Economist Calls for Manufacturing Focus as Ghana’s GDP Grows 5.3%

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Economist Calls for Manufacturing Focus as Ghana’s GDP Grows 5.3%

Ghana’s economy grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with economist Dr. Paul Appiah Konadu urging policymakers to prioritize the manufacturing sector after it posted 6.6% growth.

The Pentecost University scholar emphasized that manufacturing offers Ghana’s most viable path for job creation and inclusive economic expansion, contrasting it with the limited employment benefits of extractive industries like oil and mining.

“Manufacturing is the most labour-intensive sector and has the greatest potential for mass employment,” Dr. Appiah Konadu told The High Street Journal. He noted that while extractive industries contribute to GDP, “foreign nationals dominate high-value jobs while local employment opportunities remain limited.” The economist proposed redirecting oil revenues to industrial development, citing the need to process raw materials domestically rather than exporting them unrefined.

With raw gold, cocoa and oil constituting 84.1% of Ghana’s 2024 export earnings, Dr. Appiah Konadu stressed the economic imperative of local value addition. He pointed to Ghana’s monthly $450 million expenditure on refined oil imports as evidence of missed opportunities, while advocating for revived domestic refining capacity. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a critical opportunity, he said, allowing Ghana to access a 1.4 billion-consumer market for value-added goods.

The economist identified key challenges including high borrowing costs, with interest rates exceeding 25%, and infrastructure deficits in power and transportation that undermine industrial competitiveness. His recommendations come as Ghana’s currency stabilization and reduced import costs create favorable conditions for manufacturing expansion. Ghana’s economic trajectory reflects a broader continental pattern where industrialization has proven essential for sustainable, employment-intensive growth.

Emerging Economies Face Cybersecurity Crisis Amid Digital Boom

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Emerging Economies Face Cybersecurity Crisis Amid Digital Boom

Rapid digital adoption across Africa, Asia, and Latin America is exposing critical cybersecurity gaps that threaten to undermine economic progress.

While these regions have leapfrogged legacy systems to deploy cutting-edge fintech, e-governance, and mobile services, security infrastructure has failed to keep pace with expansion.

The very agility that enabled emerging markets to deploy digital services faster than developed nations has created systemic vulnerabilities. Many organizations lack basic cyber defenses, with small and medium enterprises particularly exposed to supply chain attacks. This security deficit persists despite available solutions like zero-trust architecture and cloud-native security tools that could provide affordable, scalable protection.

“Digital inclusion cannot come at the expense of cyber resilience,” warned a recent World Bank report, noting that 60% of African financial institutions experienced severe breaches in 2024. The problem stems from multiple factors: scarce cybersecurity talent, limited enforcement of data protection laws, and underinvestment in foundational security measures.

Innovative approaches are emerging to address these challenges. Ghana’s new Cybersecurity Authority has partnered with cloud providers to deliver enterprise-grade security to SMEs. India’s “security by design” mandate for government tech projects has reduced vulnerabilities in critical systems. Regional threat intelligence sharing networks in Southeast Asia have improved breach response times by 40%.

The stakes extend beyond individual breaches. As digital economies mature, cybersecurity weaknesses threaten foreign investment and global integration. Markets that implement robust security frameworks now – combining technology upgrades, workforce development, and regulatory reforms – will gain competitive advantage in the next phase of digital transformation.

Ghana Law Students Protest “Unconventional” Evidence Exam Questions

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Ghana Law Students Protest “Unconventional” Evidence Exam Questions

Part One students at the Ghana School of Law have expressed outrage over what they describe as an excessively difficult and unconventional Law of Evidence paper set by the Independent Examination Committee (IEC).

Over 1,400 students, including repeat candidates, wrote the exam on 13 June 2025, with many leaving the WAEC examination hall in Accra visibly distressed.

Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, as students claimed the questions deviated sharply from past exams. “I kept closing and checking the question paper to be sure it was Law of Evidence I was writing,” one student posted on X. Another lamented, “They should not call it Law of Evidence again—call it Civil Criminal ADR Evidence.” The exam required answering four out of six questions, but students argued that two were so complex they effectively made the paper compulsory.

This is not the first controversy surrounding the Law of Evidence paper, which historically records high failure rates. Last year, over 300 students reportedly failed the subject.

In response, Ghana School of Law Director Justice Barima Nana Yaw Kodie Oppong acknowledged the students’ frustrations in a statement, urging them to remain resilient. “We appreciate the anxiety this has caused… Challenges test not only your knowledge but also your determination,” he said.

The ongoing Professional Law Course exams, which began on 10 June, will conclude on 27 June 2025, with Part One, Part Two, and Post-Call students still facing multiple papers.

Stormzy Makes Acting Debut in ‘Big Man’ as Merky Films Launches

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Stormzy Makes Acting Debut in ‘Big Man’ as Merky Films Launches

British-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy steps into his first lead acting role in Big Man, a short film marking the debut of his production company, Merky Films.

The project, produced in partnership with Apple and directed by Oscar winner Aneil Karia, premieres on YouTube on 18 June 2025.

Stormzy stars as Tenzman, a former rap star navigating themes of identity, gratitude, and rediscovering youth. Shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro, Big Man signals the rapper’s expansion into filmmaking—a natural progression following his ventures into publishing (Merky Books) and football (Merky FC). “This is a space for powerful British stories and fresh art,” Stormzy said of Merky Films, which also plans to develop a drama series, biopic, documentaries, animation, and a mockumentary.

The launch arrives amid longstanding industry concerns over limited opportunities for Black British filmmakers. Through Merky Films, Stormzy aims to amplify underrepresented voices while inspiring audiences to “dream bigger and live louder.”

Ten Lawra SHS Students Drown in Dikpe River Tragedy

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Ten Lawra SHS Students Drown in Dikpe River Tragedy

Three students survived while seven others drowned when a boat carrying Lawra Senior High School students capsized in the Dikpe River on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025.

Eyewitnesses reported that ten students were attempting to cross the river when the accident occurred, with rescue teams recovering three bodies shortly after the incident.

Local divers and emergency responders continue searching for four missing students believed to have drowned. “This is devastating… only three of them survived. We’ve found three dead so far, and the search team is still looking for the remaining four,” an eyewitness stated in a social media post.

While authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident, the tragedy has raised urgent questions about student safety and transportation infrastructure in riverine communities. The incident echoes previous boat accidents in northern Ghana, where inadequate safety measures and poor vessel conditions have led to similar fatalities.

AfDB Urges African Nations to Boost Domestic Resource Mobilization

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AfDB Urges African Nations to Boost Domestic Resource Mobilization

The African Development Bank has called for urgent reforms to unlock domestic financing across the continent, revealing Africa requires $1.3 trillion annually to meet development targets but loses $88 billion yearly to illicit financial flows.

With tax revenues averaging just 16% of GDP – half the OECD benchmark – the Bank emphasized modernizing collection systems and tapping underutilized revenue streams like property taxes.

“Financial independence allows nations to prioritize their own development agendas,” stated the AfDB in its latest policy brief, highlighting how digital tools and pension fund redirection could fund critical infrastructure. The report notes that while solutions exist, success hinges on combating corruption and demonstrating tangible public benefits to build taxpayer trust.

The recommendations come as multiple African nations face debt distress, with 21 countries either in or at high risk of debt crisis. Experts suggest effective domestic resource mobilization could reduce reliance on volatile foreign financing while addressing Africa’s $100 billion annual infrastructure gap.

Government Pledges Mid-Year Budget Action for Nurses’ Demands

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Government Pledges Mid-Year Budget Action for Nurses’ Demands

Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor has committed to addressing nurses’ longstanding grievances in the upcoming mid-year budget review, following the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) 12-day strike.

Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints programme, the lawmaker guaranteed concrete government action within ten days, stating, “The Majority Leader wouldn’t make such assurances lightly.”

The pledge comes as GRNMA maintains its non-partisan stance, refuting claims of political motives behind its industrial action. In an official statement, the association emphasized its singular focus on member welfare while condemning attempts to politicize their advocacy for improved conditions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Health sector analysts note this development marks a critical test for government’s labor relations strategy, particularly after multiple healthcare strikes in 2025 exposed systemic tensions in Ghana’s public health system. The mid-year budget review, expected by month-end, will reveal whether promised interventions match the scale of nurses’ demands regarding compensation and working conditions.

Ghana Launches Nationwide Child Immunization Survey

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Ghana Launches Nationwide Child Immunization Survey

The Ghana Health Service will conduct a comprehensive immunization assessment from June 16-30, 2025, evaluating vaccine coverage for 1.3 million children under five across all regions.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) survey aims to verify vaccination records, identify underserved populations, and improve disease prevention strategies.

EPI Program Manager Dr. Selorm Kutsoati emphasized the survey’s role in strengthening Ghana’s immunization systems, with 160 trained data collectors visiting households under supervision from health officials and international partners including WHO and UNICEF. “This evidence-based approach will help us close immunization gaps and protect more children,” Kutsoati stated.

The exercise specifically examines whether children received routine vaccines like polio, measles, and DPT during scheduled Child Welfare Clinic visits. Health authorities urge full public cooperation, noting the findings will guide national health policy and resource allocation.

Ghana’s immunization coverage currently stands at 77% for basic vaccines, with regional disparities requiring targeted interventions. The survey follows recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in neighboring countries, underscoring the need for accurate immunization data.

Security Forces Arrest 30 Foreign Nationals in Banda Anti-Galamsey Operation

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Security Forces Arrest 30 Foreign Nationals in Banda Anti-Galamsey Operation

A coordinated security operation in Ghana’s Bono Region has resulted in the arrest of 30 foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.

The week-long crackdown targeted multiple galamsey sites near Bui Lake, including Banda Wewa, Tainano, and Surgbo, where miners had been exploiting land and water resources.

Banda District Chief Executive Peter Dongi confirmed the arrests to Asaase News, noting that all suspects have been handed to immigration authorities for deportation. Security personnel destroyed mining equipment during the raids, including chanfang machines used for processing ore. “We’re removing both the operators and their tools to prevent immediate resumption of these destructive activities,” Dongi stated.

The operation reflects heightened government efforts to combat environmental degradation from illegal mining. President Mahama’s administration has prioritized the anti-galamsey campaign, with support from local MPs and traditional leaders. Environmental experts warn that unchecked mining in the Bui Dam catchment area could compromise water quality and hydroelectric generation.

Communications Minister Inspects Girls in ICT Programme in Ketu North

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Communications Minister Inspects Girls in ICT Programme in Ketu North

Communications Minister Sam George visited the Amissah-Arthur Learning Centre in Ohawu during his working tour of the Volta Region to evaluate the progress of the Girls in ICT training initiative.

The programme has engaged over 60 young women from Ketu North in digital skills development, with participants demonstrating basic software applications they created during the training.

George reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital inclusion, praising former President John Mahama as an “ICT Champion” for his foundational work in expanding technology education. The Ketu North MP called for additional resources to sustain computer literacy efforts in the constituency, noting the trainees’ innovative potential when provided with proper tools and training opportunities.

The Minister acknowledged the support of Volta Regional Minister James Gunu and GIFEC officials in implementing the programme, which aligns with national efforts to bridge the digital gender gap. The initiative forms part of broader strategies to prepare Ghanaian youth, particularly young women, for participation in the digital economy.

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