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BoG signals possible policy easing as inflation falls faster than expected

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Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of BoG

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has indicated that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may consider a gradual reduction in the policy rate as inflation continues to decline faster than the Bank projected.

He made the remarks in his opening address at the 127th MPC meeting.  Dr. Johnson Asiama said inflation has dropped to 8.0 percent, now within the Central Bank’s target band, while core inflation stands between 5 and 7 percent, with expectations firmly anchored.

He noted that the pace of disinflation has pushed real interest rates sharply higher, creating room for a carefully calibrated easing cycle, one of the main issues the Committee is expected to examine.

According to the Governor, the Committee’s initial conditions are the strongest in several years. The exchange rate has remained stable throughout 2025, supported by improved confidence and reforms in foreign exchange operations.

Ghana’s gross reserves have risen to US$11.41 billion, equivalent to 4.8 months of import cover, and are projected to reach five months by year-end.

He added that the real sector has shown broad improvement, with GDP growing 6.3 percent in the first half of the year and non-oil GDP rising 7.8 percent.

High-frequency indicators also point to stronger economic activity and improved sentiment among households and businesses.

Despite these gains, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana said the MPC’s rate decision must be made carefully to preserve credibility.

“As inflation declines faster than projected, real interest rates have risen sharply. Staff analysis shows scope for gradual easing, but the balance must preserve credibility and avoid undermining the disinflation gains,” he said.

Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama listed three key areas for the MPC’s assessment: the pace of disinflation and the appropriate real interest rate path, the performance of the FX market and reserve diversification strategy and emerging risks in the financial sector, including asset-quality concerns and recapitalisation needs in a few institutions.

Dr. Johnson Asiama said Ghana may be entering a sustained period of price stability, with inflation expected to settle between 4 and 6 percent by the end of the year and remain within target through 2026.

Money supply growth has moderated and credit conditions are beginning to ease, adding to the case for a future policy adjustment.

The Governor emphasised that the MPC’s task is to support the ongoing recovery while safeguarding stability.

“Our decisions today must reinforce confidence, signal predictability and keep the economy on its path toward higher and job-rich growth,” he said.

 

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Jospong Group sponsors Journalists to COP30 in Brazil

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Jospong Group officials and the sponsored journalists in a group photograph

In its ongoing effort to boost Ghanaian journalists’ climate change reporting capabilities, the Jospong Group provided twenty journalists with the opportunity to participate in the 30th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP30).

The global climate talks took place in Belém, Brasil, from November 10 to 21, 2025 with the central theme: “Delivering on the Paris Promise”, focusing on speeding up climate action and turning commitments into concrete results.

While in Belém, the 20 journalists, selected from various media outlets, covered Jospong Group’s activities, a Ghana Day event and gained valuable insights into key areas including Adaptation, Cities, Infrastructure, Water, Waste, Local Governance, Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Tourism, followed by sessions on Health, Sustainable Jobs, Education, Culture, Justice, Human Rights and Information Integrity.

The journalists also explored Systems Transformation across Energy, Industry, Transport, Trade, Financeand Carbon Markets and delved into Forests, Oceans and Biodiversity, which Indigenous Peoples and local communities were central.

Additionally, they addressed Agriculture, Food Systems, Food Security and the crucial role of Women and Gender Groups in climate action.

This marks the third time Jospong Group has sponsored Ghanaian journalists numbering in total about 100 to attend the global summit, following from COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Baku.

The General Manager of the Jospong Green Transition Office, Ing. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah (PhD) stressed the critical nature of this media collaboration, highlighting the influential role journalists play in shaping public understanding.

“Journalists need to understand climate change and its impacts to effectively share this knowledge with the public,” he stated.

He further stressed that as the reality of climate change becomes more apparent, the media’s voice is indispensable in the global conversation. Such conferences, he added, equip media practitioners with the knowledge needed to better educate the populace.

The beneficiary journalists lauded the Jospong Group for its consistent backing of best media practice in Ghana especially in the area of climate change, climate resilience and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG).

A senior journalist at the Daily Graphic, Timothy Ngnenbe, described the sponsorship the JGC gave to journalists to cover COP30 as a step in the right direction.

The environment and climate change journalist said the participation of journalists at the COP was a golden opportunity for them to gain practical experience in the field to enhance their reportage.

“Scientists and experts use jargons and technical language that make it difficult for the ordinary person to understand.

“Journalists who get opportunity to participate in COP activities will be able to understand these technicalities and break down the complex concepts to the understanding of the masses,” he said.

He underscored the need for the government to design a special programme to support more journalists to participate in future COPs.

A News Editor at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Television, Alex Adi, expressed gratitude, saying “As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for Jospong’s sponsorship to COP29 and COP30. This opportunity has given me valuable insights into climate change’s global impact and world leaders’ efforts to mobilize resources for mitigation and adaptation.”

According to him, climate financing is the lifeblood of climate action, while commending Jospong Group’s commitment to mitigating climate change through waste management and green transition collaborations is inspiring.

“Their efforts show that with determination and collaboration, we can drive change,” he stressed.

The Editor of Business Week, Kofi Ahovi, said, “The opportunity granted by Jospong Group to journalists to attend COP29 and 30 has indeed been a game-changer for many journalists, including myself.”

He said the experience has ignited a stronger passion for climate-related topics and motivated him to pursue additional studies in the area.

“My experience is a testament to the impact that such opportunities can have on individuals and the country as a whole. By empowering journalists with knowledge and exposure to global climate discussions, Jospong is contributing to a more informed and engaged community,” he noted.

For his part, the Assignment Editor and Producer at Metro TV, Derick Adottey, praised the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph SiawAgyepong, for equipping journalists with knowledge on climate change.

“That he is not only equipping his staff members but also journalists in the country to understand the climate space, we must commend him for that,” he expressed.

Mr.Adottey emphasised the importance of journalists understanding climate change issues, stating, “Because when journalists understand the issues of climate change at the global level, they are able to better appreciate and inculcate that understanding in their stories. Which will also equip the public so that there is a concerted effort to tackle climate change.”

He further urged businesses to emulate Jospong Group’s initiative, saying, “This is a laudable initiative and I urge all businesses in the space to emulate same.”

He expressed his personal gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Personally, I’ve gained so much experience and understanding by attending this conference and I thank Jospong Group for the opportunity.”

The Jospong Group’s initiative to sponsor Ghanaian journalists for COP30 has proven to be a significant investment in strengthening climate journalism.

By providing direct access to global climate negotiations and a wide array of critical topics, the programme has successfully equipped media professionals with the essential knowledge and context needed for accurate and impactful reporting.

 

This third initiative underscores a sustained commitment to fostering an informed public dialogue on climate change in Ghana.

The overwhelming appreciation from the journalists and the call for other businesses to follow this example highlight the programme’s vital role in building a collaborative effort between industry and media to address the pressing global climate crisis.

 

Mahama Commissions state-of-the-art smart electronic classroom block for GHANASCO

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The President commissioning the school block

Government’s renewed focus on digital transformation in education got a major push with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art smart electronic classroom block at the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale, at the weekend.

GHANASCO Smart Classroom Block

The facility, a two-storey digital learning block, powered by the Katon360 ecosystem, houses 10 smart classrooms, a technical room, lecture hall, charging room, repairs room and other auxiliary spaces.

It is designed to transform teaching and learning and drive digital education transformation.

Every classroom has a smart screen, each student receives a tablet, charging cabinets are installed and everything is solar powered.

The facility is fully air-conditioned and connected to the internet, providing a comprehensive environment that prepares students to compete globally.

The smart block is fully equipped with modern digital tools and runs on solar power to provide uninterrupted electricity for teaching and learning.

Students having a feel of the Katon360 facility

As part of the initiative, every student receives a tablet preloaded with academic materials designed to last for three years to support continuous digital learning.

The Katon360 facility at GHANASCO is the second in the country and the first in northern Ghana, and it is expected to expand nationwide to give more students access to a modern, technology-enhanced learning environment and enable schools to adopt interactive, technology-driven teaching methods.

Commissioning the facility on Saturday during GHANASCO’s 65th anniversary celebration, President John Dramani Mahama described it as a preview of Ghana’s educational future.

He noted that the country’s education sector is undergoing a crucial reset anchored on innovation, technology and future-ready instruction.

He further emphasised that as the national curriculum undergoes review, a central priority is strengthening digital education to ensure every learner acquires essential technological skills.

“This is already taking shape as GHANASCO benefits from a modern smart classroom, an early indication of the broader digital transformation intended to be rolled out nationwide,” he stated.

The President also urged students to use the tablets responsibly and avoid accessing inappropriate online content that may distract from their studies.

Lawrence Hornovo, Ghana Smart School project Lead

Mr. Lawrence Hornovo, Ghana Smart School Project Lead for KATON360, described the project as “a school of the future” and a major step in digitalising Ghana’s education system.

“This is a full 21st-century learning experience,” he said.

Addressing concerns by some parents about potential access to unauthorised online content, Mr.Hornovo assured that every device has a tracker and all unauthorised sites, including social media are restricted, emphasising that the system is designed purely for academic work.

He added that Katon360 has established a nationwide maintenance framework to keep devices functional.

“We have technicians assigned to every district and issues can be reported through our digital support platform,” he noted, adding that “each tablet comes with a one-year warranty for factory defects.

“User-caused damage such as broken screens must be paid for, but our technicians still handle all repairs onsite.”

Teachers and students at GHANASCO have attested that the platform is already transforming their work and transformed their academic experience, and thanked the President and the government for the opportunity.

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies, aged 81

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Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, one of the most prominent and beloved proponents of reggae music, has died at the age of 81.

A star since the 1960s, he helped to bring the sound of Jamaica to a global audience through hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

His lead role as a gun-toting rebel in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come is a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, and was attributed as the movie that brought reggae to America.

Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death via a statement on Instagram.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”

Her message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Born James Chambers in 1948, Cliff grew up as the eighth of nine children in abject poverty in the parish of St. James, Jamaica.

Blessed with a sweet, mellifluous voice, he began singing at his local church at the age of six.

By the time he was 14, he’d moved to Kingston and adopted the surname Cliff to express the heights he intended on reaching.

He recorded several singles before topping the Jamaican charts with his own composition, Hurricane Hattie.

In 1965, he relocated to London to work with Island Records – later the home of Bob Marley – but the label’s attempts to make his sound palatable to rock audiences weren’t entirely successful at first.

He struck gold with the 1969 single Wonderful World, Beautiful People – an upbeat, feelgood anthem; and the more politically-charged Vietnam, which Bob Dylan called “the best protest song ever written”.

But Cliff became an international star with The Harder They Come, expressly written for the movie of the same name, in which he played Ivan Martin, a young man trying to break into Jamaica’s corrupt music industry.

“The film opened the door for Jamaica,” Cliff recalled. “It said, ‘This is where this music comes from.'”

His other recordings included the Grammy Award-winning albums Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012); and Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Source: BBC

Davido announces sixth studio album at 33rd birthday party

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Davido

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido turned 33 on November 21, 2025, and marked the milestone with a warm, intimate celebration in Atlanta, announcing his sixth studio album.

The birthday gathering brought together his family, including his father, Adedeji Adeleke; his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; his wife, Chioma Rowland Adeleke; and manager Asa Asika, along with key members of his 30BG crew.

In a heartfelt video shared during the party, Davido reflected on his journey from dropping his first song at 17 to becoming a global Afrobeats icon.

“I dropped my first song when I was 17, and now I’m 33. This year is one of my best years ever; I got married to the most beautiful woman and we had our babies,” he said, referencing his wedding to Chioma and the birth of their twins.

The moment offered fans a glimpse into both his personal and professional growth, highlighting how far the singer has come in a little over a decade in the industry.

His fifth studio album, ‘5ive,’ released on April 18, 2025, featured hit tracks that dominated streaming platforms and radio charts across Africa and beyond. Now, with the announcement of his sixth studio album, fans have even more reason to celebrate.

Davido’s impact on Afrobeats is undeniable. Since his breakthrough hit ‘Dami Duro’ in 2011, he has become a household name, blending infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics that resonate globally.

Reggie Rockstone reveals real cause of Rockz Waakye’s fire incident

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Reggie Rockstone

Hiplife pioneer cum entrepreneur, Reggie Rockstone has disclosed the circumstances surrounding the recent fire outbreak at one of his establishments, dismissing circulating rumours and attributing the incident to a simple yet dangerous oversight.

In an interview on Joy Prime, Reggie explained that the fire was triggered when a member of staff who had been frying plantain fell asleep, leaving the food unattended on the stove.

Reggie addressed the widespread speculation, saying: “There were all kinds of rumours about how my place caught fire and what happened. It was human error. Someone was frying plantain and went to sleep. She left it on the fire and slept off. Human error can happen to anybody.”

According to him, disaster was narrowly avoided thanks to the quick action of a young girl present at the scene, who managed to contain the situation before it escalated into something far worse.

He recounted: “It’s a young sister who saved the situation. We would have been arranging a funeral. It started from my kitchen. We have a main place we cook from in Achimota. It wasn’t even on a busy day.”

Reggie, visibly shaken as he narrated the incident, described it as one of the most distressing experiences of his life. He recalled receiving the call while enjoying a quiet Sunday at home.

He added: “It has to be one of the most traumatic things I’ve experienced. It happened on a calm Sunday when my wife and I were home. My phone rang, and they told me the place was on fire.”

He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and emphasised the importance of vigilance, especially in kitchens, where a moment’s lapse can lead to tragedy.

Famous Actor ‘Akpatse’ dead

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William Addo aka ‘Akpatse’

Celebrated Ghanaian actor William Addo, known popularly as Akpatse, has passed on.

According to reports, he passed on November 22, 2025, after battling a serious illness.

William Addo became a household name through his unforgettable performances on GTV’s Thursday Theatre and numerous other productions.

His unique style and comic brilliance captivated audiences across the country.

William Addo was a graduate of the University of Ghana School of Theatre Studies, but also earned a master’s degree in acting and directing from the University of Leeds, UK.

He was one of the leading faces in Theatre until his demise.

Daughter of South Africa’s ex-president accuses sister of Russia recruitment plot

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The USS Gravely warship enters the port of Trinidad and Tobago

One of the daughters of Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former president, has filed a criminal complaint against her sister, accusing her of recruiting men from South Africa to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube alleged that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who serves as an MP, and two others tricked 17 men into fighting for Russian mercenaries.

The men were told they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma’s political party Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK), Zuma-Mncube’s statement says.

The police say they are investigating the matter, while Zuma-Sambudla, aged 43, has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment.

South Africa’s government previously said it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who had joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The men, aged from 20 to 39, were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said.

South Africa has an unemployment rate of more than 30%. Joblessness among young people is even higher, making them especially vulnerable for recruitment, analysts say.

Zuma-Mncube said she had a “moral obligation” to file a police complaint against her younger sister.

Earlier this week, international financial outlet Bloomberg reported similar allegations against Zuma-Sambudla and said some men had also been recruited from neighbouring Botswana.

The allegations add to Zuma-Sambudla’s legal woes – she is currently on trial over terrorism-related charges.

The MP is being prosecuted over comments she made on social media four years ago during deadly protests in South Africa, following the arrest of her father.

Credit: bbc.com

Australia Senator condemned for burka stunt in parliament

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Australian Senator Pauline Hanson

An Australian senator has provoked anger for wearing a burka in parliament, after pushing for a ban on the Muslim garment.

Pauline Hanson was condemned by fellow senators, with one accusing her of “blatant racism”. Proceedings in the senate were halted as she refused to remove the item.

The Queensland senator, of the anti-immigration One Nation party, was seeking to introduce a bill that would ban full face coverings in public – a policy she has long campaigned for.

It is the second time she has worn the garment – which covers the face and body – in parliament, and said her actions were in protest at the senate rejecting her bill.

Shortly after other lawmakers blocked her from introducing the bill on Monday, she returned wearing a black burka.

“This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism,” said Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim Greens senator from New South Wales.

Fatima Payman, an independent senator from the state of Western Australia, called the stunt “disgraceful”.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who serves as leader of the government in the senate, condemned it as “disrespectful”.

“We represent in our states, people of every faith, of every faith of all backgrounds. And we should do so decently,” she said.

She added Hanson was “not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate” and moved a motion to suspend Hanson for failing to remove the garment.

Credit: bbc.com

Sudan army chief rejects the Quad’s truce proposal, citing UAE role

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Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected the truce proposa

The head of the Sudanese Armed Forces has rejected a ceasefire plan presented by the “Quad”, alleging that the United Arab Emirates’ involvement in the Quad is biased and that the proposal aims to eliminate the army.

 

The UAE has long rejected accusations that it is arming and funding the RSF. In March, it slammed a Sudanese move to file a case against it in the International Court of Justice, calling the charges a “cynical publicity stunt”.

 

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told senior officials in an address released by his office late on Sunday that the proposal put forward this month by the Quad – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US – “effectively eliminates the existence of the armed forces and … the dissolution of all security agencies” while it “maintains the rebellious militia in its positions”.

 

In a response on Monday, the UAE’s minister of state for international cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy accused al-Burhan of “consistently obstructive behaviour”.

“Once more, General Burhan refuses peace overtures. In his rejection of the US Peace Plan for Sudan, and his repeated refusal to accept a ceasefire, he demonstrates consistently obstructive behaviour,” Al Hashimy said.

 

“This must be called out,” she said. Al-Burhan’s response raises fears that the bitter civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – which has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 14 million or more and sparked a humanitarian crisis – is set to continue.

 

Credit: aljazeera.com

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