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President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a comprehensive economic strategy to move Ghana from a raw commodity exporter to an industrial hub. Key reforms include a National Agribusiness Policy to secure land tenure and an automatic cocoa pricing system that guarantees farmers 70% of the international market price, adjusted for exchange rates. The administration aims to increase manufacturing's contribution to GDP from 10% to 15% by 2030 by restructuring energy debts and involving private players in the water sector.
These reforms represent a structural shift toward industrialization and fiscal transparency, essential for long-term economic stability and job creation for the youth.
President Mahama, who took office in January 2025, is under pressure to deliver on his 24-Hour Economy campaign promise while navigating the final stages of the country's recovery from its 2022-2023 economic crisis.
The National Teaching Council (NTC) has integrated teacher licensure exams into final college assessments to reduce high failure rates and wait times. Simultaneously, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) is consulting in the Western Region to finalize a long-term development framework for 2026-2029 that focuses on economic growth and institutional discipline.
The implementation of a practical teaching component (30% of the score) in teacher evaluations may set a new standard for professional certification in the region.
Ghana recorded a massive US$13.66 billion trade surplus in 2025, up from US$9.88 billion in 2024. Gold exports led the growth, doubling to US$20.98 billion, while cocoa earnings strengthened despite a 32% drop in crude oil revenue to US$2.62 billion. In the domestic market, a recent Treasury Bill auction raised GHc11.41 billion (~$1.037 billion USD), far exceeding the government's target of GHc9.32 billion (~$847 million USD).
The oversubscription of T-bills indicates high investor confidence in domestic debt, though the central bank is now embedding 'business model analysis' into its supervision to ensure banks don't become overly exposed to government securities.
Monitor the port congestion issues; cement manufacturers warn of price hikes as clinker ships stall for up to 20 days, potentially impacting the construction sector's ROI.
Tullow Oil has signed a $205 million deal to purchase the FPSO Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, moving from leasing to ownership to reduce long-term costs. In the mining sector, Atlantic Lithium has ended takeover talks to focus on the Ewoyaa project, which awaits parliamentary ratification to become Ghana's first lithium mine.
Strategic investments in the Prestea Gas Conditioning Plant (95% complete) signal a more stable energy future for Ghana, making it an opportune time to explore investments in local energy-intensive businesses.
Two doctors and two nurses at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have been suspended following the death of Charles Amissah, a 29-year-old engineer who was allegedly denied emergency care. The incident has revealed that 127 of the nation's 318 ambulances are currently grounded due to mechanical failures and an aging fleet.
The 'no-bed' syndrome continues to claim lives despite numerous policy directives, suggesting a deeper operational failure in hospital management and emergency coordination.
Ghana's National Ambulance Service (NAS) was significantly expanded in 2020, but many of those vehicles have now reached the end of their 5-year operational lifespan without a replacement plan.
Police in the Western Region intercepted 152 bales of cannabis and rejected a bribe of GHc69,000 (~$6,273 USD). Separately, in Accra, a 22-year-old galamsey operator has been remanded for the alleged murder of his wife over a monetary dispute.
The trial of a businessman in Ashiaman found with an AK47 and bulletproof vests may reveal more about organized robbery syndicates targeting gold shops.
Inter-school sporting activities in the Central Region have been halted after a student from Obrachire SHS was brutally assaulted during an event in Agona Swedru. Three students have been arrested after the victim sustained facial injuries and a broken tooth.
Hooliganism in school sports is a rising trend that threatens the development of grassroots talent and student safety.
Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko has scored six goals in his last seven appearances for Manchester United. Under manager Michael Carrick, Sesko has become a high-impact substitute, igniting the club's Champions League ambitions.
Black Stars context: While Sesko is not Ghanaian, his rise is being closely watched by Ghanaian fans of the Premier League, which remains the most followed league in the diaspora.
Comedian Dr Likee revealed that a chance encounter with President Mahama at an airport, where the statesman praised his work, stopped him from quitting the industry due to burnout. Meanwhile, rapper M.anifest has sparked debate by criticizing Ghanaians who switch accents in international settings, calling for more cultural confidence.
These stories highlight the intersection of political influence and cultural identity in Ghana's creative economy.
Today we covered the tragic healthcare failures at Korle Bu, President Mahama's ambitious new economic reforms, and the record trade surplus driven by gold exports. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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