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 Global economy to grow 3.2 % this year —OECD

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OECD head officeor
OECD head officeor

 The global economy is demonstrating resilience, as inflation continues to ease and global trade begins to recover, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and

 Development’s (OECD) 2025 Economic Outlook has outlined.

It said lower inflation

 was providing a boost to real household income growth and spending, although consumer confidence had yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels in many countries.

“Labour market pressures continue to ease, though unem­ployment generally remains at or near historical lows. Real interest rates remain restrictive, but lower nominal yields have generated some early signs of revival in interest-sensitive housing and credit markets,” it elaborated.

It stated that, “Headline infla­tion has now returned to target in a rising number of advanced and emerging-market economies despite lingering pressures in service sectors.”

It also pointed out that the global Gross Domestic Product growth was projected to be 3.2 per cent this year and 3.3 per cent in 2025 and 2026.

Additionally, it noted that low inflation, consistent employment growth, and a more accommo­dating monetary policy would collectively support demand, even in the face of some mod­erate challenges arising from the essential tightening of fiscal policy in numerous nations.

“Some cross-country differ­ences are likely to persist in the near-term but will fade as solid growth in the United States and Brazil starts to ease and the recovery in Europe gains pace. Buoyant domestic demand in India and Indonesia and the recently announced stimulus measures in China and Japan are expected to support contin­ued strong growth in Asia,” it explained.

Furthermore, it stated that annual consumer price inflation in the G20 countries is expected to moderate to 3.5 per cent and 2.9 per cent in 2025 and 2026 respectively, from 5.4 per cent this year.

“By the end of 2025 or early 2026, inflation is projected to be back to target in almost all major economies”, it added.

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Finance Minister to present budget today 

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All is set for the presentation of Ghana’s budget statement and economic policy by the Finance Minister,  Cassiel Ato Forson to Parliament today. 

This would be the new government’s maiden budget since ascending to the throne in January.

Ghanaians are highly optimistic that the budget would go a long way to cushion people.

They are expecting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will keep it promise and remove the E-levy, Betting Tax, and COVID-19 levy among other tax cuts.

Additional,  it is expected that some measures will be introduced to stabilise the local currency and some prudent ways to ensure food security to reduce food inflation.

Ahead of that the Finance Minister has organised national economic dialogue,  engageg over 60,000 youths on X,  and market women among others to seek their views.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme 

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New BoG building: $230m paid to contractor, $31.8m outstanding – Dr Asiama

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The new Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has revealed that the state under the previous Nana Akufo-Addo administration has paid $230 million to the contractor working on the new BoG building project, with an outstanding balance of $31.8 million still owed to the construction firm.

He disclosed that the total cost of the project has risen to $261.8 million, with the payments to the contractor being made as recently as February this year.

“As of February this year, a total of approximately $230 million has been paid towards the project, with an outstanding balance of $31.8 million still due to the contractor,” he stated in parliament on Wednesday, March 5.

Dr Asiama also noted that an additional $48.3 million has been paid in taxes and levies associated with the construction of the building.

In addition to the main building, Dr Asiama explained that several other facilities were part of the project, including an Integrated Communication and Computing (ICC) system and Network Infrastructure, which cost $8.6 million.

Other expenditures included integrated electronic security systems at $15.8 million and furniture and furnishings, which amounted to $11.1 million.

He emphasised that these investments are aimed at ensuring the Bank of Ghana operates in a secure and technologically advanced environment, in line with the needs of a modern central bank.

In November 2024, former President Nana Akufo-Addo officially inaugurated the facility to serve as the new headquarters of BoG.

The state-of-the-art facility designed to symbolise financial strength and modernity is situated in the heart of the national capital.

The new facility marked a historic milestone in the evolution of the country’s central bank, which has been a pillar of the nation’s economic independence since its establishment in 1957.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Charterhouse announces the Business Elevate Series with launch of ‘The Gastro Feastival’

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Charterhouse, Ghana’s leading event management and audiovisual production company, is marking its 25th anniversary of delivering top-tier events with the introduction of an exciting new initiative: The Business Elevate Series.

 This innovative series is designed to shine a spotlight on key economic sectors through a series of dynamic B2B and B2C events, including industry conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.

Kicking off the series is The Gastro Feastival, a groundbreaking annual food industry festival that will showcase Ghana’s rich and diverse food ecosystem and agribusinesses from production to consumption.

The launch event will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Grand Arena (Accra International Conference Centre).

This landmark event will bring together food industry stakeholders, enthusiasts, experts, and organizations to highlight the food industry’s critical role in Ghana’s socio-economic development and culture.

It will also promote food security, digital innovation, women’s empowerment, youth employment in agribusiness, and sustainable practices.

The Business Elevate Series is a game-changing initiative designed to foster growth and transformation across multiple sectors. With Charterhouse’s deep expertise in organizing impactful meetings, the series aims to unlock investment opportunities, drive innovation, and catalyze social and economic change.

The Gastro Feastival will address six major pillars that drive industry transformation: Investment Opportunities; Job Creation; Innovation, Technology, and Digitization; Youth Involvement (entrepreneurship and career opportunities); Women’s Involvement; Environmental and Social Governance (ESG); Export Opportunities

The event will also establish a Resource Bank, spotlighting key growth opportunities and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to transform Ghana’s food industry.

The Gastro Feastival is a Charterhouse initiative, with Kosmos Innovation Centre as the technical partner.

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