Author: johnmahama

Ratings agency, Fitch has pointed out that Nigerian banks are making significant progress in raising core capital to meet new paid-in capital requirements and are meeting the first quarter 2026 deadline, According to the UK-based firm, this is supporting a recovery in capitalisation from the impact of naira devaluation, providing fuel for business growth. It again reduces the likelihood of significant banking sector consolidation. In a report, it said the two largest banks, Access Holdings and Zenith Bank, are the first to secure enough fresh capital to meet the Naira 500 billion requirement for an international licence.  First HoldCo, United…

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Christopher Musa was among the senior military officers who were denied visas to Canada The Nigerian government has condemned Canada for denying visas to its senior military officers, including the head of the military. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Christopher Musa said half of his delegation, who were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday, were left in Nigeria after not getting the correct paperwork. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo condemned the action by Canadian officials, terming it “disrespectful” to the West African country. The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria said it was…

IntroductionGhana’s economy has faced many ups and downs over the past decade. With challenges such as inflation, currency depreciation, and high unemployment, many citizens wonder: Will 2025 be a year of economic growth? While some experts believe Ghana is on the path to recovery, others argue that more structural reforms are needed. This article explores the key factors that will shape Ghana’s economy in 2025 and whether the country can achieve sustainable growth. 1. Ghana’s Economic Performance in Recent YearsGhana’s economy has gone through several phases of growth and decline. In 2022 and 2023, the country faced high inflation, a…

Ghana’s finest Energy Economist and Energy Systems Specialist, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor has promised to support the transformation of the energy sector, particularly the power space. Dr. Apetorgbor who has over two decades of industrial experience in energy systems economics, transaction cost economics, strategic management, regulatory affairs, taxation and financial optimization disclosed this to the media after graduating with his 7th Masters Degree in Energy Law from the University of Ghana. Dr. Apetorgobor doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Independent Power Generators (IPGGs) and has been offering some propositions to help restructure Ghana’s electricity value chain…

In recognition of cocoa farmers worldwide on Valentine’s Day, which also coincides with Ghana’s National Chocolate Day, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, has acknowledged the significant contributions of cocoa farmers, particularly those in Ghana, and called for increased governmental support for the sector.Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 14, 2025, Dr. Nyarku, affectionately known as “Ragga,” highlighted the global rise in cocoa consumption and urged the nation to appreciate the efforts of cocoa farmers.Drawing a comparison between Valentine’s Day celebrations in Ghana and the United States, he observed that, “In America,…

Many accounts of what role JB Danquah played with the CIA exist Joseph Boakye Danquah (JB Danquah) was not only a national hero to some people in Ghana, he has also been controversially linked to the job of a spy before. This contentious subject was actually the focus of a heated time on the floor of the current 9th Parliament when the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) decided to eulogise the Ghanaian politician and former statesman. From the usual public statements on the man, it led to counter commentaries from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) side, particularly with…

Scores of children caught up in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been subjected to sexual violence including rape by armed men, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund. The targeting of children has soared to unprecedented levels in recent weeks, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned on Thursday, making an urgent appeal for the violence to stop as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels expand their footprint, clashing with Congolese forces and their allied militias. “In North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children by parties to the conflict, including rape and…

AbstractThe Bawku Chieftaincy crisis has long been a source of tension in Ghana’s northern region, exacerbated by political interference and heavy-handed military interventions. This article commends the recent stance of the John Dramani Mahama administration, as articulated by Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah, to resolve the conflict through traditional mechanisms rather than force or political manipulation. Drawing on scholarly perspectives on chieftaincy conflict resolution, the article highlights the importance of government neutrality in chieftaincy matters. It argues that the Mamprusi people’s longstanding call for a non-political, traditional approach is both historically justified and practically sound. While praising the government’s direction,…

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Stéphane Roudet, visited Ghana from February 10 to 14 to discuss the country’s macroeconomic outlook and policy direction with government officials and key stakeholders. In a statement at the end of the visit, he noted that the mission team engaged Ghanaian authorities on recent economic developments and initiated discussions on policies shaping the 2025 budget. “This dialogue is set to continue over the coming weeks,” he stated. The visit also assessed Ghana’s progress in meeting key commitments under the IMF-supported program, which will be formally reviewed in April 2025 as part…

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has distributed over 200 bars of locally made chocolate to children admitted at the Kumasi Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital.The initiative was part of this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, which coincided with Valentine’s Day. It was carried out nationwide in collaboration with COCOBOD and the Cocoa Processing Company.This year’s celebration was themed “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana” with the sub-theme “Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.” The event aims to promote chocolate consumption and highlight its health benefits.After an official presentation at the hospital’s forecourt, staff of…