Moroccan High Comissioner to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil (left) and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco without a visa following the implementation of a new visa-free travel agreement between the two countries.

In a statement shared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on X on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the minister announced that the Moroccan Embassy in Accra has officially commenced the ‘No Visa Policy’ for Ghanaian passport holders.

“The Moroccan Embassy in Accra confirms it has commenced the ‘No Visa Policy’ for holders of Ghanaian ordinary passport following the recent agreement I initiated,” he stated.

The Moroccan High Commissioner to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil via her X page welcomed Ghanaians to Morocco in Ghanaian Twi dialect: “Medofo Bra Morocco!” meaning “My friend, come to Morocco.”

The visa waiver marks a major step toward enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and business opportunities between Ghana and Morocco.

It also aligns with the broader vision of a borderless Africa, as promoted by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The policy is a direct result of high-level diplomatic engagement and reflects a broader push for greater mobility and integration across the African continent.

Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to enjoy their travel to “beautiful Morocco” and emphasised the symbolic importance of the deal, stating; “Let’s build a borderless Africa. For God and Country.”

Now we can officially say :

Medofo Bra Morocco 🇲🇦! https://t.co/EDejdrjXBc

— imane ouaadil (@ImaneOuaadil) June 12, 2025

The Moroccan Embassy in Accra confirms it has commenced the No Visa Policy for holders of Ghanaian Ordinary Passports following the recent agreement I initiated.

You all enjoy your trips to beautiful Morocco.

Let’s build a borderless Africa.

For God and Country 🇬🇭 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/NjhLBOe14f

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 12, 2025

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President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana’s development hinges on building a “productive economy”, with horticulture playing a central role in that vision.

Speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 11, 2025, President Mahama called for a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector, urging bold investments, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships.

“Our goal is not just food security but economic security through agriculture… seek ye first the productive economy. Let us grow Ghana one fruit, one field, and one future at a time.”

The president outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalise the horticulture sector, beginning with the renewal of the Feed Ghana initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2028.

The programme includes targeted interventions such as the ‘Yeridua’ (We Are Planting) Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics to support young agripreneurs with skills training, funding, and mentorship.

He emphasised the moral and economic urgency of the reforms, describing the struggles of farmers as not only technical challenges but also national ethical concerns.

“Can a nation prosper if the very hands that feed it remain its most neglected?” he asked.

The expo, themed “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector”, brought together key stakeholders from across Africa, including government officials, exporters, financial institutions, and agribusiness leaders.

The event aimed to reposition horticulture as a viable engine of economic diversification, job creation, and export growth.

Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), echoed the president’s call for action, describing the expo as “a grand orchestra of ideas and enterprise”.

He pointed to the untapped potential of Ghana’s agro-ecological resources and challenged stakeholders to act boldly.

“Post-harvest losses still exceed 30%, and yields for crops like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts remain below global standards,” Korboe said.

“Yet the global horticulture market is projected to reach over $320 billion by 2030. Ghana must claim its share.”

He also highlighted the transformative potential of the 24-Hour Economy policy, describing it as a game-changer for horticulture.

“Imagine cold storage running through the night, agro-processing plants operating in shifts, and exports moving without delay. This is not a fantasy; it’s a vision within reach,” he noted.

Korboe took aim at rigid banking practices, calling on financial institutions to support innovation over collateral.

“Banking must go beyond vaults and spreadsheets. Let’s bank on ideas, nurture businesses, and grow together,” he stated.

Chairperson of the Expo and Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks, Dr Prince Kofi Kludjeson, called for equity reforms to strengthen private sector participation in agriculture.

“We cannot transform Ghana’s economy if farmers remain disadvantaged in ownership and investment,” he said.

He also advocated for local grocery franchises and smart agriculture systems to meet domestic and international demands.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) announced a new Youth in Export Programme, aimed at engaging young people in export-led horticulture, particularly in underserved communities.

“The horticultural sector holds immense promise for us as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

“The Ghana Export Promotion Authority is working in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters and other stakeholders to roll out the Youth in Export Programme, targeting young people in communities across the country.”

Kwaku Boateng, the Vice President of the Coconut Federation Ghana, called for collaboration between the government and stakeholders to drive the developmental agenda in the agricultural sector.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

KIA to get a modern air traffic control tower

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has noted that ongoing projects at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) will soon be completed.

According to him, the government is putting measures in place to uplift the status of the airport to a business and air traffic centre in West Africa.

He noted that these measures include the construction of a modern air traffic control tower centre.

“The construction of the modern air traffic control tower centre will transform our airspace management systems, boosting radar surveillance, communication efficiency, and safety protocols. All these projects are very much on course,” he said.

He added that the project will be completed by the end of 2025.

“It is expected that by the end of next year, the modern air traffic control centre will be completed. The forthcoming implementation, I must say, (sic) is more than 80% complete. The infrastructural part of it is 100% complete,” he was quoted in a report by myjoyonline.com on June 12, 2025.

Rev Wilfred said the GCAA is also working to broaden its data system to coordinate and harmonise flight activities at the airport.

According to him, the advanced passenger information system will improve security by receiving all passenger data at a central point to be analysed by the state security agencies when needed.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) will then be able to identify persons entering Ghana’s airspace before they land at any airport in the country.

“What exactly am I referring to? I am referring to the advanced passenger information system and the passenger name record system that is long overdue to be implemented in Ghana,” he said.

SSD/VPO

play videoSamuel Nartey George is the Minister for Communication Digital Technology and Innovation

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, is addressing Parliament on the closure of 64 media houses.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) directed the immediate suspension of operations of 64 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including Wontumi FM and Asaase Radio, for failing to comply with broadcasting regulations.

The statement by the NCA indicated that out of 62 media houses that were shut down, 28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations, while 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, breaching the regulatory timelines.

Thirteen (13) are operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.

The remaining seven (7) stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation is pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations.

Watch a livestream of the sitting below:

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President John Dramani Mahama has called for the immediate restoration of broadcast services to 62 radio stations shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for regulatory breaches.

In a directive to the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, President Mahama requested a collaboration between the ministry and the NCA to ensure the affected stations resume broadcasting without delay.

This was contained in a release by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, today, a few hours after the NCA shut down the stations.

The statement explained that President Mahama believes in the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with media freedom.

Read Also:Happy FM, Asaase Radio, Wontumi FM and 59 others shut down for ‘regulatory breaches’

Hence, “requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could limit the space for expressing such freedoms.”

The release stressed that media outlets play a vital role in democratic societies and should be supported in fulfilling that role.

To that end, the President has also directed the Minister to engage the NCA in setting “a reasonable timeframe within which the affected stations should regularise their authorisation”.

The affected stations include Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA said the enforcement action targets stations that have failed to comply with key provisions of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), specifically Regulations 54 and 56, as well as the terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorisations.

The crackdown followed a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, instructing the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.

According to the NCA, the enforcement is being rolled out in phases, beginning with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions identified in the first phase include:

1. Twenty-eight (28) FM stations operating with expired authorisations, despite prior orders issued in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These stations remain on air in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
2. Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although they have since requested inspections, various lapses have stalled the process — yet these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.
3. Thirteen (13) FM stations with Provisional Authorisations who have not settled the requisite fees in full, and therefore lack valid authorisations to operate. This again breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.
4. Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of Regulation 54 requirements.

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Actor Adjetey Anang receives awards at the Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards

The highly anticipated Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards took place on Saturday, June 7th, at the Conference Centre Arena, bringing together the nation’s most influential personalities, top celebrities, companies, and organizations.

The event celebrated individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to various fields, driving positive change and impacting lives in Ghana.

Themed around recognizing and honoring impact, the awards ceremony showcased the best of Ghana’s creative, business, and social sectors. Awardees were recognized for their outstanding achievements in categories ranging from Impact in Sustainable Agribusiness, Food Security, and Women Empowerment to Impact in Quality Management and Leadership, among others.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees and awardees alike praising the organizers for their efforts in highlighting the importance of impact and responsible leadership. The Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards has cemented its place as a premier event in Ghana’s awards calendar, providing a platform for influencers and change-makers to shine.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable work and contributions to Ghana’s development. The Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards looks forward to continuing to celebrate and recognize the nation’s most impactful individuals and organizations in the years to come.

The event was hosted by one of Ghana’s finest comedians, Foster Romanus.

Here is the full list of winners for the Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024:

Most Impactful Ghanaian Award

Dr. Osei Kwame Despite

Impactful Female Celebrity Of The Year 2024

Oheneyere Gifty Anti

Impactful Male Celebrity Of The Year 2024

Adjetey Anang

Impact In Sustainable Agribusiness, Food Security And Women Empowerment

Dr. Mrs. Adlaide Araba Siaw Agyepong

Impact In Quality Management And Leadership

Professor Mrs. Goski Alabi

Impact In Ministry And Leadership

Dr. Mensa Otabil

Impact In Education Award

Mtn Ghana Foundation

Impact In Health Award

Telecel Ghana Foundation

Impact In Women Healthcare And Empowerment

Lordina Mahama Foundation

Impact In Banking And Finance

First Bank Ghana

Impact In Sustainable Banking

First National Bank Ghana

Impact In Tourism Growth And Development In Ghana

Ghana Tourism Authority

Impact In Sustainable Mining

Golden Star Wasa Mining Limited

Impact In Hospitality

Maame Efua Houadjeto

Ceo, Ghana Tourism Authority

Impact In Shipping And Trade Growth And Development

Ghana Shippers Authority

Impact In Journalism Growth And Development

Ghana Journalists Association

Impact On The Environment

Zoomlion Ghana

Impact In Agriculture

Amg Fertilizer Limited/Olam Ghana

Impact In Sustainable Real Estate

Gold Key Properties

Impact In Oil And Gas

Springfield Group/Ghana National Gas Company

Impact In Energy

Total Energies Ghana/Volta River Authority

Impact In Community Development

Kgl Foundation

Impact In Empowerment

Goil

Impact In Standardization And Quality Control Management

Ghana Standards Authority

Impactful Male Artiste Of The Year 2024

Nacee

Impactful Female Artiste Of The Year 2024

Empress Gifty

Impactful Actor Of The Year 2024

Adjetey Anang

Impactful Actress Of The Year 2024

Martha Ankomah

Impactful Socialite Of The Year 2024

Osebo The Zaraman

Impactful Tv Personality The Year 2024

Captain Smart

Impactful Radio Personality Of The Year 2024

Johnnie Hughes

Impactful Comedian Of The Year 2024

Foster Romanus

Impactful Celebrity Foundation Of The Year 2024

Akumaa Mama Zimbi Foundation

Impactful Mc Of The Year 2024

Nathaniel Attoh

Impactful Fashion Designer Of The Year 2024

Kofi Okyere Darko (Kod)

Impactful Movie Producer Of The Year 2024

Bill Asamoah

Impact on Youth in Sports

Sharaf Mahama

Professor Irene Egyir is the Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana

A renowned Agriculture Economist and Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, Professor Irene Egyir, has expressed disappointment with the slow pace of implementation of government agricultural initiatives.

Speaking in an interview as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Egyir acknowledged the good intentions behind these initiatives but criticised the lack of timely execution, which she believes is crucial in agriculture.

“Timing is crucial in agriculture, especially when we depend heavily on rainfall patterns. When inputs arrive late, farmers lose the opportunity to plant at the right time, which ultimately affects productivity and food security,” she said.

She pointed out the challenges farmers face in accessing government agricultural support programs.

She also noted that even farmers with their own resources who want to participate in community farming initiatives struggle to benefit from these programs due to administrative barriers.

“We have farmers who are willing to invest their own money, but they cannot access the support they need because of cumbersome processes,” she stated.

She urged the government to simplify and streamline agricultural support

programs, making them more accessible to farmers across the country.

“If we can make these programs farmer-friendly, we can boost productivity, reduce food imports, and ultimately improve food security,” she advised.

Her call comes at a time when food inflation remains a pressing concern, despite efforts to sustain Ghana’s current disinflation path.

By addressing the challenges in agricultural support programs, she believes that the country can make significant strides in improving agricultural productivity and reducing its reliance on food imports.

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Ecobank Ghana PLC has approved a dividend of GH₵ 0.34 per share for all eligible shareholders of the bank.

The bank ended 2024 posting a revenue of GH₵5.4 billion while’s profit before tax hit GH₵2.4 billion indicating 139.3% increase year-on-year.

According to the Board Chairman of the bank, Samuel Ashitey Adjei, the stellar performance is as a result of sustainability measures and cost savings initiatives.

“Our strong financial position, coupled with a clear strategic direction has ensured that we continue to weather the storms of a volatile economic landscape. Our robust risk management practices, sound capital management and diversified revenue streams have fortified the bank, giving us the confidence to not only survive but thrive”, he said.

Total assets grew by 36.7% to reach GH¢46.0 billion while the bank’s overall capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.03% against a regulatory minimum requirement of 10% at the end of 2024.

According to the bank, its operational measures remained resilient with a cost to income ratio of 36.8%. Its customer deposits surged by 23.2% year on year to hit GH₵32.5 billion within the period.

Mr. Adjei also noted that returns on average equity and assets stood at 38.0% and 4.3% respectively indicating an improvement in value delivered to shareholders despite a challenging economic environment.

On technology, Mr. Adjei stated that the bank has positioned itself strongly in an increasingly competitive environment by improving online banking platforms to enhancing customer experiences through artificial intelligence and data analytics.

“Our commitment is evident in the ongoing replacement of all obsolete ATMs with advanced models that offer customers greater convenience, including denomination selection and user-friendly interfaces with higher transactional limits’, he said.

Managing Director of the bank, Abena Osei-Poku indicated that with the recovery of the economy the bank is hoping to deliver strong results and growth in 2025.

“We remain committed to capitalizing on emerging opportunities to enable us to sustain our momentum and build a resilient, future-ready organization,” she said.

The bank invested approximately GH₵2.2 million in four educational institutions as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The senior management team of the Ghana EXIM Bank has donated four hundred and fifty thousand Ghana cedis (GHS450,000) to the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund also known as ‘MahamaCares’.

The donation which was the voluntary contribution of management staff of the bank, is the first instalment of the total sum intended for the Fund.

The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund is a government initiative to complement the efforts of the National Health Insurance Scheme which provides financial access to healthcare for residents of the country.

The MahamaCares program, however, is designed to support specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, among other conditions.

Chief Executive, Sylvester Mensah who led the gesture indicated that “the Mahamacares program is a compassionate effort geared towards expanding access to healthcare, and I am proud of the empathy shown by the senior management team here at EXIM.”

Mr Mensah who is a former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was optimistic that the support will add to the national effort aimed at providing medical relief to vulnerable citizens battling critical health conditions.

The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund initiative was launched by the President, John Mahama in April this year. At the launch, the President underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of income or location, has access to essential healthcare.

He called on corporate Ghana and individuals to support the Trust Fund.

It is in response to this call that the senior team at EXIM made the contribution.

The President led the way by donating six months of his salary to the fund. Vice President, Professor Opoku-Agyeman also donated four months of her salary to the program. Various individuals and organisations have since made contributions to help advance the objective of the Trust Fund. Notable among the donors were the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) service commanders who contributed their one-month salary.

According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases account for 90% of these cases, while cancers account for 5%. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people had access to treatment, but the high cost makes it impossible for many.

It is persons in this bracket that the Mahamacares program seeks to support. A task force has been inaugurated by the Ministry of Health to roll-out the program.

Ghana’s Collateral Registry is quietly transforming access to credit, recording an average annual growth of 31.5% in security-interest filings over the past 15 years.

Since launching in 2010, registrations on the digital platform have surged from just over 10,000 to 382,215 as of 2024, according to Fred Asiama Koranteng, Head of the Registry.

In total, lenders have filed over 1.4 million claims against movable and immovable assets—ranging from vehicles and equipment to inventory—enabling real-time verification and unlocking financing for businesses without formal land titles.

“This is not just a statistic—it’s a story of empowerment, economic opportunity, and a better future,” Mr. Koranteng said, adding that the platform now logs about 9,000 new filings each week.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Ernest Addison, Deputy Bank of Ghana Governor Zakari Mumuni traced the registry’s origins to the 2008 Borrowers and Lenders Act, which was overhauled in 2020 to align Ghana’s secured-transactions regime with international standards. Prior to the reforms, banks relied almost exclusively on land or buildings as collateral—a constraint that stifled SME borrowing and amplified credit risk.

“Today, lenders can verify within minutes whether a vehicle, machine, or shipment of inventory is already pledged, sharply reducing information asymmetry that once inflated loan defaults and discouraged lending,” Dr. Mumuni said.

He noted that over 4,450 “memoranda of no objection” have been issued to date, allowing lenders to enforce claims without resorting to drawn-out legal proceedings.

The registry’s rise has paralleled a rebound in private-sector lending. Bank of Ghana data show gross credit to businesses rose nearly 18 percent in 2024, despite a tight monetary environment that saw the policy rate peak at 28 percent.

The bank expects that technology will accelerate the next phase of growth. The Registry is piloting artificial intelligence to detect duplicate filings, flag potential fraud, and reduce processing delays. It is also integrating databases from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Office of the Registrar of Companies, and the Lands Commission to offer a unified interface for collateral verification.

“The vision ahead is ambitious,” Dr. Mumuni said. “We are investing in advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and user experience.”

Development partners, including the International Finance Corporation and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, are supporting the initiative to align with global best practices.

Still, challenges persist. Rural financial institutions often lack internet access, hindering use of the online portal. Meanwhile, a backlog of legacy paper-based filings remains undigitized.

Mr. Koranteng said the Registry plans to scale outreach in underserved areas and deepen integration with other public data systems “to build a more inclusive and thriving economy.”

“We’ve moved from collateral as a bottleneck to collateral as an accelerator,” Mr. Koranteng said. “And the data suggests we’re only at the beginning of that shift.”

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has issued a strong warning: the country’s child labour crisis is far from over.

Despite existing laws and policies, CHRAJ says more than 1.1 million children aged 5 to 17 are currently engaged in child labour, and nearly 30% of them are working in hazardous conditions that put their health, safety, and moral development at risk.

This year’s global theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts,” serves as a reminder that child labour remains a serious human rights concern in Ghana and globally.

Sectors Most Affected

According to CHRAJ, many of these children are working in agriculture, domestic service, street vending, small-scale mining, and informal apprenticeships. These jobs often expose children to dangerous chemicals, long hours, physical abuse, and loss of access to education.

The statistics are grim:

500,000 working children are out of school,

68,500 have never attended school

389,000 have dropped out

Meanwhile, Ghana’s broader youth population is also feeling the impact. As of late 2023, nearly 2 million young people aged 15–35 were classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), a reflection of deepening economic challenges and limited opportunities.

Laws Exist – But Enforcement is Lacking

Ghana has taken several legal and policy steps to combat child labour, including: Ratification of ILO Conventions 138 and 182, Passage of the Children’s Act (1998) and Labour Act (2003) of the Ghana Accelerated Action Plan Against Child Labour (2023–2027)

However, CHRAJ says these measures are being undermined by weak implementation. Child protection offices across the country are underfunded, understaffed, and lack proper training. Coordination between agencies is limited, and enforcement is often absent at the community level. Additionally, poverty and harmful cultural norms continue to push families to rely on child labour as a means of survival.

What Needs to Be Done

To reverse the trend, CHRAJ is calling for urgent and coordinated national action. Key recommendations include:

Updating national child labour data through regular surveys, developing a digital monitoring system to improve case tracking and coordination, resourcing local Social Welfare offices to detect and respond to cases, expanding social protection programmes like LEAP, linked to school attendance and strengthening law enforcement to ensure child exploiters face legal consequences.

The Global Context

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF estimate that 160 million children worldwide were involved in child labour as of 2020, 79 million in hazardous work. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence, with over 86 million children affected.

CHRAJ says that without bold action, Ghana risks missing SDG Target 8.7, which calls for the elimination of all forms of child labour by 2025.

Bottom Line:
While Ghana has made some progress, the reality on the ground shows that far too many children are still trapped in dangerous, exploitative work. CHRAJ’s message is clear: It’s time to back laws with action, and speed up efforts to protect every child’s right to a safe, educated, and dignified future.

Read also: CHRAJ joins global effort to commemorate 2025 World Day against child labour

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

National flags of Ghana and China

Ghana has achieved a significant trade breakthrough with China, following high-level talks on the sidelines of the ongoing China-Africa Summit in Changsha on June 12, 2025.

This development is expected to reshape economic ties and trade dynamics between the two nations.

Under the new agreement, all Ghanaian goods exported to China will now enter duty-free, eliminating import taxes and making Ghanaian products cheaper and more competitive in the Chinese market.

Ghana and China’s trade relationship

Ghana and China’s trade relations have expanded over the past two decades, evolving into one of the most significant bilateral partnerships on the continent.

China has long been Ghana’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $11 billion in 2024.

This new agreement offers an opportunity to deepen this relationship and foster stronger partnerships in the years ahead.

Economic Advantage: What you need to know

The elimination of tariffs offers immense potential for Ghanaian entrepreneurs, especially those exporting directly to China.

Broadly, Ghana’s economy stands to benefit significantly. The new tariff structure is expected to:

– Increase exports

– Create jobs

– Attract investment in manufacturing

– Boost GDP growth

Sectors set to benefit

Several of Ghana’s key export sectors are well-positioned to benefit, provided there is sufficient infrastructure, investment, and policy support:

1. Agriculture: Ghana’s agricultural sector can leverage the new trade terms, especially in high-demand products such as:

– Cocoa and cocoa products

– Cashew nuts

– Pineapples and tropical fruits

– Shea butter and other natural oils

2. Minerals Ghana’s mineral wealth could drive higher trade volumes:

– Gold: Already a leading export and a high-value commodity

– Bauxite: Gains value when processed into alumina or aluminum locally

– Lithium: Vital for battery production, positioning Ghana as a strategic player in green energy and electric vehicle supply chains

3. Processed and Value-Added Goods With reduced trade barriers, there’s a strong incentive to:

– Process cocoa into chocolate

– Package and brand shea butter

– Refine minerals domestically

– Develop agro-processing zones

What Ghana needs to do to maximise benefits

To fully capitalise on this zero-tariff opportunity, Ghana must take proactive steps to boost its production base and trade capacity.

Key actions include:

– Investing in agro-processing and manufacturing

– Upgrading infrastructure (transport, energy, and ports)

– Supporting SMEs and exporters with access to credit and training

– Strengthening quality control and compliance with international standards

Conclusion

Ghana’s zero percent tariff access to China is a promising step toward accelerating export growth, industrialisation, and job creation.

However, without structural reforms, investment in infrastructure, and a firm commitment to value addition, the full benefits may remain out of reach.

SP/MA

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File photo of garment manufacturing company

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) national treasurer, Raphael Ayitey, has raised concerns about the high cost of production, which is restricting businesses from reducing prices despite the recent appreciation of the cedi.

In a report by citinewsroom.com, he said this before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism, pointing out that the elevated cost of raw materials remains a significant challenge.

Ayitey noted that the industry relies heavily on imported goods, with approximately 75% of inputs sourced from abroad.

This makes it difficult for businesses to pass on the benefits of a stronger cedi to consumers.

“Unless we can lower the cost of production, it will be impossible to sustain the gains made with the currency’s recent appreciation,” he stated.

He warned that the factors that previously weakened the cedi may simply be dormant and could resurface at any time, underscoring the need for urgent action.

“This is a critical moment, and we must not lose the opportunity” Ayitey urged.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to address the high cost of production and ensure that the benefits of a stronger cedi are passed on to consumers.

By reducing the cost of production, consumers can enjoy lower prices for goods and services.

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Meanwhile, BECE 2025 kicks off across Ghana as over 600,000 candidates sit exams

Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group

President John Dramani Mahama has discontinued the contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

According to a reports by manassehazure.com, on June 12, 2025, the president said the government will increase the fees to be paid to sweepers, arising from the “probable cost savings” from discontinuing the Zoomlion contract.

The contract had been in existence since 2006.

The president was said to have announced this in a letter to investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, who petitioned him to discontinue the Zoomlion contract detailing, with evidence, corruption and mismanagement under the contract.

The president’s letter, dated June 11, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, said, “His Excellency the President acknowledges the serious concerns raised in your letter and responds as follows:

“1. Expiration of Contract: The contract between Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited Zoomlion) has expired and will not be renewed,” Mahama was quoted to have said in the letter.

Under the terms of the YEA-Zoomlion contract, GH¢850 was allocated to each sweeper but Zoomlion, kept GH¢600 and paid the sweepers GH¢250 a month, according to the contract.

Zoomlion also charges interest if the YEA delays in paying the company for three months.

In 2024, the company charged an interest of GH¢90 million.

The letter addressed some issues raised about Zoomlion’s contract, including paltry fees paid to sweepers and other sanitation contracts in Ghana, over which Zoomlion almost enjoys an absolute monopoly.

After waging a years-long campaign, formidable Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has succeeded in convincing the new Ghanaian government to subject sanitation contracts to competitive bidding. This is a VERY SERIOUS sign that governance activists could get… pic.twitter.com/JoVTUkcg6w

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) June 12, 2025

SSD/VPO