Business

by:Christopher Kevin Asima

Some aggrieved members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Talensi Constituency have rejected the nomination of John Millim Naabwomya as District Chief Executive.

The group cited his alleged close ties with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and warned that it could affect the party’s fortunes in the 2028 elections.

The nomination of John Millim Naabwomya, announced last Friday, April 11, was followed by a suspected arson attack that destroyed the NDC constituency office.

Speaking at a press conference in Tongo, on Sunday, April 13, the spokesperson for the aggrieved NDC members, Charles King Luu, called on President John Mahama to withdraw the nominee immediately, citing concerns about party unity and local support

 

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

 

Accra, Ghana, 10 April 2025 The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, yesterday hosted a critical post Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025 webinar examining how Africa can effectively fund and build the infrastructure necessary to support trade, people movement, and continental prosperity.

The virtual event, titled “The Africa We Want: How Should Africa Fund and Build the infrastructure for Trade, People Movement and Prosperity?”, was moderated by Nana Yaa Mensah and Kojo Mensah of Asaase Radio. It brought together key stakeholders from financial institutions, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, engineering, and development sectors to discuss transformative solutions to Africa’s infrastructure challenges.

Addressing the webinar, Mr Sidig Eltoum, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Prosperity Network, highlighted the fundamental infrastructure gaps hindering
Africa’s economic integration.

“Africa’s infrastructure deficit is mainly caused by fragmented road, air transport, and rail networks, unreliable energy supply, inefficient logistics systems and limited digital connectivity,” said Mr Eltoum. “Infrastructure is not only a commercial opportunity but also a vehicle for long-term prosperity for Africa.”

Mr Rui Pedro Afonso Livramento, Chief of Staff at the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscored the urgency of action. “The time to build infrastructure is now; we need more actions that can translate into plans”, said Mr Livramento.

GROUNDBREAKING “ONE DOLLAR A DAY” INITIATIVE UNVEILED

A highlight of the session was the detailed presentation of the Integrated Africa infrastructure Growth Fund also known as the “One Dollar A Day” campaign revolutionary crowdfunding initiative that emerged post-APD 2025.

Mr Eric Otoo, a finance expert from Ghana who is spearheading the initiative, provided comprehensive details about this innovative funding approach.

“The One Dollar A Day project will have two parts: the commercial aspect and the social aspect,” explained Mr Otoo. “The commercial aspect will target institutions, especially multilateral organisations, while the social aspect will take the form of donations from individuals and organisations to finance selected infrastructure
projects in Africa,”

Mr Otoo emphasised the importance of immediate action: “Africa Infrastructure Development Funding: We have started, and we have to start somewhere. Let’s be unified and take the steps now.” The two-hour session examined how colonial-era infrastructure systems designed primarily for resource extraction continue to impede intra-African trade and economic integration.

Participants explored how the “One Dollar A Day” initiative could harness support from both Africans and the Global African diaspora to create a sustainable funding model for the continent’s infrastructure needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

World Bank estimates suggest full realisation of an integrated African market could increase continental income by $450 billion by 2035 and potentially lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. However, Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap of approximately S130-170 billion, well beyond what governments can shoulder alone.

Currently, substandard transport infrastructure inflates intra-African trade costs by 30% to 40%, with intra-A frican trade remaining low at just 30-40% compared to other regions.

Mr Ziad Hamoui, President of Borderless Alliance (Ghana), addressed these challenges directly: “Africa’s Infrastructure Development Funding: We need to understand what the problem is, so that we can come up with a pragmatic solution.”
Mr Hamoui called for transformative vision: “True African integration requires us to reimagine our borders not as barriers but as bridges points of connection rather than division. A fundamental shift in mindset is required where we see seamless movement of goods and people as an cconomic multiplier to unleash.”

INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

The webinar explored multiple financing approaches, with Mr Emeka Uzomba, Director of Banking & Special Initiatives at the Office of the President, Afreximbank, detailing three revolutionary approaches:

1. Infrastructure bonds with Afreximbank guarantees offering 8-10% returns
2. A proposed Pan-African Infrastructure Credit Rating system to de-risk projects
3. Blended finance facilities where multilateral institutions absorb first-loss portions

“As a bank, we have funded many infrastructure projects across the continent to help with the connectivity of goods and services on the continent,” Mr Uzomba said, adding that Afreximbank has carmarked $5 billion for corridor projects meeting specific integration criteria, with disbursements beginning Q3 2025.

Mr James Amoo-Gottfried, Director of Urban Roads at Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways, shared Ghana’s innovative Road Fund model, which combines fuel levies
(6% of pump price), toll revenues, and digital road tolling to create sustainable financing. “The Africa We Want should be deliberately crafted for our purposes,” he said.

Mr Pierre Coussey, a businessman from Ghana, highlighted the critical link between infrastructure investment and profitability. “We need to align profitability to our
development,” he stated. “For someone to invest in infrastructure, we must show profitability.”

Ms Serwaa Agyemang-Botchey from Microsoft London advocated for an incremental approach: “Africa’s Infrastructure Development Funding: We need to start small with a couple of principles, then over time, we can scale up. We need to get something done.”

 

ADDRESSING MOVEMENT AND CONNECTIVITY BARRIERS

The webinar tackled challenges related to visa restrictions and border complexities that impede the free movement of people and goods across Africa.

Mr Gideon Asare, Chief Executive Officer of Adansi Travels, highlighted stark statistics: “Only 25% of intra-African air routes are served directly, while visa-on-arrival policies cover just 549% of the continent. A simple business trip between Accra and Nairobi typically costs 40% more and takes twice as long as traveling to Dubai as a result of tough visa processes, lack of integrated transport systems, and protectionist aviation policies.”

He also said that the challenges we face at the borders are so huge; the documentation is not harmonised, and the travel requirements across borders is problematic. Visa restriction is something we need to look at across Africa; there should be easy movement of goods and services across the continent.”

Mr Anthony Pile, Chairman of Blue Skies Holdings, directly addressed the issue: “We do not need to be stuck in borders to limit our trade.”

THE ACCRA COMPACT 2025 FRAMEWORK

The webinar built on the recent Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra, which culminated in the APD 2025 Compacta clear framework of commitments among business leaders, heads of state, and development partners.

This compact centres on commitments from governments, the private sector, and multilateral institutions. The private sector has pledged to invest in transformative
projects such as regional railways, renewable energy, and digital systems via public-private partnerships.

Governments, in turn, have committed to enabling environments through policy reform, regulatory streamlining, and project delivery, especially in coridors like Lagos-Abidjan and the Lobito Corridor. Multilateral institutions, including the AfDB and Africa50, have vowed to mobilise up to $2 trillion in domestic capital, leveraging blended finance and de-risking instruments.

Ms Tshegofatso Motaung, Founder of CedarLeb (South Africa), noted that “MSMEs can benefit and scale up businesses to expand their markets when critical infrastructure is put in place.”

 

BACKGROUND

The webinar built on discussions from the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, held in Accra from 30 January to 1 February, which produced the Accra Compact 2025 with 44 recommendations for action by African Union member states.

Africa’s infrastructure challenges are particularly pressing given demographic trends: over the past three decades, 28 African nations have doubled their populations, with another 26 expected to do so within the next three decades.

The operationalisation of the AfCFTA in 2021 created the world’s largest single market, encompassing over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, further highlighting the critical need for infrastructure investment.

By:A news desk Report

Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of Bank of Ghana, has held the maiden Heads of Banks meeting in 2025 at the Bank Square, the Headquarters of Bank of Ghana, today, April 9, 2025. This was also the first meeting of Banks by the new Management of Bank of Ghana headed by Dr Asiama, as Governor.

Scenes from the meeting
In his opening remarks, Dr Asiama gave an overview of the key discussions and macroeconomic developments underlying the 123rd Regular meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank, which concluded with a press briefing on Friday, March 28, 2025, among other banking sector related issues.

In attendance were chief executives or representatives of regulated banks in Ghana and officials of Bank of Ghana, including the 1st Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni.

The Ashanti Regional Minister,Dr Frank Amoakohene, has lined up 25 activities to mark the highly anticipated Ashantifest, set to commence on April 12, 2025.

The festival will open with a cleanup exercise and encompasses sports competitions, traditional events, educational activities, economic events and entertainment.

The event is expected to  climax with Thanksgiving Service on April 26, strategically scheduled to coincide with the 75th birthday of the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Dr Frank Amoakohene

Below is the Official Event Schedule:
Saturday, 12th April 2025
Cleanup Exercise – 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | All MMDAs

Opening Match / Launch of Inter-District Soccer Games – 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | TBD

Boxing Night – 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Paa Joe Stadium, KNUST

Sunday, 13th April 2025
Akwasidae/Y33k)som – 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Manhyia

Fashion Exhibition – 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Rattray Park

Fashion Night – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Rattray Park

Monday, 14th April 2025
Basic School Spelling Bee (English & Twi) – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Great Hall, KNUST

Inter-SHS Debate Competition – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Great Hall, KNUST

Science and Technology Fair – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Great Hall, KNUST

Tuesday, 15th April 2025
Cultural Day – Performances by Cultural Groups/Students – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Kumasi Cultural Center

Jama Festival – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Kumasi Cultural Center

Food Fair / Food Bazaar – 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Kumasi Cultural Center

Wednesday, 16th April 2025
Ashanti Development Forum – Public Lecture – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Prempeh Assembly Hall

Panel Discussion on Ashanti Development – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Prempeh Assembly Hall

Open Forum – Q&A Session – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Prempeh Assembly Hall

Thursday, 17th April 2025
Free Health Screening – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Kumasi Central Prisons

Blood Donation – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Kumasi City Mall

Movie Night / Honoring Kumawood Fallen Heroes – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Golden Eagle Cinemas, Kumasi City Mall

Friday, 18th April 2025
Excursion and Carnival – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Lake Bosomtwe

Kids Festival – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Jubilee Park

Saturday, 19th April 2025
Kwabre Anwene3 Festival (Wood Carving, Adinkra) – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Mamponteng

Kente Festival – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Bonwire

Ashanti Konnect Concert (Music Festival) – 5:30 PM – Till Late | Bonwire

Sunday, 20th April 2025
Ashanti Dramalogue – Kumawood All Stars, Kejetia Vs Makola, Stand-up Comedy, Stage Play – 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | KNUST CCB Auditorium

Monday, 21st April 2025
Fundraising with Heal Komfo Anokye Team – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Manhyia

Saturday, 26th April 2025
Thanksgiving & Celebration of 26 Years of Reign of HRM Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – TBD | Anglican Cathedral

Source: ;Hajara Fuseini

 

The Okada Riders Association has highlighted the importance of training in enhancing safety within the commercial motorcycle sector.

This comes in response to the recent proposal by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 LI 2180, to permit only persons aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles as part of the government’s plans to improve safety and accountability in the sector.

Okada Riders

Speaking to Citi News, Public Relations Officer of the Okada Riders Association, Solomon Akpanaba, stressed that training is the key to promoting safety in the sector, rather than age limits.

“We have always said and will continue saying that if you want to bring discipline or reduce accidents drastically on the road, look at training, training of the rider. Let your focus be there, not age.

“That the 18-year-old guy, when he gets to the traffic light, when he is trained, he will know that between crossing the road because I am in a hurry and standing patiently for some two minutes before I go, which one more important.

“The 18-year-old guy given the training will know the right decision to take,” he said.By:Patricia Boateng

 

African trade ministers from across the continent are scheduled to meet on April 14 to assess the implications of President Donald Trump’s imposition of a sweeping new tariff policy that will see a 10 percent tax levied on all goods imported into the United States from more than 100 countries.

The meeting will bring together key policymakers, economists, trade experts, and representatives from regional economic communities to explore how the African continent can best position itself in the face of growing global protectionism.

 

Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, addressed the media from Washington, D.C., calling the U.S. tariff a wake-up call for Africa.

Wamkele Mene emphasised that the decision by President Trump underscores the urgent need for African nations to fast-track the implementation of policies that promote intra-African trade and reduce overreliance on global powers.

“President of the United States has given us a wake-up call. And the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on April 14 to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”

Mene’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among African leaders and trade officials that global shifts toward economic nationalism and unilateral trade decisions by major economies demand a proactive, unified African approach.

The new tariff threatens to increase the cost of African exports to the U.S., potentially diminishing their competitiveness in the American market.

Many African economies rely on exports such as textiles, agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods, much of which are currently traded under preferential access agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).Source:Sammi Wiafe

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the government will scrap the COVID-19 levy in its next budget.

Addressing hundreds of Ghanaians resident in Benin,  the minister  stated, “Only one more tax remains for the government to scrap in order to fulfill its promise of removing four taxes imposed by the previous administration.”

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The audience erupted in applause and cheered as the Foreign Minister highlighted that the betting tax, E-Levy, and emissions tax had already been scrapped following the president’s assent to the bills on April 2

He also updated the Ghanaian community on developments back home, urging them to remain assured and trust in the Mahama administration to honour its commitments to the people.

He, however, mentioned that “the government is investing in the youth by setting aside funds to cater for their needs.”By:Fred Duhoe