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Interior Ministry Proclaims December 5 Farmers’ Day Holiday

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ministry of the Interior has announced that Friday, December 5, 2025, will be observed as a statutory public holiday.

In a statement signed by Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Ministry said the holiday will be marked nationwide in honour of Farmers’ Day.

Farmers’ Day, celebrated on the first Friday of December each year, recognises the vital contributions of farmers and fishers to Ghana’s food security, economic development and national stability.

The 2025 celebration is themed “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the Future.” The theme highlights the importance of local food production and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

The Ministry encouraged the public to observe the day in a manner that reflects its significance and promotes appreciation for the agricultural sector.

Angola Prison Hosts Father-Daughter Dance for Inmates

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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In a powerful event focused on healing and family, the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, one of the country’s largest maximum-security prisons, recently held a special father-daughter dance. The organizers designed the event for incarcerated men who have spent years, and in some cases decades, without seeing their daughters.

The gymnasium at Angola was transformed for the day. Instead of a place of correction, it became a venue for connection, filled with music, laughter, and decorated tables. For the participating inmates, many serving long sentences, this was a rare and precious chance to rebuild bonds with their children.

The emotional impact of the day was profound. Men who are often defined by their past mistakes had the opportunity to simply be “dad” for a few hours. They shared dances, held conversations, and created new, positive memories with their daughters, many of whom were young children when their fathers were first incarcerated.

Events like this dance are part of a broader rehabilitative philosophy at Angola. The prison administration believes that strengthening family ties is crucial for reducing recidivism and improving inmate behavior. By fostering these connections, the program aims to provide hope and motivation for both the fathers and their children.

The father-daughter dance at Angola Prison serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the potential for redemption. It highlights how restorative programs can have a profound impact, offering a moment of humanity and grace within the prison walls and providing a foundation for a better future for all involved.

SHS Students Misusing Government Tablets, Education Minister Warns

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has expressed concern that some students are misusing government-provided tablets.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, November 27, he said about 980,000 of the 1.3 million tablets need full customisation for academic use.

The ministry inherited a contract with about 337 million US dollars.He said that the government planned to distribute 1.3 million tablets to all free senior high schools, and so far, around 980,000 have reached the schools.

The Minister said many students currently use the tablets for non-academic purposes.

He told Mr. Speaker that many students are using the devices for other purposes, including pornography, because the tablets are not fully customised, which is not acceptable

He stressed that the government takes the issue very seriously and will enforce strict restrictions.

The government is taking a high view of it. Authorities must restrict how students use the tablets and ensure they use them strictly for study.

Haruna Iddrisu urged schools to monitor the tablets closely and guide students on proper usage.

He said teachers must ensure that students focus on learning and avoid harmful content online.

The Minister emphasised that tablets should support digital learning under the Free SHS initiative.

He called on all stakeholders to cooperate and protect the integrity of the government’s digital education program.

Ayariga: 24-Hour Economy Depends on Fixing ECG Mess

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has stated that Ghana’s planned 24-hour economy cannot begin until the problems at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are resolved. He blamed the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for mismanaging the energy sector.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, November 27, Ayariga accused the former administration of causing significant financial losses and operational failures at ECG.

Key Allegations of Mismanagement

The Bawku Central MP pointed to several specific issues:

  1. Millennium Challenge Account Failure: Ayariga claimed that the mismanagement of the Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact 2 led to a loss of $190 million for Ghana. He alleged that a company named PDS, which was given control of distribution, used forged documents.
  2. Port Demurrage Charges: He cited a recent ECG investigation report that revealed demurrage charges of over GH¢909 million were incurred at the port due to negligence.
  3. Irregular Contract Awards: Ayariga stated that clearing contracts worth GH¢159 million were improperly awarded. He highlighted that a single contract worth GH¢127.6 million was given to a company that did not have the required customs house agent registration.
  4. Budget Deviations: He also pointed to major differences between budgeted costs and the actual amounts spent on procurements.

Linking Energy to the 24-Hour Economy

In response to questions about the timeline for the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, Ayariga was clear. He argued that a round-the-clock economy requires a stable and reliable power supply first.

“You stand here and you ask when is the 24-hour economy starting,” Ayariga said. “The 24-hour economy will start when we have cleared the mess at ECG and we have created a 24-hour energy system.”

His comments underscore the government’s position that fixing the foundational issues in the energy sector is a critical first step before ambitious economic policies can be successfully implemented.

Ghana Bids Farewell to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana bids a final goodbye to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. She was the nation’s longest-serving First Lady. A state funeral was held on Friday, November 28. Accra’s Black Star Square was filled with a somber mood. Thousands gathered there to pay their respects.

The ceremony honored her towering legacy. It also paid tribute to her royal heritage. Security officers worked tirelessly. They ensured the service was smooth and respectful.

The funeral attracted many mourners. State officials and political leaders were present. Diplomats and traditional rulers also attended. They were joined by gender advocates and clergy. Citizens from across Ghana came too. All were united in grief.

The final rites began days earlier. A Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday, November 26. It took place at the Accra Ridge Church. The service featured heartfelt tributes. Prayers highlighted her lasting impact on Ghana.

Her family is deeply grateful. They thank Ghanaians for their strong support. This followed her passing on October 23, 2025.

A Champion for Women’s Empowerment

Nana Konadu was more than a First Lady. She was a transformative force for gender equality. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement. Her activism shaped Ghana’s social development.

Many public tributes honored her. She was called “a national treasure.” Others named her “a beacon of women’s empowerment.” Simone Giger is Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana. She praised Nana Konadu’s dedication to women’s rights.

A Woman of Style and Substance

She also had a vibrant personal life. She loved fashion, music, and dance. The creative arts were a great passion. Her elegance inspired confidence. She became a symbol of Ghanaian cultural pride.

Her Life and Legacy

She was born on November 17, 1948. Her birthplace was Cape Coast. Discipline and ambition shaped her early life. Nana Konadu was a committed lifelong learner.

Also earned a diploma in Interior Design. She studied at the London College of Arts. She also got a Personnel Management diploma in Ghana. Her studies continued at prestigious schools. These included GIMPA and Johns Hopkins University.

She worked at the Union Trading Company. She also worked at Nanali Africarts. It was during this time she started her important work. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement. It redefined women’s empowerment in Ghana.

She married Jerry John Rawlings in 1977. He was a Flight Lieutenant then. He later became Head of State and President. This placed her at the center of national politics. Their marriage was a strong partnership. They had four children together. Their names are Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi.

Now the nation gathers to honor her. The silence at Black Star Square is powerful. It shows the deep respect of a nation. Her influence truly transcended generations.

Obuasi Small-Scale Miners Issue One-Week Ultimatum for Mining Concession

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has issued a one-week ultimatum to the government and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) to provide a legally approved mining site for its members.

The group warned that if concrete steps are not taken within this period, they will be forced to “advise ourselves,” signaling potential unrest.

This demand follows the tragic incident on January 18, 2025, where nine residents were killed after military officers guarding the AGA concession allegedly opened fire on community members.

Expressing deep frustration, the Association’s Secretary, Eugene Annan, stated that despite promises, there has been no progress since the tragedy. He recalled that the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, visited the families and pledged to mediate.

“AGA promised to give a concession to a small-scale miners association to work, but up to now, we have not heard anything from them,” Annan told journalists.

He also alleged ongoing intimidation by security personnel stationed around the mine and criticized the company for the lack of communication regarding a timeline for allocating a concession.

“We are giving AGA a one-week ultimatum to come out with a comprehensive dialogue on when and where we can get a place to work. Otherwise, we will advise ourselves,” he stressed. The miners are pleading with the government and all stakeholders to intervene promptly to resolve the standoff.

Budget Concludes as Parliamentary Leaders Set to deliver Final Remarks

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The national budget session has officially concluded, marking a critical milestone for the government’s annual agenda. The proceedings reached their finale as parliamentary leaders delivered their final remarks, summarizing the key debates and outlining the expected impact of the newly passed fiscal plan. This concludes a budget process that has been closely watched by markets and citizens alike

Ghana’s Parliament is set to conclude the debate on the 2026 Budget Statement today, Thursday, November 27, 2025. The session will culminate with final remarks from the Majority and Minority Leaders, who will deliver their official closing arguments. This concludes the general debate phase, paving the way for the next steps in the budget’s approval process.

Screenshot

This event is a significant parliamentary milestone, transitioning the focus from broad debate to the next critical stage: detailed committee-level scrutiny and sector-specific assessments of the budget. These upcoming reviews will be crucial in shaping the government’s fiscal policy and implementation for the 2026 financial year.

According to an official statement, the past weeks have seen Members of Parliament (MPs) engage in extensive analysis and consultations on the budget. The final addresses from the leadership are highly anticipated, as they are expected to:

  • Summarize the key takeaways from the debates.
  • Outline priority sectors for the coming year.
  • Signal Parliament’s strategic expectations for the government’s 2026 economic policy.

Stakeholders, institutions, and the public are encouraged to follow the leaders’ statements closely. The Parliamentary Service has indicated that further directives and follow-up actions will be communicated after the leadership completes its submissions, setting the stage for the next phase of the budget approval process.

Bank of Ghana Aims for Major Rate Cuts

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Bank of Ghana wants cheaper loans. It targets a 10% average lending rate. This goal was confirmed by Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama. He says it is crucial for growth. It will help private businesses expand. It also supports economic recovery.

Progress is already being made. Average bank lending rates are falling. They were about 32% at the start of the year. Now they are between 21% and 22%. This data comes from October 2025. The central bank’s reports confirm this trend.

The Ghana Reference Rate has also dropped. It fell from 29.72% in January. It reached 17.86% by October. This shows better liquidity in the market. It signals easier money market conditions. This pressure helps lower loan costs.

But the Governor says more work is needed. He highlighted a major disparity. Some banks lend near the reference rate. Others still charge rates as high as 39%. This depends on the borrower’s risk. The BoG wants to narrow this gap.

Governor Asiama strongly reaffirmed his target. He wants to see 10% average rates. He wants this by the end of his tenure. He said, “I still stand by that.” He wants to be judged by this goal. Lower rates mean stronger businesses. They create more new jobs. They lead to faster economic growth.

The central bank expects further progress. Falling government Treasury bill yields will help. This will push banks to lend more. They will lend to businesses and individuals. This should cause sharper rate declines. It will fuel stronger economic expansion.

Ghana Cedi at 60: Preparing for a Digital Future

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Bank of Ghana

Ghana’s local currency, the Cedi, turns 60 this year.
For six decades, it has shaped the success of Ghanaian businesses.
It influences import costs, investment decisions, profit margins, household welfare, and long-term planning.

While this celebration reflects on its historical journey—redenominations, depreciation cycles, and resilience—the most consequential development lies ahead.

The milestone raises a fundamental economic question: what should the next frontier of Ghana’s currency look like?

Ghana introduced its first Cedi in 1965 under President Kwame Nkrumah.
This replaced the British West African pound and established Ghana’s monetary identity.
Since then, the Cedi has dictated trade patterns and gone through numerous monetary cycles.

Historic Patterns

Between 1965 and 1970, the Cedi enjoyed stability thanks to strong cocoa revenues.
However, volatility and inflation struck in the late 1970s and 1980s, undermining business confidence.
Structural adjustment reforms in 1983 improved export competitiveness but sharply increased import costs.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, the Cedi had depreciated dramatically.
Businesses needed bundles of notes for basic purchases, and accounting became difficult.

In 2007, the Bank of Ghana redenominated the currency, creating the GH₵.
Four zeros were removed, simplifying transactions and improving pricing clarity.
This period also brought relative macroeconomic stability, boosting business confidence.

COVID-19 disrupted progress.
Global supply-chain challenges, lower foreign inflows, and rising government spending triggered depreciation.
By 2022, unsustainable debt pushed the Cedi to one of the world’s worst-performing positions.
For businesses, this was devastating.

Compared to regional peers, the Cedi remains volatile.
The CFA franc’s fixed peg to the euro gives countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal stability.
However, Ghana has avoided pegging, preserving monetary policy flexibility.
Against the Nigerian Naira, the Cedi performs relatively better despite similar structural constraints.

Impact on Business

Redenomination brought confidence but left structural weaknesses unresolved.
Post-2010 commodity shocks, energy sector debts, and import dependency caused frequent depreciation.
Manufacturers struggled with unpredictable import prices.
Retailers adjusted prices daily, while investors hesitated and banks tightened lending.

Even today, the Cedi shows resilience, appreciating 32.2% against the dollar in early 2025.
Yet, seasonal pressures still cause volatility, such as the GH¢11.13 per dollar rate on November 21.
Currency swings erode purchasing power, suppress demand, and force cost-cutting.
Some businesses even relocate supply chains due to instability.

For an import-dependent economy, each swing raises operational costs and drives inflation.
While a weaker Cedi may help limited exports like cocoa, gold, and oil, benefits are small.

Clearly, currency stability is arguably the most important determinant of Ghana’s business environment.

E-Cedi: A Potential Game-Changer

The most consequential development for businesses may be the Cedi’s next chapter: the eCedi.
Its value lies not only in being digital but in improving payment efficiency and trade reliability.

At the Cedi@60 International Currency Conference, the Bank of Ghana highlighted digital currency as the future.
Ghana is well-positioned for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), supported by strong digital infrastructure.

What sets Ghana apart?
The country already has national digital systems in place: biometric ID, digital property addressing, and payment interoperability.
These systems make Ghana one of the most prepared countries globally to launch a CBDC.

The eCedi will strengthen monetary policy transmission.
Interest rate changes can ripple more efficiently across the financial system.
It positions Ghana as a regional leader in digital finance and next-generation financial technology.
For traders, artisans, and exporters, it could mean predictable pricing and smoother cash flow.

Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama emphasised that every Cedi—physical or digital—must be handled responsibly and valued.

The Path Forward

The Cedi will continue to rise and fall, but long-term stability depends on structural reforms.
These include:

  1. Export diversification into agro-processing and manufacturing.
  2. Reducing import dependence on fuel and food.
  3. Maintaining fiscal discipline and building foreign exchange buffers.
  4. Strengthening local industries through incentives that boost productivity.

If reforms align with prudent monetary policy, the Cedi could become stable, predictable, and supportive of industrial growth.

As global trade rapidly digitalises, Ghana risks being left behind unless the currency evolves.
Reflecting on 60 years of the Cedi is important, but planning its digital future is essential.

Wontumi Seeks More Documents Ahead of Trial

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi

Lawyers for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako also known as Wontumi and Akonta Mining seek more documents.
They plan to ask the court to compel the prosecution to release additional materials.

The defence claims key documents are missing from the State’s disclosures.
These materials are essential to prepare a proper defence.

Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining are on trial.
They face allegations of allowing mining on their Samreboi concession without proper approvals.

On Tuesday, November 25, the court held a case management conference.
This hearing was meant to outline the trial schedule and procedures.

However, lead defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi raised concerns about incomplete disclosures.
He told the court that a formal application for more documents would be filed.

The prosecution maintains that its earlier submissions are complete.
They stated documents filed on October 31 and November 11 are all they will use.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi explained that supplementary documents may exist in the prosecution’s possession.
Even if not used in evidence, these documents could assist the accused.

He added that the defence had already drafted a motion for full disclosure.
However, it has not yet been filed, prompting a request for extra time.

The presiding judge directed the defence to file and serve the motion on the prosecution.
The court also ordered the accused to submit names and addresses of witnesses.
This applies if the prosecution first establishes a prima facie case.

The case has been adjourned to December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
On that date, the defence’s application for additional disclosures will be heard.

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