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 Prices of Ghana’s major export commodities to surge this year —Data Bank research

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• Gold bars
• Gold bars

 Data Bank says it expects the prices of Ghana’s major export commodities, Gold and cocoa, to show a strong performance this year.

A research conducted by the Bank said the projected strong performance would be driven by geopolitical tensions, potential US Fed interest rate cuts, and supply shortfalls.

According to the research, gold prices might reach US$2,600-US$3,100, while cocoa prices could rise between US$7,000 and US$9,600.

“We expect gold prices to trade higher in 2025, ranging from US$2,600-US$3,100 on the prolonged effect of geopolitical tension. We are optimistic about a recovery in gold prices throughout 2025 as geopolitical uncertainties

 are likely to drive safe-haven de­mand,” it said.

“Additionally, we foresee further interest rate cuts by the US Fed in 2025, could drive gold prices high, potentially reaching between US$2,600 and US$3,100 per ounce following the January 2025 FOMC meeting.”

The research underlined that, “Given the positive outlook for gold prices, we believe local investors in Ghana could diversify their portfolios by considering the New Gold ETF and the Bank of Ghana’s Ghana Gold Coin (GGC). We believe these assets provide an opportunity to benefit from rising global gold prices while serving as a hedge against local currency depreciation.”

The expected rise in cocoa price, the research said would be due to a significant supply constraint from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which were slowly recov­ering from adverse weather with illegal gold mining in Ghana affect­ing some cocoa farms.

“We asset that the EU De­forestation Regulation (EUDR), effective in early 2025, will further restrict supply availability, like­ly keeping prices elevated amid strong global demand for choco­late,” it said.

The research also projected Brent crude oil prices to trade below US$76 per barrel in 2025

This will be influenced by high US inventories and a shift towards cleaner energy.

“Our outlook remains cautious as major consumers, such as China and North America, face econom­ic challenges alongside increasing demand for sustainable energy sources. Consequently, global oil demand growth is projected to decline from 1.74 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.64 million bpd in 2025”. This it said would reflect a broader trend of slow­ing consumption amid economic uncertainties and a transition to alternative energy.

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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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