Ghana in Focus Special: 2025 Year in Review Part I Feat. The Economy, Cost of living, Unemployment and Housing

Send us Fan Mail This week's edition of Ghana in Focus takes a look back at the year 2025 in Review, We look at some of the key socio-economic indices that have affected the country this year. The Economy: John Dramani Mahama was sworn for a second and last term (there is talk of a third term) on 7th January promising key economic improvements like resetting the economy after the previous disastrous 8 years of the NPP, removing nuisance taxes that were a burden on business and the flagship 24 hour policy. We detail each of the above especially the 24 hour economy which is s good policy on paper but its implementation we detect relies to heavy on so called Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and NOT investing and/or giving incentives to indigenous Ghanaians owned companies and individuals'. We warn that FDI results in low wages and Capital flight of profits back to the investor home countries leaving Ghana short changed. The advise here is for government to leverage on its raw rich mineral resources by getting more royalties and using this as investment seed money for the 24 hour economy. Example is that right now Ghana gets 4% royally rate from Gold production. Given the record prices for gold, this is outrageous. We state the government needs to re negotiate the royalty rate with the gold mining companies just like Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Mali and Botswana (diamonds) have done and get a rate close to 30%. This increase is what will generate funds that would allow government to invest wholesale in its 24 hour economy ambitions and urge government to resuscitate key Nkrumah era factories like Komenda sugar factory, Jute factory and Bonsa tyre factory, instead of importing sugar, tyres and jute bags. We end by stating the economy will grow further in 2026 but is caveated by the country leaving the current IMF programme in Spring 2026 ,the need to settle international creditors as well as international events. The cost of Living: We explain why the cost of living crisis in Ghana still affects many Ghanaian households' despite improvements in some macro economic indices and explain measures that need to be taken to ease the burden on Ghanaian families, many of whom have seen no increase in their salaries but have had to contend with rapid increases in rent, transportation and food. Unemployment. We advise what needs to be done to tackle this canker that threatens the security of the country and warn of the dire consequences if concrete steps are not taken to reduce the estimate 1.3 million classified as unemployed. Housing: We provide solution on this most important social economic aspect which is beyond the means of many Ghanaians. Support the show Donate/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1793098/support We offer a consultation session for those who wish to relocate to Ghana , do business in Ghana , buy land, buying a property or even starting business in Ghana. We offer professional support tailored on your needs and wants. We provide valuable information that can assist you in your relocation like the Ghana card how/where to register your business. We can also signpost you to other agencies that can help in your relocation as well as business and investment opportunities. We charge a rate of US$30 for an hour's consultation or US$20 for a 30 minute consultation briefing. To book your consultation please email [email protected] Subscribe on Youtube - just look for the Ghana/Afrika in Focus podcast on Youtube and click the notification bell so that every time I upload a new podcast it automatically comes to your feed. Tell your family and friends.