Bank of Ghana Governor Calls for Long-Term Resilience in Financial Sector After Restoring Stability
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, has declared that Ghana’s financial sector has successfully moved past the stage of restoring stability and now faces the challenge of building long-term resilience rooted in strong governance and sustainable business practices. Addressing heads of banks at a bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Dr. Asiama emphasized that while the sector has regained its footing, the focus must now shift to ensuring durability. “Stability has been restored. The task now is durability. Durability requires stronger business models, broader ownership, deeper intermediation, disciplined innovation, and sound governance,” he asserted. Dr. Asiama reassured industry stakeholders that the Bank of Ghana would remain a “firm, fair, and forward-looking partner,” providing support where needed but maintaining clear regulatory standards. The Governor also referenced the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) recent decision, explaining that at its 128th meeting in January, the Committee reviewed improving global and local economic conditions before acting. With inflation declining faster than anticipated and expectations well anchored, the MPC determined that monetary conditions remained tight and, as a result, reduced the policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.50 percent. This move reflected growing confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery and easing inflationary pressures. Beyond monetary policy, Dr. Asiama revealed that the central bank had completed a thematic review of banks’ business models, focusing on funding sources, governance quality, and operational sustainability. He highlighted the need for continued structural reforms, particularly in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to address rising digital threats. In a bid to deepen ownership and enhance market discipline, the Governor encouraged banks to consider raising capital through listings on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a new era for Ghana’s financial sector, one where lasting resilience, innovation, and sound governance are at the forefront of industry priorities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
FDA Shuts Down 16 Food Establishments in Greater Accra for Lacking Hygiene Permits
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken decisive action to safeguard public health, shutting down 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid hygiene permits. The closures, which took effect on Wednesday, February 18, targeted businesses that failed to meet regulatory requirements despite prior warnings. Among the affected facilities are The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, along with several others. The FDA’s enforcement followed a two-week public notice, which cautioned that from February 1, 2026, any food service business without a valid Food Hygiene Permit would face closure. The announcement was made on the FDA’s official Facebook page, where the Authority reiterated its commitment to public safety and strict adherence to hygiene standards. The directive covers a wide array of food-related businesses, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices. By enforcing these regulations, the FDA aims to ensure that all establishments serving food to the public maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Governor Warns Banks Against Overreliance on Interest Income Amid Easing Rates
Banks in Ghana are being urged to rethink their profit strategies as the country’s interest rate environment continues to normalize. Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, delivered this cautionary message to banking executives at a recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where he revealed that nearly 68 percent of industry profitability currently stems from net interest income, the spread earned on loans and government securities versus what is paid on deposits. Dr. Asiama acknowledged that while interest income remains a core aspect of banking, excessive dependence on it exposes banks to the risks of fluctuating interest rates and sovereign market dynamics. “There is nothing inherently problematic about net interest income,” he noted, “however, a high dependence on it increases sensitivity to interest rate cycles and sovereign exposure dynamics.” A recent review by the central bank highlighted limited financial intermediation, with loans comprising less than a fifth of total industry assets, while asset concentration in government and central bank securities remains high. This means banks’ profitability is closely tied to monetary policy decisions. The warning comes as Ghana’s macroeconomic landscape shows signs of stability. The Bank of Ghana recently cut its benchmark policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.5 percent, citing rapid disinflation and anchored inflation expectations. Headline inflation dropped dramatically from 23.8 percent in December 2024 to just 3.8 percent in January 2026, the lowest since the adoption of inflation targeting. Real GDP expanded by 6.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, led mainly by growth in services and agriculture. This easing cycle has already led to falling money market yields. Treasury bill rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, with the 91-day bill now at 8.61 percent, the 182-day at 10.68 percent, and the 364-day at 11.06 percent, well below the year’s start. While this spells relief for government borrowing, it also signals shrinking margins for banks that rely heavily on these investments. Dr. Asiama urged banks to diversify their revenue streams beyond interest income, suggesting a stronger focus on transactional banking, trade finance, payments services, treasury operations, and other fee-based businesses that are less sensitive to changing rates. On asset quality, the Governor acknowledged that non-performing loans have improved but remain above the desired benchmark. With credit growth expected to accelerate as rates fall, he emphasized the need for strong underwriting and sectoral risk assessment to avoid a build-up of bad loans. To further strengthen the sector, the central bank will enhance its supervisory framework to include business model analysis, enabling early risk detection and timely regulatory action. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a strategic shift for Ghana’s banks, urging them to move toward a more diversified and resilient business model, one that can weather shifting monetary conditions and foster deeper financial intermediation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Accra Tomato Traders Warn of Imminent Shortage and Price Hikes Amid Supply Chain Threats
Tomato traders and importers in Accra are sounding the alarm over a looming tomato shortage and potential price hikes, urging the government to urgently invest in local irrigation infrastructure. Without such action, they warn, Ghana’s heavy dependence on imports from Burkina Faso, a trade route now fraught with peril, will continue to threaten food security and the livelihoods of thousands. The warning follows recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians and left others injured, disrupting the critical cross-border tomato supply chain. The incident has heightened fears among traders, many of whom now question the safety of continuing their operations. Esther Owusu Ansah, a tomato importer with more than three decades of experience, told Citi Business News that traders may soon stop traveling to Burkina Faso if adequate security is not guaranteed. “Our drivers have families, and they cannot risk their lives just to transport tomatoes,” she emphasized, noting that while security escorts are provided up to Paga, the journey beyond remains unpredictable. “We are even beginning to reconsider importing tomatoes altogether,” she added, expressing a growing sentiment among importers. Fellow trader Adwoa Pinnaman echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for the government to invest in irrigation systems and dams to support local tomato farming. “Many of the tomatoes we get are usually rotten,” she lamented, pointing out that significant sums are spent supporting Burkina Faso’s economy instead of strengthening Ghana’s own agricultural sector. Otumfuo Charity, Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch and an executive member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, raised another issue: the threat of smuggling. She warned that some traders from Togo exploit the current disruption by selling tomatoes meant for Togolese markets directly in Ghana. “We will not accept this, and we will issue a warning against such practices,” she asserted. Meanwhile, drivers and transporters distributing tomatoes across Ghana say their business has almost ground to a halt. Kwame Siaw, a driver at the CMB Underbridge branch, worried that many may be forced into unsustainable alternative jobs if the shortage persists. Veteran driver Peter Boahen added, “With fewer tomatoes on the market, prices will become more expensive. Since the main trucks that transport tomatoes from Burkina Faso are no longer coming, we will be left sitting here idle. How then will we take care of our families?” The traders’ collective message is clear: without prompt investment in local production, Ghana faces continued supply disruptions, rising prices, and growing economic hardship. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry Unveils Plans for Digital Church Registry Amid Thousands of Unregistered Churches
A sweeping effort to bring order and transparency to Ghana’s burgeoning religious sector is on the horizon, as the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs announces plans for a nationwide digital registry of churches. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim addressed Parliament, revealing that while over 2,200 churches are formally registered in Greater Accra as of 2025, thousands more operate nationwide without official recognition. Minister Ibrahim outlined the government’s intention to introduce a digital platform to streamline the registration process and provide accurate, real-time data on churches across the country. “We will establish a formal collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Justice to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee,” he stated. He further explained that metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies would keep local registers of churches under their jurisdictions, while the new digital platform would empower churches to update their operational status regularly. This initiative, he said, aims to ensure accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data, critical for governance, planning, and regulatory oversight. Recent regional surveys show that in Greater Accra, 98.1% of churches are single-owner entities, with the remainder affiliated to larger denominations. Though the Registrar General’s Department does not publish a consolidated national figure, available data suggest that the total number of churches in Ghana is in the several thousands. The proposed digital registry will be linked to the Registrar General’s database, enabling verification of operational churches and enhancing transparency in the sector. Minister Ibrahim concluded, “This is a timely step toward modernising our administrative systems and strengthening accountability in the religious sector, which has experienced rapid growth in recent decades.” The Ghana Statistical Service, meanwhile, continues to track religious affiliations rather than registrations, with 71.2% of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dawadawa Is More Than a Seasoning — It Is Heritage in Flavor
Dawadawa is more than a seasoning. It is memory, nutrition, economy, and sustainability woven together in flavor. In many West African kitchens, there is a defining moment when a pot of soup begins to deepen in character. Onions have softened, peppers have blended into the base, and palm oil or shea butter shimmers with heat. Then comes the quiet but transformative addition — a small ball or paste of fermented locust beans. The aroma shifts instantly, earthy and complex. That unmistakable scent signals something profound: dawadawa has entered the dish. Made from the fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree, scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa, dawadawa has nourished communities across West Africa for generations. Known by different names — iru among the Yoruba, soumbala in parts of the Sahel — it remains one of the region’s most treasured indigenous condiments. Its essence is simple yet powerful: carefully fermented seeds shaped by knowledge passed down through time. The African locust bean tree stands resilient across the savannah landscapes of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and northern Nigeria. It thrives in dry climates where other crops struggle, offering shade, soil enrichment, and food security. The tree’s long pods contain sweet yellow pulp enjoyed as a snack, but it is the hard brown seeds that become dawadawa. For many rural communities, this tree is not just vegetation; it is livelihood, nourishment, and ecological stability. The tree contributes quietly to sustainable agriculture. It enriches soils through nitrogen fixation, reduces erosion, and integrates naturally into traditional parkland farming systems. Farmers often preserve it within their fields rather than cutting it down, recognizing its value. Long before climate resilience and regenerative agriculture became global buzzwords, West African communities were practicing them through their relationship with this tree. Dawadawa is not simply harvested; it is crafted through labor and patience. The process begins during harvest season when ripe pods are collected. The pods are boiled to soften the pulp and release the seeds. After washing, the seeds undergo hours of cooking to soften their tough coats. Women — often working collectively — remove the seed coats by pounding and washing, a physically demanding task that requires strength and skill. Once cleaned, the seeds are boiled again and then wrapped in leaves or placed in covered containers to ferment naturally over several days. It is during fermentation that transformation occurs. Microorganisms break down complex compounds, producing the deep umami flavor that defines dawadawa. The seeds darken, soften, and develop their characteristic pungent aroma. No artificial additives are required. Time, heat, and microbial life do the work. This fermentation knowledge is rarely written down. It is carried in memory and practice, passed from mothers to daughters and elders to apprentices. Women know by touch, scent, and experience when fermentation is complete. The craft reflects an intimate understanding of natural processes, developed long before modern food science offered explanations. Beyond its distinctive flavor, dawadawa is nutritionally significant. It is rich in protein, making it an essential supplement in communities where access to animal protein may be limited. It contains beneficial fats, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Fermentation enhances digestibility and increases the availability of nutrients. In households with constrained incomes, a small portion can transform a simple pot of soup into a nutrient-dense meal. In northern Ghana, dawadawa defines beloved soups such as ayoyo and groundnut soup. In Nigeria, iru enriches egusi and ogbono soups. Across the Sahel, soumbala flavors stews served with millet or couscous. Each region shapes and prepares it slightly differently, yet the shared cultural thread remains strong. For many in the diaspora, its aroma evokes childhood kitchens, communal meals, and the steady rhythm of family life. Unlike imported bouillon cubes that increasingly fill market shelves, dawadawa carries no anonymous industrial origin. It carries the story of harvest seasons, of women gathered under shade trees pounding seeds, of conversation and laughter during fermentation days. In this way, it anchors communities to ancestral foodways even as globalization reshapes consumption patterns. Women stand at the center of dawadawa production and trade. Across Ghana’s Upper East, Northern, and Upper West regions, they harvest, process, and sell the condiment in local markets. Income from sales supports households, pays school fees, and strengthens women’s financial independence. The work is demanding, but it is also empowering. On market days, woven baskets lined with leaves display carefully shaped balls of fermented seeds. Buyers inspect texture, inhale aroma, and negotiate prices. Knowledge of quality is shared openly — whether fermentation is adequate, whether moisture levels are right, whether the product will store well. Markets become spaces of both commerce and cultural exchange. Modern discussions about sustainable food systems often emphasize reducing carbon footprints, promoting biodiversity, and strengthening local supply chains. Dawadawa embodies these principles naturally. Its primary ingredient grows locally with minimal external inputs. Production requires no imported chemicals. Distribution typically happens within short distances between producers and consumers. The African locust bean tree supports biodiversity and integrates into agroforestry systems. By preserving the tree, farmers maintain ecological balance. In a world increasingly reliant on long and fragile global supply chains, dawadawa demonstrates the resilience of localized food systems grounded in community knowledge. Yet challenges persist. Urbanization and shifting dietary preferences have led some consumers to favor imported seasonings perceived as more convenient. Younger generations may see traditional processing methods as labor-intensive. Climate change threatens tree populations through prolonged droughts and land degradation. Limited access to improved equipment can also constrain production quality and scalability. Within these challenges lie opportunities. Cooperatives can strengthen bargaining power. Improved packaging and hygiene standards can expand markets while preserving authenticity. Agroforestry initiatives can promote tree conservation and planting. Culinary education can reintroduce youth to the value of indigenous foods. When tradition meets innovation respectfully, resilience grows. Dawadawa’s importance extends beyond nutrition and economics. Food is one of the most enduring carriers of culture. Even as languages evolve and clothing styles change, taste memories remain. Preparing dawadawa teaches patience and cooperation. It honors processes that cannot be rushed without
FDA Warns Public Against Use of Cement in Bean Preservation
A wave of concern swept across Ghana after a viral video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the use of a white powdery substance, suspected to be cement, to preserve beans. The footage quickly drew public attention, prompting the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to issue a firm warning on February 16, 2026. In its press statement, the FDA categorically dismissed the preservation method depicted in the video, stating that it is neither approved nor practiced in Ghana. The authority clarified that the procedure, featuring beans treated with what appeared to be concrete cement, does not align with any food safety or agricultural standards endorsed by Ghana’s Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Delving deeper, the FDA revealed that a review of the video suggested the language spoken was not Ghanaian. A translation of the narration exposed a series of unsafe and unhygienic handling practices, including the direct application of chemicals with bare hands and the absence of protective clothing. The video also showed an individual standing directly on a heap of beans without any protective gear, an image that alarmed food safety officials. The FDA stressed that using cement for food preservation is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s regulations. “The FDA, together with its stakeholder institutions, does not approve of food preservation practices that compromise food safety and public health,” the statement emphasized. The authority also condemned poor hygiene and the use of unapproved substances as violations of national food safety standards. Reassuring the public, the FDA made it clear that such hazardous practices are not encouraged or permitted in Ghana. The authority urged farm produce aggregators and retailers to avoid unsafe preservation methods and reminded consumers to remain vigilant. Anyone witnessing suspicious food handling or preservation practices was encouraged to report them to the FDA for swift investigation and possible sanctions. Through this decisive response, the FDA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and maintaining the highest standards of food safety across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
U.S. Embassy in Accra Opens Over 1,000 Visa Appointment Slots
A wave of excitement swept through Ghana’s travel community on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the U.S. Embassy in Accra made a major announcement: more than 1,000 non-immigrant visa appointment slots were now available for booking, offering prospective travellers the rare chance to secure interview dates within the next week. In a notice shared on Facebook, the embassy revealed that a significant number of B1/B2 visa appointments, designed for business and tourism, were open. Officials encouraged applicants to move quickly and take advantage of the newly available slots. The move, embassy representatives explained, was part of broader preparations by the United States to facilitate increased travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada. “There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours,” the embassy’s notice read. Those who already had appointments scheduled for later in the year were advised to reschedule for an earlier date if it suited their plans. “Book a new appointment – or move up one scheduled for later in the year – we want to interview you now!” the statement urged. Prospective applicants were directed to the Embassy’s official visa page for comprehensive details on application requirements and the booking process. This swift move by the U.S. Embassy is expected to ease frustrations among would-be travellers who, in recent months, have endured long waits for interview appointments. For many, the sudden availability of slots represents a welcome opportunity to pursue business, tourism, and World Cup dreams in the United States. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
COCOBOD Leaders Slash Salaries Amid Cocoa Sector Liquidity Crunch
On Monday, February 16, 2026, a decisive announcement echoed through the corridors of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) headquarters. In a bold response to persistent liquidity challenges in the cocoa sector, the executive management and senior staff declared immediate salary cuts that would span the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year. According to a formal statement signed by Dr Randy Abbey, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, executive management would take a 20% reduction in their pay, while senior staff would see their salaries trimmed by 10%. The move, Dr. Abbey explained, was part of a comprehensive set of cost-saving measures designed to steer the organisation through current financial headwinds. These salary cuts are just one aspect of a wider strategy. COCOBOD is also tightening its belt in procurement and initiating a staff rationalisation exercise—each step aimed at slashing overall expenditure and ensuring that costs are better aligned with fluctuating revenues. Behind these tough choices lies a singular goal: safeguarding the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry. COCOBOD’s leadership underscored the importance of maintaining operational efficiency and protecting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, even as economic pressures mount. As the new measures take effect, the message from the top is clear—shared sacrifice and prudent management are essential for navigating the sector’s challenges and securing a stable future for Ghana’s cocoa industry. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Minister’s Call: Fugu and Kente as Symbols of Unity
On Wednesday morning, the vibrant energy at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry was unmistakable. Journalists gathered in anticipation as Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, stepped forward with a message that resonated far beyond the walls of the conference room. Her voice carried conviction as she addressed the crowd, urging all Ghanaians to embrace fugu and kente, not as mere ethnic symbols, but as cherished national treasures. Both textiles, she reminded everyone, have been recognised by UNESCO as elements of cultural heritage, a source of pride not just for specific regions, but for the entire nation. The minister’s passionate appeal came at a pivotal moment. The government was ramping up efforts to popularise the wearing of fugu on Wednesdays, a campaign designed to boost local textile patronage and invigorate the domestic industry. The initiative had already begun to capture public imagination, especially after President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appearance in a fugu during his state visit to Zambia. Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between the Smock Weavers’ Association and ministry officials, Ms. Gomashie explained the significance of “Fugu Wednesday.” She noted with satisfaction how Members of Parliament and other prominent figures had joined the movement, turning the traditional garment into a symbol of national pride. But her message was about more than clothing. “It is not about tribe. It is not about a language. It is about Ghana,” she declared. “For this fugu and kente that have been listed on UNESCO sites as a heritage product that we are offering the world, it should be a rallying round of the red, gold, green, and the black star.” She called on citizens to look beyond regional or ethnic lines and see fugu and kente as enduring expressions of Ghana’s collective identity. “It is not about any particular tribe. It is about what it is that identifies us as Ghanaians. I am using your platform to thank all the people who bought into the idea and wore fugu on Wednesday. Come Wednesday, let’s be even bigger,” she encouraged. With her words, the minister painted a vision of unity, one where every stitch of fugu and kente tells the story of a nation woven together by heritage, pride, and hope for the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com