UK seeks ‘sophisticated’ partnership with China on growth, security
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Thursday, January 29, signalled a shift in UK–China relations, expressing his desire to build what he described as a “sophisticated relationship” with Beijing to support economic growth and strengthen global security. The comments came during the most significant day of Starmer’s four-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, marked by an 80-minute summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, followed by a working lunch. Starmer is also scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang. Starmer, whose centre-left Labour government has faced pressure to deliver on its economic growth agenda, has prioritised improving ties with the world’s second-largest economy, despite persistent concerns over espionage and human rights. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer told President Xi at the start of their meeting. President Xi said relations between the two countries had experienced “twists and turns” that served neither side’s interests, adding that China was ready to pursue a long-term strategic partnership with Britain. “We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history,” Xi said, flanked by senior Chinese officials. Starmer’s engagement with Beijing comes amid renewed diplomatic activity between China and Western nations, as governments seek to hedge against uncertainty in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump’s intermittent threats of trade tariffs and remarks about asserting control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, have unsettled long-standing allies, including Britain. The UK prime minister’s visit follows closely after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to China, during which Ottawa signed an economic agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers, an outcome that drew criticism from Washington. Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said several agreements between Britain and China were expected to be announced as a signal of improving relations. Starmer is accompanied by more than 50 business leaders, underlining his push for tangible economic gains from the visit. Source: Reuters
Global InfoAnalytics Projects Landslide Victory for Bawumia in NPP Presidential Primaries
As excitement builds ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, all eyes are on former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who appears poised for a commanding win. Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, shared this projection during an interview with the media on January 28. Dankwah revealed that, according to Global InfoAnalytics’ latest survey, Dr. Bawumia is set to win 14 out of Ghana’s 16 regions, including a decisive victory in the party’s stronghold, the Ashanti Region. “All the areas we have looked at are pointing in one direction, and that direction is that Bawumia will win this Saturday’s election one-touch,” Dankwah asserted. The predictions are grounded in robust data collected in a nationwide poll conducted from January 20 to 23, 2026. The survey, which sampled 10,133 respondents from all 16 regions and 272 constituencies, projects that Dr. Bawumia’s vote share will fall between 54 and 60 percent, factoring in a three percent margin of error. “I am very confident in Bawumia’s numbers because they are more stable in terms of variability. There is no noise in the data,” Dankwah stated, explaining the reliability of the forecast. While acknowledging that other candidates such as Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong may gain traction, Dankwah noted that the distribution of votes among the challengers remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the prevailing data points to a landslide for Dr. Bawumia as NPP members head to the polls on January 31. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Secures Government Backing for Recapitalisation After Debt Programme Strain
In the aftermath of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), the Bank of Ghana (BoG) found itself grappling with significant balance sheet losses, a blow that raised urgent questions about its financial stability and future independence. For months, the debate about how best to restore the Central Bank’s capital raged on, with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson previously ruling out the use of taxpayer funds and instead championing internal restructuring as the path forward. However, a shift in tone emerged at the 128th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing, where Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama offered fresh insight into ongoing efforts to recapitalise the BoG. Addressing journalists, Dr. Asiama revealed that discussions with the government had been constructive and expressed confidence that state support would help repair the Bank’s battered balance sheet. “I believe in the commitment of government to recapitalise the Central Bank following the hit it took to protect the economy amid the domestic debt restructuring programme,” Dr. Asiama stated, assuring that the collaborative approach was geared towards safeguarding the Bank’s policy credibility and operational independence. The Governor emphasized that restoring the Central Bank’s capital was not just a matter of financial housekeeping; it was essential for ensuring the BoG could continue to deliver on its mandate of price stability, sound supervision, and effective macroeconomic management. “It is only fair that the wounds suffered as a result are addressed,” he noted, highlighting the importance of recapitalisation for maintaining confidence in Ghana’s monetary policy. Dr. Asiama also pointed to broader signs of resilience in the financial sector. By the end of December 2025, 21 out of 23 licensed commercial banks had met capital adequacy requirements, with the final two given until the end of March 2026 to comply. “Overall, we have made significant progress on the recapitalisation strategy, and we are monitoring closely to ensure full compliance,” he concluded, signalling a renewed sense of stability and optimism for Ghana’s financial system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Urges Bold Economic Reforms for Africa’s Future
President John Dramani Mahama delivered a stirring appeal to African leaders: move swiftly beyond political independence and rhetoric to real, practical economic reforms that will transform lives across the continent. The summit, which also welcomed São Tomé and Príncipe’s President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, became a stage for President Mahama’s vision of an Africa where governments prioritize the well-being and safety of their people through deliberate development strategies. In a Facebook post reflecting on the summit, President Mahama underscored that democracy and political freedom mean little without concrete efforts to build sustainable livelihoods. “Political freedom without economic transformation remains incomplete,” he reminded his audience, urging governments to embrace reforms that bring tangible benefits to their citizens. Central to his message was the need for industrial growth and job creation—goals that, he acknowledged, require significant capital. President Mahama pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of Africa’s industrial workforce, still face significant barriers due to limited access to long-term, affordable financing. He proposed a solution: African nations should rethink how they mobilize and direct domestic resources. Instead of allowing pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds to sit idle or be invested abroad, President Mahama urged that these vast resources be channeled into productive ventures through mechanisms like industrial bonds, infrastructure funds, and diaspora financing. Such investments, he argued, could unlock the capital needed to fuel industrial expansion, boost intra-African trade, and accelerate economic transformation. With strengthened regional cooperation and innovative financing, President Mahama expressed confidence that Africa could secure inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for all its people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CSA Issues Alert Over Sophisticated Banking Malware Spreading via WhatsApp Web
In a recent wake-up call to the public, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has sounded the alarm for Windows users, warning of a dangerous new threat lurking in the digital shadows. The culprit: a sophisticated banking malware campaign that is making its rounds through WhatsApp Web, putting both individuals and organisations at risk of devastating financial loss. Known as Astaroth, the malware has been identified as a major concern by the CSA. The attackers’ method is deceptively simple yet highly effective—they begin by sending malicious ZIP files to potential victims through WhatsApp messages. Disguised as legitimate documents or shared under seemingly innocent pretexts, these files are designed to lure unsuspecting users into downloading and opening them. The real danger begins after the ZIP file is extracted and executed on a Windows computer. Once inside, Astaroth quietly installs itself, immediately connecting to WhatsApp Web to harvest the victim’s contact list. In a matter of moments, the malware sends similar malicious messages to everyone in the contact list, spreading itself further, all without the user’s knowledge. While the malware operates in the background, it conducts extensive data harvesting, stealing sensitive information such as banking login credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs), browser cookies, and even keystrokes. With this trove of stolen data, cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to financial accounts, commit fraud, and orchestrate further crimes. The CSA urges anyone who suspects they have been targeted or affected by such attacks to reach out for help. Victims and concerned individuals can report incidents and seek guidance by calling or texting 292, using WhatsApp at 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.ghOpens a new window. The message from the CSA is clear: stay vigilant, be wary of unexpected files received via WhatsApp, and report suspicious activity promptly to help combat this growing cyber threat. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Closes National Strategic Planning Retreat in Akosombo
As the sun set over the tranquil town of Akosombo, the atmosphere at the National Development Planning Commission’s (NDPC) retreat was one of renewed purpose and determination. The government’s Strategic Planning Retreat had drawn to a close, and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was at the helm of the closing ceremony, delivering a message that resonated with optimism and clarity. For several days, key government officials and policy actors had gathered at the retreat, engaging in deep reflection on Ghana’s development priorities. The agenda was ambitious: to align strategies across sectors, foster strong institutional collaboration, and chart a focused path for the nation’s socio-economic progress. Addressing participants at the final session, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the critical need for coordinated planning and evidence-based decision-making to drive sustainable, inclusive growth. She lauded the retreat as a valuable forum for candid dialogue—where policy direction, implementation hurdles, and ways to enhance collaboration were discussed openly and constructively. This Strategic Planning Retreat, she noted, was part of a broader government commitment to ensure that national development frameworks and sectoral programmes work in harmony. It also reflected the administration’s focus on accountability and results-oriented governance. As the event concluded, participants described the retreat as a strategic convergence—a unique opportunity to strengthen policy alignment and sharpen Ghana’s development agenda. With new ideas and shared resolve, they departed Akosombo ready to address both current and emerging challenges facing the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com