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IMF Greenlights $367 M Disbursement to Ghana

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IMF Greenlights $367 M Disbursement to Ghana

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $367 million disbursement to Ghana, marking the completion of the fourth review under the country’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement from May 2023.

This tranche brings total disbursements to approximately $2.3 billion, supporting Ghana’s macroeconomic stabilisation efforts—an improved economic outlook, higher reserves, and a strengthened cedi.

Recent figures show Ghana’s GDP grew 5.3% year-on-year in Q1 2025, driven by agriculture and mining, outperforming the 4.9% from Q1 2024  . The IMF forecasts a current account surplus of 1.8% of GDP by year-end.

While public debt remains high, the IMF emphasises ongoing fiscal consolidation, primary balance surplus targets, and debt restructuring as key to sustainable finances  . The latest funds will also bolster infrastructure, social services, and give the BoG flexibility for monetary policy.

The IMF praised Ghana’s government for firm reform commitments following the December 2024 elections, contrasting past setbacks.

Cocoa Output in Ghana Faces Worrying Decline

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Cocoa Output in Ghana Faces Worrying Decline

A concerning forecast has emerged: West Africa, including Ghana, is anticipated to see a 10% drop in cocoa production during the 2025/26 season, due to climate variability, disease, ageing trees, and spillover impacts from gold smuggling and mining.

Ghana’s cocoa yield has nearly halved from over 1 million tonnes to potentially just 500,000 tonnes. Although regulators foresee a modest recovery to 600,000 tonnes, experts doubt this is feasible without aggressive interventions  . Cocoa farmers are grappling with flower mortality and pest infestations, especially in early summer.

The situation takes on national significance: Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer. A slump in output risks higher costs for local farmers, lower foreign exchange earnings, and threatens domestic processing plants. Global cocoa prices surged, prompting profit marginally despite lower harvests, but inflation in consumer markets could follow.

Stakeholders call for robust responses—government-backed programmes to renew old trees, disease-resilient seedlings, aggressive pest control funding, and vulnerable farmers’ economic support. Delay could undermine Ghana’s longstanding lead in the global cocoa industry.

Ghana Launches Ambitious Task Force to Tackle Gold Smuggling

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Ghana Launches Ambitious Task Force to Tackle Gold Smuggling

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a high-powered national task force—backed by the military, police, and customs agents—to combat rampant gold smuggling in Ghana. The move follows the creation of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in January 2025, designed to centralise gold trading while stamping out the illicit underworld of “galamsey”.

The initiative has recorded early wins: official gold exports reached 55.7 tonnes (US $5 billion) in the first five months of 2025—up significantly from previous years  . Now, as the task force begins operations, public tip-offs are incentivised with rewards amounting to 10% of the value of seized gold .

Among its key strategies, the task force will deploy body-worn cameras on officers to ensure transparency and discipline in enforcement actions—a lesson learned from past scandals  . Plans extend to a national traceability system for gold and transitioning toward refined exports by 2026. A certified ISO assay lab and a downstream processing hub are also in the roadmap to help Ghana capture more value from its gold assets .

Experts welcome the initiative, although caution that success hinges not only on regulation but sustained enforcement. Analysts note Ghana’s strategy differs from other West African nations—favoring measured policy reforms over aggressive nationalisation.

With global gold prices hovering 25% above last year’s levels and peaking near US $3,500/oz, this move sends a strong signal: Ghana is determined to reclaim lost revenue and protect its environment from illegal mining.

Hamburg Gears Up for August Praise 2025 with Prophet Daniel Jeddman

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Hamburg Gears Up for August Praise 2025 with Prophet Daniel Jeddman

A Night of Power, Praise & Prophetic Encounter Set for August 2nd in Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany – Anticipation is building as Prophet Daniel Jeddman prepares to host August Praise 2025, one of the most anticipated Christian events in the city. Slated for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, from 16:00 to 20:00 at Christhouse Charismatic Chapel e.V., this powerful gathering promises an evening of deep worship, prophetic release, and divine encounters.

Now a landmark event on Hamburg’s gospel calendar, August Praise has consistently drawn believers from across Germany and beyond, uniting them in one Spirit-filled atmosphere. This year’s edition is expected to raise the bar once again with a theme focused on igniting pure worship and deeper intimacy with God.

The evening will showcase an extraordinary lineup of gospel ministers, including Seth Boakye, Michael Owusu (Team Eternity Ghana), Queen Judith, Mama Ellen, Vicky Tawiah, Jojo Botchway, MacMoses Obianuju, Nana Pee, and special guests Heidi & Björn from the Netherlands. Worship will be led by the ever-anointed Serenity Worship Group, known for ushering congregations into God’s presence.

August Praise 2025 is powered by Jamm Studioz and hosted under the spiritual leadership of Bishop Collins Adu-Boahene (General Overseer) and Rev. Mrs. Gifty Adu-Boahene (Assistant Head), whose vision and covering continue to shape this gathering into a divine moment for the city and beyond.

Prophet Daniel Jeddman, also a gospel artist, author, and mentor, describes August Praise as “a divine mandate, not just an event. It’s a night for healing, direction, and fresh encounters with God.”

Admission is free, but early arrival is strongly encouraged due to expected high attendance. For all seeking a deeper touch from heaven, August Praise 2025 is a night not to miss.

Enjoy the current song of Daniel Jeddman;

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