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Economy


Ghana's 2026 Budget: Defense and Roads Get 65%+ Boost in New Priority Shift
The 2026 Budget Statement, themed "Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation," has been laid before Parliament. To understand the government's core priorities for the year, the clearest story is told by following the money. An analysis of the 2026 allocations reveals a dual focus: a massive, continued investment in human capital (Education and Health) and a significant new injection of funds into national security and physical infrastructure. The "Big 5": What A
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Nov 14, 20252 min read


Palm Oil and Live Cattle: A Look at the Top 10 Foods Driving West Africa’s Intra-regional Trade
Every day, countless trucks move across the borders of West Africa, loaded with goods. But what exactly is inside? A new 2025 report from the OECD, "Intra-regional Food Trade in West Africa," provides a clear answer. This trade is the lifeblood of the region's economy and ensures that food gets from where it's grown to where it's needed most. While this trade is far larger than many assume: estimated to be a $10 billion industry that is up to 85% unrecorded, an important sto
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Nov 11, 20253 min read


When Salary Increments Don’t Mean Progress: The Real Value of Public Sector Pay in Ghana
Between 2022 and 2023, Ghana experienced one of its sharpest inflationary surges in recent years. Despite significant pay increases for public sector workers of up to 30% in 2023, inflation soared above 38%, effectively erasing real income gains. This analysis compares public sector salary increments against annual inflation trends to show how workers’ purchasing power has evolved over the last decade. Comparing Salary Increments of Public Sector Workers with Annual Inflation
bernard boateng
Nov 10, 20252 min read


Ghana’s Central Bank Gold Strategy: Building a Fortress for the Cedi
Introduction: The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has quietly executed one of Africa’s most ambitious reserve diversification strategies. Between May 2023 and October 2025 , the central bank’s gold holdings surged from 8.78 tonnes to 38.04 tonnes , marking a 333% increase in just 29 months. Bank of Ghana Gold Reserves Background: In response to global currency volatility and Ghana’s own foreign-exchange pressures, the BoG launched a gold purchase programme under the Domestic Gold Purcha
bernard boateng
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Ghana’s Inflation Falls to 8%: Stability at Last, Even If Prices Stay High.
Ghana’s inflation rate has cooled to 8% in October 2025 , the lowest level since early 2021, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. It marks the tenth straight month of decline , capping a dramatic reversal from the 23.8% recorded in December 2024. But beyond the numbers lies a more meaningful story for households: prices aren’t necessarily dropping. They’ve just stopped climbing so fast. After years of unpredictable jumps, this stability feels like the first real relie
Connect Finex
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Inside ECG’s 2023 Overspend: How Ghana’s Power Distributor Exceeded Its Budget by 133%
In 2023, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the nation’s primary power distributor exceeded its approved expenditure by an astonishing GHS 189.77 million , representing a 133% overspend . Data presented to the Public Accounts Committee on October 28, 2025 , reveals striking variances between approved and actual spending across several key categories. Analyzing ECG's Budget Overspend Highlights from the Overspend Foreign Training topped the list with an excess of GHS 60
bernard boateng
Oct 29, 20252 min read


Ghana's Electricity Shock: Why Average Residential Tariffs Surged 142% in 5 Years (2020-2025)
Ghanaian households are feeling the pinch as residential electricity tariffs have experienced an unprecedented surge, climbing by a staggering 142% over the past five years (2020-2025) . This dramatic increase is based on the average calculated tariff across all residential tariff block types namely; Lifeline (0-30 kWh), Standard Residential Consumers Tier 1 (0-300 kWh), and Tier 2 (above 300 kWh), providing a weighted average for the residential class. This data, comparing
bernard boateng
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Ghana Records Largest-Ever Policy Rate Cut: What the 350bps Move Means for the Economy
Introduction On September 17, 2025, the Bank of Ghana made history by cutting its policy rate by 350 basis points (bps) , slashing it from 25% to 21.5% . This unprecedented move represents the largest single rate cut in the country’s monetary history . But what does this mean for businesses, households, and the broader economy? Ghana Records Largest-Ever Policy Rate Cut The Significance of the Policy Rate The policy rate, also known as the benchmark interest rate, is the prim
bernard boateng
Sep 18, 20252 min read


Bad Loans, No Payouts: BoG Sets Tough New Rules for Banks in 2027
Ghana’s economy is at a turning point with new Bank of Ghana policies, treasury bill financing updates, and mixed movements in the Ghana cedi exchange rate. From banking regulations to treasury bills in Ghana and currency performance, here’s what investors, businesses, and policymakers should note. Bank of Ghana’s New Directive on Non-Performing Loans Starting January 2027, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will enforce stricter rules to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs) across the fi
bernard boateng
Aug 19, 20252 min read


Why Ghanaians Still Pay the Most for DSTV Premium in Africa, despite a Stronger Cedi
In 2025, DSTV Premium subscribers in Ghana are paying a steep $82 per month , making it the most expensive DSTV Premium package on the continent . A detailed breakdown of the pricing reveals that taxes account for a substantial $18.5 , but that’s only part of the story. 🔍 DSTV Price Breakdown Across Selected African Countries Why Ghanaians Still Pay the Most for DSTV Premium in Africa Despite a Stronger Cedi Country Base Price (USD) Tax (USD) Total Price (USD) Ghana 63.5 18.
bernard boateng
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Ahead of Ghana’s Mid-Year Budget, Here’s What’s Driving the 2025 Revenue Plan
As Ghana’s Finance Minister prepares to present the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review , one key question looms: Where will the revenue come from? Earlier this year, the government unveiled a bold plan to generate GHS 10.28 billion in additional revenue in 2025 through a mix of new taxes, revised rates, and one-off payments. With inflationary pressures and public spending demands rising, this visual breakdown gives us a preview of the government’s fiscal playbook going into tomorro
bernard boateng
Jul 23, 20252 min read


Côte d’Ivoire Leads Global Cocoa Production in 2023: A Look at the Numbers
Cocoa remains one of the most economically significant crops worldwide, fueling a multi-billion-dollar chocolate industry. According to 2023 data from the FAO, global cocoa bean production is heavily concentrated in West Africa with Côte d’Ivoire alone contributing an astounding 42% of the total output. Global Cocoa Bean Production 2023 Côte d’Ivoire: The Undisputed Leader As of 2023, Côte d’Ivoire produced 2.38 million tonnes of cocoa beans, accounting for over two-fifths of
bernard boateng
Jul 11, 20252 min read


From 13th to 1st: How Star Oil Became Ghana’s Top Oil Marketing Firm in Just Five Years
Discover how Star Oil Ghana rose from 13ᵗʰ to 1ˢᵗ place in Ghana’s competitive oil marketing sector driven by strategic growth, market share gains, and strong consumer reach. Introduction: Ghana’s oil marketing sector is crowded with over 200 registered firms vying for consumer trust and market share. But in just five years, one company has emerged as the clear front-runner: Star Oil Ghana . With a remarkable rise from the 13th position in 2020 to the top spot in 2025, Star O
bernard boateng
Jul 9, 20252 min read


How Africa Connects: A Deep Dive into Mobile Data Costs Across the Continent
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
bernard boateng
Jul 2, 20252 min read


Tracing Ghana’s FDI Trends: 25 Years of Investment Under Four Administrations
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
bernard boateng
Jul 1, 20251 min read


Fuel Prices in Africa: A Deep Dive into the Disparities Driving the Pump Price
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
bernard boateng
Jun 30, 20252 min read


Why DSTV Compact is Costing Ghanaians More in 2025, Even as the Cedi Stabilizes.
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
bernard boateng
Jun 18, 20252 min read


Why Domestic Airfare in Ghana Has Surged by Over 245% Since 2022.
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
bernard boateng
Jun 12, 20252 min read


Which GBP Remittance Service Gives You the Most Cedis? Tracking the Shifts and Spotting the Outliers
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 .
bernard boateng
Jun 11, 20252 min read


Ghana’s Data Bundle Volumes Are Increasing – What You’ll Get for ₵399–₵400 Starting July 1, 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
bernard boateng
Jun 10, 20252 min read
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