Ghana Business News

Follow the latest Ghana business and economy news: the cedi, inflation, companies, banking, and trade. Coverage is curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and kept current through the day, newest first.

MTN Ghana and Advans Ghana Launch Strategic Initiatives to Empower SMEs and Secure Digital Trade
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MTN Ghana and Advans Ghana Launch Strategic Initiatives to Empower SMEs and Secure Digital Trade

MTN Ghana has awarded GHS150,000 in grants to five small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of its SME Accelerate Programme, signaling a renewed commitment to Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative, which coincided with World MSME Day, saw ten finalists compete in a high-stakes business pitch competition. Each of the five winners—Tahir Field Recycling, Edible Treats, Dyluri Beauty, Manehlla Foods, and Tropical Snacks—received GHS30,000 to scale their operations. Beyond the financial injection, these entrepreneurs will be enrolled in MTN’s Mini-MBA Programme to receive specialized business training. Mohamed Abubakar Siddiq, MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for SME Sales, emphasized that such support is critical for driving economic growth and job creation across the nation. In a parallel effort to bolster local business capacity, Advans Ghana Savings and Loans recently hosted an SME Growth Clinic in Kumasi, attracting over 60 clients and prospects to the Golden Bean Hotel. The sessions, facilitated in partnership with Women Haven Africa, focused on the practicalities of business formalization and professional bookkeeping. Mrs. Barbara Odei, Chief Sales and Distribution Officer for Advans Ghana, highlighted the institution's role as a long-term financial partner, encouraging the adoption of digital tools like the MyAdvans Mobile App to streamline financial management. This clinic underscored a broader industry trend toward professionalizing the informal sector to facilitate better access to credit and sustainable growth. Infrastructure and access to information are also being prioritized through a new strategic partnership between MTN Business and Graphic Communications Group Ltd. Under this collaboration, Ghanaian businesses subscribing to MTN’s Unlimited Fibre Broadband services will receive complimentary digital access to Graphic Business news and market analysis. The broadband packages, ranging from the Business Basic tier (100Mbps at GH"299) to the Business Premium tier (500Mbps at GH"999), are designed to combine high-speed connectivity with the credible business intelligence necessary for data-driven decision-making in a competitive market. To ensure the long-term security of these expanding digital financial services, MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL) has initiated a mandatory nationwide Know Your Customer (KYC) update for all Mobile Money Agents and Merchants. This regulatory exercise, which must be completed by October 31, 2026, aims to enhance the accuracy of customer records and prevent fraud within the MoMo ecosystem. Chief Commercial Operations Officer Abdul Razak Issaka Ali warned that failing to comply with the KYC update could lead to service restrictions, urging all stakeholders to utilize official portals for the update. Together, these financial grants, educational programs, and security measures represent a multi-faceted approach to stabilizing and growing Ghana's SME sector.

COCOBOD Misses GH¢6 Billion Debt Deadline as Ghana Secures Strategic Cocoa Export Deals in the Gulf
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COCOBOD Misses GH¢6 Billion Debt Deadline as Ghana Secures Strategic Cocoa Export Deals in the Gulf

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has failed to meet its self-imposed end-of-June deadline to clear over GH¢6 billion in outstanding debt owed to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). Despite previous assurances from COCOBOD’s Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Sam, that the majority of the arrears would be settled, approximately GH¢3.4 billion remains unpaid. To date, the Board has released only GH¢2.6 billion, representing roughly 43% of the total obligations. Of the funds disbursed, GH¢1.4 billion was allocated for farmer payments from previous crop seasons, while GH¢1.2 billion was directed toward LBC reimbursements. This significant shortfall has triggered financial distress for LBCs, many of whom rely on high-interest loans to finance cocoa purchases, and has severely restricted the household incomes and operational capacities of farmers preparing for the next production cycle. While the industry grapples with these internal liquidity challenges, the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) Ghana Limited is making strides in expanding the sector's international footprint. Managing Director Wisdom Kofi Dogbey recently secured firm offtake commitments for semi-finished cocoa products from major commodity players in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These agreements align with a strategic mandate to achieve 50% local processing of Ghana’s cocoa, aiming to shift the country away from the export of raw beans toward higher-value products. In Dubai, discussions with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) established a framework for integrating Ghanaian cocoa into global value chains, while engagements in Riyadh tapped into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food-security initiative. These international expansion efforts are designed to utilize Ghana’s existing processing capacity more effectively rather than necessitating the construction of new facilities. By securing these Gulf markets, the CMC aims to ensure that increased domestic processing translates into guaranteed export earnings and price stability. However, the success of such long-term value-addition strategies remains tethered to the financial health of the domestic supply chain. Industry analysts suggest that until COCOBOD resolves its multi-billion cedi debt to local stakeholders, the foundational productivity required to meet international offtake demands could be at risk, highlighting a critical need for improved financial management within the board.

Scammers target Mobile Money users – CSA warns of sharp rise in fraudulent investment schemes
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Bank of Ghana and PwC Warn of Shifting Risks as Falling Interest Rates and Digital Fraud Pressure Financial Sector

Ghana’s banking sector is navigating a complex period of transition as it faces the dual challenges of declining interest rates and a sharp rise in digital fraud. According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 2026 Banking Survey, the recent stabilization of macroeconomic conditions—marked by easing inflation at 5.3%—has led to a drop in interest rates that threatens traditional banking income. Vish Ashiagbor of PwC Ghana cautioned that banks must rethink their reliance on net interest margins from government securities and instead adopt new strategic archetypes, such as increasing transaction volumes or focusing on specialized corporate financing. This shift is essential for sustaining profitability as the era of high-interest earnings begins to wane, requiring banks to be more adaptable and digital-centric. Simultaneously, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and industry experts are sounding the alarm over a “trust crisis” caused by escalating digital fraud. Elhanan Owureku Asare, Head of Fintech and Innovation at the BoG, warned that trust is a vital currency for the nation’s push toward a cash-lite economy. With fraud cases rising from 15,865 in 2023 to 16,733 in 2024, the total value at risk has surged to approximately GH¢99 million. The central bank's 2025 Annual Report further noted that digital fraud and card-related disputes dominated customer complaints, which increased by 14% over the previous year. These issues range from unauthorized loan applications to delays in accessing mature investments, highlighting a critical need for improved security across digital channels. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has also highlighted the predatory nature of these online crimes, reporting 352 fraudulent investment schemes in the first half of 2026 alone, resulting in losses exceeding GH¢3.4 million. Professor Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana noted that criminals have effectively moved “from the street to the screen,” following the money as it shifts to digital platforms. He argues that while law enforcement is necessary, the long-term solution lies in enhanced financial literacy and cybersecurity education. Bokpin emphasized that users must take greater responsibility for their digital safety, while regulators and service providers must strengthen protections to prevent consumers from retreating to cash transactions out of fear. As the industry prepares for the upcoming Digital Economy Forum, the Ghana Bankers Association anticipates that the Bank of Ghana will maintain its monetary policy rate at 14.0% to balance growth with stability. CEO John Awuah noted that while macroeconomic conditions are improving, the future of the sector depends on how effectively institutions can manage new risks. Moving forward, the focus for Ghanaian banks must be a collaborative approach involving fintechs and regulators to safeguard consumer confidence. Only by pairing strategic business model shifts with robust anti-fraud measures can the financial sector ensure sustainable growth in an increasingly digital and low-rate environment.

Ghana Pushes 24-Hour Economy and Industrial Transformation at 7th Investment and Trade Week in Accra
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Ghana Pushes 24-Hour Economy and Industrial Transformation at 7th Investment and Trade Week in Accra

Ghana has officially launched the 7th Ghana Investment and Trade Week (GITW) in Accra, signaling a robust effort to cement its position as West Africa's premier investment hub. Held at the Palms Convention Centre and organized by MIE Events, the three-day summit centers on the theme "Powering Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy." The event has drawn over 300 international delegates and 100 speakers from more than 30 countries to explore opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and trade. This national agenda is designed to transition the country from a raw material-exporting economy to a manufacturing-driven one, fostering job creation and sustainable growth through strategic global partnerships. Key leadership figures have emphasized the necessity of collaboration to realize these economic goals. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, called for a unified front among government institutions, businesses, and traditional authorities to build the trust and stability required for a 24-hour economy. Supporting this vision, Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh highlighted the critical need for affordable energy to power local manufacturing. Simultaneously, Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, detailed the government's commitment to providing tax breaks, incentives, and readily available industrial land to attract export-oriented businesses through the Free Zones Scheme. This domestic drive is being matched by an aggressive international outreach program. At the recent Ghana-Canada Investment Forum in Toronto, representatives such as Ras Mubarak and Esther A. N. Cobbah pitched the 24-hour economy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as gateways for Canadian capital and expertise. On a continental level, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene has advocated for the broader adoption of visa-on-arrival policies to facilitate the free movement of persons. Mene noted that while Ghana is among the few countries easing travel restrictions, universal adoption of such policies is essential to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade and economic integration. Parallel to these high-level trade discussions, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is implementing grassroots regulatory reforms to modernize the hospitality sector. In stakeholder engagements held in Tema, GTA officials, including Deputy CEO Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey and Regional Manager Isaac Asiam, introduced the Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS) and proposed new 2026 regulations. These measures aim to standardize the registration and licensing of multi-purpose establishments and event providers, ensuring public safety and data-driven policymaking. Together, these multifaceted initiatives in trade, investment, and tourism represent a comprehensive strategy to enhance Ghana's global competitiveness and industrial resilience.

Stanbic Bank and Industry Leaders Advocate for Structural Reforms as Labor and Legal Developments Reshape Ghana's Business Landscape
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Stanbic Bank and Industry Leaders Advocate for Structural Reforms as Labor and Legal Developments Reshape Ghana's Business Landscape

Leaders in Ghana’s financial and industrial sectors are calling for enhanced structural reforms to unlock investment and ensure economic stability across various industries. Speaking at the WAMPEX 2026 panel, Benjamin Nana Kwesi Mensah of Stanbic Bank emphasized that improved deal structures and strict adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are crucial for attracting long-term funding into the small-scale mining sector. Despite the sector's vital role in gold production and employment, Mensah noted that a lack of transparency and legal compliance remains a significant hurdle for potential financiers seeking confidence in their investments. The push for structural integrity comes as labor tensions rise within the mining industry, highlighted by workers at Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited who have initiated a sit-down strike. The industrial action stems from the Managing Director’s alleged failure to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding salary increments and end-of-service benefits negotiated earlier this year. While the company's public relations officer has cited weather-related delays for unpaid June salaries and document processing, the standoff underscores the critical need for the transparent governance and reliable leadership that financial experts are currently advocating for in the sector. Parallel to these challenges, the manufacturing and construction sectors are seeing progress in formalization through the registration of the Danpa Adanfo Co-operative Block Producers’ Society Limited. Officially certified by the Department of Cooperatives, this move aims to legalize and standardize the operations of small-scale block producers as part of the SPVO Certification Project. Led by Gabriel Opoku Darko, the registration is expected to enhance the competitive nature of the sector and ensure the production of quality building materials, though the cooperative’s leadership acknowledges that securing adequate funding remains a major hurdle for its growth. Beyond heavy industry and manufacturing, the call for the legal protection of assets has extended to Ghana’s creative and athletic sectors. Listowell Yesu Bukarson, CEO of LYB Sports & Entertainment, has urged showbiz and sports personalities to prioritize intellectual property (IP) rights to secure their financial futures. Bukarson argued that while active careers in these fields are often short-lived, well-managed IP can provide income for up to 70 years after a creator's death. This advocacy for legal safeguards mirrors the broader national trend of seeking formal structures to protect revenue streams and ensure sustainability across all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Louis Vuitton A brown Louis Vuitton handbag with the company's iconic graphics, including the four-petal flower monogram, printed across the leather
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Microsoft Trims Workforce by 4,800 Amid AI Pivot as Global Business Faces Financial and Legal Shifts

Microsoft has announced a significant workforce reduction of approximately 4,800 employees, representing about 2.1% of its total staff, as the tech giant reorients its operations toward artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. This move comes amid a challenging financial period for the company, which saw its stock price plummet nearly 23% in the first half of 2026—its most significant decline since 2022. The layoffs reflect a broader trend across the technology sector, where industry leaders like Amazon and Meta have similarly trimmed their headcounts to balance rising operational costs with the massive capital investment required to dominate the emerging AI landscape. The restructuring is particularly focused on Microsoft’s gaming division, which has faced declining profit margins even as other sectors of the company show resilience. While the company prepares to report its latest financial results, analysts expect continued strength in its Azure cloud-computing division, which remains a cornerstone of its AI strategy. To mitigate the impact of these cuts, Microsoft had previously offered voluntary buyouts to approximately 9,000 employees. The current layoffs are part of a strategic realignment to ensure the company can sustain its heavy investments in the hardware and software necessary to power next-generation AI services. In a separate development highlighting the legal complexities of global business, the popular Chinese bubble tea chain Molly Tea has been ordered to pay 10.3 million yuan (approximately $1.5 million) in damages to Louis Vuitton. A court in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, ruled that Molly Tea’s logo infringed upon Louis Vuitton’s iconic four-petal flower monogram. The case has sparked intense debate in China, garnering over 400 million views on social media, with some defending the local brand while others emphasize the necessity of protecting intellectual property. Molly Tea has been ordered to cease using the disputed logo and issue a formal public apology. These two stories underscore the dual pressures currently facing global corporations: the need for rapid technological evolution and the increasing importance of brand protection. As Microsoft navigates the high-stakes transition to an AI-first economy, the Molly Tea ruling serves as a stark reminder of the financial and reputational risks associated with trademark disputes in major markets. Moving forward, businesses must balance aggressive innovation and expansion with a heightened sensitivity to operational efficiency and legal compliance in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Ghana Tourism Authority Unveils New Regulatory Standards and Digital Information System for Hospitality Sector
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Ghana Tourism Authority Unveils New Regulatory Standards and Digital Information System for Hospitality Sector

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has initiated a critical consultation process with key industry stakeholders in Tema to discuss the proposed Tourism (Registration and Licensing of Multi-purpose Establishments and Providers of Event Management Services) Regulations. This engagement, which brought together hoteliers, event planners, and other service providers, serves as a pivotal step in finalizing new legislative frameworks designed to modernize the nation's hospitality sector. By establishing clear guidelines for the registration and licensing of tourism-related businesses, the GTA aims to ensure that all operators meet rigorous international standards for service delivery and operational transparency. At the heart of these reforms is the introduction of the Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS), a comprehensive digital platform intended to revolutionize how the industry manages data. According to GTA officials, the GTIS will facilitate more accurate data collection, which is essential for informed decision-making and strategic policy formulation. By digitizing these processes, the authority seeks to improve regulatory compliance while providing a clearer picture of the industry's economic impact. This shift toward a data-driven approach is expected to align Ghana's tourism landscape with global best practices, making the sector more competitive on the international stage. During the engagement, Mr. Isaac Asiam, the GTA Regional Manager, emphasized that collaboration between the regulator and industry players is paramount. He noted that the evolving nature of global tourism requires flexible yet robust regulations that protect both consumers and businesses. The proposed standards are intended to enhance public safety and elevate the professionalism of event management and hospitality services. The GTA plans to integrate feedback from these sessions into the final draft before it is presented to Parliament for approval. Stakeholders present at the Tema forum expressed broad support for the initiatives, acknowledging that stricter standards are necessary to improve service quality across the board. Participants highlighted that clear licensing requirements would help weed out substandard operators, thereby protecting the reputation of the industry. As the GTA moves forward with these regulatory reforms, the focus remains on fostering a sustainable and high-growth tourism environment that can contribute significantly to Ghana's national development goals.

Ghanaian CEOs Bullish on Growth Amid Rising Digital Disruption and Strategic Industry Collaborations
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Ghanaian CEOs Bullish on Growth Amid Rising Digital Disruption and Strategic Industry Collaborations

Ghana’s business landscape is witnessing a surge in executive optimism, even as leaders grapple with the rapid pace of digital transformation and operational risks. According to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey, 73% of CEOs in Ghana express high confidence in revenue growth over the next 12 months, a figure significantly higher than the global average. This bullish sentiment is largely driven by improving macroeconomic conditions, including falling inflation and a more stable currency. However, this optimism is tempered by a shifting risk landscape, with 33% of executives identifying technology disruption as a primary concern and nearly half questioning their company’s long-term viability in the face of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and changing industry dynamics. In response to these evolving challenges, strategic partnerships are emerging to equip businesses with the tools needed for the digital age. MTN Business has partnered with the Graphic Communications Group Ltd to provide Ghanaian enterprises with a combination of high-speed connectivity and trusted business intelligence. Through this initiative, subscribers to MTN’s Unlimited Fibre Broadband packages—ranging from the 100Mbps Business Basic to the 500Mbps Business Premium—receive complimentary access to Graphic Business news and market analysis. This collaboration aims to ensure that while businesses benefit from robust digital infrastructure, they also remain informed by credible data to navigate market volatility and technological shifts. The shift toward digital-first strategies is also reshaping the marketing and sustainability sectors. At a recent summit in Accra hosted by Expressions Influencer Agency, industry leaders and the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) explored the growing impact of 'media of influence.' Experts emphasized a transition from traditional advertising to digital platforms, where authenticity and influencer engagement are becoming critical for brand performance. Simultaneously, innovation is being recognized in the industrial sector, as demonstrated by Zoomlion Ghana Ltd securing two major honors at the 8th HESS Awards 2026. The company was recognized for its 'Waste Management Innovation' and 'Recycling Facility Excellence,' highlighting a commitment to turning environmental challenges into sustainable economic resources. Ultimately, these developments signal a pivotal moment for Ghana’s corporate sector. While the prevailing mood is one of growth, the recurring themes of technology risk and the need for high-quality information suggest that the next phase of economic success will depend on strategic agility. CEOs are increasingly being urged to reallocate their time toward long-term strategic planning and to embrace collaborative models—whether through data-driven marketing or technological partnerships—to ensure they can turn current economic tailwinds into a lasting competitive advantage within the West African sub-region.

ISSER Reports High Returns on Sanitation Investment as Ghana Employers Association Proposes 25-Year Mortgage Plan
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ISSER Reports High Returns on Sanitation Investment as Ghana Employers Association Proposes 25-Year Mortgage Plan

Ghana faces significant infrastructure challenges in sanitation and housing, but new proposals from the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) suggest these sectors could be massive drivers of economic growth. ISSER's recent policy brief reveals that strategic investment in waste management could yield a staggering GH"556 for every GH"1 spent. Simultaneously, the GEA is advocating for a National Home Ownership Programme to tackle the country's housing deficit of 1.8 million units through affordable GH"250,000 homes. According to ISSER, the economic returns on sanitation are currently being suppressed by significant underfunding. While Ghana currently spends an average of GH"38.78 per tonne on waste management, aligning this with the lower-middle-income country average of GH"1,028 could transform the national economy. The report predicts that such an investment would reduce sanitation-related morbidity by 97.4% and deaths by 81%. By 2025, the projected annual economic benefits from healthcare savings and increased productivity could reach GH"58.1 billion, potentially rising to GH"67.2 billion by 2032. On the housing front, the Ghana Employers Association has presented a proposal aimed at solving the nation’s structural housing shortage. Speaking at the 2nd National Labour Conference in Ho, GEA President Nana Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee outlined a plan for a National Home Ownership Programme. The initiative centers on providing homes valued at GH"250,000 under a 25-year mortgage scheme. This initiative is designed not only to provide shelter for workers but also to stimulate the construction industry, creating jobs and fostering long-term economic stability. Both proposals emphasize a shift in perspective, viewing sanitation and housing as vital economic investments rather than mere social costs. ISSER highlights that better waste management is particularly critical as Ghana grapples with frequent flooding, which exacerbates public health crises and economic disruptions. Together, these initiatives suggest that by prioritizing basic infrastructure and affordable credit for housing, Ghana can unlock billions in latent economic value and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

The new piggery facility built by AngloGold Ashanti mines
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Ghana Railway Secures $21m Grant for Signal Upgrades as Industrial and Agricultural Projects Gain Momentum

Ghana is witnessing a multi-sectoral economic push as the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) secures significant international funding and local industries receive major boosts. From the reactivation of key rail lines to the inauguration of high-tech agricultural facilities and plans for major processing factories, these developments signal a concerted effort by both the government and private sector to enhance infrastructure, food security, and industrial capacity across the country. These initiatives collectively aim to diversify the economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. A major highlight of these developments is the GRDA's reactivation of the Accra-Koforidua rail line following a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Supported by a GHS 5 million investment, the service has already begun transporting approximately 6,800 passengers weekly since its return to operation. Furthermore, the Authority has secured a $21 million grant from the European Union to upgrade the signal system on the Tema-Mpakadan railway. Dr. Frederick Appoh, CEO of the GRDA, emphasized that these efforts are aimed at making rail services reliable and bankable, with a specific focus on utilizing Class 56 diesel locomotives for freight to alleviate congestion at the Tema Port. In the Ashanti Region, AngloGold Ashanti’s (AGA) Obuasi Mine has inaugurated a GH1.49 million piggery production center in Sanso. This modern facility, executed by local contractor X-Mell Construction, is a cornerstone of the company’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan. Edmund Oduro Agyei, AGA’s Director of Sustainability Management, noted that the project is designed to foster sustainable livelihoods outside of mining and improve regional food security. Complementing this agricultural push, the Ghanaian government has announced plans for a large-scale palm processing factory in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area. Announced during the 2026 Ohum Festival, the project is intended to revitalize the palm oil industry and create vital employment for local youth. On the international front, strategic industrial partnerships are being forged to bolster Ghana’s manufacturing landscape. Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, recently established a partnership opportunity with UNIPROMET, a Serbian manufacturing firm known for engineering excellence and global exports to over 30 countries. This collaboration is expected to bring technical expertise and investment to Ghana’s manufacturing sector, positioning the nation as a key industrial player in the West African sub-region. Collectively, these initiatives represent a robust strategy for national development by integrating improved transportation networks with value-added agriculture and international industrial partnerships. By focusing on infrastructure reliability and local content—evidenced by the use of indigenous contractors and the targeting of youth employment—Ghana is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and diversified economy. The success of these projects will depend on continued strategic investment and the effective implementation of the outlined socio-economic plans.

Solomon Osuoza and Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi Champion Strategic Growth and Market Adaptation for Ghanaian Entrepreneurs
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Solomon Osuoza and Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi Champion Strategic Growth and Market Adaptation for Ghanaian Entrepreneurs

At the Legacy Business Summit 2026 in Accra, banking expert Solomon Osuoza called for a paradigm shift in the African business landscape, urging entrepreneurs to transition from sole proprietorships to Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). This call for structural formality coincides with personal narratives shared by Ghanaian professionals like Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi and Derrick Abaitey, who have navigated the complexities of international markets. Together, these insights provide a comprehensive roadmap for building sustainable, scalable enterprises both locally and abroad, emphasizing that the era of the 'one-man business' must give way to robust corporate structures. Mr. Osuoza emphasized that as businesses grow, adopting a corporate structure becomes vital for protecting personal assets and ensuring long-term survival. He cautioned aspiring entrepreneurs against prematurely leaving paid employment, suggesting that the "social capital" and financial stability gained from a job are invaluable when starting a venture. The summit, which is intended to be an annual event, provided financial literacy and offered funding for promising pitches. Osuoza highlighted that success in the modern economy relies heavily on teamwork, strategic planning, and collaboration rather than isolated efforts, urging Ghanaian business owners to prioritize sustainability through formalization. Complementing this strategic advice, Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi, a governance expert and policy analyst, detailed his journey into the American restaurant industry. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion during his doctoral studies, Prof. Antwi opened a Caribbean restaurant in Ohio. Despite facing fierce competition from established brands in a mall setting, he differentiated his business by prioritizing fresh, made-to-order meals over the standard fast-food model. His success hinged on understanding the cultural nuances of consumer behavior, noting that while American customers were willing to wait for quality, the market dynamics and customer expectations differed significantly from those in Ghana. The theme of proactive opportunity-seeking was further echoed by Derrick Abaitey, founder of the Konnected Minds Podcast. Reflecting on his college days in London, Abaitey recounted how he built a business selling Chinese clothing and footwear after a chance encounter on Skype with a supplier. By testing supplier reliability with small orders before expanding his margin, he learned the fundamental entrepreneurial lesson of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. His early experience of balancing side hustles with part-time work at the O2 Arena shaped the resilient and resourceful mindset he now advocates for in the professional world. Ultimately, these diverse perspectives converge on a single truth: entrepreneurial success requires a blend of structural formality and agile market adaptation. Whether it is Osuoza’s focus on legal protection, Prof. Antwi’s emphasis on cultural awareness, or Abaitey’s drive for opportunity, the message for Ghanaian business owners is clear. To thrive in an increasingly competitive global market, entrepreneurs must move beyond informal operations toward strategically planned corporations that understand and respect the unique demands of their target consumers.

FABAG Urges President Mahama to Suspend Ghana Easy Pass Programme Over Rising Business Costs
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FABAG Urges President Mahama to Suspend Ghana Easy Pass Programme Over Rising Business Costs

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to suspend the recently introduced Ghana Easy Pass Programme. The association has expressed strong opposition to the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) new initiative, which mandates a pre-export conformity and verification regime for all imported goods. FABAG warns that the programme, in its current form, will inevitably lead to a sharp rise in operational costs for businesses and a subsequent increase in the prices of essential goods for Ghanaian consumers. According to FABAG, the new import verification system represents an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy that duplicates the functions of existing regulatory frameworks. The association argues that several state agencies are already empowered and capable of ensuring product quality and safety, making the GSA’s mandatory pre-export checks redundant. By introducing additional fees and administrative hurdles, FABAG asserts that the government is undermining its own stated goal of improving the 'ease of doing business' in Ghana. The group highlighted that importers are already grappling with significant financial burdens, and this policy only serves to exacerbate the economic strain on the private sector. The timing of the programme has also come under heavy criticism. FABAG pointed out that the Ghanaian business community is currently navigating a challenging economic landscape characterized by high interest rates, rising utility costs, and the lingering effects of previous regulatory changes. The association expressed disappointment that a policy previously rejected by stakeholders has been revived, suggesting that such moves discourage investment and threaten the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises. They contend that the added costs incurred by importers will be passed directly to the average Ghanaian, who is already dealing with significant economic pressure. In its concluding statement, FABAG called for an immediate halt to the Ghana Easy Pass Programme to allow for fresh, meaningful consultations between the government and the business community. The association is urging the presidency to intervene and prioritize policies that support industrial growth rather than those that impose additional financial liabilities. FABAG remains adamant that the Ghana Standards Authority should focus on making operational improvements to existing institutions instead of creating new regulatory barriers that could stifle the nation’s economic recovery.