Labour Rejects Tariff Hikes and Government to Deploy 60,000 Security Cameras

Today’s Cedi Board shows a all major foreign currencies jumping by over 5% compared to late October. While our wallets begin to feel that pressure, the news cycle is heating up with Organized Labour fighting new utility tariffs that threaten to erase recent wage gains. We also see major updates on national security infrastructure and a return to peace in the Savannah Region. Let's analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's economic landscape.

Market Movers

The numbers on today’s Cedi Board paint a dim picture for the local currency. The Dollar is trading at roughly 11.42 cedis, the Euro at 13.27 cedis, and the British Pound has crossed the 15 cedis mark to hit 15.21 cedis. What is most striking is the rate of change. Since October 28, 2025, all three major currencies have appreciated by over 5.2%.

Key Headlines

Organized Labour calls for suspension of water and electricity tariff hikes

A major showdown is brewing between workers and the government. Organized Labour is calling for an immediate suspension of the newly announced water and electricity tariff hikes. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recently approved a nearly 10% increase for electricity and roughly 16% for water, scheduled to start in 2026. However, workers argue this timing is terrible.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) points out that these hikes will effectively swallow the 9% wage increase recently negotiated for public sector workers. The math is simple but painful. If the cost of utilities goes up more than salaries do, people are technically poorer than before. Labour leaders feel sidelined because they were not consulted, and they are threatening nationwide protests if the government does not return to the negotiation table.

President announces 60,000 surveillance cameras to be deployed nationwide On the security front, President John Dramani Mahama has announced a massive deployment of 60,000 surveillance cameras nationwide. This initiative aims to modernize how Ghana handles national security by using advanced analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The government believes these tools are necessary to support a 24-hour economy and tackle modern threats like cybercrime.

This project, which includes new 4G and 5G communication sites, represents a significant shift toward digital policing. While this promises safer streets and better law enforcement capabilities, it is also a massive government expenditure focused on technology infrastructure. For citizens, the hope is that this investment translates into a tangible reduction in crime rather than just more hardware on the streets.

Interior Minister lifts curfew on Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba townships

. The Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, has officially lifted the curfews on the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba townships. These restrictions had been in place for months following violent land disputes that displaced thousands.

The decision comes after security councils confirmed that peace has returned to the area. For the local economy, this is a breath of fresh air. Normal trading hours can resume, and freedom of movement allows transport and commerce to flow freely again without the fear of breaking the law or encountering security roadblocks. This stability is crucial for reconnecting supply chains in the north.

Investor’s Insight: Harmattan Essentials

As the dry winds kick in, smart investors and petty traders should look closely at the "Harmattan Essentials" market. The weather patterns are shifting, bringing the dry and dusty conditions we know well. This creates an immediate and high demand for specific wellness products.

Shea butter, petroleum jelly, and moisturizing lotions are no longer optional items; they become daily necessities to prevent dry skin. We also see a surge in demand for lip balms and saline nasal sprays. Health-conscious buyers are even stocking up on disposable face masks to filter out the dust. If you are looking for a side hustle or quick inventory turnover, stocking these low-cost items is a move that will likely yield quick returns. The demand is seasonal but guaranteed.

Trending Topic: #ECOWAS

The hashtag #ECOWAS is dominating social media conversations in Ghana today. This buzz stems from the regional bloc's rapid decision to send a standby force to Benin following a thwarted coup attempt there. Ghana is set to contribute troops to this mission, a move that has sparked intense debate online.

Many Ghanaians are questioning the wisdom of sending our soldiers into a volatile situation to protect a foreign government that faces its own domestic criticism. Critics argue that ECOWAS seems quick to intervene militarily to protect leaders but slow to address the economic hardships or democratic lapses that often trigger these coups. With tensions high in the region and neighboring countries like Burkina Faso involved in related airspace disputes, the public is worried about Ghana getting dragged into a wider conflict. This trend highlights a growing frustration with regional politics and a desire for the government to prioritize domestic stability over foreign interventions.

Conclusion

Today's report highlights a mix of financial pressure and strategic developments. The significant drop in the Cedi's value combined with looming utility tariff hikes suggests that household budgets will face a serious squeeze in the coming months. However, the lifting of curfews offers a pocket of economic relief in the north, and the Harmattan season presents tangible opportunities for agile traders. As the government invests in high-tech security, the immediate focus for most citizens will likely remain on navigating the rising cost of living.

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