Ghana Business News

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Ghana’s Agriculture at a Crossroads: Navigating Supply Volatility, Cocoa Deficits, and the Shift to Agri-Entrepreneurship
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Ghana’s Agriculture at a Crossroads: Navigating Supply Volatility, Cocoa Deficits, and the Shift to Agri-Entrepreneurship

Ghana’s agricultural sector is currently grappling with significant supply chain disruptions and production declines, highlighted by an imminent tomato shortage in the Sunyani Municipality and a historic slump in cocoa output. While these challenges underscore the vulnerability of the nation’s food security and export revenues, new initiatives like the LOGMe II project are emerging to transform subsistence farming into resilient, profitable business ventures. These developments reflect a critical moment for the nation as it balances immediate commodity scarcity with the need for long-term structural reform and modernization across various crop sectors. In Sunyani, the Tomato Sellers Association, led by Nana Yaa Konama, has warned of a looming scarcity of fresh tomatoes driven by export restrictions from Burkina Faso and heightening safety concerns along regional trade routes. Local traders report that rising prices are already forcing consumers to switch from fresh produce to processed tomato paste. To mitigate this dependency, sellers are urgently calling on the government to invest in irrigation infrastructure and climate-resilient seedlings. They emphasize that achieving year-round local production is essential not only for food security but also to make commercial farming an attractive, job-creating venture for the nation’s unemployed youth. Simultaneously, Ghana’s cocoa sector—traditionally a pillar of the economy—is facing what experts call a "cocoa paradox." Despite soaring global market prices, domestic production has plummeted from over one million tonnes in the 2020/21 season to a projected 530,873 tonnes for 2023/24. This decline is attributed to a combination of erratic weather patterns, crop diseases, illegal mining (galamsey), and smuggling. Compounded by COCOBOD’s management challenges and a strained financing model, the country has faced significant financial losses, prompting a shift toward local cocoa processing and revised farmgate pricing strategies to stabilize the industry. Amidst these systemic crises, the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) is spearheading a strategic counter-effort through the "Sahelian Landscape: Landscape of Opportunities" (LOGMe II) project. Funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, this initiative aims to equip nearly 3,000 smallholder farmers in the Upper East Region with essential business skills, digital marketing tools, and value-addition techniques. By transitioning from subsistence to commercial-oriented agriculture, the project seeks to build a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system. Leaders of the initiative argue that fostering such entrepreneurial mindsets is the key to restoring degraded lands and ensuring that Ghanaian farmers can finally capitalize on market opportunities both locally and internationally.

Ghana Infrastructure Drive: ECG to Upgrade Power Transformers in Accra as Ketu North Plans 24-Hour Economy Market
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Ghana Infrastructure Drive: ECG to Upgrade Power Transformers in Accra as Ketu North Plans 24-Hour Economy Market

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has launched a significant infrastructure overhaul in the Greater Accra Region, aimed at boosting power reliability and meeting the increasing energy demands of growing urban communities. Approved by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the initiative involves the replacement and upgrade of 12 power transformers across six primary substations. These critical upgrades will see transformer capacities increase from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA at the Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai-Dzor, Baatsonaa, and Lashibi substations. By addressing system overloads, the project is expected to significantly reduce unplanned outages and strengthen the national grid's distribution capabilities. To facilitate these essential upgrades, the ECG has announced a two-phased schedule of planned power outages. Phase one is set to take place from April 8 to April 10, 2026, affecting areas such as East Legon Hills, Nanakrom, School Junction, and the Lakeside communities. Phase two will follow from April 15 to April 17, 2026, impacting neighborhoods including Sakumono, Spintex, Community 18, and the Devtraco and HFC Estates. The outages will occur in rotating blocks of up to six hours. The ECG has committed to providing detailed communication via official channels to help residents and businesses plan accordingly, emphasizing that these temporary disruptions are necessary for long-term supply stability. Parallel to these energy improvements, local economic development is taking center stage in the Ketu North Municipality. Reverend Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), alongside consultants from PPMC International, recently assessed three potential sites for a proposed 24-hour economy market. The project, which aims to create a model market with modern facilities, initially considered a six-acre site near a major road. However, following community feedback, officials are exploring the redevelopment of the existing central market. This shift has presented challenges, as the current site measures only 1.92 acres, while consultants led by Mr. Kwasi Aboagye indicate a minimum of two to three acres is required to house the planned facilities. The search for a viable location in Ketu North continues, with a second site at Dzeshime also deemed inadequate at 1.98 acres. The consultants have requested detailed layout plans for all assessed sites to determine if adjustments can be made to accommodate the project's requirements on smaller plots or if the original six-acre proposal must be revisited. These infrastructure and commercial developments in both Accra and Ketu North underscore a broader national strategy to modernize trade environments and ensure the utility backbone can support a 24-hour economic cycle, ultimately fostering more resilient local and national economies.

Ghana’s Financial Markets Face Turbulent Week: GSE Sheds Billions Amid Gold Reserve Controversy and Banking Reforms
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Ghana’s Financial Markets Face Turbulent Week: GSE Sheds Billions Amid Gold Reserve Controversy and Banking Reforms

Ghana’s financial landscape experienced significant volatility during the final week of March 2026, characterized by a steep sell-off on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and growing scrutiny over the Bank of Ghana’s gold reserve management. The GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) plummeted for four consecutive sessions, dropping 566.53 points to close at 12,989.79 by March 27. This followed an even sharper decline earlier in the week where panic selling caused the market capitalization to shed approximately GH¢44 billion in just two days. The downturn was largely driven by institutional sell-offs in Scancom PLC (MTNGH), which accounted for over 90% of trading activity, and significant losses in major banking stocks like GCB Bank and Standard Chartered. Despite the correction, the market maintains a year-to-date gain of over 48%, and the local downstream sector saw a boost with ZEN Petroleum Holdings PLC launching a fully subscribed GH¢640 million IPO to list on the exchange. Simultaneously, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) faces intense criticism following an analytical review by the Institute of Political Studies–Ghana (IPS-Ghana) regarding its gold reserve policy. The report highlights a controversial sequence of transactions where the central bank liquidated 18.5 tonnes of gold at USD 3,500/oz in late 2025, only for the government to propose repurchasing the same quantity under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GHANRAP) at USD 5,500/oz just months later. This policy reversal implies a financial discrepancy of roughly USD 1.27 billion. Critics are calling for urgent parliamentary inquiries and greater transparency in reserve management to protect the nation's macroeconomic credibility and restore public trust in the central bank’s disciplinary oversight. On the regulatory front, the financial sector is undergoing structural transformations aimed at long-term stability. The Financial Stability Advisory Council (FSC) recently reaffirmed its commitment to risk management and consumer protection, while Dr. Daniel Osabutey of Accra Technical University has lauded the BoG’s directive for all rural banks to convert to community banks by March 31, 2026. This mandate is expected to address structural weaknesses and enhance financial inclusion for small enterprises. Additionally, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department has transitioned government transactions to a fully integrated Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) system, partnering with 24 commercial banks to replace manual cheque systems with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPSS), thereby improving accountability in public finance. The business community also marked several milestones in leadership and social responsibility. Boatemaa Barfour-Awuah, CEO of Star Assurance, was sworn in as a member of the GETFund Board of Trustees, while Felix Tamattey of CFY Partners was inducted into the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame for his contributions to the accounting profession. Furthermore, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and MASLOC have entered a partnership to match diaspora investors with local micro-businesses. These initiatives, alongside corporate social responsibility efforts like the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana’s (IBAG) donation of water facilities to St. Peter’s SHS, reflect a resilient private sector continuing to invest in Ghana’s development despite the prevailing market fluctuations and policy debates.

US Currency Overhaul and Regional Economic Shifts: A Global and Local Business Roundup
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US Currency Overhaul and Regional Economic Shifts: A Global and Local Business Roundup

The United States Treasury Department has announced a historic redesign of paper currency, set to feature the signature of President Donald Trump starting in June 2026. This move, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence, marks the first time a sitting president’s signature will appear on banknotes. The transition begins with the $100 bill and effectively ends a 165-year tradition of including the U.S. Treasurer's signature on currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed the change as a symbol of national pride and economic achievement. For global markets, including Ghana, this shift carries weight as changes in U.S. currency policy and perception often influence the performance of the cedi and national inflation management strategies. On the domestic front, the Ghanaian business community is grappling with localized challenges that highlight the risks within the retail and informal sectors. In Kasoa, a devastating midnight fire at Man-Man Phones Accessories resulted in losses estimated at GHS 1.5 million. The shop owner, Boniface Denyo, had recently restocked before the blaze destroyed critical inventory and technical equipment. Simultaneously, in the Volta Region, the rise of itinerant “mani-pedi” services in Hohoe highlights the tension between affordability and safety. While practitioners like Ibrahim Adam offer services for as little as GHS 5, public health experts such as Ruby Gbagbo have raised alarms regarding the risk of infection from unsterilized tools. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved fire safety protocols and health regulations for street-based service providers. In broader regional news, Zambia’s economy demonstrated resilience by maintaining a growth rate of 3.8% through 2025. According to the Zambia Statistical Agency, this expansion was largely fueled by the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors, which contributed over 51% of the total growth. Back in Ghana, corporate entities continue to prioritize social investment despite economic fluctuations. BlowChem Industries Limited, the producer of Bel-Aqua and Bel Beverages, recently marked Eid al-Fitr with a significant donation to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which coincided with the launch of new product sizes, reflects a strategic effort by manufacturers to strengthen community ties and maintain brand loyalty. These developments, ranging from international monetary policy shifts to local market hazards and regional agricultural success, paint a complex picture of the current economic landscape. While the U.S. dollar redesign introduces a new era for the world's primary reserve currency, the day-to-day realities for West African entrepreneurs remain shaped by infrastructure risks and the evolution of the informal economy. Moving forward, businesses must balance the opportunities presented by regional growth with the necessity of robust financial planning and safety standards to navigate the complexities of both local and global markets.

Ghana’s Business Outlook: Strategic Insurance Reforms, Energy Security, and the Push for Green Innovation
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Ghana’s Business Outlook: Strategic Insurance Reforms, Energy Security, and the Push for Green Innovation

Ghana's financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the government moves to position the country as a sub-regional insurance hub, despite persistent structural challenges. According to the 2026 Deloitte Africa Insurance Outlook, insurance penetration in Ghana remains stalled at just 1.0%, even with over 50 licensed insurers operating in the market. To revitalize the sector, Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a 10-year Master Plan aimed at improving market penetration, correcting pricing inefficiencies, and restoring consumer confidence. While the industry has been strained by the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), inflation, and currency depreciation, the government has established a US$750 million Financial Stability Fund to support affected institutions and facilitate a transition to the IFRS 17 reporting standard for greater transparency. In the energy sector, stability remains a top priority as stakeholders navigate global volatility. Edward Bawa, CEO of Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), recently assured consumers that fuel supplies are secure despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This regional focus on energy costs is further highlighted by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which recently reduced its petrol gantry price to N1,200 per litre, a move expected to influence downstream distribution costs across the sub-region. On the domestic front, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has been engaging with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in the Volta Region to address consumer grievances regarding billing inconsistencies and power fluctuations, signaling a renewed commitment to utility service delivery. Concurrently, Ghana is accelerating its transition toward a green economy through strategic investments in sustainable technology. The Energy Commission is actively encouraging private sector participation in the development of solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Officials at Sunyani Technical University emphasized that shifting to renewable energy solutions is critical for meeting national climate obligations and generating new employment opportunities. Industrial players are also aligning with this vision; Nutrifoods Ghana Limited recently commissioned an upgraded wastewater treatment plant in Accra. The facility, designed by Danish firm Alumichem, is capable of conserving 8,000 liters of water daily and converting sludge into renewable energy, setting a benchmark for responsible industrial waste management. However, leadership experts caution that these advancements must be supported by modernized risk management strategies. During the Insurance Brokers Association’s 2026 conference, business executive Sir Sam Jonah urged the insurance industry to adopt proactive measures against climate-related risks, arguing that traditional risk assessment models are no longer effective against increasingly frequent extreme weather events. He stressed that as the nation pursues growth, the industry must prioritize professional capacity, integrity, and adaptation to technological advancements. The convergence of these legislative reforms, energy security measures, and environmental initiatives represents a multifaceted approach to building a more resilient and sustainable Ghanaian economy.

Ghana’s Industrial Reset: GEXIM, VALCO, and SMEs Drive 2026 Economic Transformation Strategy
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Ghana’s Industrial Reset: GEXIM, VALCO, and SMEs Drive 2026 Economic Transformation Strategy

Ghana is embarking on a significant strategic reset aimed at transforming its industrial landscape and enhancing export competitiveness, spearheaded by the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM). At the GEXIM @10 International Conference, CEO Sylvester Adinam Mensah and Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang outlined a 2025–2030 roadmap focusing on MSME competitiveness, agro-processing, and pharmaceuticals. The bank aims to expand its loan portfolio to nearly $300 million by the end of 2025, prioritizing non-traditional exports and job creation. This institutional shift is complemented by a surge in international trade, notably with Canada, where bilateral trade reached $752 million in 2024—a 56% year-on-year increase—and efforts by Absa Bank Ghana to deepen ties with the Chinese business community through tailored financial solutions. On the industrial front, the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) is actively seeking strategic investor partnerships to retrofit its infrastructure and deepen value addition for Ghana’s billion-ton bauxite reserves. The move aims to transition the economy from exporting raw bauxite to producing refined aluminum, maximizing domestic returns. Simultaneously, the SME sector is showing remarkable resilience and growth. A standout example is B. Manna Foods Limited, which grew from a COVID-era kitchen operation into an international exporter to the UK market with government support. Other initiatives, such as Bolt Ghana’s ‘She Moves to Win’ campaign—which attracted 1,170 applications from women-led businesses—and MTN’s SME business clinics, underscore a nationwide push to provide young entrepreneurs with the funding and digital tools necessary for global competition. Looking toward future growth windows, Ghana is positioning itself to leverage major international events and emerging markets. The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are projected to open a £100 million investment window for Ghanaian businesses, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being used as a catalyst to boost tourism and the creative arts through cultural showcases in U.S. host cities. Furthermore, industry leaders are urging Ghanaian businesses to tap into global carbon market opportunities and the 24-hour economy model to enhance productivity. Together with the Cocoa Processing Company’s (CPC) renewed focus on local value creation, these developments reflect a multi-sectoral commitment to building a resilient, eco-friendly, and export-led Ghanaian economy.

Ghana’s Gold Sector Undergoes Historic Transformation as Gold Board Records $10 Billion in Foreign Exchange Inflows
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Ghana’s Gold Sector Undergoes Historic Transformation as Gold Board Records $10 Billion in Foreign Exchange Inflows

Ghana’s gold sector is experiencing a historic transformation, marked by record-breaking production figures and prestigious institutional recognition. The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), now operating as the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has transitioned from a debt-ridden entity into a highly profitable state-owned enterprise (SOE). This shift was recently validated at the 2024 Public Enterprise League Table (PELT) Awards, organized by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), where the organization swept top honors. GoldBod was recognized as the Overall Best Specified Entity, State-Owned Enterprise of the Year, and the Most Profitable State-Owned Enterprise, reflecting the success of broad structural reforms designed to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Former PMMC Managing Director, Nana Akwasi Awuah, credited these accolades to rigorous leadership reforms and accountability systems implemented during his tenure. Awuah highlighted that when he first took charge, the company was financially distressed and struggling to meet basic obligations, including staff salaries. Through strategic collaboration with SIGA and consistent performance reviews, the company established a solid foundation for profitability. This institutional turnaround provided the platform for the current Gold Board to expand its regulatory oversight and enforce transparent pricing models that incentivize local miners to trade through official channels rather than illicit markets, effectively turning "debt into dominance." Under the leadership of the current CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, the Ghana Gold Board has reported unprecedented growth in gold volumes and foreign exchange inflows. A landmark achievement was recorded in 2025, with ASM gold production reaching 104 metric tons—a substantial increase from the 63 tons recorded in 2024. This surge, bolstered by favorable global gold prices, generated over $10 billion in foreign exchange, significantly strengthening Ghana’s monetary stability and liquidity. Gyamfi noted that while smuggling has not been entirely eradicated, it has dropped sharply due to a strategic shift toward state control of the trade. The new system, which guarantees 100% payment before gold release, ensures that the nation retains the full value of its mineral wealth. Looking ahead, the Gold Board has set an ambitious target to reach 120 metric tons of gold production under its National Reserve Accumulation Program. This goal aligns with a broader "economic reset" agenda that emphasizes local refining and value addition rather than raw extraction. By positioning gold as an active financial asset to stabilize the cedi and hedge against global inflation, the government aims to transition emergency stabilization measures into sustainable economic practices. These ongoing reforms are expected to secure Ghana’s position as a leader in the global gold market while ensuring that natural resources drive long-term national development.

Ghana’s Financial Markets Face Volatility as GSE Corrects While Government Returns to Bond Market
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Ghana’s Financial Markets Face Volatility as GSE Corrects While Government Returns to Bond Market

The Ghanaian financial landscape experienced a week of significant contrasts as the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) underwent a sharp correction, erasing approximately GH¢44 billion in market capitalization over two days of intense panic selling. By March 27, 2026, the GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) had posted its fourth consecutive decline, closing at 12,989.79 points. The downturn was largely driven by institutional sell-offs in Scancom PLC (MTNGH), which saw its share price drop to GH¢5.03, and notable declines in major banking stocks like Standard Chartered and GCB Bank. Despite this steep retreat, market analysts noted that the GSE-CI remains up 48.11% year-to-date, suggesting that the recent volatility is a harsh correction following a record-breaking rally earlier in the year. Contrasting the secondary market's turbulence, the primary market showed signs of robust appetite and corporate growth. ZEN Petroleum Holdings PLC launched a landmark GH¢640 million Initial Public Offering (IPO) on March 25, which was quickly fully subscribed by institutional investors, including Bora Capital Advisors. Additionally, GCB Bank PLC reported a record-breaking pre-tax profit of GH¢3.17 billion for the 2025 financial year, a 67.4% increase fueled by a surge in customer deposits and recovering credit demand. This corporate resilience is mirrored in the pension sector, where the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) announced that its assets under management grew by 25% to exceed GH¢25 billion in 2025, with real investment returns swinging from a negative -4.2% to a positive 8.03%. In a major move to restore long-term fiscal stability, the Ghanaian government announced its return to the domestic bond market, launching its first seven-year local-currency bond since the 2022 debt default. This issuance, closing on April 1, 2026, aims to leverage a significant drop in inflation to 3.3% and recent interest rate cuts to rebuild the sovereign yield curve. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at the first investor town hall since 2021, emphasized that the successful Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and disciplined macroeconomic management have paved the way for raising GH¢20.2 billion in securities this year to support budgetary needs. To safeguard this recovering digital and financial ecosystem, the Bank of Ghana has introduced a revised Cyber and Information Security Directive (CISD). The new regulations expand oversight to include fintechs and microfinance institutions, mandating stricter cloud data hosting and AI standards for fraud detection. The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) has urged financial institutions to treat cybersecurity as core business infrastructure rather than a mere compliance checkbox. As the market navigates these regulatory shifts and the current stock market correction, the combination of strong corporate earnings, improved pension performance, and the reopening of the bond market points toward a complex but maturing financial environment.

Ghana’s Energy Sector Faces Supply Shortfalls Amid Debt Settlements and Renewable Energy Push
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Ghana’s Energy Sector Faces Supply Shortfalls Amid Debt Settlements and Renewable Energy Push

Ghana’s energy sector is currently navigating a complex landscape of supply shortfalls, financial negotiations, and a strategic pivot toward sustainable infrastructure. Energy sector insiders have issued warnings of a looming power crisis, often referred to as 'dumsor,' as the nation faces a significant gas supply deficit. With current demand standing at 230 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) and supply reaching only 170 mmscf, the resulting shortfall has led to daily load shedding of approximately 200MW, particularly affecting the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions. While official government communications have attributed recent outages to maintenance work, critics and experts argue that inadequate investment and infrastructure gaps are the underlying causes. In a positive development, the government successfully averted a major power disruption by negotiating a repayment plan for a $400 million debt owed to Karpowership, ensuring the continued supply of 450MW to the national grid. Operational and financial stability are also at the forefront of the industry's challenges. In the Western Region, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has identified the activities of unauthorized 'quack' electricians and seasonal vegetation interference as primary contributors to localized power outages and transformer damage. Simultaneously, the Volta Region ECG is collaborating with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to address consumer grievances regarding billing inconsistencies and service fluctuations. On the financial front, Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) Managing Director Edward Bawa has reported progress in debt recovery, noting that government agencies are gradually settling their arrears. Bawa also emphasized that the current price competition among oil marketing companies is fostering efficiency and providing much-needed relief to consumers at the pump. Looking toward the future, the government is aggressively encouraging the private sector to spearhead investments in renewable energy, specifically solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Energy Commission's 'Drive Electric Programme' highlights that such investments are crucial for meeting national climate obligations and creating new job opportunities in a sector where Africa currently holds only a 1% global market share. This domestic transition is taking place against a volatile international backdrop, where Brent crude prices have fluctuated near $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. As Fitch Ratings warns that sustained high energy prices could pressure credit profiles across various sectors, Ghana’s ability to stabilize its domestic gas supply while expanding its renewable infrastructure remains vital for long-term economic resilience.

Ghana Targets Tomato Self-Sufficiency and Economic Growth Amid Burkina Faso Export Ban
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Ghana Targets Tomato Self-Sufficiency and Economic Growth Amid Burkina Faso Export Ban

The Government of Ghana and the Bank of Ghana have moved to transform a potential food security crisis into a strategic economic opportunity following Burkina Faso’s ban on tomato exports. Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has assured the public that the nation is well-positioned to maintain a stable supply despite a current production deficit. Ghana currently requires approximately 805,000 metric tonnes of tomatoes annually but produces only 510,000 metric tonnes. To bridge this 300,000-tonne gap and address a staggering 30% post-harvest loss rate, the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on high-yield seeds, expanded irrigation, and the revival of processing facilities like the Northern Star Tomato Factory. Supporting this vision, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has highlighted the ban as a catalyst for job creation and reduced import dependency. Dr. Asiama emphasized that Ghana possesses the necessary human and financial capital to achieve self-sufficiency, noting that the Ghana EXIM Bank is prepared to fund large-scale agricultural ventures. This sentiment is echoed by recent high-level inspections of private sector successes, including President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Nobi Farms in the Afram Plains. The 21,000-acre farm, owned by Kwame Awuah-Darko, serves as a model for modern productivity, employing advanced irrigation and technology to provide over 150 jobs while insulating crop yields from erratic weather patterns. Beyond industrial farming, the Ministry is spearheading a grassroots movement to secure the national food basket. Citizens are being urged to establish backyard gardens, while the "FEED Ghana" program is integrating agricultural education into 413 schools. By cultivating high-yield varieties capable of producing 18 metric tonnes per hectare across 81 target communities and 40,000 acres of land, the government aims to empower local farmers and stabilize market prices. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture, noted that these efforts are designed to create a sustainable value chain that links production directly to agro-processing, ensuring long-term stability for farmer incomes. While Ghana navigates this transition toward agricultural resilience, the regional landscape remains volatile. In neighboring Ivory Coast, cocoa producers are currently facing an economic crisis as global price drops forced a significant reduction in government-mandated purchase prices—tumbling from 2,800 to 1,200 CFA francs per kilo. This regional downturn underscores the importance of Ghana's move toward a diversified and self-reliant agricultural sector. By shifting from import reliance to robust domestic production and processing, Ghana aims to shield its economy from the type of commodity shocks currently impacting the regional cocoa market.

Ghana Export-Import Bank Spearheads Industrial Transformation as Stakeholders Seek to Unlock West African Trade Potential
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Ghana Export-Import Bank Spearheads Industrial Transformation as Stakeholders Seek to Unlock West African Trade Potential

The Ghana Export-Import (GEXIM) Bank has marked its 10th anniversary with a strategic "reset" aimed at intensifying the nation's export capacity and industrial transformation between 2025 and 2030. Speaking at an international conference in Accra, GEXIM CEO Sylvester Adinam Mensah unveiled a roadmap to modernize the institution, enhance the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and increase non-traditional exports. This institutional shift comes at a critical juncture as regional leaders, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, call for the removal of trade barriers to fully harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The government’s focus remains on creating a supportive policy environment that fosters regional economic cooperation and addresses the low levels of intra-continental trade. To catalyze this industrial growth, GEXIM signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with eight local firms and international partners like Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP). These agreements target vital sectors such as garment manufacturing, agribusiness, and packaging, aimed at enhancing value addition and local production readiness. In a significant move to ease financial constraints, GEXIM also announced a reduction in collateral requirements for SME loans. However, industry experts like William Obeng, GEXIM’s Head of Projects, cautioned that inefficiencies in the poultry value chain—including unstable feed prices and fragmented processing infrastructure—must be addressed through targeted funding and consistent policy enforcement to achieve long-term sustainability. Beyond institutional finance, the private sector is actively preparing for new market realities through specialized training and entrepreneurship initiatives. ShEquity Partners recently equipped 15 Ghanaian SMEs with the technical skills needed to tap into international carbon markets, while Bolt Ghana’s "She Moves to Win" campaign recorded over 1,170 applications from women-led businesses seeking funding. Despite these advancements, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called for urgent government intervention regarding high transportation costs and alleged customs harassment. GUTA is advocating for a return to flat VAT rates and has announced plans to establish a GUTA Bank to provide tailored financial empowerment for its members, emphasizing the need for fairness in trade practices. The business landscape is also being shaped by a growing emphasis on sustainability and high-level corporate engagement. Unilever Ghana’s Pepsodent brand has launched a nationwide initiative to recycle toothpaste tubes into school furniture, aligning corporate social responsibility with environmental goals. Meanwhile, the real estate sector is seeing a shift in investment strategies, with a debate emerging between high-yield short-let rentals and stable long-term leases in Accra’s premium areas. On the global stage, the projected £100 million investment window from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games offers a significant platform for Ghanaian media, tourism, and infrastructure firms to expand their international reach. As Ghana positions itself as a central player in West African commerce, the integration of public policy with private sector innovation remains paramount. From the digital transformation of trade platforms—mirrored by Nigeria’s recent launch of a "National Single Window"—to local efforts in skills training by organizations like Auba Consult, the focus is on building a resilient, practical-skilled workforce. While global market fluctuations and international business developments, such as SpaceX’s potential IPO and legal battles involving X Corp, continue to influence the broader investment climate, Ghana’s domestic strategy is increasingly anchored in industrial value addition, regional integration, and sustainable business practices.

Ghana’s Gold Sector Achieves Record $10bn Inflow Amid Bold State Reforms and Mine Transitions
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Ghana’s Gold Sector Achieves Record $10bn Inflow Amid Bold State Reforms and Mine Transitions

Ghana’s mining and gold trading sector has entered a transformative era, marked by record-breaking production volumes and a significant shift toward state-led control. In 2025, the country achieved a historic milestone in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), producing 104 metric tons—a substantial increase from the 63 tons recorded in 2024. This surge, bolstered by favorable global prices and aggressive regulatory reforms, has generated over $10 billion in foreign exchange inflows. Parallel to this, the Minerals Investment and Income Fund (MIIF) reported record mineral royalty inflows of GH"5.43 billion for 2025, a 10.8% increase from the previous year. These results underscore the strengthening of Ghana’s mineral revenue framework through disciplined enforcement and improved financial management. Central to this growth is the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) strategy to assert greater state control over the gold trade. CEO Sammy Gyamfi has defended the state takeover, arguing that the previous framework favored foreign entities at the expense of local players. By implementing a centralized trading system that guarantees 100% payment before gold is released, the state has improved dollar liquidity and significantly reduced gold smuggling, though Gyamfi admits the practice has not been entirely eliminated. These reforms build upon a foundation of structural transformation at the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), now GoldBod. Former Managing Director Nana Akwasi Awuah recently credited these foundational reforms for the company’s sweep at the 2024 SIGA PELT Awards, where it was named the Overall Best Specified Entity and Most Profitable State-Owned Enterprise. On the operational front, the landscape of Ghanaian mining is shifting toward increased local participation and state ownership. Gold Fields is currently progressing with the handover of its Damang Mine to the Ghanaian government, a transition scheduled for completion in April 2026. This move is accompanied by vocal support for local ownership from figures such as former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, who advocates for Ghanaian firms like Engineers and Planners to take leading roles in the sector. Similarly, at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, local mining service providers under the LOCOMS group have expressed strong support for Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL), praising the company for stabilizing operations and prioritizing local contractor payments after years of management instability. Looking ahead, the government aims to further industrialize the sector by emphasizing value addition and local refining. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a shift from exporting raw materials to processing gold locally to drive national prosperity. To support this, GoldBod is rolling out District Gold Buying Centres to enhance market access and transparency for small-scale miners. While the global gold market recently faced its worst weekly drop since 1983 due to U.S. interest rate pressures, experts maintain that long-term fundamentals remain robust. For the coming year, the Gold Board has set an ambitious production target of over 120 metric tons, signaling continued confidence in the nation’s gold-backed economic recovery.