Addressing constituents at the commissioning ceremony at Adembra, Lawyer Armah Blay Nyameke described the project as an innovative and self-sustaining approach to financing social intervention programmes within the constituency.

According to him, proceeds from the sale of the sachet water will be channelled into key initiatives, including the distribution of free exercise books and the provision of free transportation for schoolchildren. He further disclosed that beginning this year, the programme will be expanded to include the supply of pens and pencils to students.

Mr. Nyameke emphasized that the factory has been structured as a community-based enterprise, designed to generate continuous revenue through patronage by residents, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of the interventions.

He noted that the initiative not only seeks to ease the financial burden on families but also to directly improve educational outcomes among children in the constituency.

Beyond its social impact, the Sekondi Sachet Water Factory is also expected to create employment opportunities and provide a reliable source of income for many residents, contributing to the broader economic development of the area.

The project forms part of the MP’s broader commitment to implementing practical solutions that address both social welfare and economic empowerment in Sekondi.

The policy, introduced by President John Mahama, allows a larger portion of Ghana’s cocoa beans to be retained locally for processing. The move has been widely welcomed by cocoa processing companies, who believe it will boost value addition and create jobs within the country.

Speaking during a working visit by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, the Deputy Managing Director of WAMCO, Dr. Boakye Danquah, called on government and private investors to support the rehabilitation of the company’s second processing plant, known as WAMCO Two.

WAMCO, established in 1949, is the first cocoa processing company in Ghana. The Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), holds a 40 percent stake in the company.

The company operates two processing facilities. WAMCO One and WAMCO Two with a combined installed capacity of about 60,000 metric tons of cocoa annually. However, operations have significantly declined in recent years.

WAMCO Two, which accounts for half of the company’s total capacity with 30,000 metric tons, has been rendered non-operational due to technical challenges and the shortage of raw cocoa beans.

Currently, only WAMCO One remains operational, but even that facility is running at just 30 percent of its 30,000 metric ton capacity because of an inadequate supply of cocoa beans.

Managing Director of WAMCO, Frank Bednar, welcomed the government’s 50 percent cocoa retention policy, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s cocoa processing industry.

He noted that increasing local value addition to cocoa remains the most effective way for the country to boost export revenue while creating employment opportunities.

Dr. Boakye Danquah further appealed for an investment of between five and seven million dollars to fully rehabilitate WAMCO Two.

According to him, revamping the facility would significantly enhance production capacity and contribute to the economic revival of the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.

 MlHe added that the project could also secure more than 200 direct jobs once the plant becomes fully operational.

In response, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson assured the company of government’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring WAMCO’s full operational capacity.

He indicated that government recognises the strategic importance of cocoa processing to the national economy and will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable.

The agreement, signed on November 9, 2025, between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Organised Labour, marks another milestone in Ghana’s effort to maintain labour peace and promote equitable compensation in the public sector.

Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson praised Organised Labour for its collaboration and constructive engagement, stating that the pay rise reflects the government’s commitment to improving living standards while safeguarding economic recovery.

“The country has gone through challenging economic times with high inflation and interest rates, but both have now declined. The government remains committed to bringing inflation further down — currently at 8% — to ease the burden on Ghanaians,” Dr. Forson said.

He reaffirmed that the government will ensure the full implementation of all provisions under the new agreement, working closely with the FWSC to enhance transparency and accountability.

Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, commended both parties for their spirit of dialogue, noting that the new salary adjustment underscores the government’s commitment to labour harmony, economic stability, and inclusive growth.

FWSC Chief Executive, Dr. George Smith-Graham, also expressed gratitude to Organised Labour for supporting the government’s economic recovery efforts, emphasizing that their cooperation has helped preserve national stability.

Meanwhile, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah acknowledged that while the 9% increment reflects mutual compromise, it is crucial that the government refrains from introducing new taxes or utility tariff increases that could offset the gains made by workers. He urged the government to honour all agreements in full to protect the welfare of Ghanaian workers.

Source: AlmightyNews

Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, the Acting Government Statistician, explained that overall prices decreased by 0.4 percent between September and October. When it comes to food, inflation fell to 9.5 percent from 11.0 percent, and food prices actually dropped by 1.0 percent during this time.

For non-food items, inflation decreased to 6.9 percent from 8.2 percent, but prices for non-food items saw a slight rise of 0.04 percent month-to-month. The inflation rate for goods, which are physical items, dropped to 9.3 percent from 11.2 percent, and prices for these goods also went down by 0.7 percent. Service costs, however, saw a smaller change, with inflation easing from 4.8 percent to 4.6 percent, even though service prices increased by 0.5 percent.

Since goods make up nearly 75 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the drop in goods inflation is good news for consumers. On a regional level, local inflation fell from 10.1 percent in September to 8.0 percent in October, while the inflation rate for imported goods rose slightly from 7.4 percent to 7.8 percent.

The North East region had the highest inflation at 17.3 percent, whereas Bono East had the lowest at 1.1 percent. Dr. Iddrisu noted that differences in local supply, transport costs, and accessibility to markets could be causing these variations.

He advised businesses to take advantage of the lower inflation by investing in efficiency and supporting local supply chains. He encouraged them to reduce waste, buy from local producers, and position themselves for growth as the economy stabilizes.

Additionally, Dr. Iddrisu suggested that businesses should pass on any cost savings to consumers when inputs are cheaper, which would help build trust and competitiveness. He encouraged households to use this time of falling inflation to plan better, manage their budgets wisely, avoid unnecessary expenses, and save what they can.

Lastly, he called on the government to maintain strict financial discipline, focus resources on keeping food prices low by improving storage, irrigation, and transportation, and address regional differences in pricing.

With a population of over 2 million, accounting for nearly 7% of Ghana’s total, the region has re-launched the Western Regional Investment and Business Centre, an initiative aimed at attracting investors, fostering innovation, and creating jobs through strategic collaboration and resource coordination.

At the official launch, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson emphasized the urgent need to shift from rhetoric to action.

“We have lamented for far too long,” he stated. “Now is the time to take the bull by the horns, take control of our destiny, and ensure this region finally receives the attention and benefits its people rightfully deserve.”

Minister Nelson noted that the centre’s core mission is to unite key stakeholders, streamline resource utilization, and create a business-friendly environment that directly improves local livelihoods.

“The journey has just begun,” he added. “But I am confident that we will soon look back and see the significant progress we’ve made.”

Inclusive Leadership for Strategic Growth

To oversee the centre’s operations and ensure its long-term success, a 15-member committee has been inaugurated. The committee brings together representatives from strategic sectors, including agriculture, tourism, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Free Zones Authority, and traditional authorities.

Representing the traditional leadership, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, highlighted the longstanding disconnect between the Region’s resource wealth and the well-being of its people.

“We must find a way to participate in the utilization of the resources God has naturally endowed us with,” he said. “This centre is the vehicle through which we will uplift our people and ensure they are at the heart of every investment.”

Nana Nketsia underscored the importance of local involvement in all investment activities, insisting that the community must be viewed as a partner—not a bystander.

“Let me be clear: no investor comes here for charity. Every investor comes for profit, and we must be part of that profit-making,” he declared. “This local partnership provides a fundamental sense of security for any investor, signaling that the community supports their venture.”

A New Era of Local Empowerment

The re-launch of the Western Regional Investment and Business Centre marks a strategic turning point in the region’s development narrative. By fostering public-private partnerships and prioritizing local empowerment, the initiative aims to unlock the region’s full economic potential.

With a coordinated push from government, traditional leaders, and the private sector, the Western Region is poised to become not just a resource-rich area but a model of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening local content and participation in Ghana’s oil and gas sector through its maiden Vendor Engagement Seminar.

The event, part of GNPC’s 40th anniversary celebrations, convened Ghanaian businesses, vendors, and suppliers under the theme: “Promoting Local Content and Local Participation through Vendor Engagement.”

The seminar focused on enhancing supplier relationships, promoting transparency, and equipping vendors with the tools to succeed in competitive procurement, while reinforcing GNPC’s drive for sustainable partnerships and efficient supply chain practices.

Opening the session, GNPC Chief Executive Officer Kwame Ntow Amoah underscored the Corporation’s inclusive growth agenda:

“Local Content is not just a regulatory requirement—it is at the core of GNPC’s strategy. We aim to grow alongside local enterprises, ensuring our resources generate real opportunities for our people, businesses, and communities.”

During a technical session, Barbara Afriyie-Owusu from GNPC’s Supply Chain and Local Content Development Department stressed the importance of compliance in tendering, describing it as “indispensable.”

“Compliance is like oxygen—you don’t always notice it, but you cannot survive long without it. Ensure your documents are complete, your submissions responsive, and credibility will follow,” she advised.

She highlighted common mistakes that disqualify bidders, including incomplete forms, missing pages, expired statutory certificates, late submissions, and wrong file formats. With GNPC’s tender process now fully digital, Afriyie-Owusu cautioned that the system automatically locks at closing time, leaving no room for excuses.

She urged contractors to review tender documents carefully, seek clarifications early, and submit bids well ahead of deadlines.

“This is a competition. Everyone wants to win, but only those who meet the requirements will succeed,” she said.

source: myjoyonline

In a statement released on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the NCA said the decision follows directives from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. MultiChoice Ghana has also pledged its full participation in the committee’s work.

This development comes after the company earlier issued a public statement on September 5, 2025, rejecting claims that it had agreed to reduce subscription prices. The NCA clarified that after further engagements, MultiChoice accepted to cooperate with the stakeholder process.

The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025. According to the NCA, the final outcome of the committee’s work will determine the next steps.

MultiChoice Ghana has assured that it will respect due process, Ghanaian laws, and the interests of subscribers.

Earlier, the NCA had written to MultiChoice Ghana requesting a detailed pricing model and issued a notice of possible suspension of its authorization if directives were not followed.

At a press conference on Friday, September 5, Minister Samuel George stated:

“MultiChoice has finally agreed to reduce their prices; now they want us to discuss the level of reduction. Ghanaians have made it clear – we will not continue paying exorbitant subscription fees.”

However, MultiChoice countered in a separate statement, saying:

“We will fully participate in the Working Committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a direct price reduction. Discussions are still ongoing to find a balanced solution that does not jeopardise the DStv service.”

Following renewed engagement with the NCA, MultiChoice has now officially committed to the stakeholder evaluation process, marking a key step in addressing public concerns over DStv pricing in Ghana.

source: almightyfm.com

Steady growth since January
Data from the Central Bank shows that gold holdings have grown 17.6% since the beginning of 2025, starting at 30.53 tonnes in January and climbing month after month.

This growth builds on significant progress since May 2023, when reserves stood at just 8.78 tonnes. The consistent accumulation has been a key factor in strengthening the Ghana cedi, which has appreciated 20.35% against the US dollar in 2025, despite recent currency pressures.

Driven by Domestic Gold Purchase Programme
The increase in reserves is largely attributed to BoG’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, an initiative aimed at:

• Strengthening foreign exchange reserves

• Boosting investor confidence

• Enhancing currency stability

• Supporting foreign direct investment and economic growth

In a recent statement, the Central Bank explained:

“The gold accumulation programme is an essential tool to diversify our reserve assets, reduce vulnerability to global financial volatility, and build stronger buffers against external shocks.”

Why it matters
By increasing its gold stockpile, the BoG is creating a safer cushion for Ghana’s economy. The policy also allows the government to secure more affordable financing and improve short-term forex liquidity without over-reliance on external debt markets.

source: myjoyonline

The event, themed “Empowering Women and Youth-Led SMEs: The Role of Government and Financial Institutions,” will serve as a trade fair, policy summit, and cultural showcase. It will unite stakeholders across the shea value chain — from rural nut collectors to international brand executives.

Shea: “Women’s Gold”

Often called karité or “women’s gold,” shea sustains more than one million women in northern Ghana. While the global shea market is valued at over US$2 billion, Ghana mainly exports raw nuts, limiting local earnings. In 2023 alone, the country exported 70,000 tonnes of raw shea worth US$112.6 million, though processed shea products can fetch up to ten times more.

Government’s Vision

The government has identified shea as a strategic resource for rural industrialisation, job creation, and export diversification. President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has pledged to shift from raw exports toward local processing, branding, and value addition.

Central to this effort is the revival of the Buipe Shea Factory, set to become one of West Africa’s largest processing hubs. The initiative also aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy policy, aimed at boosting production and trade while creating sustainable jobs for women and youth.

Financing Transformation

The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) is expected to play a key role in financing the industry. With its mandate to boost trade competitiveness, GEXIM is preparing tailored credit schemes, certification financing, and entrepreneurship training — particularly targeting women, who represent 90% of the shea workforce.

A Defining Moment

For many, the World Shea Expo 2025 is more than just an industry event — it is a turning point. The Expo promises to reposition Ghana as a global hub for high-value, ethically sourced, and sustainable shea products.

By strengthening women- and youth-led small enterprises, building rural processing industries, and connecting Ghanaian brands directly to global markets, the Expo could mark the beginning of a new era — one where prosperity flows back to the communities that have nurtured the shea trade for generations.

source: myjoyonline

Key Drivers of Growth

The impressive growth was fuelled by stricter enforcement against defaulting employers, expanded enrolment, partial clearance of government arrears, and strong investment returns.

Private pension schemes—Tier 2 and Tier 3—were major contributors, with Assets Under Management (AUM) climbing 37.4% to GH¢63.88 billion, up from GH¢46.50 billion in 2023. This was supported by:

• Higher investment yields

• Improved contribution rates

• Increased compliance through prosecutions for unpaid Tier 2 obligations

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) also intensified compliance measures, driving membership growth across all schemes. Informal sector participation saw steady gains, aided by flexible pension products and public awareness campaigns targeting self-employed workers.

Tier 1 Performance

The Basic National Social Security Scheme (BNSSS), managed by SSNIT, posted strong growth with AUM rising to GH¢22.4 billion in 2024 from GH¢15.3 billion in 2023. This was largely driven by improved investment performance and the settlement of government debts.

Benefit payouts under BNSSS reached GH¢6.46 billion in 2024, up from GH¢5.46 billion in 2023—highlighting the scheme’s growing liabilities and the need for prudent risk management.

source: myjoyonline