The Deputy Chief Executive of the Food Division of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, has revealed that heavy metal contamination found in some food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market is directly linked to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, areas where galamsey is prevalent record the highest levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in products such as turmeric, cereal mixes (Tom Brown), bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and certain skin-lightening creams and lotions.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, September 26, 2025, Mr. Agyei explained that farmers using polluted water from mining areas on their crops was a key driver of the contamination.

“The issue is the areas where these activities are going on and therefore polluting water, and that water is being used on our farms, knowingly or unknowingly. You can see the pictures when they put them on TV. By and large, you can see that illegal mining is playing a big role,” he said.

He stressed that the problem could only be solved by tackling galamsey itself and urged Ghanaians to unite against the menace.

“The interest should be that Ghanaians should talk to each other. You may have a brother, relatives or friend who may be into this practice. In the end, it is not making us safe when it finds its way into the food chain, and it is a serious thing.

“It is not the time to blame people but to look at ways of solving the problem. But one of the sure ways is to ensure that this illegal mining stops,” he urged.

A National Summary Report by the FDA confirmed alarming levels of heavy metals in certain foods and cosmetics. The report found that kohl had the highest contamination rate, with 77.79% of samples testing positive for lead.

The Upper East and Eastern regions recorded a 100% contamination rate for the product. Turmeric also recorded a 42.09% lead contamination rate, with the Greater Accra and Central regions topping the list.

Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, warned of the serious health implications, particularly for children.

According to him, the smallest amount of lead in the body could damage children’s developing organs, reduce IQ, and cause kidney and heart-related diseases.

Mercury, lead found in Turmeric, Tom Brown – FDA report

Some private businesses and industries in the Ashanti region are demanding a review of the mandatory quota paid to the government on allowances of National Service personnel posted to their facilities.

The businesses are mandated to pay a 20 per cent quota on all allowances of the fresh tertiary graduates recruited to their facilities, which, they argue, is presenting additional costs to their operations.

Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries in the Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono-East regions, Akwasi Nyamekye, is requesting a reduction in the percentage quota.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Annual General Meeting of the association in Kumasi, Mr Nyamekye said the imposition is unfair.

“They should bring it to 10% or 5% for us to take more. Though we are training the guys on behalf of the government, they are still charging us for that. I think it’s unfair,” he noted.

Mr Nyamekye argued that, for agreeing to admit fresh university graduates into their companies for the mandatory service, it is only fair that the government cuts the levy.

“Every year, I have an arrangement with universities in Kumasi [KNUST and KsTU] to take students on internships. When I take a national service personnel and I pay the allowance, sometimes more than the stipulated allowance, and I have to go and pay 20% of the allowance to the secretariat. I think, it is too much,” he noted.

Already, the association has arranged for the secretariat to consider a review of the allowance, awaiting immediate announcement of a reduction.

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.

DJ Slim, Nana Poku Ashis and Lekzy DeComic will be pundits on the show

Over the years, many creatives have on many occasions, spoken up about the struggles they face in the entertainment industry and how crucial support is needed to help boost the creative arts industry.

However, the question stands, why always government? Can the private sector take up the brunt and help boost the creative arts industry?

Join the team at GhanaWeb tonight, September 26, 2025, as top DJ and entertainment pundit DJ Slim, talent manager Nana Poku Ashis, and stand-up comedian Lekzy DeComic come around to discuss the creative arts industry and how it can progress with or without the help of an overburdened government.

The show will be hosted by GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie and Joseph Henry Mensah at 6pm only on X Spaces.

Join through the link below:

https://x.com/i/spaces/1MYGNlQQNenxw

ID/JE

This Saturday on Newsfile, Ghana’s rivers are choking, power lines are under attack, and taps are running dry, while on the streets, young voices cry out against what they call abuse of power. Two national crises, one question: Is Ghana’s leadership truly in control?

The galamsey menace has transformed into a national emergency. A new study reveals poisoned crops and fish in mining communities, threatening food security and public health.

GRIDCo warns its transmission towers are being occupied by illegal miners, some even firing shots at engineers trying to keep the lights on.

Water security is collapsing. Turbidity levels in rivers feeding treatment plants have surged so high that facilities at Sekyere Hemang and Daboase are shutting down, leaving communities like Cape Coast and Elmina grappling with prolonged shortages. For many families, the only available water is muddy, unsafe, and laced with toxins.

The government insists it is responding. The Lands Ministry says it will designate rivers and reserves as national security zones, deploy permanent forces, and points to over 1,400 illegal miners arrested this year, nearly double what the Akufo-Addo government achieved in three years. But with rivers still unfit for treatment and taps still dry, the question remains: is this a decisive war on galamsey, or more of the same rhetoric?

Meanwhile, Ghana’s political arena is heating up. Under the banner “YɛnSuroAhunahuna”, New Patriotic Party youth have taken to the streets, protesting what they describe as state-sponsored harassment and abuse of power.

Their grievances include the detention of party members and the selective use of state institutions against opponents. Petitions have been filed, demands have been issued, and the protest movement is swelling, testing not just the ruling party’s unity, but the resilience of Ghana’s democracy itself.

Join Samson Lardy Anyenini this Saturday at 9 a.m. on JoyNews, JoyFm 99.7, and MyJoyOnline, as we unpack whether the government is winning the fight against galamsey, and whether the growing unrest in the NPP signals a deeper crisis in governance.

Newsfile airs live on the JoyNews channel on digital satellite channels 421 on DSTV and 144 on GoTV, and streams on JoyNews’ Facebook or YouTube channels on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.

Viewers can also follow the discussion by tuning in to Joy 99.7 FM or Luv 99.5 FM on the radio or stream the discussion live on either Google or Apple Podcasts.

Newsfile is your most authoritative news analysis programme.

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.

Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Godfred Bokpin, has backed the World Bank’s position that Ghana’s 2022 economic collapse was largely the result of homegrown vulnerabilities rather than global shocks such as COVID-19 or the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Top Story Friday, Prof. Bokpin described Ghana’s economic downturn as an “accident waiting to happen,” stressing that structural flaws and fiscal mismanagement had set the stage long before the pandemic.

“The World Bank is right. I think my considered view, we have moved on. This is a settled matter, because we had affirmed this position time and again since, actually the third quarter of 2021 when we saw the vulnerability. Of course, the position has been that our economy was heading dangerously.

“COVID only fast-tracked it. It was an accident waiting to happen. So COVID did not initiate our vulnerability; COVID-19 exacerbated it. COVID-19 magnified the existing vulnerability, and then Russia-Ukraine was more or less like the icing on the cake,” he explained.

Prof. Bokpin said the real crisis began when Ghana lost access to the international capital markets in 2021, after investors detected cracks in the economy.

“Nobody, per the data, could convince us that Ghana’s debt-induced macroeconomic instability essentially started from the third quarter of 2021. The investors had seen the cracks,” he noted.

He recalled that even in 2019, the government’s own debt sustainability analysis had confirmed that nearly all indicators were breached.

However, he accused the state of treating significant debts as “below budget line” or “off-balance sheet,” including loans taken by state enterprises such as Cocobod, to give the false impression of stability.

“Remember, the biggest issue at that time was about debt accountability and transparency. We were creating the impression that our debt was sustainable, but that wasn’t the case,” he said.

The professor pointed to the Bank of Ghana’s role in financing the government expenditure after market access was lost, revealing that the central bank printed over GH¢40 billion.

“The exposure of the government to the Bank of Ghana in terms of overdraft and related arrangements came to about GH¢77.6 billion, which had to be restructured,” he added.

He explained that by the time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stepped in, Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio in present value terms had climbed to 109 per cent, far beyond sustainable thresholds. At the same time, liquidity indicators such as the debt service-to-revenue ratio, which should have remained below 18 per cent, were already between 22 and 25 per cent.

According to him, even before COVID-19 struck, Ghana’s fiscal vulnerabilities were apparent but concealed by borrowing from international markets.

“Once we lost market access, we became exposed, not only internationally but domestically. We were priced out in terms of medium- to long-term bonds and had to rely solely on Treasury bills,” he explained.

Prof. Bokpin added that Ghana’s collapse was the inevitable result of weak debt management, poor accountability, and fiscal indiscipline.

“It is not necessarily COVID that exposed us. We had created this, and it was just a matter of time,” he stressed.

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.

Friday marks World Tourism Day, and Ghana has plenty to celebrate. New government figures show international visitors pumped a massive GHS15.42 billion into the economy – yet most Ghanaians can’t afford to explore their own country because hotels charge what tourists pay.

Here’s the irony: while Ghana welcomes record numbers of international visitors, accommodation costs have soared to nearly $500 per week, pricing out locals who might spend a weekend discovering their heritage sites.

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) dropped some eye-opening numbers this week. Between late 2022 and September 2023, overnight tourists – who made up 98.6% of all visitors – spent GHS15.18 billion. Day-trippers added another GHS24 million. These are the first official figures showing just how much tourism means to Ghana’s wallet.

Things are picking up steam too. August alone brought 112,000 passengers through Ghana’s airports. Cape Coast’s slave forts draw visitors from around the world, Kakum’s canopy walks thrill adventure seekers, and Accra’s festivals showcase culture that tourists can’t find anywhere else.

But here’s where it gets complicated. Those same hotel rates that international visitors happily pay – around ₵700 per night for regular hotels, ₵300-400 for budget options – put domestic tourism out of reach for many Ghanaians. A simple three-day getaway becomes a serious financial commitment.

The numbers tell an uncomfortable story. Tourism revenue surged, passenger arrivals climbed, yet domestic tourism managed just 19% growth in 2024 despite obvious local interest. Something doesn’t add up.

Think about what Ghana’s missing out on. Domestic tourists don’t need flights, don’t require visa processing, and travel year-round instead of following seasonal patterns. They’d visit family, explore different regions, and spend money in local communities that international tourists might never reach.

“The untapped domestic market represents more than just economic potential,” industry watchers often say, and they’re right. Local travelers would strengthen supply chains, support small businesses, and create jobs in every region. More importantly, Ghanaians would discover their own country’s incredible diversity.

The problem runs deeper than expensive hotels. Roads to tourist sites need work, attractions lack proper maintenance, and traffic around Accra can kill any weekend travel plans. Add relatively low average incomes, and domestic tourism becomes a luxury most families skip.

Meanwhile, international tourists keep coming because Ghana delivers exactly what they’re seeking – authentic African culture, historical significance, and hospitality that makes visitors feel welcome. The country has successfully positioned itself as West Africa’s cultural hub, and the investment in that reputation is paying off.

The accommodation sector reflects this focus. Hotels cater to international standards and charge accordingly, creating a two-tier system where world-class facilities serve overseas visitors while locals search for affordable alternatives that barely exist.

Regional competition makes this domestic market gap more concerning. As neighboring countries develop their tourism offerings, Ghana needs every advantage it can find. A strong domestic base would provide stability when international travel faces disruptions – something the pandemic taught everyone about tourism’s volatility.

Government data shows overnight visitors heavily outspend day-trippers, suggesting longer stays generate more economic impact. Domestic tourists could follow similar patterns if accommodation costs weren’t so prohibitive. Weekend trips could become week-long vacations if the pricing made sense.

Infrastructure improvements would benefit everyone. Better roads to Kakum, improved facilities at Elmina Castle, and reduced traffic congestion around major attractions would enhance experiences for international and domestic visitors alike. The question is whether Ghana can balance premium international appeal with domestic accessibility.

Some solutions seem obvious. Mid-range hotels targeting local travelers, tourism packages designed for Ghanaian budgets, and promoting secondary destinations beyond Accra and Cape Coast could open up domestic market potential.

World Tourism Day celebrations this year highlight both achievement and opportunity. Ghana has built an impressive international tourism sector that generates billions and employs hundreds of thousands. The next challenge involves ensuring Ghanaians can participate in exploring their own remarkable country.

The irony shouldn’t be lost: Ghana markets itself globally as a destination where visitors can connect with African heritage and culture, yet many Ghanaians can’t afford to experience these same attractions. Solving this contradiction could unlock tourism’s full potential while ensuring the benefits reach every corner of the country.

Ghana’s broadcasting sector confronts an existential crisis as nine out of ten television and radio stations operate at a loss while the government simultaneously ends free Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) operations that could affect over 45 stations nationwide.

Paul Adom-Otchere, former Ghana Airports Company Limited Board Chairman and veteran broadcaster, delivered stark warnings at Friday’s “Broadcasting at the Crossroads” forum, revealing that traditional advertising models have fundamentally collapsed. His assessment comes as Minister Sam George declared government can no longer shoulder the complete financial burden of operating the country’s DTT network.

The timing creates perfect storm conditions for Ghana’s media landscape. While local broadcasters struggle with revenue decline, global broadcast TV advertising revenue is declining 9.3% to $32.83 billion in 2025, indicating worldwide industry disruption rather than isolated Ghanaian challenges.

“Right now in Ghana, 90% of TV and radio stations are running at a loss because advertising is not working anymore,” Adom-Otchere stated during the Africa Media Bureau-hosted forum at Alisa Hotel in Accra. The revelation coincides with government policy shifts that eliminate crucial operational subsidies.

The crisis reflects broader digital transformation pressures across African media markets. Connected TV advertising revenues are projected to reach $51 billion globally by 2029, equal to 45% of traditional broadcast TV advertising, highlighting the fundamental shift toward digital platforms that many Ghanaian stations cannot effectively monetize.

Adom-Otchere, who also serves as Metro TV General Manager and hosts “Good Evening Ghana,” identified content monetization as the sector’s only viable survival strategy. Many broadcasters have already pivoted to YouTube channels for revenue generation as traditional advertising streams evaporate.

“Radio and TV stations are opening YouTube channels and putting their content there because that is how they get money,” he explained, describing a desperate adaptation to digital-first consumption patterns that favor international platforms over local broadcasters.

The government’s DTT policy reversal compounds existing financial pressures. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation is reviewing Ghana’s broadcasting policy framework to better reflect digital convergence realities, but immediate relief appears unlikely for struggling stations.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, speaking at the same forum, called for establishing a powerful pan-African media agency based in Accra to reshape how the continent is portrayed globally, suggesting continental solutions for industry challenges that transcend national boundaries.

The broadcasting collapse threatens media plurality in Ghana’s democracy. Adom-Otchere warned that financially vulnerable stations face potential political capture as desperate operators seek alternative funding sources that could compromise editorial independence.

“The danger is that they will be overtaken by politicians and politics,” he cautioned, highlighting democratic implications beyond economic concerns. The warning carries particular weight given Ghana’s upcoming electoral cycles and media’s crucial role in democratic discourse.

Industry observers note the paradox of declining local media while international streaming services gain African subscribers. French broadcaster Canal+ recently completed a $2.9 billion takeover of MultiChoice Group, demonstrating foreign confidence in African content markets that local players struggle to access.

The crisis extends beyond commercial broadcasting to public interest journalism. As traditional revenue models collapse, investigative reporting and local news coverage face particular vulnerability, potentially creating information gaps in rural communities dependent on radio broadcasting.

National Communications Authority (NCA) response becomes critical for sector survival. Adom-Otchere urged infrastructure and policy interventions supporting local content monetization, but regulatory solutions require coordinated action across government ministries already managing competing priorities.

The Broadcasting at the Crossroads forum highlighted industry recognition that current trajectories are unsustainable. However, proposed solutions require substantial investment in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks that may arrive too late for stations facing immediate closure.

Ghana’s newspaper advertising market projects continued decline of 2.34% through 2029, indicating broader print and traditional media challenges that extend beyond broadcasting alone.

The sector’s collapse could reshape Ghana’s media landscape permanently, potentially consolidating surviving operations while eliminating smaller community-focused stations. The outcome will significantly impact information access and democratic participation across Ghana’s diverse regional communities.

Ghana’s broadcasting sector confronts an existential crisis as nine out of ten television and radio stations operate at a loss while the government simultaneously ends free Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) operations that could affect over 45 stations nationwide.

Paul Adom-Otchere, former Ghana Airports Company Limited Board Chairman and veteran broadcaster, delivered stark warnings at Friday’s “Broadcasting at the Crossroads” forum, revealing that traditional advertising models have fundamentally collapsed. His assessment comes as Minister Sam George declared government can no longer shoulder the complete financial burden of operating the country’s DTT network.

The timing creates perfect storm conditions for Ghana’s media landscape. While local broadcasters struggle with revenue decline, global broadcast TV advertising revenue is declining 9.3% to $32.83 billion in 2025, indicating worldwide industry disruption rather than isolated Ghanaian challenges.

“Right now in Ghana, 90% of TV and radio stations are running at a loss because advertising is not working anymore,” Adom-Otchere stated during the Africa Media Bureau-hosted forum at Alisa Hotel in Accra. The revelation coincides with government policy shifts that eliminate crucial operational subsidies.

The crisis reflects broader digital transformation pressures across African media markets. Connected TV advertising revenues are projected to reach $51 billion globally by 2029, equal to 45% of traditional broadcast TV advertising, highlighting the fundamental shift toward digital platforms that many Ghanaian stations cannot effectively monetize.

Adom-Otchere, who also serves as Metro TV General Manager and hosts “Good Evening Ghana,” identified content monetization as the sector’s only viable survival strategy. Many broadcasters have already pivoted to YouTube channels for revenue generation as traditional advertising streams evaporate.

“Radio and TV stations are opening YouTube channels and putting their content there because that is how they get money,” he explained, describing a desperate adaptation to digital-first consumption patterns that favor international platforms over local broadcasters.

The government’s DTT policy reversal compounds existing financial pressures. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation is reviewing Ghana’s broadcasting policy framework to better reflect digital convergence realities, but immediate relief appears unlikely for struggling stations.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, speaking at the same forum, called for establishing a powerful pan-African media agency based in Accra to reshape how the continent is portrayed globally, suggesting continental solutions for industry challenges that transcend national boundaries.

The broadcasting collapse threatens media plurality in Ghana’s democracy. Adom-Otchere warned that financially vulnerable stations face potential political capture as desperate operators seek alternative funding sources that could compromise editorial independence.

“The danger is that they will be overtaken by politicians and politics,” he cautioned, highlighting democratic implications beyond economic concerns. The warning carries particular weight given Ghana’s upcoming electoral cycles and media’s crucial role in democratic discourse.

Industry observers note the paradox of declining local media while international streaming services gain African subscribers. French broadcaster Canal+ recently completed a $2.9 billion takeover of MultiChoice Group, demonstrating foreign confidence in African content markets that local players struggle to access.

The crisis extends beyond commercial broadcasting to public interest journalism. As traditional revenue models collapse, investigative reporting and local news coverage face particular vulnerability, potentially creating information gaps in rural communities dependent on radio broadcasting.

National Communications Authority (NCA) response becomes critical for sector survival. Adom-Otchere urged infrastructure and policy interventions supporting local content monetization, but regulatory solutions require coordinated action across government ministries already managing competing priorities.

The Broadcasting at the Crossroads forum highlighted industry recognition that current trajectories are unsustainable. However, proposed solutions require substantial investment in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks that may arrive too late for stations facing immediate closure.

Ghana’s newspaper advertising market projects continued decline of 2.34% through 2029, indicating broader print and traditional media challenges that extend beyond broadcasting alone.

The sector’s collapse could reshape Ghana’s media landscape permanently, potentially consolidating surviving operations while eliminating smaller community-focused stations. The outcome will significantly impact information access and democratic participation across Ghana’s diverse regional communities.

Ghana’s fixed income market demonstrated stark contrasts in investor appetite September 26, 2025, with treasury bills capturing GH¢1.13 billion in trading volume while new government bonds from the debt restructuring programme attracted just GH¢1.74 million across a single transaction.

The trading data from the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM) reveals a market increasingly focused on short-term government securities as investors maintain cautious positioning amid ongoing economic stabilization efforts. The preference aligns with recent inflation data showing rates at 11.5% in August 2025, marking the lowest level in four years.

Treasury bills dominated the session with 10 separate transactions, led by 91-day instruments maturing October 20, 2025, which accounted for the largest single volume component. The concentration in short-term instruments reflects investor preference for liquidity and frequent repricing opportunities rather than locking into longer-term commitments.

Corporate bond activity showed surprising strength, with Cocoa Board securities generating GH¢20.4 million across 22 transactions. The state-owned commodity trading entity’s bonds maturing August 30, 2027, represented the entire corporate trading volume, highlighting the narrow depth of Ghana’s corporate debt market beyond government-backed entities.

Bank of Ghana (BoG) bills recorded GH¢165 million in a single large transaction, demonstrating institutional demand for central bank instruments. The transaction size suggests pension fund or insurance company positioning, typical institutional behaviors when managing liquidity requirements.

The minimal activity in new Government of Ghana (GoG) bonds reveals ongoing market hesitation around instruments created through the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). These securities became benchmark bonds following the successful completion of Ghana’s debt restructuring, yet trading volumes suggest investors remain cautious about longer-term government commitments.

Old GoG bonds, representing pre-restructuring instruments, generated GH¢566,000 across three transactions, indicating some residual market interest in legacy securities. These instruments often trade at significant discounts, attracting opportunistic investors seeking higher yields despite elevated credit risks.

Sell and buyback arrangements totaled GH¢199.66 million across 15 transactions, reflecting active repo market conditions. These transactions typically serve short-term funding needs for banks and other financial institutions, providing market makers with inventory management tools.

The absence of activity in collateralized and Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA) trades suggests limited institutional demand for structured repo arrangements during the session. This segment typically reflects more sophisticated trading strategies by larger financial institutions.

Yield patterns across the trading session showed typical term structure characteristics, with longer-dated instruments commanding higher returns. New GoG bonds displayed yields ranging from 15% to 23%, reflecting both credit risk premiums and term risk compensation demanded by investors.

The trading patterns mirror broader trends in Ghana’s post-restructuring financial markets. Recent sessions have recorded volumes exceeding one billion cedis, underlining the substantial scale of Ghana’s domestic debt market operations, though the composition heavily favors short-term instruments.

Market participants attribute the treasury bill preference to several factors: improved government fiscal discipline, clearer monetary policy signals from the BoG, and international investor confidence following successful International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme implementation.

The corporate bond segment’s reliance on Cocoa Board highlights structural challenges in Ghana’s capital markets. Private sector entities remain largely absent from bond markets, reflecting both regulatory constraints and investor risk appetite limitations for non-government backed credits.

Technical market indicators suggest increasing sophistication in Ghana’s fixed income infrastructure. The GFIM platform processed 52 separate transactions across multiple security categories, demonstrating operational capacity for handling diverse trading requirements.

Regional context shows Ghana’s fixed income market development exceeding many West African peers in terms of electronic trading capabilities and instrument diversity. The presence of corporate bonds, central bank bills, and structured repo arrangements positions the market favorably for continued development.

Looking ahead, market observers expect continued concentration in short-term instruments until investor confidence in Ghana’s long-term fiscal trajectory strengthens further. The government’s ability to demonstrate consistent debt service on new restructured instruments will likely determine when longer-term bond trading volumes recover.

Financial sector implications extend beyond immediate trading profits. Banks and insurance companies rely heavily on government securities for regulatory capital and asset-liability matching, making treasury bill market liquidity crucial for broader financial system stability.

The session’s GH¢1.33 billion total trading volume represents approximately 0.02% of Ghana’s gross domestic product, indicating substantial domestic savings mobilization through capital markets. This metric compares favorably with regional peers and demonstrates the growing importance of domestic debt markets in Ghana’s financial system.

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Ho (V/R), Sept. 26, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from Fidelity Bank Ghana, has held its maiden Civic Fest Celebration and Competition in the Ho Municipality. 

The event forms part of NCCE’s Climate Action Awareness Project on the theme “Protecting Our Environment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” 

The event featured three Civic Education Clubs from Philip-Akpo Memorial JHS, Dome A.M.E. Zion Basic School, and Mawuli JHS, who showcased their knowledge of civic values, environmental protection, and national issues through drama, poetry, dance, rap, comedy, and exhibitions of recycled plastic products. 

After a keenly contested competition, the Ho-Dome A.M.E. Zion Basic School emerged as the overall winner, impressing the judges with their creativity and strong understanding of the theme. 

Mr Kenneth Kponor, the NCCE Volta Regional Director, commended Fidelity Bank Ghana for sponsoring the programme and urged pupils to embrace the three ‘Rs’ – reduce, reuse, and recycle – as the only way to combat plastic waste and its harmful health effects. 

Rev. Vincent Adzika, the Ho Municipal Director of NCCE, praised the participating schools for their enthusiasm, stressing that Civic Fest was not only about academic competition but also to nurture honesty, patriotism, communal spirit, and environmental consciousness among schoolchildren. 

Torgbui Kludzehe of Ho, who chaired the event, expressed admiration for the pupils’ talent and their ability to transform plastic waste into useful products. 

The event was attended by dignitaries including Mr Oral-Robert Amenyo, the NCCE Volta Regional Deputy Director; Mr Elliot Setornam and Mr Kwami Akorlor of Fidelity Bank Ghana; Rev. Israel Akrobortu, the Regional Director of the Department of Children, and Mr Michael Tormeti from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). 

The rest were Ms Seyram A. Genie-Aidam, the Girl Child Coordinator of GES; Ms Gladys Amuzu, Second Cycle Schools Coordinator, Ghana Education Service (GES), and Ms Cynthia Ayim, the Planning Officer at Ho Municipal GES. 

Awards were presented to the winning school and all participating institutions, with a call on the pupils to become ambassadors of environmental protection in their schools and communities. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo 

Ghana has clinched its tenth visa waiver agreement since January, this time with Antigua and Barbuda, as Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa continues an unprecedented diplomatic offensive that positions the West African nation as a global travel hub.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, eliminates visa requirements for holders of ordinary, service, and diplomatic passports from both countries. It allows citizens of both countries to travel without visa restrictions, thereby strengthening bilateral ties and fostering deeper cooperation, marking a strategic milestone in Africa-Caribbean relations.

Ablakwa’s meeting with Antiguan Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene represents more than diplomatic protocol—it signals a calculated push to position Ghana as the gateway for Africa-Caribbean economic integration. The timing coincides with growing international recognition of Ghana’s stability and investment potential in West Africa.

The Caribbean connection offers particular strategic value for Ghana’s economy. Antigua and Barbuda, while small with just over 100,000 citizens, serves as a critical financial services hub in the Caribbean with established links to North American and European markets. This creates potential pathways for Ghanaian businesses seeking international expansion beyond traditional African markets.

Greene characterized the relationship as “family ties rooted in history and culture,” acknowledging the shared heritage that connects many Caribbean nations to West Africa through the historical experiences of the African diaspora. The minister emphasized that direct travel links could unlock economic opportunities currently hampered by complex visa requirements and transit restrictions.

The agreement was announced Wednesday evening through Ablakwa’s social media channels, highlighting the modern diplomatic approach of the Mahama Administration, which took office in January 2025. The announcement underscores how Ghana has accelerated its diplomatic engagement since the new government assumed power.

The broader context reveals Ghana’s systematic approach to global mobility. Previous agreements secured in 2025 include deals with Morocco, Serbia, Colombia, and several other nations across multiple continents. This represents a departure from traditional diplomatic practices, where visa agreements often took years to negotiate and implement.

For Ghana’s private sector, the Antigua connection opens potential opportunities in tourism, financial services, and trade facilitation. Caribbean nations have developed sophisticated offshore financial systems that could benefit Ghanaian companies seeking international banking and investment structures.

The agreement also addresses broader African development goals. Enhanced mobility between Africa and the Caribbean could facilitate knowledge transfer, particularly in areas where Caribbean nations have developed expertise, including disaster management, small island development strategies, and sustainable tourism models.

Ablakwa’s diplomatic achievements contrast sharply with previous administrations’ approaches to international relations. The Foreign Minister, who previously served as Deputy Minister for Education and has been a prominent parliamentarian representing North Tongu constituency, has brought a results-oriented approach to Ghana’s foreign policy.

The reparations discussion that emerged during the bilateral meeting adds another dimension to the agreement. Greene’s support for Ghana’s push to elevate reparations to the same international priority level as genocide and xenophobia reflects growing global momentum around historical justice issues.

Trade implications extend beyond immediate bilateral benefits. Antigua and Barbuda’s membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) potentially provides Ghana with indirect access to broader Caribbean markets through preferential arrangements.

Tourism sectors in both countries stand to benefit significantly. Ghana’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for African diaspora tourism, particularly around the “Year of Return” initiatives, could expand through Caribbean connections. Similarly, Ghanaian travelers gain access to world-class Caribbean hospitality and financial services sectors.

The agreement reflects broader trends in South-South cooperation, where developing nations increasingly bypass traditional North-South diplomatic and economic relationships in favor of direct partnerships. This approach has gained momentum as African and Caribbean nations seek to reduce dependency on former colonial powers.

Implementation timelines remain unclear, though similar agreements negotiated by Ghana in 2025 have typically become effective within three to six months of signing. The expedited process reflects both countries’ commitment to transforming diplomatic agreements into practical benefits for their citizens.

Ghana’s visa waiver strategy represents more than travel convenience—it positions the country as a regional hub for international business, cultural exchange, and investment flows. Each agreement creates network effects that enhance Ghana’s attractiveness as a destination for multinational corporations and international organizations seeking African regional headquarters.

The success of Ablakwa’s diplomatic campaign demonstrates how focused, strategic foreign policy can yield measurable results in relatively short timeframes. The ten visa waiver agreements secured since January exceed the total achieved by many countries over multiple years, reflecting both Ghana’s enhanced international standing and the new administration’s prioritization of economic diplomacy.