Below are the headlines of major economic issues covered during 2014

Ban on importation of rice relaxed        02/01/2014                      

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, has relaxed the ban of importation of rice through the country’s borders.

SSNIT increases minimum monthly pension by 100%     02/01/2014

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has increased the minimum monthly pension by 100% from GH¢100.00 to GH¢200.00.

President: "I don't have any interest in Merchant Bank"   07/01/2014

President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to the managements of Merchant Bank and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), to take diligent actions to retrieve all monies owed them without fear or favour.                        

"No money has been siphoned from GCB vaults"    07/01/2014

Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) has denied alleged siphoning of funds from its vaults.

VAT/NHIL increased to 17½ per cent        09/01/2014

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) reminded the business community that the new Value Added Tax (VAT) is 15 per cent, whiles National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) remains at 2½ per cent.

President Mahama calls for faster release of CDB loan     09/01/2014

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday appealed to the Chinese government to expedite action on the release of $3 billion China Development Bank (CDB) loan.

Chinese firm to construct Aluminium processing plant at Shama      10/01/2014

A multi-national Chinese construction firm, Huasheng Jiangquan Group, has identified Shama District as a viable place for the construction of an aluminium processing plant.

Government, Anglogold to discuss future of Obuasi Mine       12/01/2014

Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said the Government would hold discussions with management of Anglogold Ashanti on the future of the Obuasi Mine.

New EDAIF Board inaugurated        14/01/2014

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Trade and Industry has inaugurated a new Board for the Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Development Fund (EDAIF).

African Development Bank unveils new corporate logo    15/01/2014

Mr Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance, has underscored the need for the banking system to win customers’ trust, has efficient regulation and supervision in order to ensure stability in the financial sector.

Inflation for December last year rises 15/01/2014

The year-on-year inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index for December 2013 stood at 13.5 per cent, an increase from the 13.2 per cent recorded in November 2013.

Vodafone invests GH¢ 55m on network expansion 16/01/2014

Vodafone Ghana is undertaking massive expansion work, to improve network quality for mobile customers in new and existing sites.

Food commodity prices stable despite fuel price increases         17/01/2014

A market survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency in various parts of Accra showed that prices of most commodities remained unchanged despite the fuel price increase.

Ten member Board inaugurated for COCOBOD       20/01/2014

The Minister of Finance, Mr Seth Tekper has inaugurated a 10-member board for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) with a charge to members to deal with the over $200 million debt owed by local cocoa processing companies.

MOTI signs MOU to boost Supply Chain Capacity              22/01/2014

The Ministry of Trade and Industry formalized a working relationship with PYXERA Global, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

President Mahama speaks at World Economic Forum        22/01/2014

President John Mahama opened a World Economic Forum session on Responsible Mineral Development Initiative.

President Mahama inaugurates GIF Advisory Committee     

President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated a six- member Ghana Infrastructure Fund (GIF) Advisory Committee.

Ghana to expand production of organic cocoa beans       04/02/2014

A four-day training workshop and the launching of a pruning and clearing saw, for the promotion of organic cocoa production in the country was opened at Bunso Cocoa College in the Eastern Region.

Ghana Gas signs agreement with Tullow         06/02/2014

The Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has signed a Construction, Pre-Commissioning and Tie-In Agreement (CTIA) with Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL).

Cabinet endorses action to end dollarization-Ayariga        11/02/2014                                               

Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Information and Media Relations has pledged the commitment of Cabinet to implement policies to stem the fast depreciation of the Cedi against major currencies.

Minexco petroleum begins oil exploration in Tano Block      11/02/2014

Minexco Petroleum Incorporation, the African focused private oil and gas Exploration Company, announced the launch of its work programme for the South Deep Water Tano Block.

CAGD rolls out electronic salary payment voucher             22/02/2014

The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), has rolled out an Electronic Salary Payment Voucher (E-SPV), to address concerns regarding the manual payment voucher system.

Rwandan business delegation in Ghana for investment avenues      22/02/2014

Mr Benjamin Gasamagera, Chairman, Rwanda Private Sector Federation has expressed the readiness of business people in Rwanda to invest in Ghana in efforts to boost trade relations between the two African countries.

Ghana losing $1.2 billion annually through tax incentives             26/02/2014

A new report published by ActionAid Ghana (AAG) reveals that Ghana may be losing an estimated $1.2 billion annually as a result of tax incentives.

Turkish Business delegation explores opportunities in Ghana        28/02/2014

The Turkish Kitchenware sector is working to increase its trade investment inflow in Ghana through partnerships with Ghanaian industrialists within the next five years.

Morocco Real Estate Company to establish in Ghana                01/03/2014

A Morocco-based company, Douja Promotion Group Addoha, engaged in the real estate sector, is to locate in Ghana to provide social estate for the people.

Societe Generale Ghana Head Office commissioned         03/03/2014

As part of efforts to consolidate its operations and increase its efficiency, Société Générale (SG), a French multinational banking and financial company commissioned its new Head Office in Accra.

Ghana and Ciments de l'Afrique sign agreement            06/03/2014

The Government of Ghana has signed an agreement with Ciments de l'Afrique (CIMAF) Ghana Limited to establish a cement manufacturing plant capable of producing one million tonnes per annum.

EU supports Ghana with 500 million Euros          07/03/2014

The European Union is supporting Ghana with 500 million Euros to manage its budget, Mr. Ignacio Burrull, Head of Cooperation of the European Union delegation to Ghana has announced.

Ghana, Guinea to share experience in extractive industries         07/03/2014

Ghana and Guinea are planning to engage in exchange programmes to share experiences and develop human capacity for the effective exploitation of their mineral resources, energy and oil and gas industries.

Switzerland provides $2.4 million support to Ghana’s Pension Reforms 10/03/2014

Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Financial and Allied Institutions, Mr Fiifi Kwetey inaugurated a five-member steering committee for the National Pension Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to oversee the implementation of a three-year capacity building agreement with the Swiss Government.

Investors rally to finance new Ghana Commodity Exchange       13/03/2014

Eleni, a private company positioned as the premier commodity exchange promoter in Africa, announced the formation of a private-public investment consortium to finance the establishment of the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX).          

Government to establish Alumina Industry- President Mahama     15/03/2014

President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday announced that government would soon come out with a declaration on the establishment of an Alumina industry.

Databank CEO moves to Enterprise Group              21/03/2014

Mr Keli Gadzekpo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Databank, is to leave the company to take up the top management position at Enterprise Group, a financial service company.

Parliament ratifies petroleum agreement               21/03/2014

Parliament has ratified the petroleum agreement among the government of Ghana and five organisations for the exploration of oil in the Expanded Shallow Water Tano Block.

Ghana and Denmark sign Double Taxation agreement            23/03/2014

Ghana and Denmark have signed a Double Taxation agreement, moving the bilateral cooperation between the two countries to another level.

Vodafone appoints new Head of External Affairs          27/03/2014

Vodafone Ghana has appointed Gayheart Mensah as Head of External Affairs with effect from March 24, 2014.

Government makes appointments to Cocobod, others           28/03/2014

Government has made nominations to the Boards of the Produce Buying Company (PBC), Cocoa Processing and others

GIPC and Qingdao Bureau of commerce sign MOU                  30/03/2014

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and Qingdao Bureau of Commerce, the investment promotion centre of Qingdao Municipal Government, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen trade and investment exchanges between the two agencies.

Tigo Ghana appoints new General Manager             01/04/2014

Ghana’s premier mobile telecom company, Tigo Ghana, has appointed Roshi Motman, as its new General Manager (GM).

Budget deficit of 10.8 per cent recorded in 2013 –BoG                03/04/2014

Dr Kofi Henry Wampah, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has said that provisional outturn for broad fiscal performance in 2013 suggests an overall budget deficit estimated at 10.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Finance Minister leads delegation to IMF/World Bank Meetings      07/04/2014

Finance Minister Seth Terkper is leading a Government delegation to the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

Veep Amissah-Arthur commissions rice mill at Sogakope           10/04/2014

Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has commissioned a mill for the processing of paddy rice at Sogakope in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

GDP growth hit 7.1 per cent in 2013                 10/04/2014

The Revised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimate for 2013, showed a growth of 7.1 per cent compared to the 2012 final estimates of 8.8 per cent.

Ghana signs agreement with Turkey              16/04/2014

Ghana has signed an economic agreement with Turkey to enhance trade between the two countries.

Chamber of Mines appoints new CEO          16/04/2014

Mr Sulemanu Koney, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

EU provides 700,000 Euros to four institutions            21/04/2014

The European Union has provided a grant of 700,000 Euros to four Ghanaian institutions under the Trade Related Assistance and Quality Enabling Programme (TRAQUE) for capacity development.

Minimum wage increase to GH¢6.00               02/05/2014

The National Tripartite Committee (NTC) has announced that the National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2014 be increased by 14.5 per cent that is, from GH₵ 5.24 to GH₵ 6.00.

Accra Brewery Limited gets new Managing Director      11/05/2014

Accra Brewery Limited, (ABL) has announced the appointment of Mr. Anthony Grendon as Managing Director effective 1st June, 2014.

Ghana/IMF Executive Board conclude consultations               14/05/2014

The Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commended Ghana’s strong and broadly inclusive growth and declining poverty over the past two decades.

Minerals Commission to put moratorium on prospecting license     20/05/2014

The Minerals Commission said on Tuesday it would soon announce a moratorium on prospecting license to new applicants.

United States Commerce Secretary calls on President Mahama     21/05/2014

The United States Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, has commended the Government’s decision to redesign the National Service Scheme in a manner that will re-orient new graduates in the direction of entrepreneurship.

Ghana-Mauritius initiate stronger economic cooperation            22/05/2014

Ghana and Mauritius have signed a memorandum of understanding, moving the economic cooperation between the two countries a step higher.

GEPA targets $3.1 billion NTEs earnings in 2014            28/05/2014

Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) says it is targeting $3.1 billion in earnings from the export of non-traditional products in 2014 in line with the National export strategy.

Johan Ferreira appointed head of Newmont’s Africa Operations     29/05/2014

Newmont Africa has announced the appointment of Mr. Johan Ferreira as Regional Senior Vice President of Newmont Mining Corporation’s Africa Operations.

Government appoints transaction advisors for Eurobond issue         30/05/2014

The Government is to issue a $1 billion Eurobond in 2014 for capital expenditures in the Budget, counterpart funding for pipeline projects and the refinancing of domestic and external debt.

Government disbursed €3.3 million to SMEs           03/06/2014

Government with support from the Italian Government has disbursed about 3.3million Euros to eight Small Medium Enterprises to ignite the private sector development.

Trade Minister inaugurates GIPC Board                  03/06/2014

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Trade and Industry, has appealed to the newly constituted 10-member Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) board to establish a One-Stop-Shop for investments within 45 days.

Newmont Ghana to lay off 600 employees      04/06/2014

Newmont Ghana said between 500 and 600 of its workers would lose their jobs in its on-going effort to improve costs and operational efficiency to ensure that the business remains sustainable.

Ghana reaches last stage of MCC compact           06/06/2014

Ghana has reached the last stage of preparation for the second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funded compact programme.

Bank of Ghana review foreign exchange measures      07/06/2014

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced review measures to ease foreign exchange controls and also ensure clarity, transparency and streamline operations in the foreign exchange market.

Government to launch GH¢10m for youth development        21/06/2014

Government is to launch a GH¢ 10 million youth enterprise business fund to provide access to business financing for young people, who wish to engage in entrepreneurship.

Solidaridad launches West Africa Oil Palm initiative         25/06/2014

Solidaridad’s Sustainable West Africa Palm Oil Programme (SWAPP) launched its incubator and Access to Finance initiative in Accra, to provide support and access to risk capital to help develop the oil palm sector.

President Mahama appointed AU Trade Committee Chairperson     26/06/2014

President John Dramani Mahama was picked as the Chairperson of the high level African committee on trade at the on-going African Union ordinary session in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana Insurers Association swears in new executives               27/06/2014

The Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) has sworn in an 11-member executive to steer the affairs of the Association for the next two years.

Moody downgrades GCB Bank to B2 from B1         02/07/2014

Moody's Investors Service lowered GCB Bank Limited's global local-currency long-term deposit ratings to B2, from B1, and the foreign-currency deposit ratings to B3, from B2, saying outlook is negative.

ECOWAS backs EPA                11/07/2014

The 16 West African Heads of State has agreed to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).

Finance Minister presents mid-year budget review       16/07/2014

The Minister of Finance, Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkper has presented to Parliament a Mid-Year Review and revised budget and macroeconomic targets for 2014

Advertising Association of Ghana inducts new officers         28/07/2014

The Advertising Association of Ghana has sworn into office a new executive council for a two-year mandate.

Ghana and World Bank sign $156 million financing agreement       30/07/2014

Ghana and the World Bank have signed a financing agreement for $156 million dollars to enhance access to secondary education in underserved districts of the country.                

Standard Chartered doubles commitment to Power Africa to $5bn  31/07/2014

Standard Chartered has more than doubled its commitment to ‘Power Africa’ by increasing its pledge from $2 billion to $5 billion, after reaching its initial commitment in 12 months.

Fidelity Bank inks 5-year deal with IBM              06/08/2014

Ghana’s Fidelity Bank has announced its choice of IBM to manage its technology infrastructure and services.

President Mahama launches Youth Enterprise Support Initiative     13/08/2014

President Mahama on Tuesday challenged Ghanaian youth to demonstrate their creativity and skills in the provision of goods and services to move into the era of prosperity.

Inflation rate hits 4-yr high of 15.3 pct in July     13/08/2014

The annual inflation rate rose to a four-year high of 15.3 per cent in July up from 15.0 per cent in June on the back of increases in the price of utilities and fuel, Government Statistician Dr Philomena Nyarko has said.

Germany commits 122.7 million Euro to Ghana       15/08/2014

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson and German Ambassador to Ghana, Rüdiger John signed the financial cooperation agreement.

StanChart presents National Payment Strategy to Bank of Ghana       17/08/2014

A National Payments Strategy (NPS) which provides appropriate road map to accelerate the process of moving the country from a cash dominant economy to a cash-lite one has been presented to the Bank of Ghana (BOG).

President Mahama cuts sod for sugar factory construction        19/08/2014

President John Dramani Mahama cuts the sod for Komenda Sugar Factory and said the Government would avoid the negative tendencies and attitudes that led to the collapse of the factory some years back.

Surfline launches maiden 4G LTE network in Ghana           20/08/2014

Surfline Communications Limited launched Ghana’s first 4G LTE network conveying onto the market the fastest and reliable internet services expected to transform business and individual lives in the telecommunication sector.

Ghana bans Tilapia imports                       27/08/2014

Ghana has banned the importation of Tilapia, a popular fish on most Ghanaian eateries’ menu, to spur growth in the local budding aquaculture sector.

Ghana and Turkey in negotiations for free trade area             01/09/2014

The Government of Ghana is in discussions with the Turkish Authorities for a free trade agreement to ensure unimpeded access to each other’s markets.

President Mahama breaks ground for Tamale Airport expansion      09/09/2014

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Government would build three new airports to augment the existing ones and make air travel accessible to all Ghanaians.

Ghana prices third Eurobond              11/09/2014

Ghana has priced and would issue its third Eurobond of $1.0 billion at a coupon rate of 8.125. The bond was largely oversubscribed with orders reaching up to $3 billion.

GCB unveils new brand            14/09/2014

The GCB Bank Limited, a leading commercial bank in Ghana, has unveiled its new brand identity at a colourful ceremony in Accra.

Cote d’Ivoire repeals embargo on Non-ECOWAS cargo import      24/09/2014

Cote d’Ivoire has repealed an embargo placed on the entry of non-ECOWAS cargo through its land borders.

IMF estimates growth to fall to 4.5 per cent     26/09/2014

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates growth to decelerate to 4 .5 per cent in 2014, from 7.1 per cent in 2013, and inflation to reach an average of around 15 per cent for the year.

Ghana signs Phase Two of WCF’s Cocoa Livelihood Programme     03/10/2014

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of Phase Two of WCF’s Cocoa Livelihood Programme (CLP).

Cenpower announces financial close of $900-million         06/10/2014

Cenpower Generation, a special-purpose vehicle created to develop the Kpone independent power plant (KIPP), in the Tema industrial zone has announced the financial close of the required $900-million in project finance.

China will go all the way with Ghana-Ambassador       22/10/2014

China would play a lead role in support of Ghana’s effort to overcome current economic difficulties, the Chinese Ambassador, Sun Baohong has said.

Atuabo Gas Processing Plant ready to be commissioned         30/10/2014

The Petroleum Commission (PC) and the Energy Commission (EC) have given the Ghana Gas Company Limited (GGCL) the go ahead to commission the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, Mr. Emmanuel Moses, Head of the Construction Department of the GGCL, has said.

Monetary Policy Committee raises Policy Rate       12/11/2014

The Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the Monetary Policy Rate by 200 basis points to 21 per cent up from 19 per cent.

Finance Minister presents 2015 Budget Statement     19/11/2014

Ghana’s successful structural transformation rests on three strategic interventions, one of which is the strengthening and deepening of the essential elements and institutions of good governance.

Government promises brighter medium term prospects       19/11/2014

Government is hopeful of medium term brighter prospects for the nation next year as it works through the transformational agenda, with access to oil and gas revenue.

Vivo Energy Ghana gets new Managing Director                24/11/2014

Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has appointed Mr Ebenezer Faulkner as Managing Director.

ECOWAS states on course to implement common external tariff     27/11/2014

Ghana and other member states of the Economic Community of West African States are on course to implement the ECOWAS common external tariff (CET) next year.

Parliament endorses 2015 budget                03/12/2014

Parliament approved the 2015 budget and financial policy of government that seeks to restore fiscal stability.

Nestlé Ghana launches plan to support cocoa farmers         16/12/2014

Nestlé Ghana has launched the “Nestlé Cocoa Plan,” a global initiative meant to support cocoa farmers and increase the quality of their crops.

Ghana begins construction of second FPSO       17/12/2014

Tullow Ghana Limited has started the construction of a new fabrication facility in Sekondi for the Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme (TEN) Project to serve as Ghana’s second floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO).

Electricity and water tariffs unchanged for 1st Quarter 2015       24/12/2014

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has announced that existing Electricity and Water tariffs would remain unchanged for January-March 2015.