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Ghana’s banking sector is once again under the spotlight, and this time the story is written in the numbers behind non-performing loans. At the extreme end, one bank records an NPL ratio of 70.5%, while at the other, a regional peer reports just 2.1%. This wide dispersion is not just a statistic; it reflects deeper structural realities within the financial system. Non-Performing Loans (NPL) in Ghana 2025 Non-performing loans, commonly defined as loans overdue by more than 90

Ghana’s financial system is quietly revealing a powerful story, one that challenges how we typically think about money, influence, and economic control. In 2025, customer deposits held within Ghana’s banking sector (drawn from the Financial Statements of 21 banks) reached approximately GHS 309.79 billion, surpassing total government expenditure of GHS 233.78 billion for the same period. On the surface, this comparison is striking, but its deeper implications are even more imp

Ghana’s banking sector is sitting on a significant pool of liquidity. With total customer deposits reaching GHS 309.79 billion, the expectation would be that a substantial portion of these funds is being channeled into loans to support businesses and economic growth. But the data tells a more cautious story. A comparative analysis of customer deposits, loans, and lending efficiency across banks in Ghana (2025). Across the industry, banks have extended only GHS 90.24 billion i

Walk through any busy market in Accra today and try paying with a 1 pesewa or 5 pesewa coin. Chances are, it will be declined, not because it is no longer legal tender, but because it has quietly lost its place in everyday transactions. This is the story unfolding across Ghana: coins are not being officially withdrawn, yet they are steadily disappearing from practical use. Ghana’s smallest coins are disappearing from everyday use. When the Bank of Ghana redenominated the curr

A shift in how Ghana generates power tells a bigger story than most people realise. Ghana's Energy Mix from 2000 to 2024 In 2000, Ghana's electricity story was simple. Nine out of every ten units of electricity came from one source: water. The Akosombo Dam, built across the Volta River in the 1960s, was the backbone of the national grid, and hydropower accounted for 92% of all electricity generated in the country. By 2024, that figure had collapsed to 39%. According to the Gh

Today’s data highlights a continued climb in the official Bank of Ghana exchange rate, while global Brent Crude prices have surged further to $106.9 per barrel. As the country grapples with energy supply disruptions following a major substation fire and ride-hailing drivers seek government intervention over rising commissions, the financial sector is reeling from a shocking multi-million cedi fraud case. Let’s analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's econom

Today’s data shows a consistent upward climb in the dollar-to-cedi exchange rate across all major markets, while Brent Crude prices have surged past the $100 mark to settle at $104.0. Against this backdrop of rising costs, the Ghanaian economy is witnessing a major push for indigenous ownership in the mining and energy sectors, alongside a notable tightening of bank lending. Let’s analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's economic landscape. Market Movers: T

Today’s data reveals a rise in the dollar-to-cedi exchange rate across the Bank of Ghana, Visa, and Aboki exchange channels, while diesel prices show significant variations between major distributors. As Brent Crude hovers near $100, the domestic news cycle is dominated by the IMF’s latest debt projections and a major clarification regarding a massive payroll error. Let’s analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's economic landscape. Market Movers: Today’s K

The telecommunications landscape in Ghana has seen a remarkable transformation over the last three decades. From the early days of bulky analogue handsets to the lightning-fast broadband speeds of today, specific mobile operators have played a crucial role in driving this evolution. This article explores the pioneers who led Ghana through the four distinct eras of mobile technology. Ghana's Mobile Tech Pioneers. The Journey from 1G to 4G The Analogue Era (1G): Setting the Fou

Ghana’s financial landscape is seeing significant adjustments as the government implements stricter fiscal controls while addressing critical arrears. From massive payroll reforms at the NSA to a new focus on digital creator earnings, today’s data points toward a drive for efficiency and systemic transparency. Market Movers: Cedi, Fuel, and T-Bills While the BoG and Aboki rates held steady at ₵11.06 and ₵11.90 respectively, the Visa selling rate has trended upward to ₵11.89

In early April 2026, Ghanaian creators on X (formerly Twitter) began reporting a frustrating trend: their last two payout cycles had failed to reflect in their accounts. Below, we break down what we know so far and the explanations circulating about why these payments are being stalled. Disclaimer: This article is based on current user reports and screenshots circulating on X (formerly Twitter) as of April 17, 2026. At the time of writing, no official statements or formal co

Are sachet water producers in Ghana cheating? A Question Made Urgent by Today's Price Hike. On April 2, 2026, the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announced yet another increase in the price of sachet water, effective April 6. The stated reason: a global shortage of polymers and rising production costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. For millions of Ghanaians who depend on pure water as their primary drinking source, it is unwelco

The Numbers That Tell the Story Ghana has just recorded its 15th consecutive month of falling inflation. The headline rate dropped to 3.2% in March 2026, the lowest reading since the Ghana Statistical Service rebased the Consumer Price Index in 2021, down from 23.8% as recently as December 2024. That is a fall of 20.6 percentage points in just 15 months. For context, it took Ghana nearly three years to build up to that peak from single-digit levels after the 2020 pandemic sh

Introduction Ghana’s inflation trajectory over the past two decades tells a powerful story of economic volatility, policy intervention, and recovery. From double-digit pressures in the early 2000s to a historic spike above 50% in 2022, inflation has shaped household welfare, business decisions, and macroeconomic stability. A heat map of Ghana's inflation from 2004 to 2026 The Early Years: Gradual Stabilization (2004–2011) In 2004, inflation hovered near 29%, reflecting struc

Introduction Ghana’s capital market is expected to operate on principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency. At the center of this mandate is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), specifically its Exchanges and Markets Department, which is responsible for monitoring trading activities and ensuring market integrity. But a key revelation from the SEC’s 2024 Annual Report raises an important question: How effectively can a modern capital market be supervised witho

Every year, a fresh wave of talent hits the African labour market. But behind the graduation ceremonies and the hopeful CVs lies a mathematical reality that is hard to ignore. During a recent lecture at the University of Ghana , Paschal Donohoe , Managing Director of the World Bank Group , shared a statistic that defines the struggle of a generation: Africa creates about 3 million formal jobs annually, while at least 12 million young people enter the labour force. Africa i

Introduction Every year, the Ghanaian government collects billions of cedis in taxes and other revenues to fund public services, infrastructure, and social programs. But how exactly is that money generated and where does it go? Using data from Ghana’s 2025 fiscal framework, this analysis breaks down government revenue sources, spending priorities, and the resulting budget deficit. Understanding this fiscal structure provides important insight into the country’s economic chall

New data from the Forestry Commission of Ghana indicates that illegal mining (galamsey) within protected forest reserves is expanding at a rate that suggests a shift in operational scale. The figures track a three-year window where containment efforts have been significantly outpaced by land degradation. Galamsey in Ghana's forest reserves Growth Velocity In 2021, the recorded footprint of galamsey in forest reserves stood at 5,252 hectares . By 2024, the Commission reported

The story of Ghana’s cocoa industry is one of dramatic peaks, devastating troughs, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency. Once the undisputed global leader, Ghana has undergone several waves of cocoa reforms designed to reclaim its market share and modernise an industry that remains the backbone of its economy. History of Reform and Restructuring in Ghana's Cocoa Industry The Rise, Fall, and Road to Recovery In the mid-1960s, Ghana was the world’s cocoa powerhouse, producing

Introduction In the wake of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), a striking narrative has emerged regarding the nation’s public health landscape. While Ghana has made strides in healthcare access, the data reveals a persistent "Gender Gap" in sexual risk behaviors. Understanding these numbers is not just about statistics; it’s about shaping future policy and education. Understanding the Gender Divide in Ghana’s Sexual Health The Multiple Partner Disparity Ac