Ghana Business News

Follow the latest Ghana business and economy news: the cedi, inflation, companies, banking, and trade. Coverage is curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and kept current through the day, newest first.

Minister Armah-Kofi Buah Courts Zijin Mining for African Expansion and Green Technology Hub
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Minister Armah-Kofi Buah Courts Zijin Mining for African Expansion and Green Technology Hub

Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has concluded a high-level diplomatic mission to China, urging the Zijin Mining Group to establish Ghana as its strategic springboard for expansion across the African continent. During an official visit that included tours of manufacturing facilities in Fujian Province, the Minister emphasized the potential for a long-term strategic partnership between the government and the mining giant. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable mining and a primary destination for global mining investment under the current administration. In response to the Minister's proposal, Lin Hongfu, President of Zijin Mining Group, commended Ghana's favorable business environment and the robust support provided by the government. Following the company’s successful acquisition and operation of the former Newmont Golden Ridge Gold Mine in Akyem, Lin pledged to deepen the group's investment in the country. He highlighted Zijin's commitment to local employment and technological growth, specifically noting plans to introduce eco-friendly technologies and electric vehicles (EVs) into their mining operations to align with Ghana’s environmental and sustainability goals. Recognizing the global shift toward cleaner transportation, Minister Buah also proposed the establishment of a specialized Electric Vehicle Capacity Building Centre in Ghana. During a visit to the Zijin Longking manufacturing plant, the Minister advocated for the training of Ghanaian mechanics to service and maintain EVs, particularly the heavy-duty electric vehicles increasingly relevant to the mining and logistics sectors. By leveraging China’s leadership in battery-swapping systems and EV technology, the Minister aims to ensure that Ghana not only imports green technology but also nurtures the local technical expertise required to sustain it. These international efforts are being complemented by domestic initiatives focused on sustainability and policy stability. The Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) has intensified its scrap metal recovery program, collecting approximately 100 metric tons of material to improve environmental conditions and regulate the scrap metal value chain. Meanwhile, industry experts, including Gideon Ayi-Owoo of Deloitte Ghana, have emphasized that policy consistency and regulatory certainty remain crucial for attracting the long-term capital needed to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s energy and natural resource sectors.

Deputy Minister John Dumelo Forecasts Sharp Decline in Tomato Prices as Agriculture Sector Eyes Structural Reforms
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Deputy Minister John Dumelo Forecasts Sharp Decline in Tomato Prices as Agriculture Sector Eyes Structural Reforms

Ghana’s food market is poised for significant relief as tomato prices are projected to drop sharply in the coming weeks. Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, announced that the commencement of local harvests will alleviate the supply shortages that recently drove prices for a basket of tomatoes from GH"200 to as high as GH"700. This development comes as the government under President John Mahama intensifies efforts to stabilize food costs and bolster national food security through both immediate supply interventions and long-term structural programs. To prevent future seasonal spikes, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is launching a large-scale dry-season farming initiative scheduled to run from December 2026 to June 2027. Land in northern Ghana has already been cleared, with seedling preparation slated to begin in October. Mr. Dumelo emphasized that this program aims to ensure year-round availability, mitigating the impact of erratic rainfall patterns that have recently hindered production. While traders remain cautious due to ongoing low rainfall, the government remains optimistic that the current harvest influx will stabilize the domestic market and improve food accessibility for the average Ghanaian. Complementing these government efforts, Fidelity Bank Ghana is championing a shift toward a value-chain-driven approach to agricultural development. Speaking at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026, bank officials highlighted a critical gap in value retention; for instance, cocoa paste alone generated more revenue ($789 million) than the entire non-traditional agricultural export sector ($710 million) in 2025. Fidelity Bank has already facilitated over GHS 160 million in support for local exporters through partnerships like the Mastercard Foundation and is pioneering de-risking strategies, such as accepting farmland as collateral, to unlock more credit for the sector. The push for self-sufficiency is further echoed by long-standing calls from stakeholders such as Sumaila Doho, a former Upper West Regional Best Farmer, who advocates for a pivot from maize imports to local production. Doho argues that Ghana possesses the potential to be a maize-surplus nation if the government implements guaranteed minimum prices and invests heavily in storage infrastructure. He notes that reducing dependence on imports is vital for protecting the economy from global shocks, such as those caused by international conflicts and pandemics, which have previously exposed vulnerabilities in Ghana’s food supply chain. As Ghana navigates these agricultural transitions, the synergy between government-led production initiatives and private sector financial reforms remains crucial. The focus is increasingly moving beyond mere cultivation toward comprehensive value capture and infrastructure development, including cold storage and logistics. By addressing both immediate price volatility in commodities like tomatoes and long-term structural issues in maize and high-value exports, the nation aims to secure a more resilient and profitable agricultural economy under the current administration.

Mrs Elizabeth OfosuAgyare, Trade Minister inspects site for Cape Coast Garment Factory
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Government Accelerates 24-Hour Economy Projects and Port Upgrades to Drive National Economic Growth

The government of Ghana is intensifying its efforts to revitalize the national economy through significant infrastructure investments in trade, industry, and logistics. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the '24-hour economy' model, highlighted by the progress of the Techiman 24-hour model market in the Bono East Region. During a recent inspection on September 8, 2025, Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi expressed satisfaction with the construction quality and pace, noting that the project is on track for completion within six months. This modern commercial hub is designed to support round-the-clock banking, cold storage, and security services, aiming to decongest existing facilities and establish Techiman as a premier trading center in West Africa. In a parallel move to boost industrialization, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare recently inspected the site for a new garment factory in Cape Coast. This project follows a direct commitment from President John Mahama to enhance local textile production and create sustainable jobs. The factory, alongside the recently inaugurated Northshore Apparel Hub, is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities while strengthening Ghana's export capacity. Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that the government is following thorough implementation processes to ensure the facility meets international standards and serves as a catalyst for economic transformation in the Central Region. Addressing critical bottlenecks in maritime trade, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has outlined a comprehensive plan to expand infrastructure at the Tema Port. Following a visit to the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal, the Minister acknowledged that container congestion remains a significant challenge due to a disparity between rising cargo volumes and existing road capacity. To resolve this, the government plans to develop new berths and improve harbor access routes to streamline cargo movement. These upgrades are intended to reinforce Ghana's position as a dominant player in regional maritime trade and ensure that Terminal 3 reaches its full operational efficiency. Further modernization efforts are extending to urban management in Kumasi, where the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a transition from static billboards to digital advertising boards starting in 2027. Mayor Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang stated that this initiative aims to enhance the city's aesthetics and better organize outdoor advertising. The plan includes strict regulations for major corridors and the Central Business District, alongside the removal of aging or unauthorized structures. This shift toward digital infrastructure reflects a broader national trend of utilizing technology to improve urban governance and commercial visibility. Together, these multi-sectoral initiatives underscore the Mahama administration's commitment to the 'Big Push Agenda,' focusing on job creation and infrastructure development. By addressing port congestion, modernizing urban advertising, and establishing 24-hour commercial hubs, the government aims to create a more resilient and efficient economic environment. Stakeholders across the garment, trade, and transport sectors have expressed support for these developments, which are expected to provide the necessary foundation for sustained regional economic growth and private sector investment.

Accra International Airport Earns Top Continental Honors as Ghanaian Travelers Decry Rising Domestic Fares
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Accra International Airport Earns Top Continental Honors as Ghanaian Travelers Decry Rising Domestic Fares

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has reached a new milestone in service excellence, securing two prestigious awards at the 8th Airports Council International (ACI) World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. Held from August 31 to September 4, 2026, the summit recognized the Accra International Airport (AIA) as the "Best Airport at Departures – Africa" within the two to five million passenger category. Additionally, the airport achieved the Customer Experience Accredited Airport – Level (1) status, marking a significant step in GACL’s efforts to align with global standards of passenger satisfaction and human-centered travel operations. Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, attributed the success to the collective dedication of the airport's stakeholders and staff. Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, which was themed "Airport Experience: The New Era," Opare emphasized that these accolades reflect a unified commitment to service quality. The event, which featured a gala ceremony honoring over 100 top-performing airports, served as a global platform for discussing the evolution of airport operations. Opare encouraged the AIA team to sustain these high standards to ensure the airport remains a premier gateway within the sub-region and beyond. Despite these international accolades for infrastructure and service quality, the Ghanaian domestic aviation market faces growing scrutiny over affordability. Local figures, including music artist Keche Joshua, have recently voiced widespread public frustration regarding the surge in domestic flight prices. Reports indicate that fares for short routes such as Accra to Kumasi or Takoradi have climbed to between GH₵5,000 and GH₵6,000. Travelers have expressed concern that while the airport's facilities are being celebrated abroad, the cost of domestic travel is becoming prohibitive for many citizens, with some critics questioning the value for money regarding onboard amenities. These domestic pricing challenges occur within a broader global context of aviation industry volatility and strategic expansion. For instance, major international carriers like Singapore Airlines have recently defended significant overseas investments—such as their stake in Air India—as a necessary strategy to find growth beyond limited local markets. For Ghana, the industry's path forward involves a delicate balance: leveraging the award-winning status of its international gateway to attract global traffic while addressing the internal price shocks that threaten to dampen the growth of the domestic travel sector under the current administration.

GCB Bank, Police Service strengthen collaboration
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Ghana's Banking Sector Hits GH¢124.3bn Credit Peak Amidst Moderate Profit Decline and Stringent New Regulations

The Ghanaian banking industry experienced a complex financial landscape in the first half of 2026, characterized by a massive surge in credit delivery despite a slight contraction in overall profitability. According to the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Report, the sector's profit after tax settled at GH¢7.1 billion by June 2026, representing a 1.3% decline from the GH¢7.2 billion recorded in the same period in 2025. This moderation follows a period of aggressive 32.6% growth the previous year, signaling a shift in the industry’s earnings trajectory. Simultaneously, gross loans and advances witnessed an extraordinary 39.4% year-on-year increase, reaching GH¢124.3 billion, driven primarily by a surge in lending to private enterprises and households. The decline in profitability was largely attributed to a contraction in net interest income, which fell by 3.1%, and a significant 38.2% spike in provisions for bad debts and impairments. While operating expenses rose by 6.0%, banks managed to mitigate some of these pressures through robust growth in fees and commission income, which increased by 18.2%. Key profitability metrics, such as Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA), saw downward trends as interest spreads narrowed from 6.0% to 4.4%. Despite these headwinds, the industry's efficiency remained resilient, with the overall profitability ratio showing a marginal improvement from 25.3% to 25.9%. Sectoral data indicates that the private sector remains the primary engine of credit demand, accounting for GH¢119.1 billion of the total loan portfolio. The services sector continues to lead in credit allocation at 36.6%, followed by commerce and finance at 24.1%, and construction at 10.7%. This diversification of the loan book comes as public sector credit saw a modest recovery of 5.6%, though its total share of industry lending remains relatively small at GH¢4.7 billion. This shift underscores the banking sector’s pivot toward supporting the real economy and domestic private businesses as part of broader national economic objectives. To safeguard the integrity of this expanding financial system, the Bank of Ghana has introduced a stringent new penalty regime to curb the issuance of dud cheques. Under these revised rules, offenders face financial levies starting at 10% for first-time offenses, rising to 20% for third-time offenders. Chronic offenders will also face a one-year ban from accessing new credit and a three-year prohibition on issuing cheques. Complementing these regulatory efforts, GCB Bank has recently partnered with the Ghana Police Service to strengthen security frameworks against cybercrime and physical threats. Together, these regulatory and security measures aim to restore public confidence and ensure a stable environment for Ghana's evolving financial sector.

B5 Plus Contributes GH¢400 Million in Taxes as Chairman Mukesh Thakwani Calls for Local Industry Protection
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B5 Plus Contributes GH¢400 Million in Taxes as Chairman Mukesh Thakwani Calls for Local Industry Protection

B5 Plus Company Limited, a major player in Ghana’s iron and steel sector, has demonstrated its commitment to national development by presenting a GH¢400 million tax cheque to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This significant contribution is intended to bolster domestic revenue mobilization, which officials state is critical for reducing the country’s reliance on external borrowing and foreign assistance. During the presentation, the company emphasized that such substantial tax payments are vital for funding essential public services and infrastructure projects across the nation. This move highlights the growing importance of corporate compliance in achieving Ghana's fiscal goals. Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, the Commissioner of the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division, lauded B5 Plus for its exemplary compliance. He urged other corporate entities and individuals to follow suit, noting that a robust domestic tax base is the backbone of sustainable economic growth. Dr. Yamborigya also used the occasion to stress the importance of transparent record-keeping and the issuance of VAT invoices, which are essential tools for minimizing revenue leakage. He reaffirmed the GRA's commitment to creating a fair and efficient tax environment that facilitates easier compliance for all taxpayers while ensuring the accountable use of public resources. Alongside the tax presentation, the Chairman of B5 Plus, Mukesh Thakwani, made a strong case for protective trade policies to support local manufacturers. He urged the government to consider a ban on the importation of products that can be produced within the country, citing the underutilization of domestic manufacturing capacity, which currently sits below 50%. Mr. Thakwani argued that by prioritizing local production, Ghana could not only conserve scarce foreign exchange but also create thousands of jobs for the youth and expand its export reach into the wider West African market. He specifically called for a review of exemptions granted to competing imports that often undermine local efforts. Mr. Thakwani further criticized current tax treatments that occasionally favor imported goods over locally manufactured ones. He highlighted that B5 Plus continues to invest heavily in prefabrication and quality control, maintaining international ISO certifications to ensure their products meet global standards. This dual approach of high tax compliance and advocacy for industrial protection reflects a push from the private sector to align corporate investment with Ghana’s broader goals of industrialization and economic self-reliance. As the government looks to strengthen the industrial base, the collaboration between compliant taxpayers like B5 Plus and the GRA remains a cornerstone of the national development strategy.

Mrs Elizabeth OfosuAgyare, Trade Minister inspects site for Cape Coast Garment Factory
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Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare Inspects Cape Coast Garment Factory Site Amid National Industrial Growth

The government of Ghana is intensifying its efforts to bolster the nation's industrial and manufacturing sectors through several key initiatives aimed at job creation and sustainable resource management. In a recent visit to Cape Coast, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare inspected the site for a new garment factory, a project stemming from President John Mahama’s commitment to enhancing local production. The Minister emphasized that the facility is designed to create significant employment opportunities and boost the textile sector’s export potential, following the recent inauguration of the Northshore Apparel Hub which is expected to generate thousands of jobs. Community support for the project remains high as the Ministry ensures thorough implementation processes for timely completion. Complementing the growth in manufacturing, SMT Ghana has introduced new logistical solutions to support the construction and transportation sectors. During an Open Day event at its Kumasi branch, the company showcased the Dongfeng range of commercial vehicles, highlighting their durability and efficiency for heavy-duty operations. Deputy Director Joseph Boadu and Marketing Director Hilda Peasah emphasized the importance of stakeholder partnerships, offering flexible financing options to help local businesses acquire these cost-effective vehicles. This expansion in the commercial vehicle market is seen as a vital step in providing the necessary infrastructure to support Ghana's broader industrial and logistics requirements. Simultaneously, the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) is addressing the environmental and regulatory aspects of industrialization by taking charge of scrap metal recovery. Operating within the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) zones, GIISDEC has successfully collected approximately 100 metric tons of scrap metal. This initiative not only promotes sustainable mining practices and responsible waste management but also helps regulate the scrap metal value chain. By collaborating with local authorities, GIISDEC aims to curb illegal mining activities and improve the environmental health of mining communities across the country. Together, these developments represent a multifaceted approach to economic development under the current administration. From the expansion of the garment industry in Cape Coast to the enhancement of construction logistics in Kumasi and sustainable resource recovery in mining regions, the government and private sector are working to create a more robust industrial base. These initiatives are expected to provide long-term economic stability by reducing reliance on imports, fostering local expertise, and ensuring that industrial growth is both environmentally conscious and socially beneficial for all Ghanaians.

Telecel Rewards First Millionaire Adiza Ibrahim as Business Leaders Prepare for Growth Workshop
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Telecel Rewards First Millionaire Adiza Ibrahim as Business Leaders Prepare for Growth Workshop

Adiza Ibrahim, a 45-year-old widowed mother of four from Prang in the Bono East Region, has been named the first grand prize winner of the Telecel M’Ahitti Promo, securing a life-changing GH"1 million. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Telecel’s customer loyalty campaign, though the win was initially met with intense skepticism. Ibrahim and her family first dismissed the notification as a mobile money scam, a common concern in the region, until official confirmation was provided by Telecel representatives. This windfall highlights the substantial impact of corporate reward schemes on individual lives within the Ghanaian economy. The M’Ahitti Promo is designed to reward customer loyalty through a transparent process overseen by the Ghana National Lottery Authority (GNLA). According to Telecel’s Consumer Business Director, the promotion aims to create three millionaires over a four-month period, alongside numerous daily and weekly prizes. Participants earn entries through airtime recharges and bundle purchases, with Telecel emphasizing the authenticity of the program to reassure the public against fraud. Ibrahim’s family, now celebrating their "doubt to delight" journey, has encouraged other Ghanaians to participate, noting that the opportunity is genuine and free of hidden costs. In the broader corporate sector, efforts to enhance operational excellence and leadership are gaining momentum. Nilee Consult is set to host the fifth edition of its Business Growth Accelerator Workshop in Accra on September 24-25, 2026. Taking place at The Palms by Eagles, the workshop will gather business leaders, managers, and supervisors to address common challenges such as fragmented customer experiences and inefficient processes. By utilizing frameworks like design thinking and customer experience management, the event aims to equip professionals with actionable strategies to drive sustainable performance and organizational transformation. Professional recognition also remains a key driver in the business landscape, as demonstrated by Baaba Hammond, the Country Manager for Bolt for Business in Ghana. Hammond was recently honored at the Forty Under 40 Awards in the Transport and Logistics category, a testament to her rapid rise from a Customer Support Representative in 2018 to a senior leadership role. Her success underscores the importance of mentorship and the growing influence of women in the logistics sector. Together, these developments—from individual windfalls to institutional training and professional accolades—reflect a dynamic Ghanaian business environment focused on both rewarding loyalty and fostering high-level expertise.

Canada Imposes $28 Billion in US Tariffs Amid Rising Global Trade and Aviation Pressures
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Canada Imposes $28 Billion in US Tariffs Amid Rising Global Trade and Aviation Pressures

Canada has escalated trade tensions with the United States by imposing retaliatory tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of American goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized the move as a necessary defense of national sovereignty against what he described as unfair U.S. demands. The tariffs, which range from 15% to 50% and cover more than 700 products, mark a significant shift in North American trade relations, signaling Ottawa's intent to prioritize mutual respect over coercive negotiation tactics. This move follows a breakdown in high-level negotiations, highlighting the growing friction between the two neighbors. To buffer the domestic impact of these measures, the Canadian government has announced a C$7.5 billion support package. This funding is specifically designed to assist workers and businesses likely to be affected by higher operational costs and rising retail prices resulting from the trade dispute. Economic experts warn that given the deep interdependence of the two nations, a prolonged conflict could expose structural vulnerabilities. They emphasize the importance of identifying diplomatic 'off-ramps' to return to a rules-based relationship, ensuring that the pursuit of fair trade does not place an undue burden on Canadian consumers or the broader economy. In the aviation sector, international and domestic pressures are also mounting. Singapore’s Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow recently defended Singapore Airlines' 25.1% investment in Air India, framing the decision as a strategic necessity for growth beyond Singapore's limited domestic market. Despite Air India’s current financial losses during its ongoing turnaround phase, Siow clarified that the investment was an independent decision by the publicly listed company. He noted that the move does not require additional shareholder capital and will not negatively impact current operations for Singaporean travelers, although he acknowledged public scrutiny regarding the long-term returns on overseas investments. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the rising cost of domestic travel has become a point of public contention. Local musician Keche Joshua has voiced significant frustration over domestic flight fares, which have reportedly surged to between GH¢5,000 and GH¢6,000 for routes such as Accra to Kumasi or Takoradi. Criticizing both the price hikes and the quality of onboard service, the artist's social media commentary highlights a broader trend of consumer dissatisfaction with inflation in the transport sector. These developments, from international trade wars to soaring domestic travel costs, underscore a period of significant economic adjustment for both global markets and local consumers.

Dangote Refinery Launches $1.6 Billion IPO and $14 Billion Expansion Plan Amid Volatile Global Oil Markets
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Dangote Refinery Launches $1.6 Billion IPO and $14 Billion Expansion Plan Amid Volatile Global Oil Markets

Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery has announced a massive $14.3 billion expansion project intended to double its processing capacity from 700,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029. This landmark development coincides with the launch of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) aimed at raising approximately 2.15 trillion naira ($1.63 billion) from retail investors. The refinery, which transitioned from a $476 million loss in 2025 to a $1.82 billion after-tax profit in the first half of 2026, represents a significant shift in Africa’s downstream energy independence. Aliko Dangote, the refinery’s founder, emphasized that the IPO, scheduled to run from September 14 to October 13, 2026, seeks to encourage broad participation among Nigerians and the wider African population. While Nigeria celebrates this industrial milestone, energy experts in neighboring Ghana are calling for greater regulatory stability to attract similar long-term capital. Speaking at the Africa Oil Week conference, Gideon Ayi-Owoo, the Energy and Industrials Leader at Deloitte Ghana, stressed that policy certainty is the primary catalyst for unlocking significant infrastructure commitments. Ayi-Owoo noted that the focus of the regional energy sector is shifting from simple resource extraction to adding economic value through industrialization. He pointed to successful regional collaborations, such as the West Africa Gas Pipeline, as blueprints for how coherent regulations can drive sustainable growth and job creation across the continent. These regional movements come at a time of heightened volatility in the global energy market, with Brent crude futures recently climbing to $97.49 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate rising to $92.92. This price surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with analysts at Goldman Sachs adjusting price forecasts upward due to risks of prolonged supply disruptions that could persist into 2027. For West African economies, the combination of rising global prices and the massive capacity expansions led by the Dangote Group highlights a critical juncture: the urgent need for domestic refining capacity and stable policy frameworks to buffer regional economies against global market shocks.

B5 Plus Chairman Mukesh Thakwani Advocates for Import Bans Following GH¢400 Million Tax Payment to GRA
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B5 Plus Chairman Mukesh Thakwani Advocates for Import Bans Following GH¢400 Million Tax Payment to GRA

Mukesh Thakwani, Chairman of B5 Plus Company Limited, has made a strong appeal to the Ghanaian government to restrict the importation of goods that can be manufactured domestically. This call for protective trade policies coincided with a significant demonstration of corporate responsibility, as the steel and manufacturing giant presented a GH¢400 million tax cheque to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The dual move highlights the company's position as both a major contributor to national revenue and a vocal advocate for industrial growth under the current administration. During a media engagement with GRA officials, Mr. Thakwani pointed out that Ghana's domestic manufacturing capacity is currently significantly underutilized, with industry reports suggesting utilization rates remain below 50%. He argued that allowing competing imported products to dominate the local market stifles growth and wastes existing industrial infrastructure. By imposing bans on these imports, Thakwani contends that the government could foster substantial job creation, boost exports to neighboring West African countries, and drastically reduce the nation's expenditure on foreign exchange. The B5 Plus Chairman also raised concerns regarding the fiscal environment, specifically criticizing the tax exemptions granted to certain competing imports. He questioned the fairness of the current tax treatment and urged the government to provide more robust support for local manufacturers who are committed to national development. Despite these challenges, Mr. Thakwani reaffirmed B5 Plus’s commitment to international quality standards and corporate citizenship, emphasizing that the company is well-positioned to serve both the Ghanaian and broader West African markets if given the right policy backing. Receiving the GH¢400 million tax payment, GRA Commissioner Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya commended B5 Plus for its high level of compliance, noting that such contributions are vital for enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and reducing Ghana's reliance on external borrowing. Dr. Yamborigya urged other businesses to emulate this transparency and emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping to ensure efficient public resource management. This interaction underscores a growing dialogue between the private sector and the state on how best to align fiscal policy with industrialization goals to secure long-term economic stability.

Ghana’s Agricultural Sector Targets Self-Sufficiency as Tomato Prices Ease and Financing Reforms Take Shape
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Ghana’s Agricultural Sector Targets Self-Sufficiency as Tomato Prices Ease and Financing Reforms Take Shape

Ghana’s agricultural landscape is entering a period of significant transition as the government and financial institutions move to stabilize food prices and enhance local production. Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture John Dumelo has announced that tomato prices are expected to drop sharply across the country in the coming weeks. This anticipated decline follows the commencement of local harvests, which are set to increase supply and alleviate market pressures that recently saw the price of a basket of tomatoes surge from GH¢200 to GH¢700. To ensure long-term stability, the government is preparing for large-scale dry-season tomato farming from December 2026 to June 2027, with land clearing and seedling preparation already underway in northern Ghana. Parallel to these immediate market interventions, Fidelity Bank Ghana is advocating for a fundamental shift in agricultural financing to unlock the nation’s full economic potential. Speaking at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026, bank officials emphasized the need for a "value chain approach" rather than a focus on production volume alone. The bank highlighted a critical gap in value retention: while non-traditional agricultural exports generated US$710 million in 2025, cocoa paste alone reached US$789 million, illustrating the higher returns available through post-harvest processing. To bridge this gap, Fidelity Bank has facilitated over GHS 160 million in support for local exporters through partnerships with the Mastercard Foundation and the Fidelity Export Club. Structural improvements remain a priority for both the private sector and local producers to ensure sustainable food security. Stakeholders are calling for expanded infrastructure, such as cold storage and logistics, to better connect farmers to markets and reduce post-harvest losses. These calls are echoed by leading producers like Sumaila Doho, the 2023 Upper West Regional Best Farmer, who has urged the government to prioritize local maize production over imports. Doho argued that implementing a guaranteed minimum price for farmers and investing in storage facilities would protect local producers from market volatility and help Ghana become a maize-surplus nation, reducing the economic drain of foreign imports. As the government under President John Mahama continues to navigate global supply chain vulnerabilities, these combined efforts in price stabilization, innovative financing, and infrastructure development are aimed at securing Ghana's economic independence. While traders remain cautious due to recent low rainfall affecting some production areas, the push toward dry-season farming and de-risking agricultural lending through new collateral models signals a robust attempt to transform the sector. The success of these initiatives will be measured by their ability to provide consistent food affordability for consumers while ensuring profitable livelihoods for Ghanaian farmers.