Economy

Mobile internet has become a lifeline across Africa powering communication, education, entrepreneurship, and governance. Yet, the price of access varies widely across the continent. A new ranking highlights just how much consumers pay for 1 GB of mobile data over 30 days. Cost of Mobile Data in Africa Ghana Among the Most Affordable According to data from bestbroadbanddeals.co.uk , Ghana is the 3rd most affordable country in Africa , offering 1 GB of mobile data at only $0.40

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains a key pillar in Ghana’s economic growth strategy. From just $114.9 million in 2000 to a high of $3.9 billion in 2019, the country's ability to attract foreign capital has evolved significantly across presidential administrations. Ghana's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 2000 - 2024 1. The Kufuor Era (2000–2008): Foundations Amid Global Repositioning Kicking off the millennium, Ghana's FDI was relatively modest, with inflows below $1 bill

As of June 30, 2025, fuel prices across Africa present a revealing map of economic, geopolitical, and supply chain realities. From Libya's ultra-low gasoline price of $0.028 per liter to the Central African Republic's staggering $1.858, the range is not just wide, it’s systemic. Our latest Finex Insights visual explores the causes behind these disparities and what they reveal about Africa’s energy landscape. Fuel Prices in Africa North Africa: A Fuel Price Haven Countries lik

Ghanaians have seen steady increases in the local prices of everyday services but the latest data on DSTV Compact subscriptions reveals a sharp spike in 2025, both in Ghana cedis and US dollar equivalents. What’s causing this surge, and what does it tell us about inflation, FX policy, and consumer cost burdens? DSTV Compact Prices (GHS & USD Equivalent) 1. A 5-Year Price Journey From ₵140 in 2020 to ₵380 in 2025, DSTV Compact subscription prices have nearly tripled. While the

Domestic air travel in Ghana has become significantly more expensive. A one-way ticket from Accra to Kumasi, which cost just about ¢455 in January 2022, now averages ¢1,570 in 2025. This represents a staggering 245% increase over three years, making domestic air travel less accessible for many Ghanaians. Domestic Air Ticket Prices in Ghana The Numbers Data from Africa World Airlines and Passion Air show a consistent rise in ticket prices: January 2022:  ¢455 average (Accra to

In just under two weeks, the GBP-to-GHS remittance rates across leading money transfer services have shifted and in some cases, dramatically . While most services hovered within a narrow band near ₵13.78 per pound, a few players stood out as outliers  offering significantly more value for your pound. Tracking GBP Movements of Remittance Services in Ghana 🔍 What’s the Data Telling Us? The chart below compares GBP-to-GHS rates from 11 services as of May 29  and June 11, 2025 .

From July 1, 2025, Ghana’s three major telecom operators: MTN, Telecel, and AT will increase their data bundle volumes  for the ₵399–₵400 price range, reflecting changes in consumer demand and competitive market dynamics. New Data Bundles starting July 1, 2025 🔁 What’s Changing? According to Hon. Sam George (Minister, Communication), the new bundle updates are as follows: Telco Price (₵) Old Volume (GB) New Volume (GB) % Increase GB per ₵ MTN 399 92.88 214 130.3% 0.536 Telec

The margin between the buying and selling rate of the US Dollar known as the “spread” is a key metric in determining how competitive a bank is in the forex market. A narrower spread typically signals a better deal for customers and tighter market competition. A recent review of spreads across 23 Ghanaian banks offers fascinating insights into the evolving dynamics of the foreign exchange market. USD Spread by Bank Headline Insights (As of June 10, 2025) UMB Bank  has the hig

Introduction In 2023, Ghana made headlines with its unconventional approach to fuel importation, trading gold instead of U.S. dollars under the “Gold for Oil” program. The aim? To reduce the strain on foreign exchange reserves and stabilize a weakening cedi. But as the numbers roll in, the nation is left evaluating the real cost of this gold-powered gamble. Ghana's Gold for Oil Program What Was the Objective? Ghana’s economy has long grappled with forex shortages that strain

In recent years, Ghana has introduced two significant levies aimed at addressing fiscal challenges: the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy)  and the GH₵1 Fuel Levy . While both were designed to bolster government revenues, their implementation, public reception, and impacts have varied considerably. This article delves into a comparative analysis of these two levies, highlighting their objectives, outcomes, and the lessons they offer. Fuel Levy vs. E-Levy ⚙️ Objectives and Impl

For Ghanaians in the UK sending money back home, remittance platforms aren’t just digital tools, they’re lifelines. But not all platforms give you equal value. In our latest edition of Ghana in Numbers , we analyzed the GHS equivalent one would receive for a standard £1,000 remittance on June 2, 2025, across 11 popular services. Comparing Transfer Rates for Pound Remittance in Ghana Key Findings: Send App  offers the best return: GHS 14,230 AfriEx  follows closely at GHS 14,0

In 2024, Ghana’s government recorded total revenue of GHS 186 billion , a significant portion of which 81% or GHS 151.16 billion came from taxes. These included levies on income and property, domestic goods and services, international trade, and more. Breakdown of Revenue Sources of the Government of Ghana in 2024 Breakdown of Revenue Sources The single largest component was Taxes on Income and Property , amounting to GHS 78.74 billion . This was followed by Taxes on Domesti

In 2024, Ghana spent an astounding GHS 39 billion importing food items to meet domestic demand. Despite a strong agricultural identity, the nation continues to rely heavily on foreign-sourced staples, raising questions about food security, domestic production capacity, and policy direction. TOP 10 FOOD PRODUCT IMPORTS, 2024 Top Imports At the top of the list is cereal grains (GHS 3.37bn) , followed closely by guts, bladders & stomachs of animals (GHS 2.69bn)  and frozen meat

As internet access becomes increasingly central to work, education, and entertainment in Ghana, broadband pricing and value are now under greater public scrutiny. Two of the largest telecom providers: MTN Ghana  and Telecel Ghana offer flexible broadband bundle plans based on how much you’re willing to spend. But which provider gives you more data for your money? MTN and Telecel Broadband Package Comparison Data-Driven Insights : The visual from Finex Insights offers a direc

In 2025, remittances continue to be a critical financial lifeline for many households in Ghana. As diaspora communities send funds back home, the choice of remittance service directly affects how much recipients receive with differences large enough to fund basic necessities or pay off monthly bills. Comparing remittance services in Ghana A new comparative analysis by Finex Insights using rates from Cedirates.com  as of May 29, 2025, shows substantial variations in what GHS a

Currency exchange is one of the most frequently used financial services in Ghana—but how transparent and fair are the charges? A new analysis by Finex Insights reveals significant disparities in the spread (difference between buying and selling rates) of USD across Ghana’s top banks. USD FX Spread by Banks in Ghana Understanding the Spread The spread  represents the margin banks place between the price at which they buy and sell foreign currency. It reflects transaction costs

Ghana is poised to revolutionize its road toll collection system by introducing a cashless model that leverages the Ghana Card, mobile money (MoMo), and bank accounts. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and align with the country's digitalization agenda. However, as with any significant policy shift, it presents both opportunities and challenges. Ghana's New Toll Booth System: Understanding the New System Under the proposed system, each vehicle wil

In 2024, Ghana’s Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) hit a disturbing milestone: it lost 32% of all electricity it purchased. This means that for every 100 Ghana cedis spent on power, only 68 cedis’ worth reached consumers. The remaining 32 cedis—representing over 5,000 GWh—were lost either in transit or to theft, marking the highest loss rate since 2000. Electricity Company of Ghana Distribution Losses What’s Causing the Losses? These losses fall into two major categories: ⚠️

Ghana is facing an invisible but urgent crisis: food waste. Each year, the country discards food worth GH₵762.32 billion  — nearly $64 billion USD  — representing over 45%  of its total food production. This staggering figure surpasses the global average of 30% , raising critical questions about efficiency, sustainability, and food security. Ghana's Food Waste Crisis The culprits? A large share of the waste comes from restaurants and schools , which account for nearly 40%  of

In the ongoing financial journey of African nations, few institutions have played as visible a role as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the IMF often serves as a last resort lender, helping nations stabilize their economies during crises, the pattern of borrowing also reveals deeper structural issues—and a few exceptions worth studying. IMF and Africa. Top 5 IMF borrowers in Africa vs. the 3 nations that have stayed debt-free As of May 2025, only three African cou