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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.

Ghana's Job Market Shows Signs of Recovery with Increased Vacancies and Contributions
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Ghana's Job Market Shows Signs of Recovery with Increased Vacancies and Contributions

Data from the Bank of Ghana reveals a notable recovery in Ghana's labor market as of October 2025. The number of job vacancies has risen to 3,248, marking a 14% increase year-on-year and a 14.7% increase from September. While the total number of advertised jobs for the first ten months of 2025 remains similar to the previous year at 30,185, the recent uptick in job postings suggests growing employer confidence amid improving economic conditions. Additionally, contributions to the SSNIT Pension Scheme surged to GH¢527.17 million, reflecting a 14.5% year-on-year increase, with active contributors rising to 1,089,332. Despite the persistent high unemployment rates, these trends indicate a potential for sustainable job creation as the economy continues to recover. However, questions linger regarding the sustainability of this growth into 2026, particularly concerning the genuineness of job creation versus mere optimism.

Ghanaian Businesses Reject Mobile Money Payments Amid Rising Fraud Concerns
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Ghanaian Businesses Reject Mobile Money Payments Amid Rising Fraud Concerns

In Ghana, a growing number of businesses are rejecting mobile money payments due to a surge in fraudulent activities. Business owners report alarming incidents of fake payment alerts, transaction reversals, and insider scams, leading to significant financial losses. This trend has left consumers frustrated, as many rely on mobile money for convenience, while cash transactions pose increased risks of theft. Mobile network operators are responding to these concerns by enhancing security measures and providing education on fraud prevention to businesses. Abdul-Majeed Rufai, Senior Manager at Fintech, has emphasized the importance of safeguarding account credentials and adhering to security protocols. He advises businesses to avoid sharing transaction details and to report any suspicious activities promptly. Until confidence in mobile money transactions is restored, many businesses are weighing the convenience of these payments against the potential risks associated with fraud.

Dr. Assibey-Yeboah Critiques Overvaluation of Ghana Cedi, Urges Policy Shift for Economic Growth
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Dr. Assibey-Yeboah Critiques Overvaluation of Ghana Cedi, Urges Policy Shift for Economic Growth

Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, former MP for New Juaben South, has raised concerns over the overvaluation of the Ghana cedi, asserting that it is detrimental to exporters and state revenue agencies. In a recent interview, he highlighted the adverse effects on key institutions such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which are struggling under the current exchange rate. Assibey-Yeboah noted that while the strength of the cedi is not artificially inflated, it exceeds an optimal level for economic performance, which could deter tourism and hinder growth. He criticized the government's focus on maintaining exchange rate stability without fostering genuine economic growth, pointing out that Ghana's growth rate of 4.1% is among the lowest in West Africa, trailing behind Nigeria's 3.9%. He called for a strategic shift in policy that prioritizes economic growth and job creation over mere currency stability, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to economic management.

Ghana's Trade Minister Engages Chinese Investors for Concrete Economic Partnerships
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Ghana's Trade Minister Engages Chinese Investors for Concrete Economic Partnerships

On January 13, 2026, Ghana's Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, met with a delegation of Chinese investors led by Ms. Hua Yan to discuss actionable partnerships aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The Minister emphasized Ghana's readiness for tangible investments, moving beyond discussions to concrete collaborations in sectors such as agribusiness and industrial manufacturing. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the importance of value addition in Ghana's economic strategy and assured the Chinese delegation of robust support from key Ghanaian state agencies to facilitate business operations. The meeting aimed to deepen Ghana-China economic relations, following high-level discussions at the recent China-Africa Summit. The engagement included technical presentations from various investment agencies, outlining processes and opportunities for investors in Ghana. Ms. Hua expressed confidence in Ghana's economic potential and eagerness to explore practical cooperation, marking a significant step towards fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.

World Bank Projects Global Growth to Stabilize at 2.6% by 2026 Amid Challenges
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World Bank Projects Global Growth to Stabilize at 2.6% by 2026 Amid Challenges

The World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects report highlights a resilient global economy, projecting growth to stabilize at 2.6% in 2026, supported by strong performances in major economies, particularly the United States. Despite this positive outlook, the report warns that the 2020s could become the weakest decade for global growth since the 1960s, exacerbating inequality between advanced and developing nations. Many developing countries are still struggling to recover to pre-pandemic income levels, with a significant portion expected to remain poorer than in 2019. The report emphasizes the need for substantial reforms in developing economies to enhance trade, investment, and public finance management, particularly as public debt levels reach historic highs. It also stresses the importance of fiscal sustainability and well-designed fiscal rules to stabilize debt and improve public finances, especially in light of rising unemployment and challenges in the youth job market. In a related development, the Bank of Ghana reported a notable increase in the labor market, with job vacancies rising to 3,248 in October 2025, marking a 14% year-on-year increase. This growth in job postings indicates an expanding private sector and improved economic conditions in Ghana, although high unemployment remains a concern. The total contributions to the SSNIT Pension Scheme also saw a 14.5% annual increase, suggesting a positive trend in employment and economic activity.

Heath Goldfields Commits to Revitalize Bogoso-Prestea Mine for Community Benefit
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Heath Goldfields Commits to Revitalize Bogoso-Prestea Mine for Community Benefit

Heath Goldfields has pledged to transform the Bogoso-Prestea Mine into a sustainable and profitable operation that prioritizes the welfare of local communities. During a recent thanksgiving ceremony, Managing Director Patrick Appiah Mensah highlighted the company's commitment to changing the negative perceptions associated with mining, emphasizing the importance of responsible practices and community development. Traditional leaders in the area have expressed optimism regarding the new management, viewing it as a potential turning point for improving local livelihoods and infrastructure after years of economic struggles. The company aims to enhance productivity and engage actively with residents, marking a new chapter for the historically significant mine in Ghana's Western Region.

Ghana's Ports Experience 23% Surge in Container Traffic Amid Declining Passenger Arrivals
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Ghana's Ports Experience 23% Surge in Container Traffic Amid Declining Passenger Arrivals

Ghana's seaports, particularly Tema and Takoradi, have reported a significant increase in trade activity, as highlighted in the Bank of Ghana's November 2025 Monetary Policy Report. Container traffic saw a remarkable year-on-year rise of 20.6% in September 2025, totaling 73,648 containers, contributing to an overall increase of 23.2% in container traffic for the first three quarters of the year, reaching 647,536 containers. In contrast, passenger arrivals have experienced a slight decline, dropping by 1.3% year-on-year to 102,078 in September 2025. The cumulative figures for passenger arrivals over the first nine months of 2025 remained relatively stable at 938,210, compared to 941,692 in the same period of 2024. This mixed performance indicates a robust growth in trade while passenger movements are softening, reflecting broader economic trends in the country.

Bank of Ghana Warns Banks on Forex Trading Licence Compliance Amid Fraud Risks
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Bank of Ghana Warns Banks on Forex Trading Licence Compliance Amid Fraud Risks

The Bank of Ghana has issued a critical warning to commercial banks regarding the renewal of their foreign exchange trading licences, emphasizing that compliance with regulatory standards is now mandatory. This directive comes in response to significant weaknesses identified in the banks' handling of foreign currency transfers, which have raised concerns about operational integrity and increased risks of fraud. In a public notice dated January 12, 2026, the central bank outlined several new requirements for banks, including the implementation of robust verification protocols, enhanced anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) checks, and mandatory daily reconciliations of transactions. Additionally, banks are required to conduct internal audits and ensure continuous training for their staff to uphold operational integrity. The Bank of Ghana has made it clear that non-compliance with these directives could lead to sanctions under existing financial regulations, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the stability and credibility of Ghana's foreign exchange market. This move aims to safeguard the banking sector against potential fraud and to enhance the overall regulatory framework governing foreign exchange transactions in the country.

Ghana Revenue Authority Aims for GH¢225 Billion Revenue Target by 2026 with VAT Reforms
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Ghana Revenue Authority Aims for GH¢225 Billion Revenue Target by 2026 with VAT Reforms

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set an ambitious revenue target of GH¢225 billion for the fiscal year 2026, focusing on significant reforms to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. Key changes include raising the VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000 to alleviate compliance burdens for smaller businesses. The new framework will also introduce input tax credits for the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and the GETFund levy, reduce the effective VAT rate to 20%, and abolish the VAT Flat Rate Scheme for retailers. Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong highlighted the importance of enhancing domestic tax compliance to achieve this target, emphasizing that increased revenue is crucial for national development and aligns with the President’s vision for economic growth.

Bank of Ghana's Gold Purchase Programme: A Strategic Response to Economic Challenges
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Bank of Ghana's Gold Purchase Programme: A Strategic Response to Economic Challenges

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has made significant strides in stabilizing the economy through its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), initiated in 2021. Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama reported that the program has successfully mobilized over $17 billion in gold value, with approximately 100 tonnes contributing nearly $10 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 alone. This initiative was launched in response to declining foreign exchange reserves and aims to enhance market liquidity rather than generate profit. Despite facing cumulative losses of GHS4.893 billion since its inception, the program remains pivotal for reserve accumulation and foreign exchange diversification. In light of past losses attributed to timing issues, foreign exchange effects, and transaction costs, the BoG has implemented tighter controls and reduced transaction fees to improve the program's sustainability. Transaction costs have been slashed to about 1.7%, and major reforms are planned for 2026 to further enhance operational efficiency. Dr. Asiama emphasized that all transactions are conducted at market prices, countering claims of selling gold at a loss. The Governor has called for a unified national response to address the challenges facing the Gold-for-Reserves (G4R) program, highlighting the need for collaborative reforms and timely budget allocations to ensure the program's long-term viability. The BoG's total gold holdings have reached 110.99 tonnes, valued at approximately $11.399 billion, underscoring the importance of this initiative in bolstering Ghana's economic resilience amid ongoing financial pressures.

Volta Region Engages US Investors to Boost Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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Volta Region Engages US Investors to Boost Entrepreneurship and Innovation

James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, recently met with a delegation of U.S. investors in Sogakope to explore potential partnerships aimed at enhancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology in the region. The delegation, which included representatives from the Conscious Immersion Group and the Onyx Group, expressed a strong interest in collaborating to leverage economic opportunities that could foster growth in the Volta Region. During the meeting, Gunu highlighted the region's significant potential for targeted investments, particularly emphasizing the Volta Lake Economic Corridor project. He underscored the critical role of private sector involvement in driving sustainable development and job creation. The investors provided updates on their previous engagements and reiterated their commitment to helping establish the Volta Region as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Gunu assured the delegation of the region's dedication to fostering partnerships that would contribute to economic development.

Ghana Publishing Company Thrives Under 24-Hour Economy Policy
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Ghana Publishing Company Thrives Under 24-Hour Economy Policy

The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has successfully transformed its operational and financial landscape by adopting the Government’s 24-Hour Economy policy. Managing Director Nana Kwasi Boatey announced that the implementation of a two-shift system has not only saved approximately 100 jobs but has also significantly enhanced publication turnaround times, reducing the time for gazette publications from eight weeks to just three. With improved revenues, GPCL has been able to pay a 13th-month salary and increase staff salaries by 40%. The company has also inaugurated a new Digital Press Centre, marking a significant step in its modernization efforts. President John Dramani Mahama commended GPCL for its turnaround, noting that the company no longer requires government bailouts. He encouraged GPCL to register for incentives under the new economy model, highlighting the positive impact of the 24-Hour Economy on businesses in Ghana.