Gospel musician Piesie Esther is blessing our ears with a brand-new song titled “Nyame Y3.”

“Nyame Y3,” which translates to “God is Good,” is a mid-tempo gospel tune that speaks about the essence of praising God for his goodness and kindness.

“Nyame Y3” isn’t just a song; it’s a production powerhouse. Iconic Highlife star and producer Kuami Eugene lends his expertise to the sound, while the well-directed video showcases the talent of director Skyweb.

The video features breathtaking scenery that harmonises with the puissant lyrics, creating a truly magnificent visual experience.

Piesie Esther is no stranger to the spotlight. The multi-award-winning songstress has become a household name since she entered the music scene more than a decade ago, belting out hits like “Mo” and “Way3 Me yie.”

“Nyame Y3” is a modern gospel masterpiece with all the makings of a smash hit. It has the potential to dominate the airwaves and win over fans across the globe, becoming a timeless song that transcends borders.

Watch the video below

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Bank of Ghana’s gold coin

The investment price of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continues to decline, a trend attributed to the appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

The Central Bank introduced the gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars and absorb excess liquidity in the market, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the cedi against major foreign currencies.

As of Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the BoG announced the following updated prices for its gold coins:

• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢10,028.93.

• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,841.00, down from GH¢19,323.97.

• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢37,958.61.

The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations; one ounce, half ounce, and quarter ounce and can be purchased through commercial banks.

pic.twitter.com/xjm72mlMGq

— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) August 20, 2025

SP/MA

‘Last Wave’: Defence Press Corps captures Dr Omane Boamah’s final assignment

The stage is set for the 2025 All Ministers Conference (AMC), scheduled for September 8 to 10, 2025, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, under the theme “Building the Church for Impact” (Matthew 16:16-18).

Hosted by The Church of Pentecost in collaboration with the Lausanne Movement – Ghana, this year’s edition is expected to chart a new course for the Church’s contribution to Ghana’s development and moral direction.

Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has underscored the urgency of the conference in a nation where 71.2 per cent of the population professes Christianity.

“The presence of the Church must be felt not only in the conversion of souls but also in the conversion of society. As salt of the earth and light of the world, our mandate is to bring real transformation to our nation,” he stated.

Since its inception in 2022, the AMC has grown into a platform where church leaders and national stakeholders discuss pressing issues of moral vision, social justice, and development.

The 2023 edition, which explored “Moral Vision and National Development – the Role of the Church”, brought together high-profile leaders, including two former presidents, the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, political party leaders, and representatives of the National Chief Imam.

The gathering produced a draft of a National Moral Vision, currently under review by a technical team drawn from diverse Christian and academic backgrounds.

In 2024, the AMC extended its reach through regional conferences in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Accra, drawing more than 6,000 ministers and church leaders.

These “mobile” gatherings widened participation and deepened the Church’s engagement in national issues.

The 2025 AMC is expected to build on these gains, providing not only spiritual inspiration but also a platform for shaping the ethical and developmental agenda of the nation. With seasoned speakers and leaders from across the denominational spectrum, the conference promises to redefine how the Ghanaian church engages society.

As anticipation builds, many observers believe that this year’s AMC could mark a turning point in mobilising the collective strength of the Christian community toward nation-building, making it one of the most significant church gatherings of the year.

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.

Rice has now become Ghana’s second most important cereal after maize

Ghana is expected to import one million metric tons of rice during the 2025/2026 season, according to the latest annual Grain and Feed report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This figure represents more than half of the country’s total rice demand, despite a notable increase in domestic production.

The report projects that milled rice output will rise by 18 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 900,000 metric tons.

However, consumption is forecast to grow to 1.80 million metric tons, up from 1.75 million, driven by population growth and shifting dietary habits.

Rice has now become Ghana’s second most important cereal after maize, with per capita consumption reaching 51 kilograms.

Cedi gains push down BoG gold coin prices

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has predicted normal-to-below-normal rainfall and extended dry spells in 2025, raising concerns about crop sustainability and the resilience of farming systems.

Rice prices have also seen dramatic fluctuations. Between March 2024 and January 2025, the average price of a 100kg bag surged from GH¢200 to GH¢650, a 225 percent increase.

Although prices eased to GH¢400 by March 2025, they remained double what they were a year earlier.

Imported rice continues to dominate the market, accounting for 70 percent of sales in Ghana. Major sources include Vietnam, India, and Thailand. Local producers struggle to compete due to higher costs and inconsistent quality.

The USDA report highlights persistent structural challenges such as poor irrigation infrastructure, low levels of mechanisation, and weak processing capacity.

SA/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Hamza Suhuyini is a Communications Team Member of the NDC

Communications Team Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hamza Suhuyini, has called on the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) to give equal attention to the welfare of patients as it does to the protection of medical professionals.

His call follows an incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), where a staff member was allegedly attacked after claim of medical negligence involving a patient brought to the emergency ward.

The case has generated public debate and prompted the GMA to threaten a nationwide withdrawal of services in protest against increasing assaults on health workers.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Suhuyini said that while the protection of health workers is important, the concerns of patients and their families should not be disregarded.

Ralph threatened to follow us to our homes and beat us – Nurse recounts

“While the protection of health workers is important, the concerns of patients and their families should not be overlooked,” he stated.

He noted that frustrations leading to confrontations in hospitals often arise from poor communication and limited engagement between medical staff and patients’ relatives.

“The time has come for the Ghana Medical Association to be responsive not only to the needs of their practitioners. Clearly, inherent in their objectives is also the responsibility to protect clients’ interests and users of these hospitals,” he said.

Suhuyini explained that inadequate communication leaves families uninformed about delays, capacity issues, or shortages of medical resources, which heightens tensions during emergencies.

He urged the GMA to strengthen engagement between health professionals and patients’ families to help reduce misunderstandings and a repeat of similar incidents.

Majority condemns assault on health workers at Ridge Hospital

MRA/VPO

Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) has proposed to his long time girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez (L)

Legendary footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have requested for a prenup after proposing to his girlfriend and mother of his children, Georgina Rodriguez.

Portugal’s TV GUIA magazine has revealed that the two individuals have agreed on certain terms that safeguard assets and ensure they get financial stability in case they decide to part ways.

One of the conditions is that Rodriguez will be given ownership of a mansion, which is located in the La Finca district of Madrid, Spain.

‘Teams should be deducted points or fined’ – Rooney on Semenyo’s racial abuse

The said house spans over 950 square meters and is situated on a 4,000 square meter estate in the Pozuelo area. It is estimated that the footballer bought it at a cost of $5.64 million in 2010.

Another condition in the agreement is that Rodriguez will be provided a lifetime pension exceeding $114,000 per month.

The magazine alleges that many clauses were put into place after the birth of their first daughter, Alana.

Mohammed Salah sets enviable records at 2025 PFA awards ceremony

This comes after the Spanish model broke the news of being engaged to the Al Nassr attacker on Instagram, sharing a photo of her hand adorned with a sparkling diamond ring alongside another hand believed to be Ronaldo’s.

She captioned it: “Yes, I do. In this and in all my lives.”

The couple’s love story began in 2016 when they met at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Georgina was working at the time.

Since then, they have built a blended family of six. Together, they share two daughters, Alana Martina, born in 2017, and Bella Esmeralda, born in 2022.

Ronaldo also has three older children: Cristiano Jr and twins Mateo and Eva Maria, whom Georgina helps raise.

SB/JE

Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians predict top scorer between Kudus and Semenyo on GhanaWeb TV below:

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on GFA’s third term controversy

Some Japanese companies have expressed interest in investing in Ghana following a high-profile Presidential Investment Forum held on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9).

The forum, organised by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) under the theme “Ghana is Open for Business – Unleashing Investment Opportunities for Shared Prosperity,” served as a strategic platform to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and Japan.

President John Dramani Mahama, in a keynote address, positioned Ghana as the prime gateway for Japanese businesses seeking entry into the West African and wider African markets.

“Ghana is a stable, democratic, business-friendly gateway to West Africa,” President Mahama said.

He emphasised the country’s strategic location, macroeconomic stability, and ongoing reforms designed to significantly improve the ease of doing business.

To facilitate Japanese investment, the President announced a set of concrete commitments, including fast-track approvals for projects, readily available industrial sites, sovereign guarantees, and innovative blended financing frameworks.

He, however, called for reciprocity, urging Japanese investors to commit to local content and technology transfer agreements to build the capacity of Ghanaian workers and managers.

“My three requests are simple. Pilot with us, partner to scale, and invest in people,” President Mahama stated.

Echoing the President’s assurances, the Chief Executive Officer of the GIPC, Simon Madjie, presented a detailed investment pitch, outlining two central pillars of Ghana’s economic strategy: the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+) and the Big Push Agenda.

Mr Madjie explained that the 24H+ initiative is designed to extend business operations beyond traditional hours to boost productivity, create jobs, and enhance market access. He assured investors of accompanying financial incentives such as tax rebates, duty waivers, and export bonuses.

He further elaborated on the Big Push Agenda, a US$10 billion infrastructure plan aimed at bridging the nation’s infrastructure gap and enhancing competitiveness, with a strong focus on transport, logistics, water systems, agriculture, and energy.

The GIPC CEO detailed a wide range of incentives for investors, including corporate tax holidays for strategic sectors such as agro-processing and renewable energy, location-based tax reductions for businesses established outside Accra and Tema, and customs duty exemptions on machinery and equipment.

He also highlighted specific, ready-to-invest projects such as the Volta Economic Corridor, the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, and the Kumasi Machinery & Technology Park.

Key sectors identified for Japanese investment included automotive and electric vehicle assembly, agro-industrial parks and food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, the digital economy, and tourism development.

The presentation was widely acknowledged by participants for its clarity and strategic depth. Several Japanese firms are reported to have immediately expressed interest in initiating feasibility studies and pilot projects in Ghana, signalling renewed momentum in Ghana-Japan economic cooperation.

By Iddi Yire

Accra, Aug. 20, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday highlighted Ghana’s investment opportunities to Japanese investors. 

Speaking at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, President Mahama mentioned energy, tourism, infrastructure development and ports and harbours as some of the key areas for investment for their mutual benefits. 

He said Ghana was strategically located as the centre of the world and that it was one of the leading destinations in Africa for international direct investments. 

He said Ghana was the host country for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was the landmark protocol that was signed by African countries.  

He noted that so far, almost 50 African countries had signed on to the AfCFTA protocol that allowed them to export duty-free, tariff-free into each other’s markets. 

He said Ghana was a land of opportunity and that many nationals from all over the world were investing in Ghana.  

The President said because of the discipline, quality standards, and industrial wisdom that Japanese businessmen had, the Government of Ghana was encouraging Japanese businessmen to look towards Ghana.  

“Africa is the next frontier for investment. Most parts of the world are saturated when it comes to investment. Africa is opening up, is growing, and is a place that Japan should be looking at,” he said. 

“And so let us marry Japanese precision with Ghanaian potential and create a win-win situation for ourselves.” 

The President said aside from the numerous economic opportunities, Ghana was a stable, democratic, business-friendly gateway to West Africa and the African continent.  

“We have a growing consumer market with improving macroeconomic fundamentals, clear reforms to lower the cost of doing business, and abundant opportunities for technology transfer,” he said. 

The President said the government was re-establishing macro stability and the growth momentum of the economy.  

“Inflation rose to a high of almost 23 per cent in 2024 and is currently down to 13.7 per cent. And we expect that by the end of the year to hit a single digit,” he said. 

“And it’s also, our cedi has stabilized. For those of you who know the history of the Ghanaian cedi, it’s been one of the most volatile currencies in Africa.  

“And a few years back, we were said to be the worst performing currency. I’m happy to announce that this year Ghana’s cedi has been the best performing currency in the world.” 

Touching on infrastructural development, President Mahama said the Government’s $10 billion Big Push Policy was a programme aimed to improve the infrastructure of the country, especially in the road sector, in the industrial sector and agro-processing space. 

The President said the Government was investing $2 billion a year towards Ghana’s infrastructure development. 

Concerning the 24-Hour Economy Programme, President Mahama said under the Policy the Government would give incentives to businesses that were prepared to invest and to run more than the eight hour working cycle.  

GNA  

Christian Akorlie  

A member of parliament is pushing for a major increase in Ghana’s sanitation levy to address a growing waste management crisis.

John Oti Bless, who chairs parliament’s Sanitation and Water Resources Committee, wants to raise the charge from 10 to 50 pesewas.

The proposal comes as districts struggle to manage waste following the cancellation of a key government contract with private waste company Zoomlion. Bless argues that without a dedicated funding stream, local assemblies cannot effectively tackle the country’s sanitation challenges.

“Unless we have a clear source of funding,” Bless told journalists, noting that his own district receives only 200,000 cedis annually for sanitation—an amount he called completely inadequate. His constituency faces significant waste management issues that cannot be addressed with current funding levels.

The increased levy would be specifically designated for sanitation projects and job creation through the National Youth Employment Agency. This ring-fenced approach aims to provide sustainable funding while creating employment opportunities in the waste management sector.

The proposal now awaits government consideration as Ghana continues to grapple with efficient waste disposal and urban sanitation management.

Mark Badu-Aboagye, CEO of Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Chief Executive Officer-Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu-Aboagye, has urged the Bank of Ghana to aggressively lower its policy rate to end the year at 20 percent, citing anchored inflation expectations and relative macroeconomic stability the country is enjoying.

He argued that the current 25 percent rate stifles business growth and exacerbates inflationary pressures despite recent declines.

Speaking at the launch of GhanaFest Europe ’25 in Accra, Badu-Aboagye argued that the impact of rate cuts is delayed but essential for long-term stability.

“On average it takes two years for it to affect other macroeconomic variables, especially inflation,” he said, confronting fears that a radical approach to the policy rate could derail gains chalked up so far.

“The inflation reduction we are enjoying now is the result of policy rate hikes we did years back,” he added.

He maintained that cutting the policy rate by 500 basis points to 20 percent would take “about three quarters” to impact inflation but would immediately “strengthen our economy, build a very strong productive capacity to be enabled in reducing inflation”.

“I am not in support that they should keep the policy rate very high,” he emphasised. “We have the room to ease monetary policy in support of fiscal policies on the day-to-day economy.”

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) Monetary Policy Committee made an unprecedented cut in the policy rate by 300 basis points, reducing it from 28 percent to 25 percent, at its July session. Though laudable, as it is the biggest cut since September 2024 when it slashed the rate by 200 basis points, the business community still struggles with inhibitive cost of credit.

Therefore, they anticipate further cuts to improve access to finance as inflation continues on a nose-dive. Inflation has been easing since beginning of the year, having plummeted from 23.5 percent recorded in January to 12.1 percent for July 2025.

However, lending rates remained elevated – with the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) hovering around 23.80 percent for most loan categories. According to the latest Annualised Percentage Rate (APR) data from the Bank of Ghana, there are sharp disparities across borrower categories and loan maturities. Even households enjoy access to more competitive rates than small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Some banks offer APRs around 20 percent for certain tenors while others charge above 40 percent. SMEs face a high floor for borrowing – with even the most competitive one-year SME loans priced above 17 percent and medium-term rates often exceeding 30 percent.

Mr. Badu-Aboagye emphasised that cheaper borrowing costs is critical for Ghanaian businesses as they struggle to navigate US tariff hikes and seek new markets in Europe and other African countries.

“Looking at the dynamics, a 3 percent reduction is very huge – but a 25 percent policy rate is still high,” he lamented. He countered the central bank’s conservative posture, arguing that the current economic fundamentals, as compelling as they are, support further easing of the BoG rate.

He maintains that the sustained decline in inflation, strong reserves and fortified cedi create headroom. “This is a great opportunity for the central bank to also ease monetary policy,” he asserted.

He stressed that the prevailing high borrowing costs prevent businesses from expanding operations and investing in new markets crucial for export diversification away from US tariffs, which according to him has a bearing on job creation.

Further challenging the view that lowering rates would fuel inflation, he argued that much of Ghana’s inflation is “cost-push”. High interest rates directly increase production costs. “If you are reducing the interest rate, it means you are reducing the cost of production as well. And then inflation will come down.”

Badu-Aboagye is also pushing for Ghanaian businesses to pivot their exports toward Europe and take advantage of the GhanaFest Europe ’25 in the wake of punitive US tariffs.

According to him, this shift – moving beyond traditional exports like cocoa, gold and oil – would create opportunities to innovate, diversify, grow and create jobs. However, this requires SME investment – which could be facilitated with lower lending rates.

He expressed the Chamber’s commitment in supporting Ghanaian SMEs to access markets and grow. “A lot of export promotion, a lot of market access… that is the platform we are creating. I would just encourage the business community to collaborate with GNCCI to access European markets.”

Echoing sentiments of needing a pivot to Europe, the General Manager-Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC), Ms. Hilde Famaey, threw a challenge to Ghanaian businesses and government officials.

“Use GhanaFest Europe ’25 not just to showcase products, but also present investment-ready projects. Come prepared, the GNBCC is here to be your bridge to Dutch capital, technology and expertise”. She positioned the October event as a “curated opportunity gateway” to Ghanaian potential for Dutch businesses.

The Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko, stressed that GhanaFest Europe ’25 is a “platform to promote bilateral trade and investment”, leveraging Ghana’s proximity to Europe and the EU’s Economic Partnership Agreement for sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and logistics.

Dr. Akosua

Six West African countries — Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Niger — will be battling for the controversial coveted title of the Best Jollof Country alongside a cash prize of GH¢50,000.

The contestants are Dr. Akosua, Big Mercy, Yasmin Mbodj, Jollof Assassin, Alma Nicole-Wilson, and Yasima respectively.

The Jollof competition, headlined by Onga Seasoning, will take place this Saturday, August 23, at the Ocean Terrace at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra.

The competition, which will be hosted by renowned comedians Foster Romanus and Jacinta Ocansey, is expected to witness over thousands of patrons across the various West African countries to support their favourite participants.

According to the organisers, there will be free Jollof and drinks, as well as performances from surprise artistes.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

President John Mahama made a direct appeal to Japanese business leaders this week, positioning Ghana as the prime gateway for investment into West Africa.

Speaking at an investment forum in Yokohama, he pointed to the country’s dramatic economic turnaround as a reason for newfound confidence.

Mahama detailed the progress, noting a significant drop in inflation from a high of nearly 23% to 13.7% this year. He projected it would fall to single digits by year’s end. His biggest applause line celebrated the national currency’s remarkable reversal. “A few years back, we were said to be the worst-performing currency in Africa. I’m happy to announce that this year, the Ghana cedi has been the best-performing currency in the world,” he stated.

The government is backing its words with action. Mahama announced revisions to the Investment Promotion Centre Act, a move designed to tear down barriers for foreign capital. The changes will eliminate minimum capital requirements, inviting investors to set up shop with as little as $50,000. It’s a clear signal that Ghana is serious about attracting a broader range of businesses.

But the real selling point is market access. With the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area headquartered in Accra, Mahama argued that investing in Ghana is a direct ticket to a market of 1.4 billion people. He highlighted specific opportunities in agribusiness, energy, and automotive assembly, pointing to existing Japanese investments from companies like Toyota and Honda as proof of concept.

The pitch was clear. While much of the world is saturated with investment opportunities, Africa represents the next frontier. And Ghana, with its political stability and reforming economy, wants to be Japan’s first stop.