Twenty Ghanaian nationals, made up of 10 men and 10 women, have been rescued from suspected human traffickers in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State, following a joint operation between the Ghana Police Service, INTERPOL, and the Nigerian Police.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed the rescue in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Nigerian Punch newspaper reported.

According to the report, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the victims were discovered in a heavily fenced compound at Obio Etoi village in the Uyo Local Government Area.

The rescue operation, carried out on Monday, August 18, 2025, was based on credible intelligence received after a formal request from the Ghana Police Service. Armed operatives stormed the building around 4:17 pm, freeing the 20 Ghanaians who had been held against their will.

“On August 18, 2025, operatives of the Command successfully rescued 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,” the police spokesperson confirmed.

“The victims were rescued after a collaborative operation with the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL,” she reportedly added.

The Nigerian police said the rescued victims appeared dazed and disoriented at the time of the operation, with investigators suspecting that they may have been hypnotised.

“The victims presently appear disoriented and have been unable to provide useful information,” DSP John revealed.

The police have since launched a full-scale investigation into the trafficking network and assured that updates will be communicated as more details emerge.

A Daily Guide Report

Ghana’s political reset in 2025 has coincided with an unmistakable economic rebound. Inflation is easing, the Ghana Cedi has steadied, business activity is picking up, and this grants the new administration its first real chance to rewrite the country’s stop-start growth story.

The rebound looks even sharper against peers, with Nigeria struggling with inflation above 20% and Kenya with recurring fiscal strains. Ghana’s mix of forex interventions, rising gold and cocoa earnings, and a recovering Composite Index of Economic Activity puts it closer to Côte d’Ivoire’s steady post-pandemic climb.

The economic momentum is supported by hard numbers, pointed sharply upwards, and, at last, appears to be smiling. In the first half of the year, headline inflation tumbled from 23.8% (December 2024) to 13.7% (June 2025), the Ghana Cedi surged by more than 40% against the US Dollar, and GDP growth accelerated to 5.3% in Quarter 1 (Q1).

International reserves have climbed to their highest level in 15 years, delivering approximately 4.8 months of imports cover even as public debt has fallen from GH¢726.7 billion to GH¢613.0 billion. The banking sector’s capital adequacy ratio has strengthened to 14.4% and food inflation, though still elevated at 15.1% in July, is well below crisis peaks.

These achievements are an indication of prudent fiscal management, targeted monetary policy, and strategic interventions in key sectors.

Such early gains have not occurred by chance. Coordinated policy execution, renewed investor confidence, and decisive measures in both the fiscal and monetary arenas have laid a strong foundation for recovery. Unlike some previous transitions, where initial optimism faded, the current rebound stands out for its sheer speed and scale.

However, experienced analysts may feel a twinge of déjà vu. History has shown that early gains can fade if structural reforms stall or fiscal discipline slips in later years. For President Mahama’s administration, the challenge and opportunity are to sustain these advances beyond the honeymoon phase, breaking the cycle of short-lived recoveries.

Doing so will require resisting the temptation to reset priorities midstream for short-term political wins and instead sustaining the agenda in reforms that outlast the electoral cycle.

This review examines ten key macroeconomic and banking indicators, which metrics provide a panoramic view of how far the economy has come since the turbulence of recent years and where the next phase of the path will be won or lost.

Inflation

Inflation, once the most visible sign of economic stress in Ghana, has eased dramatically in 2025. Headline inflation fell to 12.1% year-on-year (YoY) in July, the lowest level since October 2021. This represents a sharp drop from 23.8% in late 2024 and 18.4% as recently as May 2025.

The cooling trend has been powered by falling fuel and transport costs, lower food prices, and a stronger Ghana Cedi, reducing imported inflationary pressures. Food inflation remains above headline levels but has retreated from the crisis high of 2022/2023.

This is a marked departure from the early years of previous first-term administrations, such as the Kufuor and Mahama (v1) governments, when inflation often spiked in the double digits before stabilisation measures took hold. The present disinflationary phase gives the Bank of Ghana (BoG) room to consider interest rate cuts, potentially easing borrowing costs and stimulating investment, provided stability is maintained.

Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA)

Ghana’s Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA), which is a monthly gauge of business and consumer activity, points to a much stronger recovery in 2025. Covering trade, company sales, tourist numbers, port traffic, bank lending, electricity use, cement sales, private sector credit, and VAT receipts, the index plunged in the year 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

By May 2025, CIEA was up 4.4% in real terms compared to a year earlier, which is an improvement from 3.4% in May 2024. Also, in March 2025, activity rose 2.3% YoY, more than double the 1.0% gain in March 2024. This is in stark contrast to 2020, when contractions of up to -4% were recorded.

These stronger CIEA readings are consistent with Ghana’s broader economic growth of 5.3% in Q1 2025, up from 4.9% in Q1 2024, well above the long-term average since the year 2000. The key drivers are expansions in agriculture, services, and construction, supported by easing inflation, a stable exchange rate, and stronger foreign reserves.

Monetary Policy Rate

The BoG’s policy rate, which stood at 28% earlier in 2025, was slashed by a historic 300 basis points in July, bringing it down to 25%, the steepest cut in its history. This (unarguably) decisive move was backed by a sharp disinflationary trend, with inflation easing to 13.7% in June from 18.4% in May, the lowest level since December 2021.

Looking ahead, market watchers expect further easing. Analysts at Fitch Solutions forecast an additional reduction to 23% by the end of 2025 and 20% by the end of 2026, a projection validated by the BoG Governor’s own admission that there is room for further policy cuts if macroeconomic stability persists.

The transmission of this monetary stance is already becoming evident as commercial banks are revising lending rates downward, easing financing pressures on businesses and households. This renewed credit momentum is filtering into the real economy, particularly agriculture, services, and small enterprise sectors that are highly rate-sensitive.

Exchange Rate Performance

Perhaps the most striking development in 2025 has been the Ghana Cedi’s rebound. Earlier in the year, the Ghana Cedi traded as weakly as the high GH¢15s, levels last seen during past crises. By mid-June, it had recovered to about GH¢10.3 per USD, representing an appreciation of over 40%, one of the sharpest in the region.

This rebound has been propelled by a powerful mix of macroeconomic measures and external inflows. A strong external buffer, tight monetary policy, and improved market sentiment played central roles as detailed as follows;

Firstly, gross international reserves rose to about US$11.12 billion by June, raising import cover to approximately 4.8 months, significantly strengthening Ghana’s ability to weather external shocks.

Also, the Bank of Ghana’s regular interbank interventions, including a US$490 million forex injection in April 2025, helped to manage the exchange rate effectively. At the same time, the GoldBod initiative, under which the government purchases all gold from artisanal miners and about 20% of large-scale miners’ monthly production in Ghana Cedi rather than US Dollars for export, paired with high global gold and cocoa prices, ensured steady FX inflows, supporting the Ghana Cedi’s stability.

Moreover, the exercise of tight monetary policy with the policy rate held at 28% through mid-2025, combined with fiscal reforms and debt restructuring, strengthened confidence in both the Ghana Cedi and Ghana’s economic outlook.

Fiscal Balance

The fiscal deficit for 2025 is projected at 3.9% of GDP, which is an improvement from the 4.1% recorded in 2024 and well below the double-digit gaps seen during the COVID-19 years. This narrowing is an indication of disciplined expenditure management, improved tax compliance, and stronger-than-expected receipts from the energy sector. More importantly, too, the government’s target of maintaining a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP signals a shift towards fiscal orthodoxy, which is something that has not always been sustained in the early terms of past administrations.

Historically, similar fiscal gains in the mid-2000s and mid-2010s were often reversed by election-year spending surges, leading to inflationary pressures and exchange rate instability. The key challenge now will be to sustain these gains beyond the mid-year review period while safeguarding growth-enhancing capital expenditures.

From a theoretical perspective, this trend is consistent with the fiscal sustainability framework, which posits that maintaining a primary surplus is essential for stabilizing public debt-to-GDP ratios. It also resonates with Ricardian Equivalence to some extent, in that credible fiscal consolidation can improve market confidence, lowering sovereign risk premiums and stimulating private investment. In the context of Ghana, the credibility of this fiscal path will hinge on resisting procyclical spending in the run-up to 2026 and embedding structural reforms that enhance revenue resilience.

Public Debt-to-GDP Ratio

Ghana has achieved a spectacular drop in public debt from a staggering 85% to 89% of GDP in 2022 to just 43.8% by June 2025, down from 61.8% at the end of 2024. Even though the breakdowns show domestic and external obligations tallying to 22.3% and 29.1%, respectively, valuation differences explain why they don’t reconcile perfectly with the headline figure.

Compared to the debt overhang that burdened earlier governments, particularly during the pre-HIPC years, the current ratios suggest more fiscal breathing space. However, Ghana’s history of external shocks, from commodity price swings to global financial turbulence, justifies the need for vigilance.

Economic Growth Rate
At 5.3% YoY in Q1 2025, Ghana’s GDP growth is outpacing the 2024 performance of 4.9% YoY and beating earlier projections. The non-oil economy, led by agriculture and services, remains the main driver of expansion, effectively counterbalancing the ongoing drag from oil and gas. Agriculture has been propped up by favourable weather and higher cocoa output, even as services, especially wholesale, retail, and information and communications technology (ICT) continue to provide strong momentum, according to the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 Monetary Policy Report.

From a theoretical perspective, therefore, this pattern is consistent with the structural transformation hypothesis, which posits that sustainable long-run growth requires a shift from narrow, resource-driven expansion to a broader, diversified base across productive sectors. Ghana’s growth trend demonstrates this transition, unlike the early 2010s, when GDP growth peaked above 14% in 2011 on the back of oil production. Today’s economy is less dependent on extractives. This diversification strengthens resilience by reducing vulnerability to sector-specific shocks.

Nonetheless, the current growth figure of 5.3% YoY remains below the 6.5% average recorded during President Akufo-Addo’s first term (2017 to 2020), when momentum was boosted by post-oil boom expansion. However, the present path appears steadier and more balanced, supporting long-run stability over short-lived cyclical surges.

Credit Growth to the Private Sector

Private sector credit in Ghana remains an indispensable fault line in the country’s growth narrative. As of 2023, the credit-to-GDP ratio stood at just 8.65%, less than half the 16% level seen in 2017 and well below regional comparators. This collapse in credit penetration shows the lingering effects of post-recapitalisation retrenchment, legacy non-performing loans (NPLs) burden, and tighter prudential oversight.

However, the tide is slowly turning. The rebound in private-sector credit is striking. In nominal terms, credit surged by 26.9% YoY in February 2025, up sharply from just 5.1% a year earlier. Even more telling, real credit growth turned positive at 3.1%, reversing February 2024’s steep -14.7% contraction. Such recovery shows improving balance sheets, a restoration of confidence, and the early stirrings of a more supportive financial environment.

The structural low in credit penetration is an indication that Ghana’s financial system is still healing. According to World Bank data (FRED, GFDD private-credit series), private credit-to-GDP declined from 12.9% in 2017 to 9.9% in 2020, before sliding further. Even with the 2025 rebound, credit supply remains thin, constraining the full growth potential of the economy.

Ghana’s credit story is therefore at an inflection point where policy easing and macroeconomic stability may ignite a financial accelerator effect, but the pace of recovery will hinge on whether banks can sustainably balance prudence with risk appetite.

Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Ratio

Ghana’s banking sector is showing tentative progress in asset quality, though vulnerabilities remain pronounced. As of April 2025, the Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio declined to 23.6%, down from 25.7% in April 2024. This marks a continuation of the downward trend from a peak above 26% in early 2024, showing stronger loan growth relative to the rise in problem loans. Still, though, the figure is more than double the 10% ceiling the BoG targets by December 2026.

A more encouraging signal lies in the adjusted NPL ratio, which excludes fully provisioned loans, now at 9.0%, improved from 11.1% in April 2024. This suggests banks are increasingly absorbing expected losses and strengthening their capital buffers. This notwithstanding, the absolute stock of NPLs climbed to GH¢21.7 billion, up 8.7% from GH¢20.0 billion a year earlier, buttressing the fact that while the ratios are improving, the problem in nominal terms is far from solved.

The private sector dominates Ghana’s NPL burden, accounting for 93.4% of the total in April 2025, up from 91.0% the previous year. By contrast, the public sector’s share eased to 6.6%, demonstrating relative improvements in state-related loan performance.

Disaggregated sectoral figures paint a mixed picture, as shown in the lines below;

Firstly, agriculture, forestry, and fishing remain the most distressed, with NPLs surging to 62.1% from 58.7%.

Also, transportation, storage, and communications worsened, climbing to 53.9% from 49.0%.

Encouragingly, construction saw a sharp turnaround, with NPLs falling to 30.3% from 41.3%, while mining and quarrying improved to 9.8%, down from 14.4%, the lowest across major sectors.

Notwithstanding the modest gains, Ghana’s NPL ratio of 23.6% is still extreme compared to regional peers, where most West African and Sub-Saharan African banking systems record NPL levels between 10% to 15%. Elevated NPLs are not just a banking-sector problem, but they transmit broader macroeconomic consequences.

From the lens of the financial accelerator theory, high problem loan ratios erode banks’ net worth and risk-bearing capacity, amplifying shocks in the real economy. With capital locked in non-performing assets, banks raise risk premiums and curtail credit supply, creating a feedback loop that restrains private sector investment and growth.

Capital Adequacy Ratio

As of mid-2025, Ghana’s banking sector maintains an aggregate Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of about 14.3% to 14.4%. This sits comfortably above the 13% regulatory minimum (temporarily eased to 10% under forbearance during the post-crisis clean-up), showing a banking sector with materially stronger capitalization than in the turbulent pre-year 2017 era.

The progress is striking when viewed against history. Before the 2017 financial sector reforms and the more recent Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), many banks struggled to meet even the regulatory floor, with CARs frequently slipping below 13%. Weak capital positions were a key trigger for systemic distress and the wave of bank failures during the clean-up.

By contrast, today’s 14% level represents a marked turnaround. The trend line shown in the lines below proves this shift.

1. In the year 2022, CAR plunged to about 7.3%, showing post-DDEP valuation losses.
2. In late 2023, recovery began, with CAR improving to around 11.1%, signalling the start of stabilization.
3. From 2024 to early 2025, CAR rose to and held steady at 14.0% to 14.4%, aided by recapitalization measures, regulatory reliefs, and gradual profitability recovery.

This upward trend has strengthened banks’ buffers against shocks. However, regulators and analysts alike caution that capital strength alone is insufficient. Resilience still hinges on tackling high non-performing loans (23.6% as of April 2025) and ensuring banks generate sustainable profits to build capital organically, rather than relying on regulatory waivers or forced recapitalizations.

The foregoing analysis reveals that key macroeconomic fundamentals have strengthened markedly, buoyed by sound fiscal oversight, a stabilized currency, and a progressively healthier banking sector. The early gains of this administration, though reminiscent of previous first-term surges, are being achieved in a far more complex global and domestic environment, making the government’s and Bank of Ghana’s achievements all the more noteworthy.

Ultimately, if 2025 proves to be Ghana’s New Dawn or a replay of Déjà Vu will hinge on the coherence, consistency, and intensity of execution beyond this mid-year checkpoint. The first half of the year provides tangible evidence that the current administration has both the opportunity and the momentum to break the historical cycle of gains followed by reversals. With steadfast political will and pragmatic economic stewardship, Ghana can chart a more resilient and inclusive path, one that consolidates its hard-won stability into lasting prosperity.

By Dr. Akwasi Agyeman Britwum

Economist, Chartered Accountant, Banker

References

Primary Authoritative Sources

1. Bank of Ghana. (2025, July). Monetary Policy Committee Press Release – July 2025. Accra: Bank of Ghana. https://www.bog.gov.gh
2. Bank of Ghana. (2024, December). Financial Stability Review 2024. Accra: Bank of Ghana.
3. Bank of Ghana. (n.d.). Real Sector Indicators. Bank of Ghana. https://www.bog.gov.gh/economic-data/real-sector/
4. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. (2024). Private credit by deposit money banks to GDP for Ghana (DDDI01GHA156NWDB) [Data set]. World Bank, Global Financial Development Database. FRED. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DDDI01GHA156NWDB
5. Fitch Solutions. (2025, March). Ghana Banking & Financial Services Report Q2 2025. London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited.
6. International Monetary Fund. (2025, May). Ghana: Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement. IMF Country Report No. 25/112. Washington, DC: IMF.
7. International Monetary Fund. (2025). Ghana: Fourth Review Under the Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility. IMF Staff Country Reports, 2025(175). https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229016827.002
8. Ministry of Finance, Ghana. (2025). 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. Accra: Ministry of Finance. https://mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/budget-statements/2025-Budget-Statement-and-Economic-Policy.pdf
9. World Bank. (2024, October). Ghana Economic Update: Strengthening Resilience for Sustainable Recovery. Washington, DC: World Bank.
10. World Bank. (2025). Ghana Public Finance Review: Building the Foundations for a Resilient and Equitable Fiscal Policy. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://hdl.handle.net/10986/42798

Supporting / Media References

1. (2025, March 10). Ghana’s banking sector capital adequacy ratio improves to 14.4% – BoG. GhanaWeb. https://www.ghanaweb.com
2. JoyOnline. (2025, April 3). Banks show stronger capital buffers as CAR rises to 14.3%. MyJoyOnline. https://www.myjoyonline.com

Facebook has removed an Italian group which saw men sharing intimate images of often unsuspecting women with thousands of people online.

The Mia Moglie group, which translates to My Wife in English, had around 32,000 members before it was shut down this week.

Its discovery has prompted outrage among Italians who are concerned about similar groups growing in its absence.

Meta, which owns Facebook, said it closed the page “for violating our Adult Sexual Exploitation policies”.

Screenshots taken before the Facebook group was removed appeared to show pictures of women in various states of undress, sometimes asleep or during intimate moments.

Underneath the posts there were numerous sexually explicit comments from men. Some said they wanted to “rape” the woman while others praised the secretive nature of some of the photographs.

The page was highlighted by the author Carolina Capria who posted online saying she felt “nauseous” and “scared” by what she saw.

“This linking of violence to sexuality is so ingrained in our culture that in a public group, men write without hiding their names and faces,” she added.

Fiorella Zabatta from the European Greens party said on social media that it was “not just harmless fun”, but was “virtual rape”.

“These platforms must be fought, this toxic idea of masculinity must be fought, and we all need to take action: civil society and politics too”.

Revenge porn, the sharing of sexually explicit images or videos which were intended to remain private, was made illegal in Italy in 2019.

Italian media reports suggest more than a thousand people have already reported the group to the police unit which investigates cyber crime.

Meta’s statement added “we do not allow content that threatens or promotes sexual violence, sexual assault or sexual exploitation on our platforms”.

The discovery of the Italian facebook page has seen some draw parallels to France’s Pelicot case. Last year, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging, abusing and inviting strangers to rape his then wife Gisèle Pelicot.

Despite being virtual, Capria said it showed that the Pelicot case was not an anomaly as in both instances, it showed “a man who believes he can control his wife, and for whom sexuality is inextricably linked to oppression”.

Sam George is the Minister of Communications Digital Technology, and Innovation

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has directed an immediate suspension of the enforcement exercise being carried out by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) and the Ghana Police against unlicensed delivery riders.

The directive, announced in a post on X on Thursday, August 21, 2025, followed widespread public concern after a viral video captured chaotic scenes near the National Theatre in Accra, where angry delivery riders clashed with PCSRC officials over the seizure of their motorcycles.

Here’s how much this Japanese firm is investing in Ghana’s AI-powered agriculture hub

According to the minister, while the exercise is consistent with Ghana’s existing laws regulating the use of motorbikes for courier services, its enforcement must be accompanied by wider stakeholder consultation and proper public sensitisation.

“I have directed this afternoon an immediate halt to the ongoing enforcement action by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission.

IFS questions fiscal transparency amid signs of economic recovery

“The action, in conjunction with the Ghana Police, is necessary to bring sanity and order to the use of motorbikes for delivery purposes as stipulated by law. However, I believe the Commission needs to do more stakeholder engagements and public education before resuming enforcement. We must enforce the law with a humane face to it.”

He further disclosed that in the coming days; he will engage relevant stakeholders to draw up a roadmap for the implementation of the regulations in a manner that balances enforcement with fairness.

AM/SEA

The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to transform the energy landscape

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing maintenance works at the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, describing the exercise as crucial for enhancing efficiency and reliability in Ghana’s energy sector.

The plant, a key component of the country’s energy infrastructure, is undergoing a scheduled shutdown to boost performance and expand processing capacity.

Upon completion, its output is expected to increase from 100 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) to 120 mmscf per day.

According to the minister, the upgrade is central to the government’s Gas-to-Power vision, which seeks to maximise the use of natural gas resources to deliver stable, affordable electricity.

He further disclosed that plans are already underway for the construction of a second gas processing plant, underscoring the government’s commitment to long-term energy security.

Reflecting on recent sector improvements, Mr. Jinapor noted that Ghana had overcome severe challenges in late 2024.

“We were shedding about 700 MW in December 2024, just before I assumed office,” he recalled.

“For months now, there has been zero load shedding, and we are even exporting power to other countries.

We have made significant progress.”

The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to transform the energy landscape, assuring Ghanaians of a more secure and sustainable future.

As part of its longstanding commitment to fostering sustainable communities, Standard Chartered continues to drive initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and awareness among young people.

In line with this vision, the Bank recently organised an impactful environmental sustainability session with students from the Nii Amugi Cluster of Schools in Accra.

The session, held under the Bank’s employee volunteering initiative, was aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and equipping students with practical steps to reduce their plastic footprint.

Staff volunteers from the Bank engaged students in an interactive session that highlighted the dangers of improper waste disposal and the lasting environmental damage caused by plastic pollution.

This initiative was designed not only to educate but to inspire behavioural change among young people, encouraging them to take ownership of their environment.

The students were introduced to everyday habits they could adopt, such as reusing plastic items, proper waste segregation, and participating in community clean-ups, to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

To make the programme even more impactful, Standard Chartered supported the school with sanitation materials, waste management tools, and up-cycling resources.

These donations formed the foundation for an up-cycling club that will be established within the school, offering students a practical, hands-on opportunity to turn waste materials into useful items while promoting the benefits of recycling.

This club will also serve as a peer-led platform to deepen environmental awareness among students and within their wider communities.

Through this initiative, the Bank reinforces its belief that lasting change begins with equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to lead.

By investing in educational initiatives that promote sustainability, Standard Chartered continues to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s national agenda on environmental conservation and responsible waste management.

This exercise also underscored the importance of partnerships between corporate institutions and communities in addressing pressing social and environmental issues.

It highlights the Bank’s ongoing commitment to community development beyond its core business operations, helping to build stronger, cleaner and more resilient communities for future generations.

Doga Makiura (Left) in a handshake with President John Dramani Mahama (Right)

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will receive an investment of $100 million over the next four years.

The funds, which will be injected into the economy, aim to establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.

This initiative is expected to strengthen value chains from inputs to markets, enhance food security, and create more employment opportunities for the youth.

The announcement followed a meeting between President Mahama and Doga Makiura, founder of Degas Limited.

Hasten slowly with international capital market return – IFS to government

President Mahama noted that Degas has already financed more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres, doubling incomes with a 95% repayment rate.

In a post sighted by GhanaWeb Business, he stated; “Ghana has secured a major boost for our agricultural transformation. I met with Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited, who announced a $100 million investment over the next four years to help establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.”

He added that; “Degas has already financed more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres, doubling incomes with a 95% repayment rate. With AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture, we will strengthen value chains from inputs to markets, improve food security, and create more jobs for our youth.”

SA

Read the tweet below;

Ghana has secured a major boost for our agricultural transformation. I met with Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited, who announced a $100 million investment over the next four years to help establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.

Degas has… pic.twitter.com/k1KirLn4qi

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) August 22, 2025

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Doga Makiura (Left) in a handshake with President John Dramani Mahama (Right)

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will receive an investment of $100 million over the next four years.

The funds, which will be injected into the economy, aim to establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.

This initiative is expected to strengthen value chains from inputs to markets, enhance food security, and create more employment opportunities for the youth.

The announcement followed a meeting between President Mahama and Doga Makiura, founder of Degas Limited.

Hasten slowly with international capital market return – IFS to government

President Mahama noted that Degas has already financed more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres, doubling incomes with a 95% repayment rate.

In a post sighted by GhanaWeb Business, he stated; “Ghana has secured a major boost for our agricultural transformation. I met with Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited, who announced a $100 million investment over the next four years to help establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.”

He added that; “Degas has already financed more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres, doubling incomes with a 95% repayment rate. With AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture, we will strengthen value chains from inputs to markets, improve food security, and create more jobs for our youth.”

SA

Read the tweet below;

Ghana has secured a major boost for our agricultural transformation. I met with Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited, who announced a $100 million investment over the next four years to help establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub.

Degas has… pic.twitter.com/k1KirLn4qi

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) August 22, 2025

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among workers, employers, and the government to enhance productivity and strengthen the country’s economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) on Thursday at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Pelpuo described workplace productivity as the “backbone of any successful economy” and a critical driver of job creation and improved living standards.

Speaking on the theme “Enhancing Productivity at the Workplace: The Role of Social Partners,” the Minister highlighted that Ghana has achieved moderate growth in labour productivity since 1991, surpassing the average performance of lower-middle-income countries but still behind upper-middle-income peers.

He noted that while productivity has seen gains in the mining sector, other industries with potential to generate decent jobs and drive technological modernisation continue to grow at a slower pace.

“Ghana’s labour market continues to be dominated by informality, unemployment and underemployment,” Dr Pelpuo stated. “This reality underscores the need for social partners to step up efforts in fostering innovation, creativity, and efficiency at the workplace.”

He commended ICU-Ghana for its long-standing commitment to advancing workers’ welfare and its proactive role in shaping national discourse on labour. “Your tireless efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of workers and the broader community,” he said, adding that the union’s legacy of advocacy and service was vital in promoting a fairer and more prosperous society.

Dr Pelpuo emphasised the role of employers in motivating and sustaining productivity through fair wages, benefits, training, and a supportive workplace culture. He stressed that fostering teamwork, promoting work-life balance, and prioritising social dialogue would be crucial in building positive work environments.

“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to engage actively in social dialogue and collaboration. By prioritising open communication, mutual respect, and trust, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and drive productivity, innovation, and growth.”

The Minister expressed optimism about the future of the country’s workplaces, stating that with strengthened partnerships between workers, employers, and government, the country could create “a thriving work environment that is conducive to employee well-being, creativity, and productivity.”

The ICU-Ghana conference brought together delegates, labour leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on issues shaping the world of work, as the union marked another milestone in its decades-long service to the Ghanaian workforce.

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.

Mikel Obi (R) has advised Nicholas Jackson (L) to stay at Chelsea

Former Nigerian footballer, Mikel Obi has urged Premier League side Chelsea to keep hold of Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson due to his footballing prowess.

He explained that Jackson is a player who possesses a lot of quality as an attacker in terms of scoring and contributing to build-up play as a forward.

The former Chelsea midfielder asserted that Jackson’s presence at the club will augment the team’s attack and create competition despite his wastefulness in-front of goal.

Speaking on The Obi One podcast, the former captain of the Super Eagles advised Jackson to stay at Chelsea for the 2025/2026 season to help his football career.

“I’m happy that the club has gone on and done that business and brought in two strikers. And I’m hearing that Nicolas Jackson wants to leave. I hope he stays, because I still think he has a massive part to play this season, going forward in this football club.

“I’ve said it, he’s a fantastic player. The qualities that he brings into the football club, I think we need that. If he stays, I’m very happy if he stays,” he said.

Obi further urged the Blues hierarchy to strengthen the defensive setup of the team following the injury to Levi Colwill and other top defenders.

“So for me, his [Colwill] absence is going to be massively missed. So I think the club obviously knows we have to go back into the market and try to strengthen that position. I think now everybody can see what I’ve been saying all along, that all we need is competition. It just pushes everybody to take their game to the next level,” he added.

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Meanwhile, Jackson has had limited playing time following the arrival of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Reports indicate that Bayern Munich and Aston Villa have registered interest in the Senegalese striker but nothing has been finalised yet.

Watch Obi’s remarks below:

John Obi Mikel on Nicolas Jackson: “I hope he stays because I still think he has a massive part to play this season. He’s a fantastic player , the qualities and what he brings to this football club. I think we need that” (via @obionepodcast)

pic.twitter.com/pMiFP3cZB8

— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) August 21, 2025

SB/JE

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EOCO flags Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge Rams

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has raised alarm over four car brands that are suspicious in Ghana, following an Interpol alert that Ghana is a hub for stolen cars.

The four car brands are Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models.

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In an intensified crackdown on stolen cars, EOCO said that these four brands account for the majority of cases intercepted.

The international security organisation Interpol has flagged Ghana as a growing hub for stolen vehicles, particularly those originating from Canada and the United States.

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The Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, warned buyers to be circumspect on the purchase of such cars and conduct due diligence when buying certain car models.

“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and I think the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” he said.

The crime office also noted that its operations are not limited to these models.

“We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” Siamah clarified.

EOCO has also warned against buying “too new and accident-free” vehicles on the Ghanaian market, especially 2023 and 2024 models.

Siamah advised that before buying newer models of accident-free cars, due diligence must be conducted since the Ghanaian market traditionally deals in salvaged or accident-damaged imports.

He urged the public to take advantage of Interpol’s database and other verification systems before making vehicle purchases.

“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 model, 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra — for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he advised.

SSD/EB