Ghana recorded a modest but meaningful decline in extreme poverty in 2024, according to the latest country report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month.

The share of the population living in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than $2.15 per day, decreased from 26.4% in 2023 to 25.9% in 2024, according to the report.

The IMF attributes the decline primarily to stronger-than-expected economic growth in 2024, particularly in the services sector, which remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy. Growth in agriculture, though more subdued, also contributed to poverty reduction, providing rural households with improved income opportunities.

In addition to economic performance, the report highlights that the government’s sustained investment in social protection programmes as a critical factor in cushioning vulnerable populations. Four flagship initiatives, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP), the Capitation Grant, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), have seen expanded coverage and increased budgetary support under the IMF-supported program.

The report underscores that while the poverty decline is a step in the right direction, the pace of reduction remains gradual. Analysts note that sustained poverty alleviation will require not just economic growth, but inclusive policies that expand access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The IMF also stressed the importance of protecting social spending amid fiscal consolidation, warning that any significant cuts to these programs could reverse the recent gains in poverty reduction.

By Ekow Quandzie

Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has attributed recent decline in inflation to the Bank of Ghana’s interventions in the foreign exchange market.

Ghana’s inflation rate fell sharply to 13.7% in June 2025, down from 18.4% from the previous month.

The drop was driven by a combination of factors, including lower food prices, reduced transportation costs, and the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.

Speaking during a GhanaWeb X Space ahead of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, Jackson noted that the strengthening of the cedi and the central bank’s management of foreign currency reserves have played a significant role in easing inflation.

“What the Central Bank has done with regards to our foreign currency reserves, value of the cedi, that has also contributed to reduce our inflationary pressures,” he said.

He stressed that while broader structural reforms are still necessary for long-term economic stability, the Bank of Ghana’s short-term strategies particularly in the forex market are already yielding results.

“The appreciation of the cedi has been remarkable. Inflation has come down from highs of over 50%, through the 30% range, to where it is now. This is good progress, and I’ll be watching closely to see what steps they take next,” he added.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as part of his mid-year budget review in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, 2025, is expected to give clarity on government’s plans to control inflation as rating agencies and market watchers are projecting a single digit inflation by end of 2025.

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— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) GhanaWeb/status/1948080530387275911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 23, 2025

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Rex Omar is a veteran musician and a presidential staffer

Veteran musician and presidential staffer, Rex Omar, has asserted that Highlife music is far from dead.

He argued that many Highlife songs are simply being rebranded as Afrobeats because Ghanaians have failed to properly document and promote their musical heritage.

In an interview with TV3 on July 23, Rex Omar emphasised that Highlife remains vibrant, despite often being mislabeled.

He believes this repackaging under the Afrobeats umbrella stems from a lack of intentional effort by Ghanaians to preserve their musical identity.

“Highlife music can never die. I’m sure that by the close of this year, I think the UN is making Highlife a heritage genre. It falls on Ghanaians to delve into what Highlife actually is and then put emphasis on it. So, Highlife music cannot die,” Rex Omar confidently stated.

According to him, many popular songs currently classified as Afrobeats are, in fact, Highlife compositions.

He attributed this misclassification to a lack of ownership and awareness within Ghana’s music scene.

This, he explained, is precisely why initiatives like the Black Star Experience—a creative arts program promoting Ghanaian music, culture, and identity—are crucial for heritage preservation.

“Most of these songs that you hear that they call Afrobeats, most of them are Highlife,” Rex Omar clarified.

“It is sad that because we have not been intentional about it, people will play Highlife and then give it a different name. But these are some of the reasons why the Black Star Experience is there; we are going to reclaim our identity,” he said.

While acknowledging the challenges within Ghana’s creative industry, Omar encouraged Ghanaians not to be discouraged.

Instead, he urged them to find unique ways to celebrate their distinct heritage.

“We have to learn how to tell our stories our own way. We package the best of Ghana and put it out there for us. We find solutions to deal with our challenges. There is no country that doesn’t have challenges. I’m not saying that because of that, we should be complacent,” he said.

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

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This article was supported by SGCI.

[ACCRA, SciDev.Net] In Ayigbe, a rural community in Ghana’s Bono Region, 35-year-old Michael Kyereme paid off a university debt of GHS 3,500 (US$335) in just three months.

He managed this not by getting a highly paid salaried job, but by selling juice made from the fleshy part of the cashew fruit that most farmers throw away.

“Cashew apples are easy to find, and free,” he tells SciDev,Net.

“Now I make about 60 bottles of juice per cycle a day and sell through my wife’s shop and social media platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp.”

Cashew apples, the fruit attached to the cashew nut, are usually discarded during harvesting.

Michael Kyereme paid off a university debt by selling juice made from the fleshy part of the cashew fruit. Copyright: Albert Oppong-Ansah / SciDev.Net

But under a research-backed project, young people are learning how to turn the apples into juice, snacks, compost and animal feed.

The initiative, called Maximising Gains from Cashew Production for Youth Development (MA-CASH), is run by Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and funding from Canada’s International Development Research Centre.

It trains young people to process cashew apples into products that reduce food waste and provide income in rural areas.

“Most alternative livelihoods require capital, but this one did not. That’s why I embraced it immediately,” says Kyereme.

He hopes to invest in processing equipment and try out new products like cashew apple kebabs and poultry feed.

Food waste

Globally, about 37 million metric tonnes of cashew apples are produced each year. But only about 1.3 million tonnes of these are commercially processed, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

George Asare, a researcher at Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, who was involved in the project, says Ghana produced over 1.6 million tonnes of cashew apples in 2024, 90 per cent of which went to waste.

“This translates to about 1,449,000 metric tonnes of lost produce,” Asare says. “It’s a big loss both economically and nutritionally.”

MA-CASH trains young people to process the fruit into juice, meat alternatives and other products. It also promotes composting and animal feed production, creating small businesses that use all parts of the fruit.

“This project is not just about juice,” says Sefakor Heloo, senior development planning officer at Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

“It is about sustainability, food security, climate resilience, and giving young people practical skills.”

Allergic reactions

The idea for the project came during a field visit by crop scientist Francisca Aba Ansah, who saw piles of rotting cashew apples and wondered why no one ate them.

Back in the lab, the team found two challenges: the fruit’s high tannin content, which can block nutrient absorption, and the need for a protein-rich ingredient that wouldn’t trigger allergies.

“We used scientific processes to reduce tannin levels in the juice,” Ansah says.

To boost protein levels they added a legume, in order to develop a sausage-like protein-rich food for vegetarians.

Cashew kebab on display. Researchers are working on extending shelf life of cashew fruit products. Copyright: Albert Oppong-Ansah / SciDev.Net

The team tested the new sausage product in Accra after receiving ethical clearance and running a small social media campaign to recruit tasters.

“There was no significant difference between our sausage and commercial vegan sausage,” she says.

So far, more than 300 young people have been trained in six communities, and the next training session, scheduled for January 2026, is already full.

Longer shelf life

MA-CASH also focuses on reducing waste. Leftover pulp is used for compost and feed, and the project is experimenting with simple cooling technologies to extend the fruit’s shelf life.

“We have developed and tested a clay cooler that extends shelf life from 24 hours to six days,” Ansah says.

“But we are exploring technologies that can stretch it to three months or more.”

The project also encourages beekeeping under cashew trees to improve pollination and boost honey production.

With help from Opportunity International Savings and Loans, a savings and loans institution licensed by the Bank of Ghana, savings groups have been set up to support participants who need loans to buy equipment or expand their business. Participants are also receiving training in financial literacy and digital tools.

Paul Adu-Gyamfi, director of research at the Consultative International Cashew Council, says cashew is Ghana’s top non-traditional export and could grow further with better use of the apple.

“The cashew apple has potential for value-added products,” he says.

“Its spread into regions like the Eastern Region creates more room for processing and local business.”

He says more than 4,000 farmers are involved in growing cashew, with others working in processing and export. Institutions like the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana are helping address farming challenges, while agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority are working on product quality and safety.

Nutritional benefits

Cashew apples are high in nutrients, says Daniel Kwame Antwi, a nutrition officer, at the Dormaah Sub-District of the Ghana health Service in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana, who wasn’t involved in the study.

Bottled juice made from the fleshy part of the cashew fruit. Copyright: Albert Oppong-Ansah / SciDev.Net

“It is rich in carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It boosts immunity, supports heart health, and can reduce obesity risks,” he says.

“Cashew juice is good for all age groups. We’ve focused too long on the nut. It is time we explored the fruit.”

The MA-CASH model is being expanded to regions such as Ahafo, Ashanti, and Northern Ghana, with training materials now available in local languages.

For Michael Kyereme, the change has been life-altering.

“This skill changed my life,” he says. “It is a profitable business, and more young people want to join. We just need the machines and support to grow bigger.”

SGCI is a multilateral initiative established to strengthen the institutional capacities of public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.

Black Queens paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco, Her Excellency Charity Gbedawo, at her residence in Rabat as part of their official engagements at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)

The team was warmly received by the Ambassador and staff of the Ghana Embassy, with an atmosphere of hospitality, shared pride, and encouragement. Her Excellency praised the Queens for their efforts and determination throughout the tournament.

“Your journey here has inspired many. Win or lose, you have made Ghana proud, and we stand firmly behind you,” she said.

The visit featured a traditional Ghanaian banquet, offering the players and officials a comforting taste of home. Team captain Portia Boakye expressed appreciation for the continuous support from the Ambassador and the Ghanaian community in Morocco, describing it as a key source of motivation for the team.

The interaction served as a morale boost ahead of the team’s third-place clash with South Africa. The match is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kickoff at 19:00 GMT.

Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, is urging the government to revisit the bond market as a move to fund its key projects.

Speaking during a GhanaWeb X Space discussion ahead of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, which will be presented by the Minister of Finance on July 24, 2025, Jackson said the current economic conditions demand bold fiscal action.

He said with borrowing costs still relatively favorable and investor appetite for government securities on the rise, now is the time for the government to re-engage the capital markets.

“The difficulty comes when the borrowing is so short term. With that, we are in trouble when we have to pay back because more than 50 percent of the money we earn is going to service that debt. The government should go back to the bond market. The sooner, unfortunately, the better,” he stated.

Responding to questions on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) under the previous government, Jackson acknowledged the damage it caused but said long-term borrowing through bonds should be the way to go.

“In spite of the bad experience with the DDEP and the haircut our foreign debtors had, we should go back in borrowing long term. Borrowing long terms through bonds allows us to spread the payment to a point where we can afford it,” he added.

He also warned against over-reliance on treasury bills, arguing that short-term instruments are not sustainable, given the country’s fiscal challenges.

“The government is between a rock and a hard place. You can’t rely on short-term treasury bills as your main source of funding. The bond market experience was traumatic, Ghanaian bonds were considered toxic. Let’s keep to our commitment to our fiscal responsibility. Let’s make a stand on borrowing on the bond market,” he stressed.

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— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) GhanaWeb/status/1948080530387275911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 23, 2025

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The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting a shortage of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) fuel in the country, assuring the public and the aviation sector that there is sufficient supply to support all aircraft operations.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry described the reports as false and misleading, stating that Ghana currently has adequate reserves of ATK fuel.

The Ministry attributed the temporary speculation to scheduled maintenance work recently carried out on the ATK jetty pipeline—critical infrastructure for fuel handling at the ports.

“This maintenance was long overdue and further delays would have threatened the integrity of the jetty and the fuel security of Ghana,” the statement explained.

To reinforce fuel availability, the Ministry confirmed that Ghana recently received a shipment of 11,984 metric tons of ATK fuel. Of this amount, 4,583 metric tons have already been successfully discharged to PWSL (Petroleum and Warehousing Services Limited), while the rest is currently being offloaded to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Ridge Depots. The full discharge is expected to be completed by midday on July 25, 2025.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), has also engaged key players in the downstream petroleum sector as well as officials from the Ghana Airports Company Limited to ensure continued coordination and transparency.

“We reassure all stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm. We urge the public to disregard any false reports of ATK shortages in the country,” added Richmond Rockson, Spokesperson and Head of Communication at the Ministry.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining energy stability and supporting the smooth operation of Ghana’s aviation and transport sectors.

GACL: Airlines urged to plan refuelling as fuel shortage looms

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By Naa Shormei Odonkor

Kumasi July 24, GNA – Ali Abubakari, a 25-year-old man, has been reported dead in a fire that gutted an uncompleted fuel station at Ejura Babasso in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

His remains has been handed over to the Ejura police to help in further investigation.

A press statement signed by Divisional Officer II, Mr Peter Addai, Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said investigation was being carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak.

However, after the fire has been completely extinguished by the Ejura Firefighters, the GNFS discovered that the uncompleted fuel station was used to store six gallons of petrol.

Additionally, there were twelve bags of beans out of which six were partially ravaged by the fire and six were saved from burning.

The statement noted that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at about 1225 hours, the Ejura Fire Station received a distress call concerning the fire outbreak at block number E 6264, known to retail petrol in gallons.

Immediately, a fire crew was dispatched to attend to the fire to prevent loss of lives and property.

On arrival at the scene at 1231 hours, the crew led by Station Officer I Daniels Moah, found the structure completely engulfed by the raging fire.

The statement noted that, the crew immediately battled with the wildfire, brought it under control within 10 minutes and completely extinguished it at 1255 hours.

Unfortunately, the GNFS could not save the life of Mr Abubakari who was trapped in the fire outbreak.

The statement admonished the general public to desist from storing or dispensing petroleum products in unauthorized or unsafe structures which could cause fire outbreaks to prevent the lost of lives and properties.

The GNFS extended their condolences to the family of Mr Abubakari and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property through timely and professional emergency response.

GNA

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie

Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

The CEO of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has asked Ghanaians to be circumspect with their expectations of the government since Ghana is still in a crisis.

According to him, Ghana is still broke, and things are still very tough with the government’s limited resources.

He noted that the public purse is still under immense pressure, and Ghanaians must laud the government for the laurels it has chalked in the first six months of power.

He was speaking on an X space by GhanaWeb Business, titled “2025 Mid-Year Budget Review: Expectations and Key Priority Areas,” on July 23, 2025, in anticipation of the minister’s address on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

“Let no one think that we have come out of the economic crisis, so we can start partying again. Ghana is still broke. Things are still tough. And all the stakeholders, traders, exporters, public servants, the private sector, etc, have to accept that things are still tough and we all have to temper our expectations,” Jackson said.

He also noted that his key expectations from the government are to continue on the trajectory that they are currently on.

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Canal+ has bought MultiChoice for $3billion

A French media conglomerate, Canal+, has acquired MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion (approximately 55 billion rand) deal.

Canal+ previously owned a 45% stake in MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GoTV; therefore, the recent acquisition gives it the rest of the 55% stake.

The deal, according to vanguardngr.com was approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on July 23.

The tribunal’s approval comes after months of negotiations and regulatory reviews, adding that it imposed several public interest conditions to protect local content and maintain South Africa’s media sovereignty.

The deal is, however, expected to be finalised by October 8, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of Canal+, Maxime Saada, said, “The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies.”

As part of the Competition Tribunal’s conditional approval, Canal+ has committed to spending approximately 26 billion rand over the next three years on initiatives aligned with South Africa’s public interest objectives.

In a joint statement, both companies noted their commitment to the acquisition.

“We will maintain funding for South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success,” they said.

Canal+ started the takeover bid in 2023 with a mandatory buyout offer of 125 rand per share, valuing MultiChoice at around $3 billion.

MultiChoice has more than 14.5 million subscribers in 50 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as flagship platforms like DStv and GOtv.

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Two esteemed Ghanaian Karate Referees, Daniel Gyamfi and Isaac Amponsah, are currently participating in the 2025 Union Federation of African Karate Referees and Judges Course in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The four-day course, which commenced on July 21 and will conclude on July 24, 2025, aims to equip referees and judges with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote and develop Karate in Africa. With 154 participants from across the continent, this course is a significant step towards enhancing the standards of refereeing and judging in African Karate.

The course covers a range of topics, including Rules and Regulations, Referee and Judge Responsibilities, and Practical Experience. These topics are designed to ensure that referees and judges are well-versed in the rules and regulations of Karate competitions, including Kumite and Kata competition rules. 

Additionally, the course provides participants with the opportunity to gain practical experience by officiating at local and national tournaments and participating in workshops or seminars.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaKarateMedia,  Mr. Daniel Gyamfi expressed his gratitude to the President of the federation, Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, for the support. 

“This course is a game-changer for me, and I’m confident that it will propel me to become a better referee and aid my advancement to become a certified judge,” he said. Mr. Gyamfi’s sentiments reflect the importance of this course in enhancing the skills and knowledge of referees and judges in African Karate.

Mr. Isaac Amponsah, who doubles as the Vice President of the federation, also praised the course, stating, “This course is excellent, and it has kept me up-to-date with the current guidelines to ensure the continuous promotion of the sport. I believe that more of such educational courses would go a long way in improving the game in Africa.” He further emphasized the need for ongoing education and training to ensure that referees and judges remain current and effective in their roles.

The 2025 Union Federation of African Karate Referees and Judges Course is a significant milestone in the development of Karate in Africa. 

The final test, which will be conducted by instructors, will assess and reward final certificates for qualified referees and judges, as well as badges, marking a significant achievement for those who participate.

Ghana will host the Global Africa Summit in December, bringing together investors, professionals and business leaders from across Africa and the diaspora to explore trade, investment and partnership opportunities.

The summit, launched in Accra, is an initiative of the Africa Investment Network aimed at strengthening economic ties between Africa and its diaspora. It will feature stakeholders from the private sector, government, academia and global entrepreneurship networks.

Speaking at the launch, Founding President and CEO of the Africa Investment Network, Mrs Jane Reindorf-Osei, said Ghana was deliberately chosen as the starting point for the summit series.

“As a proud Ghanaian, there was no better place to start than here. Ghana has so much to offer, not just resources, but the energy and talent of its people,” she said. “We aim to bring our diaspora and global partners to experience the investment, partnership, and tourism potential Ghana offers.”

Mrs Reindorf-Osei added that the two-day event would focus on trade and investment and is supported by partners such as the National Black Chamber and members of the Africa Investment Network.

“It’s not only about business. Many in the diaspora feel Ghana is home. Some are coming to Africa for the first time, and they want to be part of the Black Star experience,” she noted.

Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, highlighted the economic significance of the diaspora, stating that remittances to Ghana now exceed $6.4 billion.

“President Mahama has maintained the Diaspora Affairs Office to show how much we value engagement with Ghanaians abroad. We want teachers, doctors, and business owners to return and contribute,” he said.

He urged members of the diaspora to visit Ghana in December, not only for recreation but also to take part in the National Diaspora Summit and the newly launched Black Star Experience.

Mrs Yvonne Ocloo, CEO of TopDog Africa and a summit partner, said the event is designed to build lasting economic bridges.

“This is about creating jobs and driving growth. The Summit will move from Washington DC in October to Toronto before culminating in Ghana, which will take centre stage this December,” she said.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

‎The CEO of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has said the government’s efforts to create jobs directly will not work unless the private sector is allowed to lead.

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‎Speaking during a discussion on a GhanaWeb X Space on Wednesday, July 23, he said the public sector should rather focus on creating the right environment for businesses to grow and hire more people.

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‎“Creating jobs directly is bound to fail. The government must lay the playing field for the private sector to thrive,” he said.

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‎He added that the government cannot create enough jobs and trying to do so only increases salary costs and reduces productivity.

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‎He urged leaders to support private businesses by making credit more accessible, keeping policies stable, and ensuring fair regulations.

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‎His comments come as many Small and Medium-Sized (SMEs) businesses struggle to grow and create jobs due to limited support.

Listen to the full discussion:

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https://t.co/qAcZ9xZMLy

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) GhanaWeb/status/1948080530387275911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 23, 2025

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Meanwhile, you can also watch videos from the NPP’s National Delegates Conference below:

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