).

Integrate logistics analytics education into university curricula to develop a generation of data-savvy professionals capable of sustaining continuous improvement.

For the United States, this moment presents an opportunity to expand its leadership in global trade innovation by assisting Ghana’s digital transformation through technical assistance, funding mechanisms, and bilateral training programs. A thriving, data-driven Ghanaian logistics ecosystem will improve US market access and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire West African region.

According to the World Economic Forum (2024), countries that embrace digital trade are better positioned to withstand global shocks and diversify their economies. A data partnership between the United States and Ghana would serve as a model of 21st-century cooperation based on transparency, technology, and mutual growth.

From efficiency to resilience

The disruptions of recent years, from the global pandemic to geopolitical tensions, have revealed the fragility of supply networks that rely solely on efficiency. True competitiveness is now based on resilience. Analytics and artificial intelligence provide insight into how to absorb shocks, anticipate disruptions, and adapt in real time (Ivanov & Dolgui, 2020).

Ghana’s ability to develop an adaptive, transparent, and technology-driven logistics system could reshape its position within the AFCFTA framework as the regional headquarters. It would allow for a faster response to global market changes and position the country as a reliable partner for trade flows between Africa and the rest of the world.

Conclusion: A Shared Digital Horizon

If Ghana’s ports are the country’s economic lifeblood, data is the oxygen that keeps them going. The time has come to change how trade is conceived, managed, and measured. Ghana can no longer rely solely on physical infrastructure expansion to address its logistics issues. The future lies in using data as a national asset to empower decision makers, speed up commerce, and strengthen economic resilience.

The path forward necessitates bold collaboration. Ghana should not simply try to imitate the United States, but rather form a deliberate learning partnership that combines advanced logistics technologies with African innovation. Both countries can create an integrated trade ecosystem that goes beyond the constraints of traditional commerce by implementing exchange programs, pilot projects, and mutual investments in data capability.

A new generation of port professionals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs must emerge; people who understand that trade competitiveness depends on algorithms as much as cranes and freight. Building this mindset will necessitate patient investment in education, institutional reform, and building trust between the public and private sectors.

The United States, for its part, has both the experience and the strategic interest in assisting Ghana’s success. By investing in analytics-driven trade facilitation, American businesses gain access to faster, more transparent markets, while Ghana cements its position as West Africa’s smart logistics hub.

Finally, reimagining trade flows between the United States and Ghana through the supply chain. Analytics is more than technology; it is a vision of shared prosperity. When data becomes the common trade language, bottlenecks are broken down, opportunities are expanded, and nations become stronger.

References

African Union Commission. (2023). Digital trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Policy brief. Addis Ababa: AUC.

Amoako Tuffour, J., and Boakye, F. (2022). Port efficiency and logistics performance in Ghana: Evidence from Tema and Takoradi ports. African Journal of Maritime Studies, 5(2), 45–63.

Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics and supply chain management (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

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This piece was written by Francis Hayford, Graduate Research Assistant at Georgia State University.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has released 25,000 bags of fertiliser for immediate distribution to 413 schools participating in the Feed Ghana Programme.

The initiative is to support minor season crop production, a statement issued by the Ministry in Accra, said on Tuesday.

It forms part of efforts to sustain agricultural productivity and enhance the contribution of school farms, particularly at the primary, junior high and senior high school levels, to national food and nutrition security.

The Ministry said the Deputy Feed Ghana Coordinator in charge of Institutional Farming, Mr Gordon Nana Asubonteng, had been directed to ensure the prompt distribution of the fertiliser to enable timely application and maximise yields.

Two arrested after multiple attempts to derail new Tema-Afienya train

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing agricultural inputs and technical support under the Feed Ghana Programme, describing it as a key component of the government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Feed Ghana Programme aims to boost domestic food production through increased access to inputs, mechanisation and institutional farming.

It also encourages schools, security agencies and other public institutions to operate farms to promote food self-sufficiency and reduce the country’s import dependency.

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The U-20 national team

The Atlas Cubs’ triumph is not an accident of sport but the fruit of long-term reform, vision, and investment in Moroccan youth.

The royal reception of Morocco’s U-20 World Champions by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was more than a gesture of congratulations — it was a symbolic moment in the story of a nation that has made youth and sports a pillar of its development strategy.

Strategic Reform and Modern Infrastructure

The team’s victory stands as “the culmination of a far-reaching strategic vision” and “the fruit of comprehensive reform launched with the Royal Message to the National Conference in Skhirat.”

Under HM King Mohammed VI’s guidance, Morocco has built one of the most advanced sports infrastructures in Africa and beyond. The Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura, described as “one of the finest sports centers in the world”, symbolizes this ambition.

Moreover, “the creation of more than 7,000 neighborhood football pitches across the Kingdom has democratized access to the sport and opened opportunities to all categories of society”.

A Comprehensive and Sustainable Success

Reaching the World Cup final itself was “strong evidence of the success of this comprehensive approach”.

And the U-20 world title serves as “confirmation that Moroccan excellence is not circumstantial, but a sustainable and inclusive success that cements Morocco’s status as a great footballing nation on the global stage”.

This victory represents the tangible results of a consistent royal vision: Morocco’s commitment to education, discipline, and the belief that sports can drive both national pride and social cohesion.

Source: MAP

The Ministry of Education has launched urgent investigations into allegations of bribery linked to the ongoing school placement process.

This follows media reports quoting the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, who claimed that a resident approached him for help in securing school admission and later returned with proof of having paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement.

“Someone who knew I was an MP came to me at Community 16, where I live, and asked me to help their child gain admission to a certain school. Within a week, the person came back with evidence showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement. Why are we doing this to ourselves?,” the MP was quoted as saying.

In a statement issued on October 22, 2025, and signed by Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, the Ministry described the allegations as serious and worrying. It said the Minister for Education has met with National Security and referred the matter for urgent and thorough investigation.

The Ministry mentioned that similar concerns had earlier been raised by Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah, Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The statement assured the public that the Ministry was committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and fairness in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

It warned that anyone found guilty of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the system would face the full force of the law.

The Ministry further called on Joseph Azumah, Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah, and other individuals with credible information to cooperate with investigators to ensure accountability.

According to the Ministry, it remains firm in its commitment to protect the integrity of the placement process and to make sure that access to secondary education in Ghana remains free, fair, and based on merit.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Jerry John Rawlings’ transformative rule and lasting legacy