Ghana’s total public debt stock declined by GH¢139 billion in the first half of 2025. According to the latest data from the Bank of Ghana, the debt stock fell from GH¢752.1 billion at the beginning of the year to GH¢613.0 billion by the end of June, despite a marginal uptick from GH¢612.1 billion recorded in May.

This significant improvement in the country’s fiscal position is a result of the government’s debt trajectory, aided by currency stability, nominal GDP growth, and restrained domestic borrowing.

However, external debt continues to dominate the country’s liabilities, putting pressure on foreign reserves and exposing the economy to exchange rate and interest rate risks.

As of June, Ghana’s external debt stood at GH¢300.3 billion or 21.4% of GDP, up slightly from GH¢296.2 billion in May.

In dollar terms, the figure rose to US$29.1 billion due to the persistent vulnerability to currency fluctuations and the cost of servicing foreign-denominated obligations.

Meanwhile, domestic debt declined to GH¢312.7 billion in June, down from GH¢315.6 billion the previous month, representing 22.3% of GDP.

The modest decline suggests improved fiscal consolidation and possibly a slowdown in local bond issuance.

The total public debt-to-GDP ratio held steady at 43.8% in June, significantly lower than the 66.8% reported in the same period last year.

This could be attributed primarily to GDP rebasing, as well as ongoing efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment.

While the downward trend in debt levels has been positively received by investors and markets, economists warn that structural risks remain.

Ghana’s heavy reliance on external financing means any sharp depreciation of the cedi or tightening of global financial conditions could reverse recent gains.

To consolidate the improvements, fiscal prudence, effective foreign reserve management and expanded access to concessional financing will be critical to maintaining debt sustainability and insulating the economy from future shocks.

Policy analyst, Bright Simons

Policy analyst Bright Simons has criticised the government’s settlement deal with the former owners of uniBank, claiming it recovers just a fraction of the money lost in the bank’s failure.

In a post on social media platform X, he said the GH¢2 billion recovery announced by the Attorney General represents “barely 10.6%” of the over GH¢18 billion ($1.5 billion) in losses he estimates were incurred by the state, depositors, and other creditors.

He argued that the deal, made up of GH¢800 million in forfeited properties and GH¢1.2 billion from debt repayments, is “financially weak and poorly explained.”

He also questioned the decision to drop criminal charges against uniBank’s majority shareholders, suggesting the state has lost its leverage.

Simons pointed to a 2018 letter in which uniBank’s main shareholder admitted to liabilities of GH¢4.9 billion, far above the GH¢3.3 billion now being claimed by the government.

He also cited KPMG’s audit, which showed uniBank’s total obligations at nearly GH¢9.2 billion before it was shut down in August 2018.

“Even the liability that the former owners of uniBank themselves admit they are responsible for, over $1 billion, has not been covered in this ‘settlement’,” he said.

Simons criticised the lack of response from key institutions like the Bank of Ghana and the official Receiver, calling on them to speak publicly on the matter.

“In any serious country, the press conference of the AG today would be the BEGINNING, not the end, of the national debate about how Ghana tackles national financial losses involving the rich and powerful in society,” he stated.

The Attorney General announced the deal on Monday, July 28, 2025, ending years of legal battles following the collapse of uniBank during Ghana’s banking sector cleanup.

The AG has recovered 10.6% of the Unibank Liability NOT 60%

1. On 22nd July 2025, the Attorney General of Ghana (AG) announced that he had reached an agreement with the owners of the collapsed Unibank who were under prosecution commenced by the previous government for financial… pic.twitter.com/cRGvXwTwuL

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) July 28, 2025

DR/MA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

The UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The PM said Israel must also meet other conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution, and allowing the United Nations to restart the supply of aid, or the UK would take the step at September’s UN General Assembly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism”.

The UK government has previously said recognition should come at a point when it can have maximum impact, as part of a peace process.

However, the PM has been under growing pressure – including from his own MPs – to act more quickly.

Last week, France also announced it would officially recognise a Palestinian state in September – the first of the G7 group of the world’s richest countries to do so.

Giving a news conference after holding an emergency cabinet meeting, Sir Keir said he was announcing the plan now because of the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and concern that “the very possibility of a two-state solution is reducing”.

He told reporters that the UK’s goal of “a safe, secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state” was “under pressure like never before”.

The PM added that his “primary aim” was to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza, including ensuring that aid gets in.

In outlining the steps the UK wanted the Israeli government to take, Sir Keir also said it should make clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The current Israeli government is opposed to progress towards a two-state solution, so it is highly unlikely to agree to the conditions.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir said Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

In response to the announcement, Netanyahu wrote on social media: “A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW.

“Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen.”

Former Minister of Finance Dr Mohammed Amin Adam

The former Minister of Finance Dr Mohammed Amin Adam has accused the Bank of Ghana (BoG) of engaging in monetary financing by printing money to pre-finance operations of the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

Speaking at a press briefing on July 29, 2025, Dr Amin Adam alleged that the central bank stepped in to fund GoldBod’s gold purchases because the government failed to provide the necessary budgetary support.

He cited that under the 2025 national budget, some US$279 million was allocated to GoldBod, which is the statutory agency tasked with formalising gold procurement from artisanal and small-scale miners and supporting traceability in gold exports.

“Even with all the noise they made about the GoldBod, including pushing the GoldBod Bill through a certificate of emergency, the Minister has not released a cent out of the $279 million that he allocated as a revolving fund for GoldBod,” Dr Amin Adam said.

“Currently, the Bank of Ghana has been pre-financing the gold purchases. This is a clear case of monetary financing. The IMF programme frowns on monetary financing; printing money, monetary financing of the government,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has denied the allegation.

In a press statement issued earlier this month, the central bank rejected claims of unauthorised money printing.

The central bank insisted that no funds had been advanced without parliamentary approval and also reaffirmed its commitment to monetary discipline.

Despite the denial, Dr Amin Adam warned that such a financing arrangement, if true, would violate the current IMF program conditions and risk fueling inflationary pressures that could threaten Ghana’s economic recovery.

Dr Amin Adam also criticised the governing NDC for attempting to take credit for the country’s recent credit rating upgrade by Fitch Ratings.

MA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

The federal government has called for calm over the disturbing video on social media showing a protest by some Ghanaians calling on the authorities to send Nigerians back home, alleging that their behaviours and attitudes were not in conformity with the norms of Ghana.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in a statement on Tuesday by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, its Chairman/CEO, appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana not to be provoked or go into violence with anyone, as the issue is being handled at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

She said the blanket outrage against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all.

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“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves, while those bad ones should be fished out to face necessary sanctions.

“Ghana and Nigeria are like Siamese twins. They are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, should continue to live in peace like brothers,” she noted in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson of NIDCOM.

Dabiri-Erewa also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos circulating that Nigerians’ shops and property were being destroyed by Ghanaians, saying, “There is no evidence to that, and we must at all costs try to prevent any reprisal attacks”.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government would handle the issue diplomatically.

He said, “We will engage them diplomatically.”

How it started

Last week, there was widespread protest in Ghana following repeated incidents of criminal activities blamed on foreign nationals.

Some Ghanaians had staged a protest in Accra, demanding the immediate expulsion of Nigerians from their country over alleged involvement in crime and social vices.

The protesters displayed placards with messages, such as “Nigerians Must Go”, “End Kidnapping”, “End Prostitution”, “End Armed Robbery”, “End Fraud”, and “End Ritual Murders.”

They accused some Nigerians in Ghana of fuelling insecurity and moral decadence in their country, with some of the placards carried by the protesters reading, “Who protects the right and freedom of Ghanaians?”, “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals”, and “Our kids are getting missing.”

In a viral video, several protesters are seen draped in the Ghanaian national flag while others donned red clothing — a traditional symbol of resistance.

One female protester, dressed in red and holding a placard, declared, “Nigerians must go because you cannot be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”

Another placard read, “Our Health At Stake Due to Mass Prostitution,” explaining growing public frustration over perceived health and safety risks allegedly linked to activities of some Nigerian nationals in the country.

One protester, riding on a motorcycle, explained how the presence of Nigerians in Ghana was fuelling insecurity in the country.

He said a time would come when even they and their children wouldn’t be able to go out and return home safely.

He pointed to the incident involving an official of the Ghana High Commission, who recently died in Abuja, after a robbery incident.

Evolution of immigration tensions

Under British colonial administration, both Nigeria and Ghana (then Gold Coast) witnessed significant inter-migration. Nigerians, particularly Hausas, formed part of military and trading units in Ghana. Post-independence, the economic boom in Ghana attracted Nigerian migrants, especially the Yoruba, seeking opportunities in commerce and public service. This era reflected an informal Pan-African ideal: borderless brotherhood.

However, in 1969, the Ghanaian government under Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia issued the infamous Aliens Compliance Order. It mandated all undocumented foreigners to leave Ghana within two weeks.

The move resulted in the expulsion of an estimated 140,000 Nigerians, triggering a diplomatic fallout. Ghana justified the action as a necessity to preserve jobs and stabilize its economy, but it sowed seeds of distrust.

And by 1983, the tables had turned. Nigeria, experiencing an economic downturn and rising unemployment, expelled over two million immigrants, including about one million Ghanaians. Coined as the “Ghana Must Go” episode, the term referred to the patterned travel bags used by deported Ghanaians.

Though Nigeria claimed it was enforcing immigration laws, many saw it as retaliation for Ghana’s earlier action.

Fortunately, by the late 1980s, cooler heads prevailed. Presidents Jerry Rawlings of Ghana and Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria pursued reconciliation. A joint commission for cooperation was established, paving the way for better trade, cultural exchange, and conflict mediation. These efforts helped restore diplomatic balance and signalled a renewed commitment to ECOWAS principles of free movement.

But immigration issues resurfaced in the 2020s. In Ghana, Nigerian-owned businesses were targeted in enforcement sweeps, prompting outrage in Abuja. Nigeria accused Ghana of xenophobia, while Ghana insisted on legal compliance. As nationalism and economic protectionism gained traction globally, their echo reverberated in West Africa’s immigration policies.

In 2025, protests emerged in Ghana calling for tighter border controls. Dubbed “Nigeria Must Go”, the movement mirrored past episodes and triggered fresh diplomatic concerns. While not state-sponsored, the rhetoric risked destabilising regional peace.

‘No threats yet’

Speaking about the protest, a young Nigerian trader at Kasoa town in Accra, Mr Ezikpe Ukaku, said there is no immediate threat to Nigerians doing legitimate business in Ghana.

“I have heard about the protests calling on Nigerians to leave Ghana, but it seemed to be instigated by certain persons to propagate an agenda, especially after a 2013 video of one Eze Ndigbo claiming to buy land to set up an Igbo Village surfaced online,” he said.

On the allegations of crime against Nigerians, he said there are concerns about some Nigerians who traffic young women to Ghana for prostitution, or to transit them to Europe, which also has local women.

“Just this month, we had the biggest arrest in Ghana by the American FBI involving eight Ghanaians in cyberfraud against Americans,” he said.

On why there are still a lot of Nigerians living in Ghana, he pointed to the country’s constant electricity and responsive security, despite battling high inflation and hardship.

Also speaking, Chukwuemeka Nnaji, a former President of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG), said there were no threats to their life and property for now.

“We are really fine. Not much is happening. Yes, the protests that we all witnessed happened on Sunday, and Sundays are not business days here.

“So you can just understand that it’s just the social media people trying to create some kind of attention. However, as a people, nobody has attacked us or our businesses, and nobody has attacked us directly.

Similarly, Eddison Agbenyegah, Ghana’s Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, assured Daily Trust that there was no cause for alarm.

“Nigerians can continue with their daily activities. the protesters are just some people who gathered to do a social media protest.

“There is no danger to Nigerians in Ghana, I can assure you of that,” he said.

A leading North American mining entrepreneur, who wants to open his own US copper mine, has welcomed plans for a 50% tax on copper imports.

Robert Friedland, the billionaire founder of Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines and Ivanhoe Electric, told the BBC the tariffs would help re-establish the US copper mining industry.

US President Donald Trump has already introduced steel and aluminium tariffs, and a 50% copper tariff is due to come in on 1 August.

Critics have argued that tariffs are inflationary and will push up prices for American consumers, but Mr Friedland said the president’s approach was aimed at strengthening national security by building important industries at home.

Copper is an essential metal for the modern global economy and green technology in particular. It is used in everything from buildings and power grids to electric vehicles and data centres.

“The new administration in the United States is correctly focused on making sure that the world’s largest economy actually has stable access to raw materials at the scale of that economy, rather than being dependent on far-flung and potentially unstable jurisdictions,” he said.

Last year, the US imported about 50% of the copper it used. The biggest sources were Mexico, Chile and Canada – which has hit out at the move.

“We’ll fight against it – period,” said Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly.

When Trump announced the tariffs on social media earlier this month, he said they would allow the US to “once again, build a dominant copper industry”.

Global demand is soaring thanks to growing industrialisation and the surge of new technologies that rely on electricity.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is warning that without more mining, global copper demand will be 30% higher than supply by 2035 as demand from China and India continues to soar.

US demand spurred by the impending tariffs has pushed the price of copper to record highs – a trend that Mr Friedland warns will only increase due to the metal’s scarcity.

However, those higher prices risk broader economic damage, such as delays in construction projects, according to Ewa Manthey, who is a commodities strategist at the Dutch bank ING.

“Copper is a foundational input in everything from electronics to manufacturing and construction. When prices rise, so do production costs, which can feed into broader inflation,” Ms Manthey said.

She pointed out that pressure came as the US central bank was already resisting Trump’s calls to cut interest rates amid its ongoing struggles to get inflation back to its 2% target.

The US was once the world’s biggest producer of copper and still has plenty left in the ground, but has fallen behind Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru.

Its refining capacity has also been falling. In 1997, there were 11 smelters, and now there are only three, which means American copper has had to be sent abroad for processing. Meanwhile, China’s share of global refining capacity has grown to 44%.

A report commissioned by industry body the Copper Development Association concluded that making the most of American reserves required increasing processing capacity in the US.

Mr Friedland, who has joint US and Canadian citizenship, made most of his mining fortune from his company’s vast operations in southern Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but he is working on opening what will be America’s first new copper mine in more than a decade.

The Santa Cruz project in Arizona is expected to start production in 2028 and will, he says, deliver copper that is so highly refined it can be used in electronics, modern cars and data centres without requiring processing at a smelter.

And with computer chip maker TSMC and electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors coming to Arizona, Mr Friedland thinks the copper produced will never leave the state.

Other companies are also racing to mine more copper in the US but have been held back by permit delays and legal challenges.

The billionaire insists Trump’s desire to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US will mean even more raw materials are needed and there will be a “continued scramble” for metals.

But others are doubtful Trump’s economic shake-up will be good for growth.

“For the sake of national security, you may be willing to give up certain amounts of economic efficiency” says Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

However, the wide-ranging tariffs will, he argues, be detrimental to the US.

“That’s a very big set of costs to impose on the huge range of people, almost essentially everybody in the US.”

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.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI urged the government on Tuesday to elaborate a new generation of reforms to ensure equal development between the country’s regions.

“It is not acceptable for Morocco – today or at any time in the future – to be a two-speed country,” the king, who has final say over the country’s strategic policies, said in an annual speech marking 26 years of his reign.

While the level of poverty has dropped in Morocco from 11.9% in 2014 to 6.8% in 2024, some inner regions show above-average poverty levels, according to the national statistics agency.

Morocco has attracted industrial investments in sectors such as aerospace and car manufacturing, which now top its exports.

However, most of the country’s GDP, industry and critical infrastructure are concentrated in the northwestern areas, leaving the rest of Morocco dependent on farming, fisheries and tourism.

“Some regions – particularly in rural areas – are still suffering from poverty and vulnerability, due to a lack of infrastructure and basic facilities,” the king said.

The new reforms should aim at improving social services, education, health care and water management as well as promoting employment, he said.

Morocco created just 82,000 jobs last year, which falls short of reducing the country’s high unemployment rate at 13.3%, according to the central bank.

In his speech, the king also reaffirmed Morocco’s readiness for “a frank, responsible, fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending” with Algeria.

Algeria cut ties with Morocco in 2021, halted the flow of gas, banned Moroccan flights from crossing its airspace and imposed visas on Moroccans, after the kingdom resumed ties with Israel.

The two most populous countries in the Maghreb are at loggerheads over the status of Western Sahara. Morocco considers the territory its own, while Algeria hosts and backs the Polisario Front, which seeks its own state there.

The king also thanked the UK and Portugal, the most recent Western nations to back Morocco’s autonomy plan for the territory.

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.

The Health Ministry says it has successfully processed salaries for 321 Pharmacist House Officers who completed their housemanship in 2024.

This, it notes, is a significant step toward addressing outstanding financial obligations within the sector.

The Ministry also acknowledges concerns raised by the 2024 batch of Rotation Nurses and Allied Health Interns who began their rotations in May 2024 and completed them in May 2025, but have not received their salaries.

It attributes the delay to the inability of the previous government to secure the necessary financial clearance before the interns started work.

According to the Ministry, it is actively working with relevant government agencies to prioritise and expedite the clearance process to ensure the timely disbursement of all outstanding salaries.

“This effort reflects the Ministry’s broader commitment to resolving salary arrears across all health worker categories and ensuring that every qualified professional is supported in delivering essential healthcare services to Ghanaians.”

“We wish to reassure all affected Rotation Nurses and Allied Health Interns that their concerns are being addressed as a matter of urgency,” it said, adding that steps are being taken to implement a sustainable system that prevents such delays in the future.

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.

The UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The PM said Israel must also meet other conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution, and allowing the United Nations to restart the supply of aid, or the UK would take the step at September’s UN General Assembly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism”.

The UK government has previously said recognition should come at a point when it can have maximum impact, as part of a peace process.

However, the PM has been under growing pressure – including from his own MPs – to act more quickly.

Last week, France also announced it would officially recognise a Palestinian state in September – the first of the G7 group of the world’s richest countries to do so.

Giving a news conference after holding an emergency cabinet meeting, Sir Keir said he was announcing the plan now because of the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and concern that “the very possibility of a two-state solution is reducing”.

He told reporters that the UK’s goal of “a safe secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state” was “under pressure like never before”.

The PM added that his “primary aim” was to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza, including ensuring that aid gets in.

In outlining the steps UK wanted the Israeli government to take, Sir Keir also said it should make clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The current Israeli government is opposed to progress towards a two-state solution so it is highly unlikely to agree to the conditions.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir said Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

In response to the announcement, Netanyahu wrote on social media: “A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW.

“Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen.”

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.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG)is tightening its regulatory grip on financial institutions flouting the foreign exchange laws, warning that continued non-compliance could result in the revocation of remittance licenses.

In a statement issued today, July 29, the Central Bank was concerned about continued breaches despite repeated cautions and regulatory reminders.

It particularly cited Banks, Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMIs), Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSPs), and Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) over persistent violations of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 and the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services.

The offences include the use of unapproved channels for terminating inward remittances, unauthorised foreign exchange swaps, remittance settlements conducted without prior approval and the application of unofficial exchange rates.

BoG cautioned that institutions found flouting the rules risk other severe sanctions, including the termination of partnerships with non-compliant MTOs and the potential revocation of remittance licenses.

“The Bank will sanction any violating institution and terminate the remittance partnerships of all MTOs whose operations are not in compliance with the approved guidelines”, it cautioned.

It therefore asked the financial institutions to strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

i. The funding of the Local Settlement Account should be strictly done in accordance with section 7.1 (c) of the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services by Payment Service Providers.

ii. Ensure that all disbursements shall be from the Local Settlement Account as stated in section 7.2 (a) of the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services by Payment Service Providers.

iii. DEMIs/EPSPs should ensure that pre-funding arrangement with the Settlement Bank shall be done in accordance with section 7.2 (b) of the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services by Payment Service Providers.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has also issued a directive requiring all banks, Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMIs), and Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSPs) to submit detailed weekly reports on inward remittance transactions.

Ghana’s public debt stock fell by GH¢156.4 billion between March and June 2025 to GH¢613 billion in June 2025.

This is approximately 43.8% of Gross Domestic Product.

In dollar term, the public debt stood at $59.4 billion, higher than the $49.5 billion.

According to data from the Bank of Ghana, the country’s total public debt stood at GH¢769.4 billion in March 2025, GH¢730.3 billion in April 2025, and GH¢612.1 billion in May 2025, respectively.

The appreciation of the cedi to the dollar culminated in a reduction in the Gross Domestic Product of the debt.

The data showed that the external debt stood at US$29.1 billion in June 2025, higher than the US$28.5 billion in March 2025.  This represents 29.1% of GDP.

However, domestic debt increased to GH¢312.7 billion in June 2025, from GH¢315.6 billion in May 2025, about 22.3% of GDP.

In March 2025 and April 2025, the domestic debt stood at GH¢326.9 billion and GH¢322.3 billion, respectively.

For the government’s fiscal operations, the fiscal deficit-to-GDP stood at 1.1 % in June 2025.

The primary balance, however, stood at a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in June 2025.

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.

The Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Atta Issah, has pushed back against recent criticisms from the Minority in Parliament regarding the government’s economic performance, urging them to focus on real-life improvements rather than “lexicons and jargons.”

Responding to a press conference held by the Minority on Tuesday, July 29—where they accused the government of introducing an “unprecedented” number of new taxes and worsening the cost of living—Issah, in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News, said what truly matters to Ghanaians are the tangible outcomes, particularly the recent decline in prices of key food items.

“What is important are the micro indicators that affect the livelihoods of our people,” the Sagnarigu MP stated.

“The truth of the matter is that we have seen a reduction in the prices of rice, maize, sugar, and other consumables in this country. That is what Ghanaians are interested in, and not this lexicons and jargons the Minority keeps talking about.”

Read also….

Minority slams gov’t over “unprecedented” tax hikes and soaring cost of living

The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi campus, was filled with emotion, urgency, and a call to action as students gathered for a lecture on Ghana’s growing environmental crisis.

Held in a lecture hall of 105 students, the event drew hundreds of students of BSc Social Studies eager to understand the dangerous effects of galamsey, the illegal small-scale mining practice threatening Ghana’s land, water, and people.

Led by environmental lecturer Dr. Simon Boateng, the lecture peeled back the layers of a national disaster that continues to unfold.

The university, known for its strong academic foundation in entrepreneurship and accounting, also promotes ethical leadership and real-world problem-solving. And the course, environmental issues in Ghana was a clear example of that commitment.

Dr. Boateng showed evidence of how galamsey is affecting waterbodies among others. Through disturbing videos, he brought the crisis into the lecture room: rivers turned brown and poisoned, elderly patients lying in hospital beds, their bodies failing from exposure to toxic water. The mood was somber.

One student, struggling to hold back tears, stood and asked a question that got everyone thinking: “How do we stop galamsey?”

According to a report from the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services (CERSGIS), more than 670 square kilometers of land nearly the size of Singapore has been destroyed by illegal mining. Rivers once full of life are now choked with chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and lead.

These polluted waters are the same ones used daily by rural communities for drinking, farming, and cooking. The damage goes beyond nature, it is killing livelihoods and costing lives. “Our crops are dying, and people are getting sick because of dirty water,” said Nadia Salu, a student lamented.

Dr. Simon explained that Ghana’s environmental issues didn’t start today. The roots stretch back to colonial times, when natural resources were extracted with little concern for environmental consequences. Fast-forward to today, and rivers like the Pra, once used by colonial governors for their final baths, are now so polluted they are unrecognizable.

Key issues covered in the lecture included deforestation, afforestation, land degradation, air and water pollution, and flooding. Dr. Simon explained that floods can happen naturally like from melting icebergs, but many in Ghana are man-made, caused by clogged drains filled with refuse.

He asked, “Did you know some people still drink from the same pond as animals?” The silence that followed said it all.

Student Daniel Asamoah asked a question many were thinking: “How do we fix this?” Dr. Boateng laid out several strategies. First, create employment opportunities in mining communities to prevent the youth from joining illegal operations.

Next, support responsible mining, formalize artisanal mining licenses, and invest in local economies. He stressed that community involvement and policy reform were key, as well as using technology to monitor illegal mining and offering healthcare and support to affected communities.

“Environmental problems are everyone’s problem,” he said. “We need all hands on deck.”

For many, the experience was life-changing. “I never realized the impact of galamsey till I saw that 60-year-old man in the hospital,” said this writer, Fasila Alhassan. “What if it was my mom?”

“Dr. Simon’s passion for conservation is inspiring,” said Herrietta Ziem, another student. “I’m motivated to make a difference.”

Kwame Frimpong added, “The lecture was informative and interactive. The real-life videos made the problems feel so real.”

The session ended with questions and answers, where students asked thoughtful questions and shared ideas.

Dr. Boateng challenged the students to take action. Their assignment: visit local communities, interview the elderly about environmental changes, and bring back pictures and videos for discussion during the next lecture.

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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.

The Forestry Commission has strongly condemned the forced closure of its district offices in Bekwai, Nkawie, and Offinso in the Ashanti Region by a group of heavily armed, masked individuals claiming to be National Security operatives.

The incident occurred Monday, July 28, when about 20 assailants locked the offices with their own padlocks and left with the keys, without lawful authority.

The Commission described the act as a “blatant act of intimidation,” calling it a violation of public service operations and the constitutional mandate of the FC.

In a statement, the Forestry Commission cited interviews granted by the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator, Capt. (Rtd.) Kwame Jabari, who distanced his office from the action and labelled the perpetrators as impostors.

The Commission is urging law enforcement and relevant authorities to launch a swift, impartial investigation into the incident, arrest and prosecute all those involved, and determine any links to recent arrests of illegal miners by FC teams in the Oda Forest Reserve.

They also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to immediately deploy uniformed officers to secure its offices and checkpoints across the Ashanti Region.

Staff have been assured of their safety and instructed to continue their duties without fear.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and combating illegal mining, and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near FC facilities.

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.

The momentum continues to build for the 2025 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards, powered by Smirnoff, as celebrated Dancehall icon Samini is officially billed to perform at the highly anticipated event.

The revelation was made by DJ Bridash — a member of Samini’s inner circle and a Disc Jokey/Presenter at Hitz FM — during a live segment of Cruise Control with Merqury Quaye on Thursday, July 24.

“Officially, Samini will be performing at this year’s Guinness Ghana DJ Awards,” Bridash confirmed, signaling what many believe might be a headline performance of the night.

According to DJ Bridash, Samini’s team is already aligning with organizers to ensure a seamless rollout and performance. “Any materials or information needed to support promotion ahead of the awards should be submitted without delay,” he added, indicating the camp’s readiness to collaborate on all fronts.

This announcement adds a fresh layer of excitement to what is already shaping up to be a landmark celebration in the event’s 13-year history. The 2025 edition of the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards — themed “Shake the Floor” — is scheduled for November 29, and is set to deliver an electrifying blend of disc jockeying from some of Ghana’s finest DJs, music, performance, and innovation.

The news follows a successful launch event on July 19 at Luna Rooftop Bar, Airport City — a gathering that attracted some of Ghana’s influential figures in entertainment, politics, and media.

Dignitaries such as Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey ‘Santana’, Board Member Ahumah Bosco, Actor Kalybos, Hiplife duo Keche, and Music Producer MixMaster Garzy graced the occasion, reinforcing the event’s growing stature.

Over the years, the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards has established itself as the continent’s biggest platform dedicated to honoring disc jockeys — celebrating not only their technical prowess but their pivotal role in shaping music culture across Africa.

With Samini’s confirmed appearance, this year’s show which will air live on Ghana’s number 1 entertainment and lifestyle TV, Joy Prime, promises to deliver not just recognition, but unforgettable performances that will once again underscore the Awards’ status as a premiere entertainment fixture on the Ghanaian calendar.

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.

By Edward Dankwah

Accra, July 29, GNA – SeamlessHR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the HR Certification Centre (HRCC) in Accra.

The strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the HR ecosystem across Ghana and West Africa through capacity building, digital enablement, and thought leadership.

A statement issued in Accra said it laid the groundwork for a new approach to how HR professionals were trained, certified, and empowered to lead in today’s dynamic world of work.

Under the terms of the MoU, SeamlessHR and HRCC will collaborate on a series of initiatives, including technology-enabled training programmes, co-designed learning curricula, and certification-backed digital education.

The statement said these efforts were aimed at equipping HR professionals with both practical tools and contemporary knowledge to drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and support smarter decision-making.

Mr Hackman Dabantib, Senior Sales Manager, SeamlessHR, said: “We are excited about what this partnership means for the HR community in Ghana.”

He said that at SeamlessHR, they believe technology should go hand in hand with capacity building, and that was exactly what this collaboration was about.

“HRCC has been instrumental in shaping professional standards in the country, and we are proud to support that work with tools that help professionals work smarter and create more value in their organisations,” he said

Mr Dabantib said that together, the two organisations intended to create more opportunities for industry-wide engagement that strengthen professional standards and inspire forward-thinking HR leadership.

He said at the heart of this partnership was a shared ambition to build stronger institutions, foster modern HR capability, and play an active role in shaping the future of work across Ghana and Africa.

Madam Pearl Amoah Amponsah, Executive Director of HRCC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of technology in advancing HR.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we formalise the partnership between SeamlessHR and HRCC and this collaboration is about transforming how HR operates, moving from manual processes to smarter, digital solutions,” she said.

She said that by digitising the data they have always relied on, they were enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

“Our goal is to build a formidable community of HR professionals equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive and in the years to come, we believe this partnership will help shape a future we can all be proud of, one grounded in value, growth and lasting success,” she added

The collaboration reflects SeamlessHR’s ambition to support sustainable workforce transformation across Africa.

Through investment in knowledge and digital capability at a local level, the company aims to empower organisations to build high-performing teams capable of driving long-term business success.

GNA

Edited by Benjamin Mensah

National President of OPDAG, Paul Amaning

Stakeholders in Ghana’s oil palm industry have called for consistency and cohesiveness in the development and implementation of policies for the sector.

At the third Annual General Meeting of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG), held in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, attendees appealed to the government to tailor its policies to the sector’s unique needs.

In his keynote address, Nicholas Issaka Gbana, a development economist, emphasized the necessity of policy consistency and coherence, warning that contradictory decisions could hinder industry progress.

He highlighted the similarities between the Feed Ghana and Grow24 policies, questioning the need for two separate initiatives with identical objectives.

“These flagship programs, though well-intentioned, are parallel in structure and duplicative in nature. Both identify oil palm as a priority crop, yet their overlapping objectives and strategies risk confusion, resource competition, and fragmented implementation,” he stated.

Gbana urged the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to lead efforts in ensuring effective coordination and consistency in policy development to support the oil palm industry’s growth.

In his welcome address, Samuel Avaala, the immediate past president of OPDAG, stressed the importance of unity and cohesion to advance the association’s interests.

With Ghana aiming to emulate Malaysia’s success in the oil palm industry, Avaala reiterated the need for a unified approach and steadfast pursuit of the sector’s goals.

Dr. Andy Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, affirmed that his organization is prepared to spearhead policy alignment and coherence, with efforts already underway.

He announced that TCDA, in collaboration with key government ministries and development partners, is working to harmonize policies and reduce fragmentation.

Regarding regulatory enforcement, Dr. Okrah highlighted the launch of an online licensing and registration platform for value chain actors, with field registration set to commence soon.

“A Seed and Seedling Production Policy, supported by MOFA and Solidaridad, is also slated for launch to ensure farmers’ access to certified planting materials,” he added.

The AGM saw OPDAG elect its new national executives, with Paul Kwame Amaning emerging as president.

By Daniel Agbesi Latsu

Fumesua (A/R), July 29, GNA-Ms Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on Ghanaians to unite in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that it impacts everyone.

Speaking at the “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption,” a capacity-building and sensitisation programme for civic educators in Fumesua in the Ashanti Region, she labeled corruption as “the biggest problem for Ghana” and urged collective action to address it.

The programme is benefiting 60 civic educators from all 16 regions of Ghana and is funded by the European Union (EU) and being implemented by GIZ.

Ms Addy encouraged the educators to utilise drama, visual aids and pictorials in their presentations, suggesting that such methods were more memorable than verbal discussions alone.

Mr Patrick Asare-Nelson, Project Manager for the EU, said the programme was a 24-month initiative running from April 2025 to April 2027.

He noted that the project aimed to raise awareness about the rule of law, reduce corruption, and enhance accountability.

Ms Mildred Edinam Adzraku, Technical Advisor at GIZ, emphasized the importance of educating citizens about the effects of corruption, acknowledging that while it may be challenging to completely eradicate corruption, efforts to reduce it were essential.

Present at the evet were Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, NCCE Deputy Chairman in-Charge of Operations, Mr Victor Brobbey, NCCE Deputy Chairman in-Charge of General Services, Ms Peace Kondo, Director for Human Resources, NCCE and Ms Rita Amparbin, Director for Communications and Corporate Affairs, NCCE.

GNA

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah