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World

IMF To Establish New RCDC In Rome

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to establish a new regional capacity development center (RCDC) in Rome, Italy, aimed at strengthening economic institutions and policymaking across Southeast Europe. Im a statement released on March 23,2026, The Fund explained that the new Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) will serve Western Balkan countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia ,as well as Moldova, all of which are pursuing European Union membership. The center is expected to begin operations by January 2027. Speaking to this, the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva explained the center will help address the significant capacity development needs of member countries in the region, supporting macroeconomic stability, resilience, growth, and progress toward EU accession. “I am very pleased to announce creation of SEETAC, which will help meet the substantial capacity development needs of IMF member countries in Southeast Europe, boosting macroeconomic stability and resilience, growth prospects, and progress towards EU accession,” she stated SEETAC will join a network of 17 IMF RCDCs currently operating worldwide, delivering tailored technical assistance in key areas including fiscal policy, monetary and financial sector policies, macroeconomic frameworks and forecasting, statistics, and legal matters. It will also complement training already being provided to the region by the IMF’s Joint Vienna Institute (JVI).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Economy

Ghana’s Economy Shows Strong Recovery As Key Indicators Improve — Bank of Ghana

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The Bank of Ghana has released its Summary of Macroeconomic and Financial Data, revealing a significant decline in inflation and improved conditions across key economic indicators as of February 2026. In the report, the Central Bank highlighted that year-on-year inflation for all consumer prices dropped to 3.3 percent in February 2026, a significant decline from the previous 23.1 percent recorded in February 2025, with food inflation also easing to 2.4 percent and non-food inflation settling at 4.0 percent. The Bank further noted that the Monetary Policy Rate has been held at 15.5  percent as of February 2026, down from 27.00 percent in February 2025,with  the Interbank Weighted Average Rate also declining to 12.58 percent. On the external sector, the report indicated that Ghana’s Gross International Reserves stood at USD 14.47 billion as of February 2026, representing an import cover of 5.8 months, with Net International Reserves also recording USD 11.49 billion. On the trade balance, the Bank indicated that Ghana recorded a Trade Balance of USD 3,689.7 million, representing 3.0 percent of GDP as of February 2026, signaling that the country is exporting more than it is importing, a positive development for the cedi and the broader economy. On GDP, the report showed that Ghana’s overall GDP growth including oil stood at 5.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, with non-oil GDP also recording 7.1 percent growth, driven largely by the Services sector which grew at 8.6 percent, Agriculture at 5.3 percent and Industry recording 1.9 percent growth. On the banking sector, the report showed that total assets of banks grew to GHS 446.9 billion whiles the Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 17.4 percent, reflecting a stable and well-capitalised banking sector. The report also showed that Mobile Money registered accounts reached 81.8 million as of February 2026, with the value of transactions recording GHS 447.4 billion. The data comes at a time when Ghana though currently implementing an IMF supported programme is also preparing to exit as well. Experts say the strong reserve position, improving GDP growth and a positive trade balance not only signals growing investor confidence but also improved macroeconomic stability under the Mahama led administration.

Transportation

DVLA, Police To Clampdown On 2025 DV Plate And Expired DP Sticker Users From March 24

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The Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, has announced a clampdown on users of 2025 DV plates and expired DP stickers effective Tuesday, March 24, 2026. In a statement released , the Authority explained that the clampdown follows the release of 2026 DV plates in February 2026, which automatically rendered the continuous use of 2025 DV plates and expired DP stickers illegal. The DVLA highlighted that although challenges in preparing for the rollout of new vehicle license plates last year necessitated the extended use of 2025 DV plates and DP stickers, the issues have since been resolved, with 2026 DV plates now being issued to motor traders, fleet owners and licensed trade plate dealers who had applied, rendering the continuous use of 2025 DV plates illegal.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The Authority called on all vehicle owners currently using 2025 DV plates or expired DP stickers to comply with Road Traffic laws whiles warning of legal consequences for defaulters.

World

IMF Approves Final Review of Mali’s Staff Monitored Program

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Management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the second and final review of Mali’s Staff Monitored Program (SMP), describing the program implementation as robust. In a statement released on March 18, 2026, the IMF explained that the SMP, which was approved in March 2025, aims to ensure fiscal sustainability, strengthen governance and public financial management, and protect the most vulnerable. The Fund highlighted that all quantitative and indicative targets under the second review, including priority social spending, net tax revenues, domestic and external arrears, and the primary fiscal deficit, were observed, with overperformance recorded in some instances. The IMF also noted that all structural benchmarks were met, including the digitalization of tax receipts, interconnectivity of tax administration and the development of an action plan related to the census of public accounts. The Fund however cautioned that whiles fiscal policy remains appropriate, careful management of potential windfalls is needed amid high gold prices, warning that elevated borrowing costs and large development and security needs continue to limit fiscal space. The IMF further noted that Mali’s economy is rebounding from setbacks experienced in late 2025, following easing security tensions and a recovery in gold production, with inflation remaining below 3 percent. The Fund called on Malian authorities to remain committed to prudent fiscal management whiles it commended them for their strong performance under the program.

News

Women Must Position Themselves to Lead in the Digital Economy — Margaret Ansei

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Margaret Ansei, has encouraged women to position themselves strategically to capitalise on opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy. She made the call during this year’s Females in Tech (FEMITECH) Conference organized by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) in Accra. According to Ms Ansei, the global digital economy continues to expand, creating numerous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment, particularly for women and young people. She further indicated that women must deliberately build the skills, confidence and networks required to compete and thrive in technology-driven industries. “The digital economy is transforming how businesses operate and how economies grow. Women must position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that come with this transformation, ” she said. Ms. Ansei noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Ghana’s economy, are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to improve productivity, expand market reach, and create jobs. She explained that supporting women-led businesses with digital skills and access to technology can significantly enhance economic growth and innovation. According to her, at the Ghana Enterprises Agency, several initiatives have been introduced to support entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to scale their businesses through training, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector and development partners in building a strong and inclusive digital ecosystem. Ms Ansei was optimistic that empowering women in technology is essential for building resilient economies and ensuring sustainable development. The event brought together several distinguished speakers, including: Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City University College; Mrs. Etta Mosore, Deputy Director General, Managerial Operations – National Communications Authority (NCA); Jada Badu, CEO, Uber Ghana; and Winifred Kotin, Eagle Innovations, among others. This year’s FEMITECH Conference, marking its fourth edition, was simultaneously held in Bolgatanga, Upper West Region; Nkwanta South, Oti Region, and Sunyani, Bono Region SOURCE:Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence

News

Ghana Shippers’ Authority Rebuts False ICT Procurement Claims

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The Management of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has rebutted claims published by online portal Ghana Today, describing the reports surrounding the procurement of ICT equipment as malicious and false. In a statement issued by Management, the Authority explained that the procurement was informed by a needs-assessment for the effective functioning of the Authority, with all equipment pre-established as necessary for day-to-day operational efficiency. The GSA further stated that the procurement process was conducted in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Act 663 (2003) as amended, with the option of Restricted Tendering utilised, culminating in approval by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for a ceiling of GHS 2,307,340.00. The Authority however noted that upon further negotiations with the supplier, it paid GHS 1,438,160.32, making savings against the approved ceiling. The GSA also highlighted that prior to the PPA approval process, the Ministry of Finance issued a Commitment Authorization for the procurement to be initiated, in accordance with section 24A (1) of the Public Procurement Act. The Authority also added that ,of the five firms that qualified to bid, Urban Tech Solutions Limited was selected based on technical capacity, proven track record and competitive pricing, with the entire process published on the Ghana Electronic Procurement Platform (GHANEPS). The Authority then called on the public to ignore what it described as mischief, whiles assuring all stakeholders of its continued commitment to the prudent use of state resources.

Agriculture

Government to Engage with Burkina Faso Government Over Ban on Export Of Tomatoes

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The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness and other relevant stakeholders has announced plans to engage with the Burkina Faso Government over its decision to ban the export of fresh tomatoes. In a statement released on March 20,2026 the government explained that the meeting will not only center around addressing concerns surrounding the ban but will also seek to chart a mutually beneficial ways forward for both countries. The government also highlighted that it is also collaborating with stakeholders to boost the demand on the market by increasing local output through the “Feed Ghana” and “Feed the Industry” programmes. The government then called calling on tomato traders to remain calm whiles it finds an amicable solution to the production. This statement by government comes after a directive by the Burkina Faso Government placing a ban on the export of fresh tomatoes.

Economy

Finance Ministry Signals Tough Measures for Underperforming State Enterprises

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The Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has warned State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), to improve performance or risk dissolution. Speaking at a meeting with core stakeholders of State-Owned Enterprises and Specified Entities under the theme, “Leveraging Public Assets For Shared Prosperity”, Mr. Ampem explained that the government will no longer tolerate loss-making SOEs under its renewed push for efficiency and accountability in the Public Sector. Adding that the government on its part has stabilized the economy and created favorable conditions and now the onus lies on SOEs to perform. Making reference to President Mahama’s commitment earlier,The Deputy Minister added that underperforming enterprises will either be reformed, merged, privatised, or shut down. He noted the micro economic gains made provide a stable foundation for SOEs to transition from being fiscal burdens to contributors to national revenue. He further emphasized that the government is no longer willing to pour vast sums into state-owned enterprises, only to watch inefficiencies persist ,citing the $1.47 billion spent propping up the energy sector as a case in point, even as the Electricity Company of Ghana continues to hemorrhage 40 percent of its power through operational failures.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Mr. Ampem further emphasized the need for strict adherence to reporting and governance requirements under the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), warning that entities that fail to comply will face sanctions. Boards and management, he added, will be held accountable for failures in oversight and execution. The Deputy Minister concluded by urging SOEs to operate with discipline, efficiency, and transparency, stressing that public enterprises must deliver value to the Ghanaian people or risk being dissolved.

News

EPA, Tema Oil Refinery, Ministry of Energy Lead in Public Financial Management Compliance

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Several major state institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency , Tema Oil Refinery and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions, have been ranked among the highly compliant in the latest Public Financial Management (PFM) Compliance League Table. In total,seven public institutions were commended for their strict adherence to financial management rules and procedures. In a statement issued on March 19, 2026, the Ministry of Finance Ghana explained that the PFM Compliance League Table is a performance benchmarking tool designed to assess how well public institutions manage and utilize public funds. The initiative aims to deepen transparency, strengthen accountability, and drive continuous improvement across the public sector. According to the Ministry, the league table also fulfills a key commitment made in the 2025 Budget Statement to publish an objective, evidence-based assessment of compliance with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the law governing the management of public finances in Ghana. Among the institutions cited are the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation , Ministry of Finance , Ghana AIDS Commission and the Petroleum Hub Development Commission. The Ministry of Finance says it will engage institutions with low compliance scores to identify gaps in their financial management systems, while also taking firm and decisive action against persistent non-compliance.

News

Ghana Revenue Authority, University of Ghana Among 18 Institutions Named Least Compliant in PFM League Table

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Several major state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority, University of Ghana, Ghana Commodity Exchange, and the National Communications Authority, have been ranked among the least compliant in the latest Public Financial Management (PFM) Compliance League Table. In total, nineteen public institutions were flagged for low adherence to financial management rules and procedures. In a statement issued on March 19, 2026, the Ministry of Finance Ghana explained that the PFM Compliance League Table is a performance benchmarking tool designed to assess how well public institutions manage and utilize public funds. The initiative aims to deepen transparency, strengthen accountability, and drive continuous improvement across the public sector. According to the Ministry, the league table also fulfills a key commitment made in the 2025 Budget Statement to publish an objective, evidence-based assessment of compliance with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the law governing the management of public finances in Ghana. Among the institutions cited are the Office of the Legal Aid Commission, Minerals Income Investment Fund, Venture Capital Trust Fund, National Peace Council, Financial Intelligence Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, National Media Commission, National Food Buffer Stock Company, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Ministry of Education Headquarters, Ghana Infrastructure Fund for Electronic Communications, Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organization, among others. The Ministry of Finance says it will engage institutions with low compliance scores to identify gaps in their financial management systems, while also taking firm and decisive action against persistent non-compliance.