GHANA'S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LANDSCAPE
Ghana is entering a "graduation" phase, moving away from international bailouts toward a model of self-reliance. Under President John Dramani Mahama, the nation is on track to exit its IMF Extended Credit Facility by April 2026. To ensure the country doesn't fall back into old debt habits, the government is establishing an Independent Fiscal Council and leveraging the 24-Hour Economy policy to drive industrial growth. With inflation hitting record lows of 3.8% and a projected GDP growth of nearly 6.0%, Ghana is repositioning itself as a stable, high-growth leader in West Africa.
Osborn Frimpong 1. The Economy: "Correction Without Amnesia"
President John Dramani Mahama has recently inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE). His message was clear: Ghana must learn from past fiscal mistakes to restore its global credibility.
The Goal: The group is tasked with stabilizing the cedi, managing debt, and overseeing the transition as Ghana prepares to exit its current IMF program.
Growth Outlook: Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism. Major firms like Deloitte and Databank are projecting GDP growth between 5.7% and 5.9% for 2026, driven by a rebound in gold exports and the "24-Hour Economy" initiative.
Market Watch: As of today, the cedi is trading at approximately GHS 11.00 (interbank) to GHS 11.80 (forex bureaus) against the US dollar.
2. Cocoa Crisis & Farmer Relief
A major headline today involves the Ministry of Finance addressing the nation regarding the cocoa sector. Cocoa farmers have been vocal about delayed payments, prompting an emergency Cabinet meeting.
The Fix: Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to outline a "rescue plan" today to expedite payments and tackle smuggling—a persistent thorn in the side of the industry.
3. Mining & Investment: The Indaba Pitch
In South Africa, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has been "wooing" global investors at the 2026 Mining Indaba.
The Pitch: Ghana is being marketed as the most stable and "regulatory certain" mining destination in Africa.
The Focus: The government is pushing for value addition (refining gold locally) rather than just exporting raw ore.
4. Social & Education Updates
On a more somber note, the Ghana Education Service (GES) is currently dealing with the fallout from violence during the Eastern Regional Super Zonal sports competition. Reports of a student stabbing and an alleged gang rape have sparked a national conversation about discipline and safety in schools.
Policy Shift: Meanwhile, there is a push for Education Sector Devolution, a new bill aimed at giving local assemblies more power to recruit and manage teachers directly, rather than waiting on the central government in Accra. 
