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Greater Accra Dominates Ghana’s Lowest Poverty Rankings in New Report

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana Statistical Service

A new report by the Ghana Statistical Service has highlighted a widening development gap between urban and rural districts, with municipalities in the Greater Accra Region emerging as the country’s strongest performers in reducing multidimensional poverty.

The latest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) rankings, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, show that districts in Greater Accra and parts of the Ashanti Region recorded the lowest levels of deprivation in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, sanitation and access to basic services.

According to the report, Ablekuma North Municipal ranked as Ghana’s best-performing district overall, maintaining one of the lowest poverty levels nationwide throughout the five years. The municipality recorded an average multidimensional poverty incidence of 8.5 per cent and consistently remained among the top ten districts each year.

Ablekuma West Municipal followed with an average poverty incidence of 8.6 per cent, while Korle Klottey Municipal recorded 8.8 per cent.

Other high-performing districts included La Dade-Kotopon Municipal, Tema West Municipal, Ayawaso Central Municipal, Ayawaso West Municipal, Krowor Municipal, Ledzokuku Municipal and Asokwa Municipal.

The report further revealed that Ayawaso North Municipal recorded the single lowest multidimensional poverty rate in Ghana in 2025, at 5.5 per cent.

Analysts say the rankings reflect the concentration of economic activity, infrastructure and social services in urban centres, particularly in Greater Accra. Improvements in access to healthcare, quality education, sanitation facilities, electricity and employment opportunities were identified as major factors contributing to the strong performance of the top-ranked districts.

However, the report also pointed to persistent inequalities across the country, noting that districts in northern Ghana continue to experience significantly higher poverty and deprivation levels compared to urban municipalities in the south.

The Ghana Statistical Service says the MPI rankings are intended to support evidence-based policymaking by helping government and development partners identify areas requiring urgent social intervention and investment.

The findings are expected to influence future decisions on poverty reduction programmes, infrastructure expansion and the allocation of public resources across districts.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

US Tightens Travel Restrictions Over Ebola Outbreak in Africa

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ebola

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced new temporary travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola into the United States following a rise in infections in parts of Central and East Africa.

The emergency order, signed by CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, places a 30-day suspension on the entry of certain non-U.S. travellers who have recently been in outbreak-affected areas, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Health officials said the move is intended to reduce pressure on the country’s public health response systems while authorities strengthen screening, monitoring and containment measures.

Under the order, travellers classified as “covered aliens” who have been present in the affected countries within the previous 21 days will be temporarily barred from entering the United States. However, the restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, military personnel, government officials or individuals granted special exemptions on humanitarian or public health grounds.

The CDC stressed that the measure is preventive rather than a response to any active Ebola outbreak within the United States. Officials say the temporary pause will allow federal and state agencies to focus resources on monitoring returning American citizens and residents who may have been exposed to the virus.

Public health authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has recently been recorded with increased cases in affected parts of Africa.

The virus has an incubation period of up to 21 days, prompting authorities to intensify airport health surveillance and contact tracing efforts for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.

The Department of Homeland Security is working alongside the CDC and the United States Department of State to enforce the new measures at major international airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

International health agencies, including the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, are continuing containment and response efforts in affected countries.

U.S. authorities say the 30-day measure will also provide time to review long-term border health strategies and improve preparedness in case the outbreak expands further.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Ghana Risks Losing Policy Control Under New IMF Arrangement – ISODEC

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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ISODEC
Dr. Adamu Abile

Policy advocacy group Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has raised concerns over the government’s decision to pursue a new Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, warning that the move could weaken Ghana’s control over its own economic policies.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, May 18, economist Dr Adamu Abile argued that Ghana’s recent economic improvements were largely driven by internal measures rather than support from the IMF’s current $3 billion Extended Credit Facility programme.

According to him, policies such as gold reserve accumulation, tighter foreign exchange controls and stronger domestic resource mobilisation efforts played a more significant role in stabilising the economy.

“It is not necessarily the IMF programme that brought us here,” Dr Abile stated.

The economist maintained that Ghana’s continued return to IMF-supported programmes points to long-standing structural weaknesses within the economy and an overreliance on external policy guidance.

He also criticised arguments that the PCI arrangement would improve investor confidence and strengthen Ghana’s standing with international credit rating agencies. In his view, such reasoning mainly supports the country’s continued dependence on borrowing from international markets.

“When you talk about giving us policy credibility so that we have market confidence to go back and borrow, ISODEC has a serious objection to that,” he stressed.

Dr Abile further called for a development strategy focused on greater local ownership of strategic sectors, especially mining and gold resources. He argued that Ghana has the capacity to manage its economy independently without relying heavily on policy direction from international institutions.

“We are trying to outsource our policy sovereignty to Washington,” he warned.

Government officials, however, have defended the proposed PCI arrangement, insisting that it is not another bailout programme. According to the government, the agreement is intended to serve as a technical framework to help maintain fiscal discipline, monitor reforms and prevent economic setbacks after Ghana exits its current IMF support programme.

The proposed arrangement has reignited debate over the country’s long-term economic direction, with critics questioning whether repeated IMF engagements promote stability or deepen Ghana’s dependence on external financial institutions.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Bank of Ghana Says Forex Support Remains Strong Despite Recent Cedi Losses

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiamah

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has moved to calm growing concerns over the recent depreciation of the cedi, assuring businesses and commercial banks that it has sufficient foreign exchange reserves to support the market when necessary.

The Central Bank says its Foreign Exchange Intermediation Programme remains active and will continue to be guided by economic data and prevailing market conditions rather than speculation or market sentiment.

The assurance comes after renewed pressure on the local currency over the past two weeks, raising concerns among importers and businesses about dollar availability and exchange-rate stability.

Some commercial banks had earlier indicated that not all of their foreign exchange requests submitted in recent central bank auctions were fully satisfied, fueling fears of tightening dollar liquidity in the market.

However, sources close to the Bank of Ghana insist there is no immediate threat to the country’s reserve position or the broader forex market.

According to the Central Bank, the recent depreciation of the cedi should be viewed as part of normal market adjustments rather than a sign of deeper instability.

Officials argue that exchange rates naturally fluctuate and that a currency that only strengthens continuously without periodic corrections would itself raise concerns for regulators.

The Bank of Ghana further stressed that there are currently no plans to alter its forex intervention strategy for the year, maintaining that the existing programme remains adequate to support market stability.

The Central Bank says it is closely monitoring developments in the foreign exchange market and will only step in when economic indicators justify further intervention.

The latest market pressures come after a strong performance by the cedi earlier in the year.

Bank of Ghana data showed the local currency appreciated by about 24 per cent during the first five months of 2025, making it one of the strongest-performing currencies in the region during that period.

Despite that earlier rally, recent losses have triggered fresh anxiety among businesses that depend heavily on imports and foreign exchange access.

Market data from commercial banks indicate that the cedi has now depreciated by nearly 7 per cent year-to-date following the latest decline.

Even so, the Bank of Ghana maintains that it has adequate reserves and remains capable of providing support to ensure orderly market conditions.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Ghana On Course To Exit GAVI Support By 2030—Mahama

By
Ivy Hollys
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Mahama on GAVI

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is on track to transition out of funding support from GAVI, the global Vaccine Alliance, by the year 2030.

Speaking at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Monday, May 18, President Mahama said Ghana’s progress in strengthening healthcare systems and vaccine financing capacity has positioned the country to gradually move away from dependence on international vaccine support.

According to the president, Ghana could eventually become a contributor to global vaccine support initiatives in the future.

President Mahama also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve access to specialized healthcare through the MahamaCares initiative, which seeks to make advanced and expensive medical treatment more accessible to ordinary citizens.

The president made the remarks during his address on healthcare reforms, universal health coverage, and health sovereignty for African nations at the high-level gathering organized by the World Health Organization.

GAVI, officially known as the Vaccine Alliance, is a global public-private partnership established to improve access to life-saving vaccines in low-income countries.

Over the years, the organization has supported Ghana’s immunization programs by helping finance vaccines for diseases such as measles, polio, pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, yellow fever, and human papillomavirus, also known as HPV.

Fresh developments in arrest of Asante Akyem North MP in Amsterdam

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Asante Akyem MP

Fresh details have emerged in the arrest of the Asante Akyem North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, who was detained by Dutch security officials at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam over allegations of romance scams and money laundering.

Information available indicates that the MP departed Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Saturday, May 9, aboard KLM Flight 590 bound for the Netherlands.

The flight reportedly left Ghana through Gate C7 at about 10:10 p.m. and arrived at Schiphol Airport at approximately 4:36 GMT on Sunday.

Sources familiar with the incident say moments after the aircraft landed, passengers were instructed to remain seated for what was described as a security check.

Dutch security officials subsequently boarded the aircraft and reportedly proceeded directly to the business class section, where the MP was seated alongside another senior government official.

The officials allegedly identified the legislator, read him his rights, and placed him in handcuffs before escorting him off the aircraft into a waiting security vehicle.

He was later taken into detention.

The arrest is reportedly linked to allegations involving romance scams and money laundering, although Dutch authorities have yet to publicly release detailed information regarding the case. Speaking on the matter, lawyer and head of chambers for Clinton Consultancy, Amanda, stated that the MP does not enjoy absolute immunity and could, therefore, be subjected to arrest under international law.

More than 5 million Ghanaians may be living with kidney disease—Prof. Boima warns

By
Ivy Hollys
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professor vincent on kidney disease

A professor of medicine and nephrology at the University of Ghana, Prof. Vincent Boima, has raised concern over the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ghana, revealing that more than five million Ghanaians may be living with the condition.

According to Prof. Boima, approximately 13.3 per cent of Ghana’s population is affected by kidney disease, with many patients falling within the productive age group of 20 to 50 years.

Speaking on the issue, the renowned nephrologist disclosed that people of Akan origin face a significantly higher genetic risk of developing the disease.

He explained that findings show 37.2 per cent of Akans carry two high-risk variants of the APOL1 gene, compared to 19 per cent among people of Ga origin and 17 per cent among people from the Volta Region.

Prof. Boima noted that the APOL1 gene originally evolved to protect Africans against sleeping sickness but now increases vulnerability to kidney disease.

He stressed the need for increased public awareness, early screening, and preventive healthcare interventions to help reduce the growing burden of chronic kidney disease in the country.

Former NAFCO CEO and wife face fresh charges over alleged financial misconduct

By
Ivy Hollys
-
abdul wahab former nafco ceo and wife

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are facing fresh criminal charges following new legal action initiated by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.

According to court documents filed at the High Court in Accra on May 15, 2026, the couple has been charged with 20 counts relating to alleged financial impropriety during Mr. Abdul-Wahab’s tenure at the state food management agency.

The charges include stealing, defrauding by false pretenses, abuse of public office for profit, and money laundering.

The latest development comes shortly after the couple was re-arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following their discharge in an earlier case.

Prosecutors allege that Mr. Abdul-Wahab fraudulently obtained GH¢734,400 from NAFCO in 2017 under the pretext of rent payments said to cover a two-year period from May 2017 to May 2019.

According to the prosecution, the payments were processed under questionable circumstances as part of a broader scheme to unlawfully benefit from public funds while occupying a senior public office. The prosecution also claims the accused persons used various means to conceal the origins of the funds, leading to additional money laundering charges.

Ghana Shippers’ Authority Postpones Revised Container Charge

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Ghana Shippers Authority

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has postponed the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge to July 1, 2026, following strong concerns from businesses and stakeholders within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry over rising port costs.

The revised levy was originally scheduled to take effect on May 1, but authorities say the delay will allow for additional consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other industry operators before a final pricing structure is adopted.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, May 13, the Authority explained that the extended engagement period is aimed at ensuring that any revised charges strike a balance between operational sustainability and maintaining Ghana’s competitiveness within the regional trade and logistics sector.

As part of temporary measures introduced during the consultation period, the Transport Minister has directed the immediate enforcement of a cap on the Container Administrative Charge.

Under the interim arrangement, the charge must not exceed GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.

The decision is expected to ease pressure on businesses that have consistently raised concerns about increasing port-related fees and their impact on trade operations.

Industry players have argued that rising administrative and logistics charges continue to increase the cost of doing business in Ghana, particularly for importers and exporters already dealing with high transport and supply chain expenses.

Some operators have also warned that excessive port charges could weaken Ghana’s competitiveness compared to other ports within the sub-region and discourage trade activity.

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has therefore urged all stakeholders to comply with the temporary pricing arrangements while consultations continue ahead of a final determination expected later in July.

The development comes amid broader discussions within Ghana’s trade and logistics sector about improving port efficiency, reducing operational costs and strengthening the country’s position as a regional trade hub.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Only 33% of Working Ghanaians Actively Saving for Retirement

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Savings

A new report by Old Mutual has revealed growing concerns over retirement preparedness among working Ghanaians, with many employees acknowledging the importance of long-term savings but failing to make adequate financial plans for life after work.

According to the 2025 Financial Wellness Monitor, although 92 percent of working Ghanaians recognise the need to save for retirement, only 33 percent have taken concrete steps toward retirement planning.

The findings highlight widening gaps in long-term financial security despite signs of gradual economic recovery and improved household financial management in some areas.

The report indicates that nearly three out of four working Ghanaians believe they have not saved enough for retirement, while 74 percent are uncertain whether their current savings will be sufficient to support them during old age.

The level of concern has increased significantly since 2023, reflecting growing anxiety about future financial stability.

The uncertainty extends beyond low-income earners. Even among workers earning more than GH¢3,000 monthly, almost two-thirds expressed doubts about their retirement readiness, suggesting that the challenge is not limited to income levels alone.

The study identified several factors contributing to weak retirement planning habits in Ghana.

One major concern is low confidence in financial institutions. More than half of respondents, representing 52 percent, fear they could lose their savings if pension providers or financial institutions collapse.

The report also points to strong cultural expectations around family support, with 55 percent of respondents indicating they expect relatives to support them financially during retirement.

Limited income remains another major obstacle, as 32 percent of respondents say they struggle to save consistently because their earnings are insufficient to meet both current expenses and long-term savings goals.

Retirement planning also continues to rank low among financial priorities for many households. The report found that it ranks seventh behind immediate concerns such as emergency funds, education expenses and business investments.

The study further revealed a weakening investment culture among working Ghanaians. Confidence in investing declined from 21 percent to 14 percent, while fewer people are setting financial goals or actively monitoring their finances.

Access to professional financial advice also remains limited. Only 13 percent of respondents currently use financial advisers, despite nearly 60 percent acknowledging the importance of expert financial guidance. Nearly half of those surveyed also admitted they do not know where to access reliable financial advice.

While some households are making efforts to improve their finances by reducing debt and cutting spending, the report warns that many of these gains may only provide short-term relief.

Old Mutual therefore called for stronger efforts to improve financial literacy, rebuild trust in financial institutions and expand access to professional financial advice in order to strengthen long-term financial resilience among Ghanaian workers.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

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