Defunct uniBank Ghana office

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that directors of the defunct uniBank Ghana Limited have proposed a GH¢2 billion settlement to resolve a GH¢3.3 billion liability owed to the state.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on July 28, 2025, the Attorney General said the accused persons submitted the offer in a letter dated May 7, 2025, following prolonged negotiations.

The settlement proposal includes the transfer of GH¢800 million worth of assets directly to uniBank, as well as the accused persons’ active cooperation in recovering an additional GH¢1.2 billion from third parties.

“The accused persons offered to pay GH¢2 billion in full and final settlement of the outstanding obligation,” the Attorney-General stated.

“This includes GH¢800 million in assets and their cooperation to help the Receiver retrieve another GH¢1.2 billion from direct beneficiaries,” he added.

Meanwhile, the court has yet to determine whether the proposal will be accepted.

uniBank was one of several indigenous banks that collapsed in 2018 during the financial sector clean-up exercise by the Bank of Ghana.

The BoG revoked uniBank’s licence, citing insolvency and related-party transactions that allegedly violated banking regulations. The central bank subsequently appointed a receiver to take over operations and recover assets.

The collapse also triggered criminal investigations and a civil recovery process targeting the bank’s directors and shareholders, including Dr Kwabena Duffour, a former Minister of Finance.

The state accused them of misappropriating funds and engaging in unlawful transactions that contributed to the bank’s collapse.

In 2020, the Attorney General’s office filed charges against the directors for alleged financial malfeasance, including money laundering, fraudulent breach of trust, and dishonest appropriation of funds.

The total amount involved was initially estimated at over GH¢5 billion, later revised to GH¢3.3 billion following reconciliations and asset valuations.

MA

Accra, July 28, GNA- The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released more than GHC 15.84 million to all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the country to cover the fees for the 2025 WASSCE practicals.  

The disbursement, under the directive of Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, covers fees for form three learners, reinforcing the government’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden on parents and guardians.  

This was in a statement signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, and issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.  

The statement said the payment was to ensure that all practical examinations scheduled for the 2025 WASSCE were fully supported, including the provision of the required materials and other essential resources.  

“With the release of the funds, GES seeks to facilitate a smooth and well-coordinated examination process that enables students to focus on their academic work while relieving parents and guardians of any such financial burden,” it said.  

The statement urged regional, district, and school authorities to ensure the due application of the funds for their intended purpose to guarantee efficiency and accountability.  

“Management will continue to monitor the utilisation processes to ensure compliance and to maintain high standards in the administration of the examination,” he said.  

The Service appreciated the cooperation of all stakeholders in advancing quality education and remained dedicated to creating an enabling environment for the success of all students.  

GNA  

Christian Akorlie   

The recent parliamentary exchange regarding coding has sparked significant discussion across Ghana’s tech community and beyond.

As someone who has spent over 10 years in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure development, I believe this moment presents an opportunity to examine how we communicate about technology in policy contexts, and what this reveals about our national digital transformation journey.

The Context of Technical Communication

Having observed similar discussions across various African countries implementing digital strategies, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: the gap between technical implementation language and policy framework language. This isn’t unique to Ghana – it’s a global challenge where technical practitioners and policy architects often operate in different conceptual frameworks.

Different Lenses, Different Definitions

When the Deputy Minister Mohammed Adam Sukparu described coding as “providing training for young men and women in the IT space, training them in web design, training them in how to build software,” he was speaking from a policy implementation perspective rather than a technical definition perspective.

From a cybersecurity and IT governance standpoint, this distinction is crucial. In policy circles, “coding” often refers to the entire educational ecosystem and capacity-building framework, while in technical circles, it refers specifically to the act of writing instructions for computers.

Technical Analysis: What Was Actually Said

Let me break down the response from a systems thinking perspective:

Policy Framework Context: The Deputy Minister appeared to be addressing coding as a developmental program and educational initiative. From this lens, coding becomes:

• A capacity-building strategy

• A youth empowerment program

• A digital skills development framework

• An economic transformation tool

Technical Context: The technical community expected a definition focused on:

• Programming languages and syntax

• Algorithm development

• Software engineering principles

• Computer science fundamentals

Industry Perspective: Both Views Have Merit

In my experience, I’ve seen how these different perspectives actually complement each other:

The Policy Perspective is Strategic

When implementing national digital strategies, coding education isn’t just about teaching Python or JavaScript. It’s about:

• Infrastructure development: Building human capital for the digital economy

• Economic diversification: Creating new employment sectors

• Youth engagement: Providing alternative career pathways

• Innovation ecosystem: Establishing a foundation for tech entrepreneurship

The Technical Perspective is Operational

Technical practitioners focus on the mechanics:

• Skill acquisition: Specific programming competencies

• Problem-solving: Algorithmic thinking and logic

• Tool mastery: Development environments and frameworks

• Code quality: Best practices and standards

What This Reveals About Our Digital Maturity

This conversation actually highlights something positive about Ghana’s digital transformation journey: we have a vibrant tech community that cares deeply about precision and quality. The passionate response from the technical community demonstrates:

1. Technical Standards Matter: Our developers and engineers maintain high standards for technical accuracy

2. Engagement is High: The tech community is actively participating in national conversations

3. Expertise is Present: We have knowledgeable practitioners who can identify and articulate technical nuances

Lessons from Other Digital Transformation Leaders

Looking at countries like Estonia, Singapore, and Rwanda – all digital transformation success stories – similar communication challenges occurred during their early implementation phases. The key was developing translation mechanisms between policy and technical languages.

Estonia’s Experience

During Estonia’s e-governance implementation, ministers initially spoke about “digital infrastructure” in broad policy terms, while technicians focused on specific protocols and standards. Success came from creating bridge communication protocols.

Singapore’s Approach

Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative succeeded partly because it established technical advisory councils that helped policymakers communicate more precisely about technical matters.

Constructive Path Forward

Rather than viewing this as a deficit, we can leverage this moment for positive outcomes:

For Policy Makers

1. Technical Advisory Integration: Establish regular consultation with technical experts for public communications

2. Context Clarity: Specify whether discussing policy frameworks or technical implementation

3. Continuous Learning: Engage with technical communities to understand current language and concepts

For Technical Community

1. Constructive Engagement: Provide educational support rather than just criticism

2. Bridge Building: Help translate between technical precision and policy communication

3. Collaborative Support: Offer expertise to enhance government digital initiatives

For Ghana’s Digital Future

1. Unified Vision: Align policy objectives with technical implementation strategies

2. Communication Protocols: Develop standards for discussing technical matters in public forums

3. Educational Investment: Strengthen technical literacy at all levels of governance

The Bigger Picture: Ghana’s Digital Potential

From a cybersecurity perspective, Ghana is positioned well for digital leadership in Africa:

• Infrastructure: Improving connectivity and data centre capabilities

• Human Capital: Growing pool of technical talent

• Innovation: Emerging startup ecosystem and tech hubs

• Policy Support: Government commitment to digital transformation

The coding conversation, rather than being a setback, can catalyse better alignment between policy vision and technical execution.

Recommendations for Moving Forward

Immediate Actions

1. Technical Advisory Council: Establish a formal technical advisory board for digital policy matters

2. Communication Training: Provide technical communication workshops for policy makers

3. Community Engagement: Create regular dialogue forums between the government and the tech community

Medium-term Strategies

1. Digital Literacy Programs: Comprehensive programs for all government levels

2. Industry Partnerships: Formal collaboration between the government and the tech industry

3. International Benchmarking: Study communication best practices from digital leaders

Long-term Vision

1. Integrated Approach: Seamless integration of policy and technical perspectives

2. Innovation Culture: Foster an environment where technical precision and policy vision align

3. Regional Leadership: Position Ghana as West Africa’s digital communication model

Conclusion

The recent coding discussion reflects a healthy, engaged democracy where technical communities actively participate in governance conversations. Rather than seeing this as a problem, we should recognize it as evidence of Ghana’s maturing digital ecosystem.

The Deputy Minister’s response, when viewed through a policy implementation lens, addresses the systemic and educational aspects of coding initiatives. The technical community’s reaction demonstrates our collective commitment to precision and quality.

Our path forward lies not in choosing between these perspectives, but in creating mechanisms that honour both the strategic policy vision and the technical precision that will make that vision successful.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation journey, moments like these – where different communities engage in substantive discussion about our technological future – are actually signs of progress. They indicate a society where technology matters enough to generate passionate, informed debate.

The question isn’t whether the Deputy Minister’s explanation was technically precise – it’s how we use this moment to strengthen the bridge between policy vision and technical implementation, ensuring Ghana’s digital transformation benefits from both strategic thinking and technical excellence.

David Gyedu is a cybersecurity expert with experience in digital infrastructure development. He currently serves as Director at Cyber1defense Communication and has mentored many tech folks. Views expressed are his own professional analysis.

An Analysis by David Gyedu(DK Cyber), Cybersecurity Expert & IT Director

Tweneboah Fokuo is the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta

‎The Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboah Fokuo, says the recent rise in the value of the Ghana cedi is not due to strong economic foundations.

‎

‎Speaking on Citi FM’s The Big Issue on July 26, 2025, he argued that the current government should not take credit for any major increase in Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.

‎

‎He explained that most of the gold reserves supporting the cedi were built by the previous NPP government, and the current administration has only added a little, about one metric tonne.

‎

‎“Yes, we talk about gold reserves, but if you check, most of it came from the previous government. This one has only added about one metric tonne, so they can’t claim to have made any big structural change that led to the cedi’s appreciation,” he said.

‎

‎He believes the cedi’s recent gains are mostly due to short-term factors like temporary support from the Bank of Ghana and the weakening of other global currencies, not long-term economic improvements.

‎

‎He stated that unless the government puts in place strong, lasting reforms, the cedi could easily lose its current value again.

‎

‎DR/MA

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

As part of ongoing stakeholder engagements within the energy sector, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor (MP) has paid a working visit to the Bui Power Authority (BPA), underscoring government’s unwavering support for Ghana’s clean energy future.

During the visit, Mr. Jinapor interacted with the management and staff of the Authority, taking stock of BPA’s current operations, challenges, and strategic direction. 

The Minister commended the role BPA continues to play in ensuring stability in the national power grid, particularly during recent surges in demand.

“We recognise the vital contribution Bui Power makes to our energy mix,” he said. 

“During the recent upgrade by ENI to increase gas supply, one of the reasons we maintained an uninterrupted power supply was due to your strategicoperations.

As Minister, I remain fully committed to supporting BPA in alignment with our national vision for a green and sustainable energy sector.”

Highlighting BPA’s strategic alignment with government policy, Acting Chief Executive Officer Ing. Kow EduakwaSam outlined the Authority’s strong focus on renewable energy development. 

He reiterated BPA’s dedication to contributing meaningfully to President John Dramani Mahama’s green transition agenda.

Ing. Sam expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a testament to the Ministry’s supervisory role of the Authority. 

He affirmed BPA’s readiness to lead Ghana’s shift toward a more sustainable energy 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.

$218.62 million generated from crude oil liftings recorded in January and March 2025

Ghana earned $370.62 million from crude oil in the first half of 2025, according to the First-Half Petroleum Semi-Annual Report.

Of this amount, $218.62 million was generated from crude oil liftings that took place between January and March 2025.

The country also received $148.75 million in corporate taxes during the first half of the year.

These taxes were paid by companies involved in crude oil production, including Kosmos Energy, Tullow Oil, ENI Ghana, Vitol, and Petro SA.

Additionally, surface rentals contributed $863,045, while income from the Petroleum Holding Fund was estimated at $2.376 million.

Investments from the Ghana Petroleum Holding Fund were valued at $1.42 billion in the first half of 2025.

For the Ghana Heritage Fund, earnings during the period amounted to $1.301 billion, while the Ghana Stabilisation Fund recorded investments worth $122.9 million.

SP/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

A survey conducted by PwC showed that 95 percent of Ghanaians agreed that Ghana’s macroeconomic performance in the first half of of 2025 has met, or even exceeded its expectations.

Per the survey, 68% remain confident that the overall real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth target of 4% will be achieved or surpassed.

However, 45% of the respondents’ lament that the drop in inflation is not reflecting in their daily lives. Nonetheless, 62% of them are optimistic that the targeted end-period inflation will be achieved.

The Bank of Ghana has targeted a 12% end-of-period inflation while government has targeted about 11%.

On tax policy, 60% of respondents believe the tax policy environment in first-half 2025 has been supportive yet still needs improvement – but 25% say tax administration experience has been unsatisfactory.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in parliament announced that the government has successfully restored economic clarity, certainty and stability in under 200 days since assuming office.

He also noted that the government’s swift and targeted interventions have begun yielding results, rekindling confidence in the economy.

He said Ghana’s economic turnaround is not merely theoretical but is already being experienced by citizens and investors alike.

Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Dr Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor, is urging government to focus on fiscal consolidation, revenue performance and borrowing transparency as it presents the mid-year budget review.

He added that it is crucial for the government to build on recent gains and avoid slipping back into unsustainable spending patterns.

Although some want the government to spend more, Dr Agbloyor cautions that will increase the deficit, and is going to cause problems for us.

He stressed the need for improved revenue performance, which would boost credibility and help foster market confidence.

SP/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Julie Kozack is the Communications Director of the International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging the Bank of Ghana to maintain a tight monetary policy stance to ensure inflation continues to decline.

At a press briefing in Washington, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack commended Ghana’s progress in reducing inflation from 54% at the end of 2022 to 13.7% in June 2025.

However, she cautioned that easing interest rates too soon could reverse the gains.

She emphasised the need for continued policy discipline to meet the Bank of Ghana’s medium-term inflation target of 8%, with a margin of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

“Going forward, it will be important for monetary policy to remain sufficiently tight, consistent with bringing inflation down to the Bank of Ghana’s target range of 8%, plus or minus 2 percentage points,” she stated.

Ghana has recorded six consecutive months of declining inflation, falling from 23.8% in December 2024 to 13.7% in June 2025.

Despite this progress, the policy rate remains at 28%, prompting calls from some business leaders for rate cuts to stimulate economic growth.

Kozack’s comments come as the Bank of Ghana begins its 125th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting today, Monday, July 28, to review key economic indicators, including inflation trends, currency stability, and the strength of the financial sector.

Ghana is currently implementing a $3 billion IMF-supported programme aimed at restoring economic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and supporting long-term development.

DR/MA

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

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

In an era marked by global food insecurity, increasing health challenges, and economic constraints, a promising innovation in the food sector is emerging from the laboratory of Ghanaian researcher Ebenezer Asiamah.

He is an expert in starch with numerous years conducting cutting-edge research into gluten-free starch-based noodles, with particular focus on pea starch noodles.

His work presents a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to conventional noodles widely consumed across Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa.

At the core of his research is the functional modification and optimization of native starches, which is poised to redefine the nutritional profile and economic potential of Ghana’s staple food sector.

By applying advanced food science techniques such as “clean label” physical treatments with lipid and pea starch complex products, Asiamah aims to enhance the structural integrity, digestibility, and health benefits of starch-based noodles.

These products are designed not only as a daily meal alternative but also as functional foods that can help address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and obesity, and even as a prebiotic agent for controlling cancer-related diseases.

Transforming Ghana’s Food System

In Ghana, instant noodles are a rapidly growing component of urban diets, with a market revenue of $325.43 million in 2025 and an annual growth rate of 7.26% (CAGR 2025-2030).

However, the market is dominated by imported, highly processed, wheat-based noodles with limited nutritional value.

In contrast, starch noodles made from locally grown legumes, such as peas, offer a gluten-free and rich in dietary fibre and protein. They provide a viable solution aligned with both traditional culinary practices and modern dietary preferences.

“Using indigenous crops to develop functional starch noodles will create a value chain that starts from the Ghanaian farmer and ends with the Ghanaian consumer,” Asiamah explains. “It reduces our dependence on imports, strengthens local agriculture, and brings healthier food options to our tables.”

Advancing Public Health and Nutrition

Ghana faces a dual burden of malnutrition among children and a growing incidence of diet-related chronic diseases among adults. Asiamah’s innovation directly addresses both ends of this spectrum.

The development of resistant starch noodles, which behave like dietary fibre, can regulate blood sugar levels and promote gut health. This is a groundbreaking step toward functional foods tailored to the specific health profiles of Ghana’s population.

Economic Growth and Export Potential

Beyond the kitchen and clinic, this research holds profound economic implications. Scaling up the production of starch noodles could:

• Create employment in agro-processing and food manufacturing
• Stimulate demand for local legumes and tubers
• Reduce national import bills for wheat and pasta products
• Position Ghana as a regional hub for innovative, health-oriented food exports

Ghana’s food economy can significantly benefit from investments in research-led food innovation, and Asiamah’s work is a leading example of this potential.

Global Recognition and Scientific Impact

Asiamah is an internationally recognized scholar with a track record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and cross-institutional collaborations. His nomination and recognition as an Outstanding International Student, along with invitations to peer-review scientific manuscripts for top-tier food science journals, reflect the calibre and influence of his work.

His research is not only of national relevance but also contributes to global conversations on sustainable diets, food resilience, and post-harvest innovation, positioning him as an emerging voice in international food science.

A Vision for Sustainable Transformation

Looking ahead, Asiamah envisions a Ghana where local starch noodles are mainstreamed into school feeding programs, hospital nutrition plans, and international retail markets. With the right institutional support and strategic partnerships, his research could help lay the foundation for a resilient, health-oriented, and self-sustaining food system.

“Food is both a cultural anchor and an economic engine”, he says. “By investing in smart food science rooted in our local context, we can drive a future that is both nutritionally secure and economically empowered”.

As he continues to lead innovation at the intersection of health, agriculture, and food technology, Ebenezer Asiamah is setting the stage not only for a healthier Ghana but also for a globally competitive food industry that proudly exports African innovation to the world.

By Ebenezer Asiamah, Expert (Starch and starch-based product)

Ghanaian oil marketing company NOVA Fuel has commissioned its 18th fuel filling station in Walewale, North East Region, as part of an ambitious national expansion plan to become the country’s leading Oil Marketing Company (OMC) within the next five years.

Speaking at the ceremony, NOVA Fuel Managing Director, Kwasi Zigah said the new outlet marks another step in NOVA’s goal of reaching every corner of Ghana.

“Community by community, NOVA Fuel is expanding nationwide. We aim to become Ghana’s number one OMC in the next five years,” he stated.

NOVA Fuel, the trading name of Westol Petroleum Limited, currently operates fuel stations in Accra, Ashaiman, Nsawam, Takoradi, Ayanfuri, Weta, and other key locations across the country.

Mr. Zigah assured Walewale residents of consistent fuel availability at competitive prices, backed by high quality standards.

“With our own fuel tankers, we transport fuel from various fuel depots in Ghana to our stations so customers can expect clean, reliable fuel—what we call wholesale prices.”

As part of NOVA’s green energy strategy, the company is also introducing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) services at its stations. In Walewale, residents can exchange old cylinders for new ones filled with gas, paying only for the gas.

“We support the government’s transition to greener energy. Clean cooking helps both the environment and human health,” he added.

Deputy Energy Minister Richard Gyan-Mensah, who attended the launch, praised NOVA’s leadership in adopting cleaner fuel practices and encouraged other OMCs to follow suit.

The Municipal Chief Executive of West Mamprusi, Mohammed Rabiu Jabaah,  and the Walewale Chief, Naa Mahami Abudu both commended the company for investing in the community and creating local jobs.

The new station offers fuel, LPG, and essential energy services, positioning NOVA Fuel as a key player in Ghana’s energy transition and economic development.

The country’s small-scale mining sector exported 51.5 tonnes of gold valued at approximately US$5billion in first-half 2025 – nearly doubling the 26.4 tonnes exported during the same period last year, according to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The Finance Minister stated that this remarkable growth – a 100 percent increase in export volume and a 180 percent jump in value – was largely driven by reforms introduced through the newly established Gold Board (GOLDBOD), which has intensified efforts to formalise and regulate small-scale gold production and exports.

“For the first time in Ghana’s history, gold exports from the small-scale mining sector have exceeded those from the large-scale sector,” Dr. Forson said during his presentation of government’s ‘Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy’.

He noted that the substantial foreign exchange inflows from GOLDBOD’s operations in the artisanal, small-scale mining sector have significantly strengthened the country’s reserves, improved balance of payments and provided critical support to the Ghana cedi.

“This tells a story. A story of a country that has been denied the full benefits of its gold resources. A story of a country where illegal gold trade and smuggling have been allowed to fester to the detriment of the people’s well-being,” he added.

GOLDBOD, established to oversee and streamline activities in the small-scale gold mining industry, has introduced reforms to the licencing regime that governs the local gold trading sector and introduced new aggregation systems to effectively mop-up gold from the artisanal, small-scale mining sector across the country.

These measures, the minister reiterated, are what have contributed to yielding tangible economic benefits within the short period of their operation.

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, has long relied on large-scale mining firms for foreign exchange earnings. But the surge in output from small-scale miners signals a structural shift, with growing contributions from previously informal players now being captured in official statistics.

He reiterated that government will deal ruthlessly with anyone found engaging in illegal gold trade and smuggling, “as these nation-wrecking activities sabotage the progress of the people”.

In his review of the country’s performance over the last 6 months, Dr. Forson said that trade surplus increased from US$1.37billion in June 2024 to US$5.57billion in June 2025 – representing a 306.6 percent increase. This he attributed to strong exports, particularly in gold and cocoa and controlled imports.

Meanwhile, he announced that the current account surplus improved significantly to a provisional value of US$3.44billion by June 2025 from US$283.11million in June 2024.

“Furthermore,” he said, “provisional net capital and financial inflows reached US$937.58million in June 2025, indicating renewed investor confidence.”

Feed Ghana and Grow24 are agric programmes under 24H+ Economy

Nicholas Issaka Gbana, a Development Economist and Chartered Accountant has raised concerns over the parallel implementation of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Feed Ghana programme and the Grow24 initiative under the 24-Hour Economy Policy, describing them as duplicative and potentially counterproductive.

Delivering the keynote address at the third Annual General Meeting of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG), Gbana said both programmes mirrored each other in goals, expected outcomes, and implementation strategies, posing a significant risk to effective policy execution.

“The bottom line is this: Feed Ghana and Grow24 are parallel and duplicative programmes as it relates to our industry and tree crops generally,” he noted.

Gbana highlighted that both policies identified agriculture, particularly the oil palm sector, as a key driver of economic growth.

Quoting the Feed Ghana report, he said the programme aimed to accelerate agricultural transformation, ensure food security, create jobs, and reduce import dependency.

Similarly, he said Grow24 was framed to reposition agriculture as a dynamic pillar of national prosperity through technology, agribusiness scaling, and export expansion.

“The two programmes have the same goals—only in different wording,” he stressed, adding that they both promote expanding irrigation systems, developing cooperatives, building farmer service centres, increasing access to concessionary finance, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Gbana warned that the lack of coordination between the two could result in competition for limited government resources, donor funding, and private sector engagement, as well as fragmented monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

He urged the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to lead the effort in consolidating the programmes into a single, unified strategy for the sector.

Touching on broader policy issues, Gbana called for a review and reset of the TCDA’s Five-Year Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022–2027).

He stressed the need to avoid the trend where new administrations abandon existing frameworks and reinvent the wheel, which he said often stalled policy progress.

The current TCDA strategy includes investments in research, sustainable production, value chain development, and capacity building.

He revealed that the strategy had already birthed the $100 million World Bank-funded Tree Crop Diversification Project (2023–2029), targeting coconut, cashew, and rubber.

Gbana further urged OPDAG and other value chain associations to work with TCDA to align this strategy with Feed Ghana, Grow24, and the upcoming Agribusiness Policy being developed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

“There are too many ingredients in the soup,” he remarked, cautioning against an overcrowded policy mix that could dilute focus and impact.

On the issue of climate action, Gbana referenced a 2019–2020 study by Solidaridad West Africa, which identified land use and cultivation practices as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the oil palm value chain.

He noted that the area under oil palm cultivation had shrunk by about five per cent between 2018 and 2022 due to galamsey activities, farm abandonment, and human settlement expansion.

He cited successful agro-forestry pilot projects in Central and Ahafo Regions, advocating for the integration of oil palm, fruit trees, timber species, and livestock as part of a climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly model.

He recommended that TCDA and COCOBOD form a joint technical committee to explore the feasibility of mixed tree cropping and agroforestry models across Ghana.

In his final point, Gbana urged OPDAG and other tree crop associations to amplify their voices on macroeconomic policies, including taxation and monetary decisions by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana.

“The import lobby is still very strong and vociferous and politicians respond to the loud,” he said, encouraging OPDAG to form a coalition of tree crop associations to influence national economic policies that impact the agricultural sector.

He concluded by challenging stakeholders to shift from rhetoric to coordinated policy advocacy that ensured a profitable and sustainable future for Ghana’s oil palm and broader tree crop sector.

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Charles Denkyi

Opinion

Jul – 28 – 2025 , 09:57

2 minutes read