Ghana Business News

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Ghana’s Economic Recovery: Bank of Ghana Faces Mounting Losses Amidst Record Reserves and Plunging Inflation
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Ghana’s Economic Recovery: Bank of Ghana Faces Mounting Losses Amidst Record Reserves and Plunging Inflation

Ghana’s economy has demonstrated a striking recovery through 2025 and early 2026, characterized by a sharp decline in inflation and record-breaking international reserves. According to recent financial reports and government disclosures, inflation dropped from a staggering 54% in late 2022 to just 3.2% by March 2026, while the country’s international reserves peaked at an all-time high of $14.5 billion in February 2026. This period of stability was further bolstered by a 6% GDP growth rate in 2025 and a 41% appreciation of the Cedi, which the Bank of Ghana (BoG) described as a 'mean reversion' following years of volatility. However, this macroeconomic success has come at a significant cost to the central bank’s balance sheet, sparking a national debate over its financial health and long-term sustainability. The Bank of Ghana reported a net loss of GH‵15.63 billion for 2025, a 64.7% increase from the previous year, pushing its total negative equity to approximately GH‵96.3 billion. These losses are largely attributed to the high costs of monetary policy operations used to stabilize the economy, including GH‵16.7 billion spent on liquidity management. Additionally, the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and the operational structure of the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) have come under scrutiny. While GOLDBOD reported a GH‵5.4 billion surplus and successfully formalized artisanal gold exports through a dedicated anti-smuggling taskforce, the BoG incurred a GH‵9.05 billion loss acting as a funding intermediary for these transactions. The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has labeled the situation as 'structural financial distress,' questioning the central bank's technical solvency. In response to these concerns, BoG officials and some economic experts, including CEO Joe Jackson, argue that the bank remains 'policy solvent.' They contend that central banks should be judged by their ability to achieve macroeconomic objectives like price stability rather than traditional accounting profits. To address the equity deficit, the government has committed to a phased recapitalization plan intended to restore the BoG’s capital base by 2032. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is conducting its final reviews of Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility. If the current trajectory holds, Ghana is expected to exit the IMF program by August 2026, marking a pivotal transition toward independent fiscal management. Moving forward, the focus remains on whether Ghana can maintain its low-inflation environment while restoring the central bank's financial integrity. While the Majority Caucus in Parliament has praised the BoG for its strategic policy actions, critics like Dr. Dennis Nsafoah warn that relying on one-time gold reserve liquidations is not a sustainable path to solvency. The next steps involve GOLDBOD taking full independent control of gold trading by January 2026 and the government ensuring that recapitalization efforts do not place an undue burden on taxpayers. For now, Ghana stands at a crossroads where robust macroeconomic indicators must be balanced against the urgent need for structural financial reforms.

Corporate Ghana Navigates Seasons of Achievement and Grief: Asantehene Honors KGL Group Amidst Loss of Promasidor Sales Lead
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Corporate Ghana Navigates Seasons of Achievement and Grief: Asantehene Honors KGL Group Amidst Loss of Promasidor Sales Lead

The Ghanaian business landscape is currently navigating a period of profound contrast, marked by the celebration of indigenous corporate excellence and the tragic loss of a prominent industry leader. In a recent series of developments, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has publicly lauded the KGL Group for its transformative contributions to the national economy, while Promasidor Ghana Limited mourns the untimely death of its Southern Sector Sales Lead, Patrick Osei Oware. These stories collectively highlight the dual importance of institutional strength and the individual talent that drives Ghana's commercial sectors.\n\nDuring a high-profile dinner marking his 27th coronation anniversary, the Asantehene described the KGL Group as a model for Ghanaian enterprise. He specifically commended Executive Chairman Alex Apau Dadey for his leadership, which has seen the group become a significant taxpayer to the Ghana Revenue Authority and a key partner in social development, including the construction of a mental health facility at Kwame Nkrumah University. The Asantehene emphasized the need for a national movement toward self-reliance, urging the country to prioritize investment in homegrown businesses that demonstrate the capacity for global-standard performance while maintaining a local focus.\n\nHowever, this celebration of corporate success is tempered by the tragic passing of Patrick Osei Oware, a respected figure in the marketing community and Sales Lead for Promasidor Ghana's Southern Sector. Mr. Oware lost his life on May 2, 2026, in a fatal road accident on the Koforidua–Tafo Highway. Eyewitness accounts indicate that he was attempting to avoid a head-on collision when his vehicle struck a tree. Promasidor Ghana has expressed deep sorrow at the loss, describing him as an invaluable asset to the company. The firm has requested public sensitivity and privacy for the bereaved family during this difficult time, specifically asking that images of the accident scene not be shared.\n\nThese two narratives underscore the complexities of the Ghanaian business environment, where the drive for economic self-reliance through companies like KGL Group must be balanced with the ongoing need for road safety and the protection of professional human capital. As the corporate community reflects on the Asantehene's call for local investment and self-sufficiency, the loss of a leader like Mr. Oware serves as a somber reminder of the personal sacrifices and risks faced by those on the front lines of industry. Together, these events reflect a resilient sector that continues to strive for growth despite significant human and institutional challenges.

MoMAG Issues Stern Warning to Mobile Money Agents Over Illegal Deposit Charges
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MoMAG Issues Stern Warning to Mobile Money Agents Over Illegal Deposit Charges

The National Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MoMAG) has issued a firm directive to mobile money agents across Ghana to desist from charging customers for deposit transactions. Speaking at the 2026 MoMAG Day Out event held at the University of Ghana, the association's president, Edward Ofori Agyemang, emphasized that such practices are illegal and undermine the integrity of the mobile financial services sector. The warning comes as part of a broader effort by the advocacy group to sanitize the industry and protect consumers from unauthorized fees that deviate from standard operating procedures. During the event, Mr. Agyemang underscored the severity of the issue, stating that any agent found guilty of imposing these fraudulent charges would face strict sanctions. He noted that the association is committed to maintaining transparency and trust within the ecosystem, which is vital for the continued growth of digital finance. To further enhance security and clarity during transactions, MoMAG has encouraged customers to always carry their mobile devices when visiting agent points. This practice allows for immediate verification of transaction alerts and ensures that both parties are protected against discrepancies or potential fraudulent claims. Beyond regulatory warnings, the MoMAG Day Out served as a strategic platform to address agent welfare and the persistent threat of fraud. The initiative, designed to allow agents to relax and bond away from their duty posts, highlights the association's dual focus on the mental well-being of its members and professional standards. By fostering a sense of community and providing a space for agents to share their concerns, MoMAG hopes to better equip its members with the knowledge and collective support needed to identify and prevent sophisticated fraud schemes that target the industry. This latest stance by MoMAG reflects a growing move toward tighter self-regulation within the mobile money space, which has become a backbone of Ghana’s digital economy. As mobile money continues to drive financial inclusion across the country, the commitment of advocacy groups to enforce ethical conduct is crucial. Ensuring that agents adhere to official fee structures not only protects the consumer's wallet but also reinforces the long-term sustainability and credibility of the mobile money network as a trusted tool for national development.

Energy Expert Calls for Strategic Shift to Power System Security to End Ghana's Electricity Outages
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Energy Expert Calls for Strategic Shift to Power System Security to End Ghana's Electricity Outages

Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, a prominent energy expert, has urged the Ghanaian government to prioritize investments in power systems security architecture to resolve the country's persistent electricity challenges. Despite Ghana possessing sufficient generation capacity, the sector continues to grapple with inconsistent supply, which Dr. Apetorgbor attributes to foundational weaknesses in infrastructure resilience and cybersecurity. He argues that the traditional focus on simply increasing generation capacity must now evolve into a comprehensive strategy that safeguards the entire electricity value chain from production to distribution. In a recent policy paper, Dr. Apetorgbor highlighted that the current energy landscape requires more than just raw power output; it demands integrated cybersecurity measures and robust physical protections for critical power assets. He emphasized the need for dedicated programs to monitor digital threats and the implementation of advanced technologies that provide real-time operational visibility across the national grid. According to the expert, these technical improvements are vital to prevent disruptions caused by both sophisticated cyber-attacks and physical vulnerabilities, ensuring that the existing generation capacity actually reaches consumers reliably. Beyond infrastructure, the expert stressed the importance of financial and fuel sustainability as critical components of energy security. He noted that the financial viability of utility companies and a sustainable approach to fuel procurement are indispensable pillars of a resilient power system. Without addressing the underlying financial health of the sector and ensuring a steady supply of fuel for power plants, even the most sophisticated security architecture would fail to deliver consistent results. This holistic view suggests that energy security is as much about prudent economic management as it is about engineering excellence. Ultimately, Dr. Apetorgbor warns that Ghana’s broader economic ambitions remain at risk if the energy sector does not transition toward this security-focused model. A reliable and resilient power system serves as the essential backbone for industrial growth and long-term investor confidence. The call to action is clear: the government must pivot from expansion-only policies to a strategic investment framework that ensures the stability, safety, and long-term sustainability of Ghana’s national power grid.

Ghanaian Corporates Report Mixed Q1 2026 Results: Kasapreko and Fan Milk Post Strong Growth While Enterprise Group Profit Dips
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Ghanaian Corporates Report Mixed Q1 2026 Results: Kasapreko and Fan Milk Post Strong Growth While Enterprise Group Profit Dips

Several of Ghana’s leading companies have released their financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a divergent landscape of corporate performance. Kasapreko PLC and Fan Milk PLC emerged as top performers with significant profit surges, signaling strong consumer demand and effective cost management. In contrast, Enterprise Group PLC faced a sharp downturn in earnings, while Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC maintained steady profitability despite facing considerable operational hurdles. This mixed performance underscores a complex business environment characterized by shifting finance costs, strategic capital investments, and evolving market pressures. Kasapreko PLC led the growth narrative, reporting a 55% increase in Q1 profit to GH‵73 million, up from GH‵47.2 million the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to a significant 43% reduction in finance costs, which dropped to GH‵30 million. Revenue also climbed to GH‵853.2 million, reflecting robust demand across its product lines. Similarly, Fan Milk PLC posted an impressive 84% surge in profit before tax, reaching GH‵61.2 million. Although income tax expenses rose sharply, resulting in an after-tax profit of GH‵27.6 million, the company saw revenue grow by 33% to GH‵321.6 million. Fan Milk has opted to retain these earnings to strengthen its balance sheet rather than declaring dividends for the period. Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC reported a year-to-date profit of GH‵185 million for the nine months ending March 31, 2026. While the company achieved a Q3 operating profit of GH‵69.3 million, it faced headwinds from scheduled plant overhauls, competition from parallel imports, and technical disruptions following the migration to a new ERP system. Despite these challenges, Guinness improved its margins from 23% to 24.2% by leveraging local raw materials and stable currency conditions. Management emphasized that the maintenance activities, though impacting short-term production, are essential for long-term efficiency and capacity enhancement. In stark contrast to the manufacturing sector's gains, Enterprise Group PLC reported a significant 49% decrease in profits, with earnings falling to GH‵71.3 million from GH‵140.1 million. The decline was primarily driven by a surge in net insurance finance expenses and a loss in its insurance service result. Beyond individual earnings, the reports highlight a trend toward proactive liability management; notably, Kasapreko plans to establish a sinking fund in August 2026 to meet corporate bond obligations due in January 2027. Investors are closely monitoring these liquidity strategies as companies navigate the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year.

Bank of Ghana Reports Staggering $1.25 Billion Loss for 2025 Amid Rising Monetary Policy Costs
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Bank of Ghana Reports Staggering $1.25 Billion Loss for 2025 Amid Rising Monetary Policy Costs

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released its 2025 audited financial statements, revealing a significant net loss of GH"15.63 billion (approximately $1.25 billion). This figure represents a sharp increase from the GH"9.48 billion loss recorded in 2024. The central bank's cumulative negative equity has now ballooned to approximately $9 billion, or roughly 8% of Ghana's GDP—one of the highest such ratios for a central bank globally. Despite these staggering losses, the BoG reported record-high foreign reserves of $13.8 billion, illustrating a complex financial position where policy objectives for economic stability have come at a heavy fiscal price. The primary drivers of these losses include high sterilization costs and expenses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Program (DGPP). According to BoG officials, about 83% of DGPP costs arise from exchange rate discrepancies; gold is purchased from small-scale miners at higher forex bureau rates to encourage formal trade but recorded at the Bank's lower official rate. This fiscal burden was further exacerbated by the cedi's appreciation in 2025. Additionally, the bank incurred significant interest payments on open market operations intended to mop up excess liquidity and curb inflation. While total operating income rose to GH"22.23 billion, these gains were ultimately eclipsed by the rising costs of maintaining monetary stability. The financial results have sparked a heated debate among economic analysts and political figures. Joe Jackson, CEO of Dalex Finance, questioned the sustainability of the model, specifically criticizing the losses in gold trading, which he argued should typically serve as a safe-haven asset. Conversely, Professor Peter Quartey and Dr. Michael Ayamga-Adongo have defended the central bank, commending its transparency and noting that a central bank's primary mandate is price and economic stability rather than profit maximization. Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has labeled the results a "policy failure," scheduling a press conference to address what they describe as a "gargantuan loss" that lacks the justification of a formal financial crisis. Looking ahead, the Bank of Ghana Board maintains that it can continue to fund core operations without government support, projecting a return to profitability between 2026 and 2030. This optimism is supported by strategic shifts in the mining sector, such as the Damang Gold Mine’s commitment to sell 100% of its output to the Ghana Gold Board, a move expected to further bolster national reserves and stabilize the cedi. However, the path to recovery remains tied to a phased recapitalization plan and the government's ability to maintain fiscal discipline. As Ghana navigates this delicate balance, the central bank's ability to manage inflation without further eroding its equity remains a critical test for the nation's economic resilience.

Strengthening Ghana's Economic Fabric: Calls for Job Creation, Banking Integrity, and Professional Excellence
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Strengthening Ghana's Economic Fabric: Calls for Job Creation, Banking Integrity, and Professional Excellence

In recent public addresses marking May Day and various institutional milestones, Ghanaian leaders and experts have underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between abstract macroeconomic indicators and the daily lived realities of citizens. Daniel Danso, former Volta Regional Chairman of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), emphasized during celebrations in Kadjebi that macroeconomic stability recorded on paper holds little value unless it translates into sustainable jobs, increased incomes, and improved livelihoods. Danso’s call for a shift from fiscal consolidation toward active job creation highlights a critical pivot point for the nation's economic policy, urging for a move away from complaints toward actionable initiatives that foster community support. Parallel to these broader economic demands, the integrity of Ghana’s financial institutions has come under scrutiny as a cornerstone of economic participation. During the inauguration of a new Nsoatreman Community Bank PLC branch in the Bono Region, Nana Kusi Yeboah II, the Nifahene of the Berekum Traditional Area, raised alarms over frequent breaches of customer confidentiality by bank staff. He warned that leaking sensitive information, such as account balances, not only undermines financial inclusion efforts in rural areas but also exposes clients to heightened risks of robbery and fraud. This breach of trust serves as a significant barrier to formalizing the economy, as rural citizens may revert to informal savings methods if they feel their private financial data is no longer secure. Beyond systemic and institutional issues, the path to individual economic empowerment is increasingly seen as a matter of professional capacity and preparedness. Industry insights suggest that access to influential business circles often hinges more on a professional’s ability to communicate and conduct themselves effectively than on sheer technical skill. Daniel Danso echoed this sentiment by encouraging workers to upgrade their skills for better earning potential, suggesting that unions like CLOGSAG should evolve to operate with an entrepreneurial mindset. This focus on 'capacity'—encompassing tone, etiquette, and awareness of professional context—is essential for professionals looking to access higher-level spaces and build lasting influence. The synthesis of these perspectives suggests that Ghana's sustainable growth depends on a multi-faceted approach: government policies must prioritize tangible job creation over mere fiscal metrics, financial institutions must strictly uphold confidentiality to maintain public trust, and the workforce must commit to continuous professional development. As the nation navigates its economic recovery, the focus remains on creating a secure and professional environment where macroeconomic stability leads directly to individual opportunity and long-term empowerment.

Ghanaian Industry Updates: Safety Warnings in Baking Sector and Sustainability Gains in Tuna Fisheries
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Ghanaian Industry Updates: Safety Warnings in Baking Sector and Sustainability Gains in Tuna Fisheries

Ghana's food and beverage industries are facing a dual call for higher standards as leaders in both the baking and fisheries sectors emphasize consumer safety and environmental sustainability. Madam Florence Ofori-Agyeman, CEO of Baker’s Relish, has issued a public advisory regarding bread consumption practices, while the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to international sustainability benchmarks. Together, these developments highlight a growing trend toward transparency and regulatory compliance within the national economy. In the baking sector, Madam Ofori-Agyeman warned consumers against storing bread for more than four days, noting that bread with an unnaturally long shelf life often contains excessive preservatives or harmful additives such as potassium bromate. According to the CEO, bread is a processed product that should have a naturally short lifespan, and consumers should be wary of products that remain soft for more than a week. To mitigate health risks and maintain quality, she recommends that consumers freeze bread for longer preservation and toast it to enhance digestibility. She also called for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to ramp up public education and enforce stricter regulations on bakeries to eliminate unsafe practices. Simultaneously, the Ghana Tuna Association celebrated World Tuna Day by highlighting the critical role of the fisheries sector in ensuring food security and providing employment. GTA President Frank Alhoon noted that the association recently achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, a significant milestone that aligns Ghana's tuna industry with global sustainability standards. However, the sector continues to grapple with rising operational costs and the persistent threat of illegal fishing. Alhoon stressed that enhanced collaboration between the government and private stakeholders is essential to secure the future of this vital economic resource. These separate but parallel developments underscore the necessity for robust oversight across Ghana’s diverse business landscape. Whether through the enforcement of food safety protocols in local bakeries or the adoption of international environmental standards in the high seas, industry experts agree that prioritizing long-term quality over short-term gains is the only path forward. As consumers become more health-conscious and global markets demand sustainable practices, Ghanaian businesses must adapt to these evolving standards to remain competitive and protect public welfare.

Multimedia Group’s May Day Egg Market Boosts Local Poultry Industry and Consumer Savings
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Multimedia Group’s May Day Egg Market Boosts Local Poultry Industry and Consumer Savings

The Multimedia Group successfully concluded its two-day May Day Egg Market at the Joy FM Car Park in Accra, drawing massive crowds seeking relief from rising food costs. Held from May 1 to May 2, 2023, the event transformed the station’s premises into a vibrant hub where fresh, high-quality eggs were sold at significantly discounted prices. The initiative served a dual purpose: providing affordable protein to Ghanaian households while offering a direct sales platform for local poultry farmers to reach consumers without the interference of middlemen. Throughout the event, patrons queued for hours to purchase crates of eggs priced competitively at GH¢ 40, 50, and 55, depending on the size. The first day saw such brisk sales and positive feedback that organizers increased supply for the second day, which featured even deeper discounts and promotional giveaways. By connecting farmers directly with the public, the market ensured that producers received fair returns for their labor while shoppers enjoyed prices far below standard retail rates. This direct-to-consumer model was praised by both vendors and buyers as a practical solution to the economic pressures currently facing the poultry value chain in Ghana. Beyond the commercial success, the May Day Egg Market served as an educational platform to promote healthy eating habits. Nutritionist Elvis Amanor was on-site to provide insights into the vital role eggs play in a balanced diet, emphasizing their high nutritional value as an affordable source of protein. These educational sessions aimed to debunk myths about egg consumption and encourage families to incorporate more local poultry products into their daily meals. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by a community-focused engagement that combined commerce with wellness. The resounding success of the initiative underscores the potential for private-sector media organizations to lead impactful community interventions. As Ghana continues to navigate challenges in the agricultural sector and fluctuating food prices, the May Day Egg Market stands as a successful blueprint for stimulating local industries. Organizers and participants alike noted that such events not only alleviate the financial burden on household budgets but also reinforce the importance of supporting "Made in Ghana" products to ensure long-term food security and economic stability.

Ghana’s Economic Outlook Brightens with $380M Korea Trade Growth and Strategic Local Industry Expansion
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Ghana’s Economic Outlook Brightens with $380M Korea Trade Growth and Strategic Local Industry Expansion

Ghana’s economic landscape is experiencing a significant surge, characterized by a milestone in international trade and a renewed focus on industrializing local resources. Trade between Ghana and the Republic of Korea reached $380 million in 2025, representing a steady climb from the previous year. Korean Ambassador Park Kyongsig noted that this growth is underpinned by deepening economic ties, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. Currently, approximately 20 Korean firms are operating in Ghana, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and the Ambassador expressed optimism that ongoing reforms in Ghana’s investment regime will attract even more capital and cultural exchange opportunities. Simultaneously, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is spearheading a major push for value addition in the agricultural sector. Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, CEO of the TCDA, has issued an urgent call for investment to address the loss of nearly 2 million metric tonnes of cashew apples that go to waste annually. While Ghana produces over 250,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts, the untapped potential of the cashew apple—which can be converted into juice, wine, and ethanol—remains a priority. To resolve this, the TCDA has introduced a new Proposed Policy Framework for Cashew Apple Utilization, aimed at transforming the sector into a value-added agro-industrial powerhouse that creates jobs for youth and women. On the domestic infrastructure front, efforts to boost local commerce have intensified with the launch of a modern 24-hour market complex in Asesewa. The project, inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama, is part of a national strategy to develop 261 modern market centers across the country. The Asesewa facility will feature 100 lockable stores, 150 stalls, a daycare center, and a dedicated Women’s Bank. This initiative is designed to turn the historic trading town into a commercial hub, facilitating a continuous '24-hour economy' that supports local enterprises and provides traders with improved access to financial services and security. Together, these developments signal a multi-pronged approach to Ghana's economic development, bridging international partnerships with grassroots industrialization. The integration of high-tech Korean investment, the commercialization of agricultural by-products, and the modernization of local markets suggest a robust path toward economic resilience. Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the sustained collaboration between the government, private investors, and international partners to ensure that trade growth translates into tangible benefits for local farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Bank of Ghana Records GH¢15.6 Billion Loss in 2025 as Gold Sales Avert Deeper Crisis
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Bank of Ghana Records GH¢15.6 Billion Loss in 2025 as Gold Sales Avert Deeper Crisis

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reported a significant financial loss of GH¢15.63 billion for the 2025 financial year, a sharp increase from the GH¢9.49 billion recorded in 2024. Despite this headline figure, the central bank maintains that its operations remain resilient, largely due to the strategic impact of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). Financial analysis indicates that without the sale of approximately 870,000 ounces of refined gold—valued at roughly $3.6 billion—the BoG’s losses would have ballooned to nearly GH¢33.2 billion. This financial performance reflects the ongoing economic costs of the bank's aggressive fight against inflation and efforts to stabilize the cedi, which necessitated expensive monetary interventions. Central bank officials and members of the Monetary Policy Committee, such as Prof. Ebo Turkson, have emphasized that these losses are "policy-driven" rather than a result of mismanagement. The bank’s Head of Gold Management, Paul Bleboo, clarified that the costs incurred under the DGPP should be viewed as necessary policy expenditures aimed at bolstering foreign reserves. To manage inflation, which peaked at 54% in late 2022, the BoG implemented rigorous liquidity mop-up operations and raised policy rates, leading to substantial interest costs. However, the DGPP provided a critical buffer; the bank realized GH¢9.57 billion in profit from gold transactions and released GH¢7.99 billion from past unrealized gains, totaling GH¢17.56 billion in financial relief for the year. The financial results have drawn criticism from political figures, notably Dr. Gideon Boako, who described the loss as a "policy failure" and a "new low" for the institution. Concurrently, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for greater transparency, urging the central bank to publish a full breakdown of foreign exchange inflows from the mining sector. The Chamber argues that current reporting, which focuses primarily on direct sales to the BoG, overlooks significant flows handled by commercial banks. They contend that a more comprehensive data set is vital for sound policymaking and to accurately reflect the mining industry's true contribution to the national economy. Looking ahead, the Bank of Ghana is navigating a complex path toward recovery, currently holding a negative equity of GH¢93.82 billion. A government-backed recapitalization plan spanning 2026 to 2032 is expected to restore positive equity over the medium term. In a strategic shift to manage concentration risk, the bank has also begun trimming its gold bullion holdings to ensure they do not exceed 20% of total foreign reserves, reinvesting proceeds into more liquid assets. While inflation uncertainty and currency volatility remain persistent risks, the central bank’s international reserves—which rose to US$13.8 billion in 2025—suggest a strengthening capacity to maintain macroeconomic stability despite current fiscal challenges.

Getty Images Chick-fil-A restaurant logo seen in Houston, Texas.
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Apple Hits Record Sales Amid Global Business Shifts and Fraud Crackdowns

Apple has achieved a landmark first quarter, reporting a 17% surge in overall sales to reach $111 billion. This growth was fueled by the "extraordinary" demand for the iPhone 17, which CEO Tim Cook described as the most successful launch in the company's history. Performance in the Chinese market was particularly strong, with sales rising by 28%. This milestone comes as the company prepares for a leadership transition, with Cook praising his successor, John Ternus, while emphasizing a future centered on privacy-focused Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration within the Siri ecosystem. Additionally, demand for the new MacBook Neo was noted as exceptionally high, despite stable sales across other product lines. The broader technology and social media sectors saw contrasting fortunes. Reddit reported a massive 69% revenue increase to $663 billion, signaling its growing influence as a data source for AI training and its ambitions to boost daily user engagement. Conversely, the gaming platform Roblox experienced a 20% drop in share prices. This decline followed lower-than-expected user growth and projected profit dips, which the company attributed to stricter age-check restrictions implemented on the platform to enhance safety. In the legal and corporate security sphere, authorities have made significant strides against financial crime and internal fraud. A US court convicted 25 individuals for their roles in a sophisticated international email fraud network that defrauded over 1,000 victims of approximately $215 million. The scheme, which spanned 47 US states and 19 countries, involved hackers tracking communications to send fraudulent payment requests. In a separate case of corporate theft, a former Chick-fil-A employee in Texas, 23-year-old Keyshun Jones, was charged with defrauding the restaurant chain of $80,000. Jones allegedly exploited the point-of-sale system to process 800 unauthorized refunds for mac-and-cheese trays onto his personal credit cards after he had been fired. Finally, the hospitality industry continues to struggle under the weight of global economic pressures. The Real Greek, a prominent UK restaurant chain with 28 outlets, is reportedly on the brink of collapse. Its owner, Toridoll, plans to appoint administrators, citing unsustainable cost increases driven by rising inflation, business rates, and labor expenses. This development follows the closure of 16 Franco Manca locations under the same parent company, highlighting the significant volatility facing service-based businesses as they navigate current economic strains.