President Akufo-Addo will speak on the state of the Ghanaian economy in an interview on the BBC today.

Broadcast journalist with the BBC, Peter Ōkwóchè, will have a one-on-one interaction with the President.

The conversation will be broadcast on BBC's Focus On Africa, BBC News (World) and BBC World Service. Focus on Africa is broadcast at 1500, 1700 and 1900 GMT Monday to Friday.

Among the many issues to be discussed are the Electronic Transaction levy (E-levy) Bill which was passed into law, the country's tourism sector and the Black Stars' qualification to the 2022 World Cup.

Economy

Delivering the 2022 State of the Nation Address at Parliament on March 30, President Akufo-Addo affirmed that the country’s ability to navigate the challenges of the spiraling economy will be hard and long.

According to the President, government has already taken realistic steps to address the economic downturn.

"Mr Speaker, there are many problems and we have to overcome them to get back to where we ought to be. I need your support; no President, no government could undertake this all by themselves; I need all Ghanaians to pull and push together,” he added.

Electronic Transaction Levy

The E-levy Bill was passed after deliberations at the Consideration Stage was concluded by a Majority-sided House on Tuesday, March 29.

The Bill, which was considered under a certificate of urgency, was amended to a rate of 1.5% from the initial 1.75%.

On March 31, President Akufo-Addo signed the E-levy Bill into law.

On his part, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has hinted that the implementation of the Electronic Transaction Levy may commence in May, 2022.

Black Stars head to 2022 World Cup

The senior national team, Black Stars, qualified for the 2022 World Cup after holding the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Abuja.

Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the game after sending in a thunderous strike from outside the penalty box to give Ghana the lead, but William Troost-Ekong equalised for the home side.

Meanwhile, Ghana has been drawn against Portugal, Uruguay and Korea Republic in the 2022 World Cup which comes off in Qatar.

The Black Stars will play their first game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, then face off against Luis Suarez’s Uruguay and play their last group game against Korea.