Inflation Cools to 6.3%, New SIM Registration Set for 2026, and CalBank’s Record Success

Today’s Cedi Board brings a mix of reassuring economic data and high-stakes administrative news. The headline story for your wallet is a significant drop in inflation to single digits, offering some relief to household budgets, while the Ghana Gold Coin continues its upward march. On the governance front, we are looking at a major announcement regarding SIM cards and a tense legal standoff involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Let's analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's economic landscape.

Market Movers

Ghana Gold Coin (1 oz) Current Price: ₵49,540.14 Gold remains a stronghold for wealth preservation. The price has climbed by 3.77% from ₵47,741.79 on November 26, 2025.

Inflation - CPI Current Rate: 6.3% This is arguably the most impactful number on the board today. Inflation has dropped significantly to 6.3%, down from November's 8.0%, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline. This downward trend is a positive signal for the cost of living. While it does not mean prices of goods are actually falling, it indicates that the speed at which prices are rising has slowed down considerably. If this trend holds, we could see interest rates stabilize, making borrowing slightly less painful for businesses and individuals in the near future.

GSE-CI (Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index) Current Points: 8,599.03

The stock market is flashing green today. The index is up by 14.86 points compared to last week. This rise generally points to growing investor confidence in Ghanaian companies. When the stock market performs well, it usually reflects better corporate earnings or positive sentiment about the future of the economy, which aligns with the drop in inflation we are seeing.

Key Headlines: SIM Cards, Legal Battles & NSS Deadlines

Communications Minister Announces Fresh Nationwide SIM Registration for 2026

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has confirmed that a new nationwide SIM registration exercise will begin in the first quarter of 2026. The Minister explains that the previous government’s exercise was technically and legally flawed, necessitating this "fresh" start to ensure data integrity. For the everyday mobile user, this likely means you will need to verify your details again. However, the Ministry assures us that this process will be streamlined, possibly using an app-based model to avoid the long queues we saw previously. They are integrating with the National Identification Authority to ensure citizens' Ghana Cards matches their SIM data perfectly. While the goal is to curb fraud and clean up the database, this announcement is sparking conversations about the time and effort required from subscribers once again.

Lawyer Martin Kpebu Released After Detention by the OSP

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu was released on bail late Wednesday 3rd December. He had been detained by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) following a heated altercation at their offices. Kpebu, a vocal critic of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, described the arrest as a "suicide mission" and an abuse of power.

The OSP maintains that Kpebu was arrested for obstructing officers and insulting staff, not for his criticisms. This incident highlights a growing tension between anti-corruption agencies and legal advocates. For the public, this raises questions about the balance of power and the protections afforded to whistleblowers or critics, especially when personal feuds seem to spill over into official duties.

50% of NSS Personnel Yet to Report; Registration Closes Friday

There is an urgent situation brewing for university graduates. The National Service Scheme (NSS) reports that only half of the posted personnel have completed their registration. The system is set to close permanently for the 2025/2026 year this Friday, December 5.

NSS officials attribute this delay to graduates hoping to pay for "protocol" changes to their posting locations. This gamble could backfire spectacularly. This strict enforcement suggests the NSS is trying to bring more discipline to the posting process.

Investor’s Insight!

Investor Confidence Soars as CalBank’s Share Offer Exceeds Expectations

CalBank has delivered a massive vote of confidence for the local banking sector. Their recent rights issue and private placement raised a staggering GH¢1.164 billion, smashing their target of GH¢900 million by nearly 30%.

This oversubscription is a big deal. It means that both existing shareholders and new investors (over 1,700 of them) believe in the bank's future enough to put their money on the table. The bank plans to use this capital to strengthen its balance sheet and upgrade its technology. For the broader economy, this success suggests that despite challenges, there is still significant liquidity and trust in indigenous Ghanaian banks. The new shares were credited today, so trading activity on the GSE will likely reflect this new influx of capital.

Trending Topic: #MartinKpebu

You are seeing this hashtag everywhere today because it sits at the intersection of law, politics, and media drama. Martin Kpebu is not just a lawyer; he is a prominent voice in Ghana’s anti-corruption space. His arrest by the very institution he was criticizing (the OSP) creates a perfect storm for public debate.

Social media is currently divided. Some view his detention as an intimidation tactic by the Special Prosecutor, turning Kpebu into a martyr for free speech. Others argue that no one is above the law and that his alleged conduct at the OSP office warranted the arrest. The dramatic nature of the event, including his "suicide mission" comments and the involvement of military officers, has made this the most talked-about story on radio and X (Twitter) today. It forces us to ask tough questions about how our institutions handle criticism and dissent.

Conclusion

Today's data paints a picture of an economy that is finding its footing, even as administrative and legal dramas unfold. The drop in inflation to 6.3% is the strongest indicator yet that price stability is returning, which pairs well with the robust performance of the stock market and CalBank’s success. However, the looming NSS deadline and the upcoming SIM registration remind us that compliance and bureaucracy remain major parts of daily life in Ghana. As we head toward the weekend, keep an eye on how the markets react to the CalBank listing and whether the NSS extends their strict Friday deadline.

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