The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has praised the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent crackdown on the influx of fake and defective baby diapers on the Ghanaian market, which have been linked to severe health problems among infants and toddlers.

 The FDA recently confiscated and incinerated over one million pieces of these substandard diapers.

The action follows mounting complaints from parents, especially mothers, about skin rashes, discomfort, and infections resulting from the use of certain diaper brands.

In a press statement issued by Nana Prempeh Aduhene, Executive Director in charge of Mediation and Arbitration, on Tuesday, May 27, the CPA said, “The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) highly commends the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent decisive actions to clamp down on cheap and defective diapers circulating in the Ghanaian market, widely referred to as “fake diapers.” The FDA In recent times has confiscated and burnt over 1 million pieces of these defective diapers.”

In response, the CPA conducted investigations across five major regions—Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sefwi Wiawso, and Sunyani.

The CPA said microbial tests carried out on samples of these products revealed disturbing levels of contamination.

Many of the diapers, according to the agency, had been rejected abroad due to poor manufacturing standards and were meant to be destroyed.

However, they were salvaged—sometimes from trash—and repackaged in plain plastic bags before being smuggled into Ghana.

“These diapers are stored and handled in unsanitary conditions, significantly increasing the risk of microbial infections,” the CPA stated. “Some children have suffered painful rashes and infections around their genital areas, which, if left untreated, could escalate into life-threatening conditions.”

The CPA called on parents to stop patronizing such unregulated products and urged the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to tighten checks at entry points to prevent further importation of the defective goods.

“Are the over five million babies and toddlers in Ghana not deserving of clean, safe, and hygienic diapers? Must our children suffer just because unethical importers prioritize profit over health?” the CPA questioned.

The agency reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the FDA on a nationwide campaign to eliminate fake diapers from the market and enhance consumer safety.

“Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for every Ghanaian child,” the statement added.

Read below the statement by the Consumer Protection Agency

PRESS STATEMENT ON FAKE AND DEFECTIVE DIAPERS ON THE MARKET CAUSING SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN*

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) highly commends the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent decisive actions to clamp down on cheap and defective diapers circulating in the Ghanaian market, widely referred to as “fake diapers.” The FDA In recent times has confiscated and burnt over 1 million pieces of these defective diapers.

Following complaints from mothers nationwide regarding skin rashes, discomfort, and infections associated with the use of certain baby diapers, the CPA initiated an intensive investigation. Our research covered five key regions—Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sefwi Wiawso, and Sunyani.

The results were deeply alarming. Microbial tests conducted on several diaper brands failed disastrously. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that many of these diapers were originally rejected during manufacturing in their home countries due to poor quality, and were meant for destruction. Instead, these products were salvaged at low cost—often from trash heaps—and repackaged into plain polyethylene bags before being smuggled into Ghana for public use.

The unhygienic conditions under which these diapers are stored, handled, and transported further increase the risk of microbial contamination, posing a serious threat to infant health.

Disturbingly, some babies suffered severe diaper rashes around the anus and genital areas, with infections ranging from mild to life-threatening if left untreated.

**Are the over 5 million babies and toddlers in Ghana not deserving of clean, safe, and hygienic diapers?
Must our children suffer just because unethical importers prioritize profit over health?
*
*We call on all Ghanaian parents—especially mothers—to immediately cease patronizing these unregulated and dangerous products. Let us collectively protect our children from further harm.

We also call on the Office of the Commissioner of Customs (CEPS) to take urgent action to block the importation of these fake and defective diapers at all entry points. Pediatric health is a national priority—our babies and children are the most vulnerable members of our society and must be protected at all costs.

Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation to the FDA for its ongoing efforts and commitment to public health. The CPA stands ready to partner with the FDA on a nationwide campaign to eliminate fake diapers and address other critical consumer safety issues. Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for every Ghanaian child.

Nana Prempeh Aduhene
Executive Director in charge of Mediation and Arbitration.

10% U.S. tariff gives Ghana competitive trade edge – Ambassador Palmer

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A devastating fire has ravaged several residential buildings in a densely populated Bomso suburb in Kumasi.

The blaze originated in a single-room apartment and rapidly spread to other rooms.

According to victims and eyewitnesses, the fire was fuelled by an explosion from an electricity meter, which they believe sparked the inferno.

The fire engulfed at least fifty rooms, leaving a trail of destroyed valuables.

The tightly clamped houses in the Bomso community, characterised by poorly constructed structures with visible cracks and weak foundations, contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

Valuables, including refrigerators, kitchen utensils, electrical appliances, and personal belongings worth thousands of cedis, have been lost in the fire disaster.

Distressed victims gave heartbreaking accounts of losing everything, with many unable to salvage any possessions due to the fire’s intensity.

Crowds gathered at the fire scene as fire personnel made efforts to contain the blaze.

DO2 Appiah Anthony says the cramped layout of the houses severely restricted access, which complicated efforts to control the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the fire service stating that no conclusive assessment has been made.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Asokwa, Anwal Sadat Ahmed, assured residents that the local assembly would collaborate closely with the fire service to fully investigate the incident.

He also pledged immediate relief efforts, promising to work with relevant agencies to provide support and essential supplies to the displaced victims.

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.

FC Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached an agreement for the renewal of his contract which will now tie him to the Club until 30 June 2031. 

The player signed his new contract on Tuesday at the Club’s offices in the presence of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice president Rafa Yusta, and the Club’s sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza “Deco”, amongst others. 

A contract extension for Lamine Yamal is another demonstration of the solidity of the current Barça project. The Barça forward made his debut for the first team on 29 April 2023, at the age of just 15 and since then the lad from Mataró near Barcelona has exploded on to the stage that is world football with performances that are already part of FC Barcelona history. 

Key to successes and record holder 

The forward came to La Masia at the age of just seven and is still just 17 years of age. A key component of the squad that lifted the domestic treble this season: Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey and La Liga, the teenager is already considered one of the best players in the world. Lamine has already made 106 appearances for the first team and has racked up an impressive array of records in process becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Super Cup as well as being the youngest player ever to make 100 appearance for the blaugranes. 

In his so far short career with the first team Lamine has scored 25 goals and provided 34 assists. His partnership down the right with Jules Kounde is already a source of great success for Barça and his ability to find the final pass or shoot from distance makes him such a threat coming forward. 

Deciding factor for Barça 

Already at 17 years of age, Lamine Yamal has played a leading part in several vital victories for the blaugranes, most notably in the four Clásico wins this season in various competitions against Real Madrid. In recent months individual accolades have arrived with Lamine claiming the Golden Boy trophy, the Kopa Trophy and being recognised at the Laureus awards. There will surely be more to come with Lamine set to remain in Barça colours until 2031 at least. 

Accra, May 27, GNA – The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has identified 2,073 Nigerien nationals as the largest group of foreign nationals engaged in street begging in Accra and other major cities.  

Other foreign nationals at designated holding centres include 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian, totalling 2,241.  

This follows a special operation by the GIS to rid the country of street beggars and other miscreants, aiming to enhance public safety and security.  

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said all affected individuals were undergoing profiling and security screening in accordance with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures.  

The screening process, conducted in line with international best practices, includes segregation by gender and age to ensure orderly and humane processing.  

Repatriation, initially scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2025, was delayed due to prolonged screening procedures.  

The statement said so far, 925 persons have been successfully repatriated, and processes are underway to remove the rest. 

The breakdown of those repatriated includes 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians.  

The GIS assured the public that meals and other necessities were being provided for persons in custody, with the GIS Clinic on standby for medical assistance.  

To manage congestion at the National Headquarters holding centre, the Service has suspended further arrests.  

“Management wishes to reiterate that the Special Operation is being conducted humanely in cognisance of the rights of all migrants,” the statement emphasised.  

The GIS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, ensuring all immigrants are treated humanely.  

It expressed gratitude to stakeholders, the public, and the media for their support throughout the operation.  

The GIS assures the public of its commitment to operating fair and firm immigration systems and contributing to national security and development.  

It announced that the Special Operation would resume to further clear street beggars and dismantle criminal networks.  

It called for continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

John Jinapor is the Minister of Energy

The Institute for Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has called on President John Mahama to immediately dismiss the Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, following the discovery of some ECG containers that had earlier been reported missing but were later found at the Tema Port.

According to the institute, there have been several discrepancies in the minister’s report.

The minister had initially stated that about 1,300 containers consigned to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were missing at the port.

He explained that an internal investigation had revealed that out of 2,491 uncleared containers, only 1,134 had been accounted for, suggesting that 1,357 containers were missing.

However, the IERPP noted that the minister’s claim was presented as evidence of entrenched corruption and mismanagement within the ECG.

“However, a joint investigative committee has since traced 2,637 previously unaccounted-for containers located at various terminals within the Tema Port, far exceeding the number originally cited by the Minister. This significant discrepancy raises serious concerns about the accuracy, methodology, and motives behind the Minister’s initial claims,” the group said in a release sighted by GhanaWeb Business on May 27, 2025.

They added that at a time when the energy sector is facing acute challenges, including persistent power outages that are severely affecting households and businesses, such misleading public pronouncements without proper due diligence are not only unhelpful but dangerous.

“They distract from problem-solving, undermine public confidence, and erode investor trust,” they said.

The group is therefore calling on John Abdulai Jinapor to take full responsibility for what it described as “a failure of leadership.”

IERPP added, “In the interest of accountability and the pursuit of better governance, the Institute urges President John Dramani Mahama to immediately dismiss the energy minister and appoint a more competent and focused individual who can restore confidence, drive reforms, and deliver results.”

SSD/MA

President Mahama unveils 8-pillar economic recovery plan

Featured

GNA

Politics

May – 27 – 2025 , 15:44

1 minute read

By Hafsa Obeng  

Accra, May 27, GNA – Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has been honoured for his contributions to the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).  

The honour was conferred by Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, immediate past president of TOUGHA, at a Thanksgiving Dinner marking the end of her four-year tenure.  

Mr. Kusi received a citation recognising his role in enhancing TOUGHA’s visibility and fostering strategic partnerships.  

“Through your expertise and extensive media connections, you have significantly amplified TOUGHA’s visibility and highlighted our efforts across the industry. Your strategic media guidance has been instrumental in shaping positive narratives about our work,” the citation read.  

It added that his role at GTA had been crucial in strengthening TOUGHA’s collaboration with key institutions.  

“Your counsel, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have been a pillar not only to me personally, but to the entire union,” it stated.  

Mr. Kusi’s career blends academic excellence, industry experience, and national service.  

He attended Prempeh College, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Master of Arts in Public Relations from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2020.  

He later obtained a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Methodist University College Ghana in 2022 and a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.  

His service to Ghana’s tourism sector spans over a decade.  

From 2010 to 2014, he was Board Secretary to the GTA Board. He later served as Special Assistant to the late Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles Osei Bonsu, from 2014 to 2017.  

In 2018, he was appointed Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs, a role he held until early 2024, when he was promoted to Deputy Director, Domestic Marketing.  

Mr. Kusi, known for his Pan-African and nationalistic values, has contributed to key national tourism committees and programmes, promoting Ghana’s tourism landscape. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Once seen as the stuff of sci-fi movies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have quietly made their way into boardrooms, banking halls, hotel systems, and customer service centres across Ghana. And for forward-looking businesses, they are proving to be a game-changer.

It took a global pandemic to jolt many business leaders into realising just how vital these technologies are—not just for innovation’s sake, but for real-world survival. Companies that embraced AI and automation early were more adaptable, more profitable, and more responsive to shifting customer needs during the toughest of times. Today, the smart use of digital intelligence is no longer optional. It’s the foundation of a great customer experience—something Ghanaian consumers now expect.

AI and automation: a dynamic duo

While often used interchangeably, AI and automation perform different, complementary roles in your business:

• AI helps understand what the customer wants. It thinks, learns, and analyses.
• Automation executes actions based on that understanding. It does the repetitive tasks.

Together, they reduce delays, improve service, and free up human employees to focus on high-value, complex customer issues—not answering “What are your working hours?” for the hundredth time. Forget the Hollywood vision of robots walking through your office. In reality, these technologies silently power call centres, chatbots, booking engines, and CRM systems—boosting efficiency and cutting costs.

Let humans be human

Customer-facing staff, especially in Ghana’s telecom, banking, and hospitality sectors, often feel overwhelmed with repetitive questions and long queues. AI and automation offer a new way of working—delegating routine questions to bots, and empowering staff to focus on personalised support. “Our staff used to spend hours handling simple requests,” says Akua Mensah, a customer service lead at a leading Ghanaian bank. “Now, our system handles the basics automatically, and our team handles the rest with more care and less stress.”

By reducing call times and avoiding long hold queues, businesses not only save money—they also make customers feel heard, valued, and respected.

Case study: Hotels and booking in the digital era

Consider a hotel group in Accra using automated services during peak travel season. Their AI-powered system scanned thousands of customer bookings, checked hotel availability, and sent real-time updates—all within seconds. No manual intervention. No errors. Just fast, consistent communication that elevated the customer experience.

Smarter conversations, better outcomes

Tools like agent-assist—now being explored in some Ghanaian contact centres—take AI even further. These systems listen to a live call, search multiple databases, and suggest the best next action to the agent in real time. For example, if a customer calls a local travel agency asking about a delayed trip, the AI system can pull up their file instantly, identify the issue, and suggest suitable alternatives—all before the caller finishes explaining. That’s the kind of seamless experience that builds customer loyalty in an age where brand switching is just one click away.

Data that drives growth

One of the most powerful benefits of AI and automation is data visibility. Every customer interaction becomes a data point—logged, tracked, and analysed in real time. This enables businesses to:

• Identify customer trends and needs
• Spot gaps in service delivery
• Monitor team performance
• Make smarter business decisions

With the right analytics in place, Ghanaian businesses can transform their service centres into intelligence hubs, helping leadership proactively improve services instead of reacting to complaints.

Digital experience is the new standard

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of businesses dependent on traditional models. Those with cloud-based customer service platforms adapted quickly to remote work, while others struggled to serve customers without access to physical infrastructure. In Ghana, businesses using outdated systems are finding it harder to compete with new digital entrants—nimble, mobile-friendly, and born in the cloud. Whether in fintech, delivery services, or e-commerce, the future belongs to those that can evolve quickly and intelligently.

What it all means for you

Whether you’re running a start-up in East Legon or managing a retail chain in Kumasi, AI and automation offer benefits you can’t afford to ignore:

• Faster response times
• Lower operational costs
• Happier, more empowered staff
• Smarter, data-driven decisions
• Loyal customers who come back again and again

In today’s competitive environment, customer experience is the new battlefield—and AI is your most valuable ally. “Businesses in Ghana that embrace digital intelligence now will not just survive—they’ll thrive,” says Kojo Oppong, a digital transformation advisor in Accra. “Those that don’t will struggle to keep up.”

Final thought

AI and automation are no longer future technologies. They are present-day necessities for any Ghanaian business serious about delighting customers, cutting costs, and staying ahead of the curve. The question is no longer if you’ll adopt them, but how soon.

>>>the writer is a seasoned cloud architect and systems administrator with expertise in leading technical teams to create innovative platforms. As CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he has spearheaded major projects like the Office 365 rollout for Ghana’s government and infrastructure deployment for the Ghana Revenue Authority. Recognized for his strategic use of emerging technologies, Allen has led his team to multiple Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, solidifying his role as a key leader in tech-driven business transformation. If you’d like to explore how these strategies can help your organization thrive, reach out to discuss tailored solutions for your business growth journey. He can be reached via [email protected] and or 0540123034

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Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a former MP for Manhyia South

Former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged Ghanaians to take a rational approach when comparing governments, arguing that short-term assessments fail to capture the broader economic picture.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Opoku Prempeh called for fair and constructive comparisons between governments, particularly when evaluating their performance.

He emphasised that a government that has been in office for just seven months cannot be accurately assessed against one that has served a full four-year term, noting that every administration experiences both progress and setbacks.

“Let’s allow rationality to sink in, and then we’ll see. You can’t compare a government that has been in office for seven months to one that has governed for four years,” he stated.

According to him, despite the cedi’s recent appreciation against the dollar by about 34%, the prices of goods continue to rise, which does not reflect a true improvement in the economy.

“The cedi has appreciated by about 34%, right? The dollar has come down. If you ask me, I should be very happy, but when goods and services that were priced when the dollar was at 15 cedis now have an even higher cedi equivalent than when the dollar was at 50 cedis, you begin to wonder what isn’t adding up,”

He further remarked, “Take a bag of cement, for example. It was 90 cedis before the elections. Now, it costs 140 cedis. Back then, the dollar was 15 cedis. Now, it is around 10 to 11 cedis, fluctuating daily. How do you justify a 90-cedi bag of cement when the dollar was 15 cedis, and then claim that things are getting better when the same cement now costs significantly more despite currency appreciation?”

It is too early to jubilate over the appreciation of the Ghana Cedis against the Dollar — Matthew Opoku-Prempeh pic.twitter.com/grLUa2TqUV

— ThisIsNeneOdompleh (@The1957News) May 27, 2025

SP/MA

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The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) is set to undertake a State Party Review Mission in Ghana from June 1 to June 6, 2025, as part of efforts to assess the country’s compliance with the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim announced the mission in Accra on Tuesday May 27, emphasising Ghana’s leadership in fortifying anti-corruption systems.

She described the review as an opportunity to evaluate progress, celebrate achievements, and identify strategic recommendations to enhance institutional effectiveness and public trust.

“This affords us the rare opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to a future where governance is rooted in ethics, justice, and the unwavering resolve to combat corruption in all its forms,” Shamima Muslim stated.

The high-level AUABC delegation will arrive in Ghana on Sunday, June 1, and will engage with key institutions in the country’s anti-corruption ecosystem throughout the week.

These engagements will include consultations with government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners such as the Office of the President, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Special Prosecutor, CHRAJ, EOCO, and the Ghana Audit Service.

The mission will culminate in a High-Level National Anti-Corruption Conference on Friday, June 6, at the Accra International Conference Centre. The event, themed “Revitalising the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghana’s Accountability Journey,” will bring together AU officials, legal experts, policymakers, and citizen voices to discuss strategies for strengthening transparency and accountability across the continent.

Muslim reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to combating corruption, stating that the review process will reinforce continental solidarity and mutual accountability.

She emphasised that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, requiring the participation of leaders, citizens, and institutions alike.

The AUABC mission is expected to provide valuable insights into Ghana’s anti-corruption framework while fostering peer learning among African nations.

Read also

NDC packing courts with loyalists to weaken judicial independence – Appiagyei

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has openly criticised Members of Parliament for what he described as a collective failure to uphold accountability within the chamber following an offensive comment made months ago that remains unresolved.

Addressing the House during its sitting on Tuesday, May 27, Speaker Bagbin expressed deep disappointment over the inability of MPs to identify the colleague responsible for an insulting remark directed at Korle Klottey MP, Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, during a debate on February 4, 2025.

“…The investigations are still ongoing, but to be frank with you, I am very disappointed that a member seated in this House, surrounded by colleagues, could make such a statement and yet not a single member can point out who it was,” he stated.

He noted that three MPs seated in the area from which the voice emanated had already been identified, yet no one had come forward with a name.

He further questioned the inaction from both sides of the House, particularly the majority, which holds numerical strength.

“With all your numbers, watching the minority side, you mean to tell me that none of you can identify the person who spoke? The person did not speak once, but twice. Even the Minority Leader turned in that direction during the incident, and still, no one can identify the individual. I am very disappointed,” he added.

Speaker Bagbin also expressed concern over the lack of visual evidence, stating that even the CCTV systems in the chamber failed to capture the person responsible.

He noted that “these are serious matters, and when they are properly brought to me, I will take action.”

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The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana is making a call to global investors to capitalise on the country’s burgeoning mariculture sector, citing its vast potential to generate employment, boost seafood production, and drive economic growth.

At the recently concluded Aquaculture Spain 2025 conference held in Vigo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, Mr. Jacob Adzikah, entreated investors and Cluster Acuiplus members to turn their attention to Ghana’s untapped mariculture sector with the chance to rake in more profit.

Speaking to a diverse international audience of aquaculture professionals, policymakers, researchers and investors, Mr. Adzikah highlighted the untapped potential of mariculture, an ocean-based aquaculture as a key investment opportunity in Ghana.

“Mariculture presents a significant opportunity for businesses equipped with the right technology. These opportunities must be explored if we are to enhance seafood production sustainably and meet growing national demand,” he said.

Ghana currently imports over $250 million worth of seafood annually to cover a domestic production deficit, underscoring the urgent need to scale up aquaculture production.

With marine fish stocks dwindling due to overfishing, pollution and climate pressures, aquaculture has become the most viable and sustainable alternative for ensuring national food security and promoting economic growth.

Mr. Adzikah emphasized that Ghana is open for business and offers a competitive investment climate and Incentives including a five-year tax holiday for aquaculture enterprises, tax exemptions on imported equipment and fishing gear, and a strong legal and regulatory framework designed to protect investments and ensure sustainability.

“With the right investments, Ghana can become a regional leader in sustainable farmed fish production, we encourage investors to consider Ghana as their preferred destination for aquaculture development,” he noted

The Chamber’s message at Aquaculture Spain 2025 comes at a pivotal time, as global interest in sustainable seafood solutions continues to rise.

The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana believes by leveraging its rich marine resources, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment, Ghana is positioning itself as a key player in the future of African aquaculture.

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.

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This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has urged the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) to remain steadfast in its efforts to ensure the continued appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar and other major international currencies.

This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, to formally congratulate him on his recent appointment.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit commended Gyamfi, describing his appointment as a testament to his expertise, leadership qualities, and track record in the sector.

He expressed optimism that under Gyamfi’s leadership, Goldbod will witness significant progress and play an even more impactful role in stabilising the country’s currency through gold-related initiatives.

In response, Gyamfi expressed appreciation for the association’s visit and support.

He reaffirmed Goldbod’s commitment to implementing robust strategies aimed at supporting the local currency.

According to him, the continued operations and interventions by Goldbod, particularly will contribute significantly to sustaining the cedi’s appreciation and strengthening Ghana’s macroeconomic stability.

Featured

GNA

Politics

May – 27 – 2025 , 18:05

2 minutes read

CEO of COCOBOD, Dr Randy Abbey

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Randy Abbey has revealed how syndicated loan delays and poor financial planning plunged Ghana’s cocoa sector into a historic crisis, resulting in an estimated loss of $840 million.

Speaking on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, as monitored by MyNewsGH, Abbey explained that COCOBOD’s financial missteps during the 2023/2024 season not only weakened the industry’s performance but also severely undercut the earnings of cocoa farmers across the country.

According to Abbey, COCOBOD entered the 2023/2024 cocoa season by seeking a syndicated loan using a conservative pricing benchmark of $2,600 per ton, despite ongoing market volatility and liquidity challenges.

However, the real crisis emerged when the funds arrived in December 2023, three months after the official opening of the cocoa season.

“Licensed Buying Companies couldn’t get seed funds to buy cocoa for almost four months. This has never happened in COCOBOD’s history,” Abbey stated with alarm.

The delay in financing had a cascading effect. COCOBOD, having already committed to deliver over 333,000 tons of cocoa, was unable to fulfill those contracts, leading to a rollover into the 2024/2025 season. As global cocoa prices soared to $6,600 per ton, Ghana found itself servicing prior contracts at a $4,000 loss per ton.

“For every ton we used to service the rollover, we lost $4,000. As of April 2025, we had serviced 210,000 tons. That’s a loss of $840 million,” Abbey disclosed.

This massive shortfall, he explained, is a key reason the government could not significantly increase the cocoa producer price, despite mounting political and economic pressure.

“They increased it to GH¢3,100 just three weeks before the election, but that’s less than 50% of the world price,” he added.

The situation remains precarious. Abbey warned that Ghana is still rolling over another 120,000 tons into the 2025/2026 season, and while the president has expressed a desire to improve farmer incomes, broader economic instability, particularly the recent challenges facing the cedi, complicates any effort to adjust prices upward.

“This is not just about mismanagement,” Abbey said. “It’s about the collapse of confidence in the institutions that are supposed to protect our farmers and our economy.”

By Iddi Yire 

Accra, May 27, GNA – The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) will from June 1st to 6th undertake a State Party Review Mission visit to Ghana, Madam Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, has announced. 

The Review Mission is meant to assess the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) by Ghana as a State Party to the Convention. 

Speaking to the Presidential Press Corps at the Presidency in Accra, Madam Muslim said this Mission was a vital component of the African Union’s continental framework to strengthen integrity, assess compliance, and foster peer learning among Member States in the implementation of the AUCPCC. 

She said Ghana, as one of the earliest champions of this Convention, had demonstrated commendable leadership in fortifying its anti-corruption systems.  

She noted that this review presents an invaluable opportunity to evaluate progress, celebrate achievements, and identify strategic recommendations that will further enhance institutional effectiveness and public trust. 

“This affords us the rare opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to a future where governance is rooted in ethics, justice, and the unwavering resolve to combat corruption in all its forms,” she stated. 

“Together, we continue to build an Africa that thrives on the principles of accountability and the rule of law.” 

As the nation prepares for this Mission, Madam Muslim reaffirmed their shared vision – an Africa where governance was rooted in fairness, where public trust was earned through action, and where the fight against corruption leaves no room for complacency.  

“Together, we continue to build a future defined not by the challenges we face, but by the integrity with which we overcome them.” 

She said the high-level delegation from the AUABC would arrive in Ghana on Sunday, 1st June, and from Monday, June 2nd, through the course of next week, the AUABC delegation will undertake a series of strategic stakeholder engagements with a cross-section of key institutions in Ghana’s anti-corruption ecosystem. Madam Muslim said these engagements would include consultations with the Office of the President, Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney-General, Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Audit Service, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). 

Others are Parliamentary Committees – Public Accounts Committee, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Civil Society Organizations – Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). 

The rest are Registrar-General’s Department, Judicial Service (Anti-Corruption Desk), Public Procurement Authority (PPA), development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ, World Bank, DANIDA and other relevant actors. 

Madam Muslim said these meetings would provide an opportunity to share experiences, assess progress made under the AUCPCC, and collectively explore ways to strengthen Ghana’s fight against corruption.  

She said a central feature of this engagement includes a High-Level National Anti-Corruption Conference, scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th June, at the Accra International Conference Centre, on the theme “Revitalizing the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghana’s Accountability Journey.” 

Madam Muslim said this landmark event would convene African Union officials, legal experts, public officials, policy influencers, and citizen voices to share perspectives, identify challenges, and shape a more coordinated and courageous anti-corruption response across the continent. 

She said Ghana was proud to provide the platform for such an important dialogue—one that reinforces the African Union’s commitment to mutual accountability, encourages South-South cooperation, and reaffirms their collective resolve to combat corruption in all its forms. 

She reiterated that they look forward to welcoming the AUABC delegates, technical experts, and all our distinguished guests who will soon grace the nation’s shores.  

“We also look forward to a productive, transparent, and inclusive process—one that strengthens both our national integrity systems and continental solidarity,” she stated. 

“Let us all be reminded that the fight against corruption is not the task of a few, but the solemn duty of us all—leaders, citizens, and institutions alike.  

Ghana remains resolute in championing that cause, not just for our own people, but for the future of Africa.” 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade 

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana’s total debt has been reduced by GH¢150 billion, largely due to the recent appreciation of the cedi.

According to the President, if this positive trend continues, Ghana could reach its debt sustainability target by the end of the year.

He made these remarks during a high-level presidential session at the 60th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 51st Annual Meeting of the African Development Fund (ADF) in Abidjan.

“If that trajectory continues, the target of reaching 55 to 58 percent debt sustainability by 2028 will be achieved by the end of this year. That gives us the fiscal space to begin investing in the most productive sectors of the economy,” President Mahama said.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has appreciated by 24.1% against the US dollar over the past four months, driven by improved fiscal policies and strong global commodity prices.

The President noted that a weaker cedi typically leads to an increase in the country’s debt stock, emphasising the importance of a stable currency in managing national debt.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring economic stability and growth.

“We need to look inward, boost domestic revenue, cut wasteful government expenditure, fight corruption, and introduce stronger accountability in governance. That is the focus of my administration,” he said.

The AfDB Annual Meetings gather African leaders, policymakers, development partners, and financial institutions to discuss strategies for sustainable development and economic transformation across the continent.

SSD/MA

President Mahama unveils 8-pillar economic recovery plan