THE Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) wants a diversification of export destinations following the sudden imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States (U.S) by the Trump administration.

It said the U.S has been one of Ghana’s key export destinations, especially under preferential trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

However, the new tariff measure, which many exporters did not anticipate, has forced exporters to reconsider their strategies and explore alternative markets.

In an interview with Graphic Business, the President of FAGE, Davis Korboe, described the development as a “big blow” to Ghana’s export sector, noting that the move has disrupted trade flows and raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s heavy dependence on the U.S. market.

“Our cost of production is already very high in Ghana. Adding a 10% tariff makes our products uncompetitive in the U.S. market. This is why we’ve always advocated diversification. We can’t keep all our eggs in one basket,” he said.

 
Tariff

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on April 2, 2025 announced a unilateral 10% tariff, effective April 5, 2025, covering imports from all countries, including Ghana, into the United States.

However, goods that are in transit as of the date were exempt from the announced tariffs. In addition, reciprocal tariffs were also imposed on over 50 countries, with rates ranging from 11% to 50% effective April 9, 2025.

According to President Trump’s Executive Order, the tariffs were being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) due to economic and national security implications of the country’s global trade deficits.

The Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. These products include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products and certain critical minerals.

The US market provides a ready-made complementary market destination for several important priority export products from Ghana such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, horticulture products, including root crops (yam), fruits, vegetables and cashew.

 
AfCFTA

Mr Korboe said rethinking and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an alternative trade strategy and wind towards the African market will be a viable platform for growth for exporters.

However, he said significant barriers such as poor transport infrastructure, long customs procedures and inconsistent trade regulations which makes intra-African trade costly and inefficient must be addressed for the continent’s trade potential to be fully realised.

“There’s a $3.7 trillion market right here on the continent. We should be deploying efforts to access those opportunities, it is time to prioritise regional trade fairs, cross-border logistics, and targeted market intelligence to understand what the African market demands.”

We believe in the AfCFTA, but the practical issues on the ground—like delays at the borders and logistics challenges—are killing our competitiveness, Mr Korboe said.
 

Exporters in limbo

He disclosed that the unexpected nature of the tariff has left many exporters scrambling to renegotiate contracts and clarify cost burdens with U.S. buyers. 

According to him, several shipments were already en route, and there is uncertainty about whether Ghanaian exporters or their American partners will absorb the added cost.

“This is not just a trade policy issue—it’s a livelihood issue, for many exporters, their margins are already thin. If they have to take on the 10% cost, it could drive them out of business,” he said.

 
Govt engagement underway

He added that FAGE has begun engaging key state institutions, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to explore both diplomatic and trade remedies.

While negotiations continued, he encouraged members of FAGE to use the moment to rethink Ghana’s export strategy.

“This is not the time to panic, but to plan. We must use this disruption to realign our trade priorities and strengthen intra-African trade,” Mr Korboe added.

Govt’s response

In a statement issued last Saturday, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry assured the Ghanaian private sector, especially major exporters, investors and the public of the government’s commitment to engage the United States of America on the imposition of tariffs on Ghanaian products to avoid trade disruptions and investment decisions in the country.

The ministry said it was also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent, and to assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy.

It added that various strategies were under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade.
 

Development 

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, held a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss the details of the tariffs and explore ways U.S and Ghana could further strengthen partnership.

Ambassador Palmer offered a hint of possible compensatory measures, suggesting Ghana might benefit relative to others.

“I hope Ghana will get some advantages vis-à-vis its competitors,” she said.

Ghana is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, a move that reflects a broader trend among African nations to regulate digital content.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced plans to present this specialised legal framework to Parliament in its upcoming session. The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for law enforcement to address the proliferation of false information, particularly on digital platforms.​

George emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling the challenges posed by misinformation, stating, “Once the law is passed, we will clamp down on you if you are engaged in mis and disinformation.”

He further highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens to communicate responsibly and called for increased transparency and collaboration to address the issue. ​

The initiative comes at a time when misinformation has become a significant concern across Africa, often leading to social unrest and undermining trust in public institutions.

The rise of digital platforms has facilitated the rapid spread of false information, prompting several African governments to consider or enact legislation aimed at curbing this trend.

For instance, countries like South Africa, Tunisia, and Ethiopia have introduced laws targeting fake news and disinformation, though these measures have sparked debates about their implications for free speech and press freedom.

While the Ghanaian government asserts that the proposed bill is necessary to maintain political stability and social cohesion, critics express concerns about potential overreach and the suppression of dissenting voices.

The challenge lies in balancing the need to combat harmful misinformation with the imperative to uphold democratic principles and protect civil liberties.​

As Ghana moves forward with this legislation, it will be crucial to engage with stakeholders, including civil society organisations and media practitioners, to ensure that the law is implemented in a manner that effectively addresses misinformation without infringing on fundamental rights.

The outcome of this legislative process may set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues in the digital age.

play videoMinister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed that the government’s flagship One Million Coders Programme is set to launch on April 16, 2025.

According to him, the pilot phase will be conducted in four regions to give inclusion to all Ghanaians.

The programme is expected to train 150,000 youth in coding, webapp development, digital marketing etc.

The minister noted that all interested persons can begin their applications via the official registration platform.

Speaking during a press briefing on April 9, 2025, Sam George said: “The ministry will launch the programme with the pilot in Accra, Ashanti Bono and the Upper East Regions exactly a week today on April 16, with over 250 people from Accra, Bolga, Sunyani and Kumasi, expected to participate in the launch.

“The programme is inclusive by design, with an integrated 50/50 gender split to leverage our district assemblies to ensure that the programme reaches every corner of Ghana, not just urban centres. The website is active for all citizens who intend to take part in the pilot to go on and apply. The URL is https://www.onemillioncoders.gov.gh,” he added.

The government has, therefore, allocated GH¢100 million to the programme.

SSD/AE

Piloting of One Million Coders Program; to kick off April 16 – Sam George

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Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has convened a two-day National Policy Dialogue aimed at addressing key challenges facing Ghana’s health workforce.

Held under the theme “Transforming Ghana’s Health Workforce for UHC: Align, Invest, and Sustain,” the event brought together stakeholders to deliberate on pressing issues such as workforce distribution, unemployment, skills shortages, and the growing migration of health professionals.

Speaking in Accra on April 9, 2025, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh emphasized the need for bold and innovative strategies to reposition the sector for long-term sustainability and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“We must look at these challenges not just as obstacles, but as opportunities to rethink our health workforce strategy—to innovate and to forge partnerships grounded in evidence, equity, and sustainability,” Akandoh said.

The Minister referenced findings from a recent Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA), which presented a mixed picture of progress and ongoing challenges.

Between 2013 and 2022, public sector health worker density increased from 16.56 to 41.92 per 10,000 people. However, nearly 40% of trained health professionals remain unemployed. Additionally, only 38% of health workers are deployed to rural areas, which are home to over 40% of the population.

“This geographical mismatch is a longstanding issue, and it demands fresh thinking and innovative deployment strategies,” Akandoh added.

One of the most pressing concerns raised was the increasing rate of health worker migration. Between 2020 and 2022, there was a 232% increase in the number of nurses seeking verification to work abroad. Over 5,000 nurses did so in the first half of 2023 alone.

According to the Minister, economic disparities are a major factor.

“On average, our health workers earn GH₵2,813, yet they consider GH₵3,000 to be the minimum acceptable wage. Abroad, the average wage is nearly GH₵10,000—that’s more than three times higher,” he noted.

Despite the challenges, Akandoh pointed out that the public sector remains relatively more attractive in terms of remuneration, citing that medical doctors in the public sector earn nearly 47% more than their counterparts in the private sector.

Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, also underscored the need for sustainable solutions.

He noted that with support from development partners, Ghana has significantly expanded its health workforce over the past two decades.

Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of greater investment in job creation, education, and retention strategies.

The dialogue also featured a high-level panel discussion focused on enhancing coordination, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and securing long-term financing to support Ghana’s healthcare system.

Participants included senior officials from various ministries, private health institutions, professional associations, and international development partners.

AM/KA

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Inflation is no longer just an economic indicator—it’s a real challenge impacting businesses and their sales strategies across Africa. With rising costs of goods, services, and wages, CEOs, sales leaders, and business owners must rethink their approach to remain competitive.

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), inflation across Africa is expected to remain high in 2025, averaging between 6% and 8% due to supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and global economic uncertainty. Countries like Ghana and Nigeria experienced inflation rates of 23% and 34.4%, respectively in the last quarter of 2024.

But what does this mean for your sales strategy? Should you increase prices, absorb rising costs, or shift your sales focus? This article examines the primary sales challenges presented by inflation and offers seven strategies to safeguard profit margins, preserve customer trust, and foster revenue growth.

How inflation impacts sales and revenue

1. Higher Cost of Goods and Services Businesses must either absorb higher costs or pass them on to customers—both of which can hurt sales. McKinsey & Company (2024) found that 67% of B2B businesses in Africa struggle to balance price adjustments while maintaining strong customer relationships.

2. Reduced Customer Purchasing Power Customers and businesses are more cautious about spending, extending sales cycles and increasing negotiation pressure. A PwC South Africa (2024) survey reported that 72% of businesses are experiencing longer sales cycles due to inflation-driven budget constraints.

3. Increased Pressure on Sales Teams Sales reps are facing more pricing objections and delayed deals. Harvard Business Review (2024) found a 20% rise in pricing objections in inflationary environments.

4. Customer Retention Challenges: Clients are seeking cheaper alternatives. Deloitte Africa (2025) reported that customer retention rates decrease by 15% during periods of high inflation.

7 sales strategy adjustments to navigate inflation

1. Optimise Pricing Without Alienating Customers. Avoid blanket price hikes. Instead, implement tiered pricing models and price anchoring, where premium packages justify mid-tier increases. Businesses that adjust pricing strategically retain more customers while protecting margins.

2. Strengthen Value Proposition to Defend Pricing Sales teams must be trained to sell on value, not price. ROI calculators and client case studies help justify pricing. KPMG Nigeria (2024) found that businesses improving customer experience alongside price increases see 40% less churn.

3. Re-evaluate Customer Segmentation: Segment customers by spending capacity—Prioritise high-value clients for premium offerings. Forbes Africa (2024) found that segmentation by purchase behaviour helps protect profit margins.

4. Upsell and Cross-Sell Strategically Maximise the lifetime value of existing customers. Bundle services and train your team to spot upsell opportunities. Companies that bundle offerings often see increased revenue per customer despite inflation.

5. Shorten Sales Cycles to Improve Cash Flow. Offer time-sensitive incentives and streamline approvals using digital tools. Harvard Business Review (2024) reported a 12% revenue increase for businesses that shorten deal cycles by 20%.

6. Strengthen Customer Relationships for Retention: Implement surveys, executive check-ins, and loyalty rewards to enhance client engagement. Companies that do so report higher retention, even in inflationary markets.

7. Train Sales Teams to Handle Inflation-Driven Objections. Equip teams with objection-handling skills tailored to inflation. Gartner (2025) states that trained teams close 22% more deals than untrained ones.

Final thoughts: Stay agile, stay profitable

Inflation presents challenges, but also an opportunity to refine your sales strategy, strengthen pricing, and deepen customer trust.

The writer is a Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant, as well as the founder and chief sales partner at SalesRev (www.salesrevafrica.com).

Sales Transformation Insights aims to deliver actionable sales transformation strategies for business leaders, helping them boost revenue.   Kindly share your insights or questions at [email protected] 

MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has noted that the current government is struggling to pay debts after scrapping the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), alongside other taxes.

According to Oppong Nkrumah, his government scrapped about 17 taxes when they assumed power in 2017, and this led to the expansion of the economy for the first three years, after which COVID-19 broke.

He explained that in the government’s bid to protect citizens, it spent too much, leading to the economic downturn that characterised the latter parts of their administration.

“Even the US were paying government workers at a discount, but we were paying everything. And we were not earning money, so we were borrowing from the IMF about a billion, from the World Bank.

“By the time COVID was gone, there was big debt, which was unsustainable. So, we introduced a few taxes to close the debt,” he said in an interview on Joy Prime.

The former Minister of Works and Housing said this administration’s act of cancelling these taxes will affect their ability to pay debts.

He said, “The present government is struggling to pay debts because they’ve removed E-Levy and other taxes.”

Meanwhile, President John Mahama is of the belief that scrapping the E-Levy will enhance financial inclusion and enhance digitalisation in the economy.

SSD/EB

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Berlin, Apr. 9, (dpa/GNA) – The next German governing coalition was formally unveiled in Berlin on Wednesday, paving the way for a new administration under conservative leader Friedrich Merz.

“The future government, the future coalition, will reform and invest in order to keep Germany stable, make it more secure and stronger again economically,” said Merz, who is set to become chancellor of Europe’s largest economy for a four-year term, succeeding Olaf Scholz.

Merz’s centre-right bloc – made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) – reached the deal with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) after weeks of arduous negotiations since February’s parliamentary elections.

The agreement comes at a crucial time for Germany, with the country’s export-based economy already struggling with two consecutive years of recession, and set to be hit hard by US tariffs of 20% on all goods from the European Union and further duties on the key German automotive industry.

Coalition deal sends ‘clear signal’

Party leaders announced the agreement at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday afternoon.

Running to more than 100 pages, the deal includes cuts to social spending, bureaucracy and development programmes, but also plans for a €15 ($16.50) per hour minimum wage and for a National Security Council to streamline decision-making on defence.

“We have a strong plan to move our country forward together again,” said Merz, calling the deal a “clear signal” to Germany’s citizens and partners in the European Union that the country’s next government will be capable of taking action.

Aside from the many economic challenges facing the incoming government, Merz’s administration will also face a continuing threat from Russia amid indications of waning US support for Ukraine.

And the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is sure to prove a massive challenge at home, with an Ipsos poll on Wednesday putting the AfD in first place for the first time.

Merz said the deal would provide a “very good basis” to combat the AfD by proving that centrist politicians are able to not only describe but also to resolve the issues facing citizens.

CSU leader Markus Söder – whose party put up candidates in Bavaria only – said the deal showed “Germany is not defenceless,” while SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil added that “it’s not about changing everything – but it is about changing the right things.”

Fellow SPD co-leader Saskia Esken summarized the coalition’s goals as “social cohesion in our country, the strengthening of our democracy, the restoration of a European peace order.”

Merz still has a number of weeks to wait before he can replace Scholz as chancellor, as the coalition agreement must first be approved by the three parties.

The SPD rank and file are to vote on the deal in an online members’ ballot, and it must also be passed by top CDU representatives at a party conference and by the CSU steering committee.

While Merz repeatedly stated his wish for a government to be in place by Easter, he now hopes to “be able to get to work with a new federal government at the beginning of May.”

Deal ends weeks of negotiations

February’s election, which followed the collapse of Scholz’s three-way coalition late last year, saw the CDU/CSU bloc finish top on 28.5%, ahead of the AfD in second and the SPD in third.

The result left the CDU/CSU and SPD jointly holding a narrow majority of seats in the new Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament.

With all mainstream parties ruling out cooperation with the AfD, no other two-way coalition was viable, piling the pressure on the centre-right CDU/CSU to join its historic rival.

The prospective coalition partners achieved a stunning breakthrough early on in the talks when they agreed to reform strict constitutional rules on government borrowing in order to finance a hike in spending on defence, and a €500 billion ($550 billion) package for infrastructure and action on climate change.

The move was seen as a response to extraordinary developments on the international stage, including the fiery White House meeting between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

With the major question of how to finance further spending resolved, the CDU/CSU and SPD spent weeks negotiating on the finer details of the coalition agreement, leading to open frustration from business leaders.

The wait was also accompanied by a noticeable uptick in support for the AfD in opinion polls, culminating in Wednesday’s landmark survey.

Further impetus to reach a deal was added last week by Trump’s unprecedented tariff announcements, as German markets joined a global sell-off in response.

Key plans announced

The coalition agreement spans a wide range of plans to boost the German economy, strengthen defence and cut social spending.

Among the key measures to be announced were a €15 minimum wage by 2026, a reform to unemployment benefit, a pledge to maintain pension levels and a €1 billion cut in spending on development programmes.

The deal includes tax breaks for companies’ investments, measures to encourage more start-ups, a subsidy for industrial energy prices, scrapping a German supply chain law and introducing a €100 billion fund to encourage investment.

The agreement does not include a return to nuclear power, but it does include subsidies for electric vehicles.

The coalition plans to create a National Security Council in the Chancellery to streamline decision-making on foreign and security policy, and to introduce a revamped voluntary model for military service.

Germany’s relationship with the United States remains “of paramount importance,” the text said, describing the trans-Atlantic partnership as “a great success story for both sides, which must continue under new conditions.”

On the issue of citizenship, the agreement sets out to overturn a reform by the previous administration that allowed people to gain German nationality after just three years of residence in exceptional cases, but maintains the possibility of double nationality.

The agreement pledges to turn back migrants at Germany’s borders even if they have a claim to asylum, while refugees with limited protection status are no longer allowed to bring family members to Germany for an initial period of two years, and Ukrainian nationals arriving in the country are to no longer automatically have the right to claim unemployment benefits.

A national public transport subsidy – known as the Deutschlandticket – is set to be extended beyond 2025, while self-employed women could receive maternity payments.

Further pledges include reviewing the partial legalization of cannabis, measures to encourage digital payments and a commission to investigate Germany’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

GNA

PDC

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for the immediate dismissal of Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Addressing the media after operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) stormed the home of Assin South MP and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Interior and Defence Committee, Rev Ntim Fordjour, to execute an arrest warrant, he accused Mr Kwakye of undermining President John Mahama’s authority over recent drug-related allegations.

Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed his displeasure with Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s public comments dismissing calls for investigations into alleged underground dealings in illicit drugs.

According to the Majority Leader, instead of supporting the President’s directive for a collaborative investigation into the matter, Kwakye Ofosu arrogantly dismissed the allegations and questioned their credibility — a move he described as “bizarre” and disrespectful to the office of the President.

He argued that Kwakye Ofosu’s actions undermined the authority of the President.

“In fact, I even applaud the president. The President quickly responded by saying that there should be a collaborative investigation. Then all of a sudden, the spokesperson to the president, who is throwing his weight about…. he must be sacked. He is undermining the position of the president.”

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Ghanaian football fans are beginning to dream again. After a string of emphatic victories — 5-0 against Chad and 3-0 against Madagascar — the Black Stars are back on course to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Otto Addo’s rejuvenated side has ignited hope across the nation, climbing to the top of Group I in the African qualifiers with just four matches remaining.

For Ghanaians, qualifying for the World Cup is more than a sporting ambition. It is a national event steeped in emotional pride, political currency (President Kufuor delivered Ghana’s maiden World Cup berth in 2006, John Evan Atta Mills in 2010, John Mahama in 2014, and Nana Akufo-Addo in 2022), and economic opportunity.

Ever since the country’s dazzling debut in Germany in 2006, the World Cup has become a strong pillar of Ghana’s global sporting identity.

And with the next edition set across the USA, Canada, and Mexico — three of the world’s most alluring destinations for Ghanaians — expectations are soaring once again.

As exemplified by fans’ reactions during Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in Kumasi and Accra, missing out is simply not an option.

However, for fans, travel companies, and even government agencies counting on a strong Ghanaian presence in North America, US visa restrictions, made even more stringent under President Donald Trump’s administration, could lock out thousands of Ghanaian fans and crush the country’s World Cup ambitions beyond the football field.

Travelling fans worry

If Black Stars skipper Jordan Ayew and his teammates can carry Ghana to qualification, the global stage awaits.

FIFA projects that the 2026 World Cup will attract over six million foreign visitors to the US, bringing with them a windfall for tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. Yet, immigration and visa hurdles threaten to derail those projections.

Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the US has ramped up its crackdown on illegal immigration, introducing layers of restrictions that have sparked concerns among international fans — particularly from Africa and Latin America.

For Ghanaians, securing a visa to the United States is already an uphill battle, with waiting periods at the US Embassy in Accra reportedly stretching from six months to one year.

This bureaucratic nightmare has the potential to derail travel plans for thousands of fans, even those with match tickets and accommodation already booked.

Unlike previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, where host governments introduced fast-track visa systems for fans with match tickets and Fan IDs, the US currently has no such provisions. Instead, fans from countries like Ghana must navigate a complex, overburdened visa system — one that has seen waiting times for interviews at the US Embassy in Accra stretch beyond 300 days.

For thousands of Ghanaians dreaming of cheering on the Black Stars in stadiums across New York, Miami or Los Angeles, that delay could prove insurmountable.

Unsettling signals

Last month, President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House task force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a 48-team spectacle that will mark the first time the tournament is hosted across three countries. Trump, ever the showman, pledged to make the event “the biggest and best World Cup ever.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stood beside him in the Oval Office as the cameras flashed — but behind the pageantry lies a serious concern. Trump’s hardline immigration stance — symbolised by the aggressive enforcement activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — is already disrupting lives.

There is little indication that ICE operations, which have targeted Africans and Hispanics alike, will be paused during the World Cup.

And while Trump is eager to trumpet the economic benefits of hosting the tournament — the White House forecasts up to 450,000 visitors per host city and a $480 million economic boost — his administration appears unwilling to budge on immigration reforms. This has sparked fears that fans could be caught up in broader political crossfire.

Ghanaian business dilemma

This paradox is not lost on stakeholders in Ghana. The travel industry in Ghana typically thrives during World Cup years. Packages to previous tournaments have sold out within weeks of Ghana qualifying. Airlines, hotels and travel agents anticipate bumper business.

The government, too, sees international tournaments as an avenue for soft diplomacy, ‘fix’ supporters and party footsoldiers with travel opportunities and other political capital.

Yet all these projections could be scuttled by a visa regime that many say is discriminatory and sluggish. The US Department of State has promised to reduce waiting times but has not made any guarantees regarding special treatment for football fans.

This is a stark contrast to Russia and Qatar, where football fans were welcomed with open arms and fast-track entry procedures.

FIFA officials have voiced concerns, as have tour operators and government representatives from several developing countries. But without a concerted lobbying effort by FIFA and its partners, it appears unlikely that the US will make exceptions — even for the world’s most celebrated sporting event.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is aware of the dilemma but remains focused on the qualification campaign.

However, if the Black Stars secure a spot at the tournament, behind the scenes, pressure will begin to mount on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate more flexible visa arrangements for Ghanaians.

If visa restrictions remain in place and waiting times are not drastically reduced, fans — even those with match tickets in hand — may never make it to North America.

As one travel operator in Accra lamented, “The team may make it to the World Cup, but the fans might not. And what’s a World Cup without the heartbeat of the nation behind them?”

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama during the meeting with bank CEOs

In his inaugural post-MPC meeting with bank CEOs, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has emphasised the need for increased collaboration, vigilance, and innovation to strengthen the financial sector amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Dr. Asiama, during the meeting, reflected on the difficulties faced by the banking sector in recent years, including the banking sector clean-up and the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), and praised the resilience shown by banks.

He acknowledged that earlier coordination could have mitigated the impact of these events but stressed the importance of learning from them to build a more collaborative and transparent future.

“I do recognise that these events have had deep operational, financial, and reputational consequences for banks, and I want to commend you for the strength, professionalism, and commitment with which you have navigated these storms.

“Many of the fallouts could have been mitigated had the clean-up been more balanced and consultative, and the DDEP, too, could perhaps have been avoided entirely with earlier coordination and foresight. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it—and it is my intention to build forward with greater collaboration, trust, and accountability between the central bank and all of you,” the BoG Governor said.

Dr. Asiama also addressed the MPC’s decision to raise the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28.0 percent, aimed at reinforcing the disinflation process and preventing inflation from becoming entrenched.

While recognising the short-term impact on borrowing costs, he reassured that the financial sector is well-positioned to absorb these effects and urged banks to exercise prudence in adjusting lending rates.

“We therefore urge banks to exercise prudence in adjusting lending rates and maintain transparent communication with clients. Viable businesses should continue to receive support, and tailored solutions should be explored to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable sectors,” he pointed out.

Turning to the banking sector’s outlook, the Governor highlighted improved financial stability due to recapitalisation, strong liquidity, and profitability.

However, he noted ongoing concerns over solvency issues at some domestically controlled and state-owned banks.

Dr. Asiama also underscored the importance of embracing digital innovation while strengthening cybersecurity and risk management.

He therefore called for increased support for trade finance and regional integration, urging foreign-owned banks to facilitate cross-border trade to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the Governor outlined a forward-looking supervisory approach focused on enhancing governance, collaboration, and capacity building for future challenges, including climate risks and the rise of AI in finance.

In conclusion, Dr Asiama reiterated the critical role of financial institutions in Ghana’s economic growth and expressed confidence that with continued collaboration and reform, the financial system could become stronger, more resilient, and inclusive.

MA

Accra, April 9, GNA – Mr Roey Gilad, the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, on Wednesday called for broader collaboration between governments and institutions to develop innovative solutions to combat cyber-attacks. 

He said global cyber threats were increasing in proportions and required collaborative strategies between private and public institutions, as well as cross-border partnerships, to help contain the menace. 

Mr Gilad made the call when he opened the 2025 Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) Summit in Accra. 

The event assembled Chief Information Security Officers, Information Technology leaders, regulators and global cybersecurity solution providers to discuss emerging challenges in the sector and proffer solutions to build resilience. 

Mr Gilad said Israeli companies had maximised their investments in the cyber security sector and were open to partnerships with Ghana to build robust technological systems. 

“Public awareness is our first line of defence,” he said, adding that: “Israel cannot do it alone.” 

Israel’s cyber security sector had grown over the years, with investments in the sector reaching $3.8 billion in 2024, representing 36 per cent of all investments in the high-tech industry. 

The Ambassador invited the participants to attend the 2025 Cyber Week in Israel to be held in June, this year, and explore opportunities there. 

In 2023, Ghana recorded GH¢49.5 million direct financial losses through cyber fraud activities between January and June. 

The figure, according to the Cyber Security Authority, constituted only a fraction of cases reported to state agencies while financial losses of unreported cases could exceed the amount reported. 

Subsequently, the country launched the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy in 2024 to address the increasing threats arising from the nation’s rapid digital transformation. 

Addressing the Summit, Mr Divine Selase Agbeti, the Acting Director-General, Cyber Security Authority, said decisions on cyber security in organisations must be driven by business risk and technology trends. 

He urged organisations to incorporate it into their corporate strategy to foster cyber security culture. 

“Technology alone cannot secure organisations. People are often the weakest link. CISOs must work closely with HR and leadership to cultivate a successful and secure community,” Mr Agbeti said. 

GNA 

ABD 

Featured

Shirley Asiedu-Addo

Apr – 09 – 2025 , 11:50

1 minute read

President Donald Trump announced a complete three-month pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight, with the exception of China, a stunning reversal from a president who had insisted historically high tariffs were here to stay.

But enormous tariffs will remain on China, the world’s second-largest economy. In fact, Trump said they will be increased to 125% from 104% after China announced additional retaliatory tariffs against the United States earlier Wednesday.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump said in his social media post. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” he wrote.

Wall Street breathed a sign of relief, however, that Trump was backing down on other extreme trade measures. Stocks rallied sharply on the news – even though the 10% universal tariff on all imports coming into the United States remained in effect.

Trump in a Truth Social post Wednesday said he has “authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.”

Shortly after the announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the pause was part of “his strategy all along.” But he also said that Trump had “great courage to stay the course until this moment.”

CNN previously reported that Bessent traveled to Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss the tariffs with Trump, encouraging him to focus on an endgame of reaching new deals with a variety of countries.

Bessent said Trump would be “personally involved” in all the discussions as he seeks out concessions.

“No one creates leverage for himself like President Trump,” Bessent said.

The message sought to cast to other countries was: “Do not retaliate and you will be rewarded,” he said, adding that the move “signals that President Trump cares about trade and that we want to negotiate in good faith.”

He and and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were with Trump when he sent his message on Truth Social, Lutnick confirmed on a post on X.

“Scott Bessent and I sat with the President while he wrote one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency,” Lutnick said. “The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction.”

Stocks rocketed higher on the news, with the Dow surging 2,200 points, or 5.9%. The S&P 500 rose 6.5% and the Nasdaq was more than 8% higher. Markets have been getting slammed by the prospect of the significantly higher tariffs Trump laid out last week.

Bessent didn’t offer many details on what could happen after the 90-day pause, but he said the administration will continue to have discussions with other countries in the interim. For example, he said US government officials are meeting with representatives from Vietnam on Wednesday.

“These are complicated negotiations,” he said. But having seen the “maximum level” that Trump is willing to go on tariffs, he feels more countries will be willing to give in.

Escalating tensions with China

The higher tariffs on China came after Beijing announced new retaliatory tariffs of 84% on US goods set to take effect on Thursday.

The Trump administration has taken particular aim at China’s trade practices.

“We will see what China does but what I’m certain of is what China is doing will affect their economy much more than ours,” Bessent said Wednesday.

Announcing China’s response, the State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement: “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules.”

The amped-up retaliation comes after China repeatedly warned that it would “fight to the end” if the US moved forward with further tariffs.

Pushing off a recession?

Economists significantly increased forecasts for a recession after Trump proceeded with the reciprocal tariff package, which called for tariffs as high as 50% impacting dozens of countries.

While the 90-day pause may have been welcome news to investors, it’s unlikely to stave off a recession, Joe Brusuelas, chief economist of RSM US, told CNN Wednesday.

“My sense here is that the [US] economy is still likely to fall into recession, given the level of simultaneous shocks that it’s absorbed,” Brusuelas said in an interview. “All this does is postpone temporarily what will likely be a series of punitive import taxes put on US trade allies.”

Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents a wide range of importers, said the pause is “a step in the right direction.”

But he cautioned, “Let’s not celebrate the fact that it still seems to leave in place a new baseline of 10% tariffs on most countries, plus significant levies on China, steel and aluminum and autos, with the promise of more duties to come.”

Colvin was referring to the 25% tariffs that remain in place on the three industries. Trump has also vowed to impose tariffs on a slew of other industries, including lumber, pharmaceuticals and copper.

Ultimately the pause does little to alleviate businesses of the uncertainty they’ve faced since Trump’s November victory regarding the tariff environment, he said.

By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 09, GNA – The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) has reiterated its opposition to any attempt by the Government to privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). 

The TUC in its comment on the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policies of the Government recalled that in 2017, in their submission to the then Akufo-Addo Government in response to its first budget they stated their opposition to the intended privatisation of ECG.  

In that submission, the TUC served notice that the working people of Ghana and their unions would resist any attempt by the Government to privatise strategic state assets. 

In 2025, in the TUC’s submission to the Mahama Government, they reiterated their opposition to “privatisation of state-owned enterprises in all their forms and shapes”. 

“We further stated that “In line with the resolution passed at the 10th Quadrennial Delegates Congress of TUC held in August 2016, we will resist any attempt to privatise ECG,” the TUC stated. 

“We emphasize that the “TUC and its affiliates consider privatisation and private sector participation as one and the same”.  

It said notwithstanding their opposition, the Government appears hell-bent on privatizing ECG.  

It said the TUC and its affiliates remain resolute in their conviction that strategic reforms including getting politics and politicians off the back of ECG was the only viable route out of whatever challenges the company faces.  

“Our resolve to resist privatisation or private sector participation is at an all-time high.  

The TUC said the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policies of Government comes on the heels of multiple challenges that confront the Ghanaian economy and the people of Ghana.  

It noted that more than three years after COVID-19 ended, economic growth was only beginning to recover. Inflation remains high.  

“Cost-of-living has skyrocketed. Real incomes have fallen for most workers. Joblessness is rampant, particularly among young people. The national debt stock is unsustainable despite the debt exchange programme,” it said.  

“Some of these challenges have persisted over several years. They emanate from the neo-liberal economic management framework that Ghana has pursued in the last four decades.” 

The TUC said the 2025 budget was expected to reset the framework for managing the economy declaring it failed to do so even after recognizing the need to reset the economic model. 

The TUC urges the government to work with all stakeholders to change the current macroeconomic framework.  

It said Ghana needs a new model of economic management that seeks to qualitatively change the structure of the economy.  

The TUC underscored that employment creation must be at the centre of economic policy and that Ghana needs to derive maximum benefits from its natural resources.  

“This will enable Government to fund national development from domestic revenues, obviate the need for borrowing and reduce our debt burden,” it said. 

GNA 

GRB 

US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on higher tariffs for dozens of countries but hikes levies on China to 125%

Earlier this month, the US president announced a “baseline” tariff of 10% on all countries, with higher rates for the “worst offenders”

He now says the higher rates will be paused for 90 days, and instead, the “reciprocal tariff” will be 10%

But he says the rate for China will rise again, to 125%, because of “the lack of respect that China has shown to the world’s markets”

Earlier on Wednesday, China announced an 84% tariff on US imports after Donald Trump imposed a 104% tariff on Chinese goods entering the US.

The world is ready to work with Trump – Lutnick

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says in a social media post that he was in the room when US President Donald Trump wrote the Truth Social post announcing the 90-day pause on most tariffs and increase to China’s tariff rate.

“Scott Bessent (head of the US treasury) and I sat with the President while he wrote one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency,” Lutnick posted on X.

“The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction,” he says.

Mexico and Canada included in 10% tariffs

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Mexico and Canada are included in the 10% baseline tariffs imposed by the US, following Donald Trump’s announcement to pause higher tariffs for 90-days.

Markets soar after Trump announces tariffs pause

Financial markets have soared after President Trump announced a 90-day “pause” on the tariffs against countries who have not retaliated against the US.

As we’ve just reported, Donald Trump has raised tariffs against China to 125%, and also issued a 90 day pause to some tariffs.

Here’s his Truth Social statement in full:

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately.

“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.

“Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump raises tariff on Chinese goods to 125%

Chinese goods imported to the US will carry tariffs of 125% effective immediately, Donald Trump says.

“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realise that the days of ripping off the USA, and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” the US president writes on social media platform Truth Social.

Chinese goods imported to the US will carry tariffs of 125% effective immediately, Donald Trump says.

“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realise that the days of ripping off the USA, and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” the US president writes on social media platform Truth Social.

Wall Street opened with mixed trading this morning, with both S&P 500 and Dow Jones down, we’re now seeing some slight changes as it reaches lunchtime in the US.

-The S&P 500 is currently up 1.5%
-The Dow Jones index is up 1.3%
-Nasdaq is up 2.4%

Shares for pharmaceutical companies have fallen following Trump’s threats to slap them with tariffs last night – here’s a quick breakdown:

-AstraZeneca dropped 6.80%
-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) dropped by 5.48%
-Novo Nordisk – which produces weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy – has fallen 6.93%.

China-US trade relationship – what do the numbers say?

The trade in goods between the two economic powers added up to around $585bn (£429bn) last year.

Though the US imported far more from China ($440bn) than China imported from America ($145bn).

That left the US running a trade deficit with China – the difference between what it imports and exports – of $295bn in 2024. That’s a considerable trade deficit, equivalent to around 1% of the US economy.

But it’s less than the $1tn figure that Trump has repeatedly claimed this week.

…..

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Impact of new US tariffs on Ghana’s economy

Sam George, Minister of Communications Digital Technology, and Innovation

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that a new SIM registration exercise will commence on July 1, 2025.

Unlike previous efforts, this exercise will be a “proper” registration of SIM cards, not a re-registration, as was conducted under the previous administration.

Addressing the media on April 9, 2025, Sam George emphasised that this registration would be comprehensive and driven by technology, aiming to ensure a more secure and accurate process.

“We will begin the education and sensitization campaign for the SIM registration exercise, which will include the introduction of a central equipment identity register. We are confident that the rollout will begin on July 1st this year,” he said.

The Minister explained that although the exercise will be human-centered, it will be facilitated through digital platforms. This approach is designed to minimize inconvenience for the public, with no long queues expected.

“Let me be clear, there will be no long queues. Ghanaians will not have to leave their jobs to go and queue. This is not a re-registration; it is a full registration,” he assured.

The new process, he noted, will enable Ghanaians to register their SIM cards from the comfort of their homes.

Sam George stressed that the goal of the SIM registration is critical to ensuring the collective security of the nation.

He also emphasised that the process would be technology-driven, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

This new SIM registration comes after a similar exercise was conducted under the previous administration, which aimed to synchronise phone numbers with personal data to combat fraud and improve the integrity of the telecommunications system.

SSD/MA

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