Bussiness
Concerted effort needed to build a viablemonetary union – Dr Addison
Dr Ernest Addison, Governor, BoG
A concerted effort is required to help improve the region’s macroeconomic environment and place it on a stronger convergence path for a viable monetary union, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, has stated.
That, he said, would help facilitate the move by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a single currency by 2027.
According to him, the assessment of the regional economies for 2022 showed that no member state satisfied the four primary convergence criteria, and same cannot be achieved in 2023.
The convergence criteria include a single-digit inflation, a fiscal deficit of not more than four per cent of Gross Domestic Product, and central bank deficit financing of not more than 10 per cent of previous year’s tax revenue.
ECOWAS initiated a move two decades ago for a single currency as pertained in Europe and the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and government adopted a new roadmap for the launch of the ECO and a new Macroeconomic Convergence and Stability Pact, which should be met by member states by December 31, 2026.
COVID-19 pandemic disrupt¬ed the plan to launch the ECO in 2020.
Dr Addison made the call at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and the Operations and Administration Committee of the West African Monetary Agency.
The meeting, being convened by the Government of Ghana under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with West African Monetary Agency (WAMA), the West African Africa Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), and the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), formed part of the West African Monetary Zone meeting currently underway in Accra to review macroeconomic developments in the region.
Dr Addison, in a keynote address read on his behalf by the Director of Research of BoG, Dr Philip Abradu-Otoo, said the concern now was whether the 2026 deadline for achieving the convergence was still realistic in the face of the disruptive effects of the repeated shocks on the region.
“This, perhaps, calls for a readiness assessment for the launch of the ECO in 2027 as we move along,” he stated.
The Governor said in spite of the challenges, notable progress had been made in the roadmap for the implementation of the single currency objective, adding that “A lot more remained to be done”.
“While we strive to fulfil the arduous task of meeting the convergence criteria, we need to pay equal attention to other key areas of the roadmap,” Dr Addison stated.
He stressed the need for the unification of the payment and settlement systems and harmonisation of statistics in the region.
Dr Addison said the meeting would involve critical discussions across various sectors of the region’s economies and the im-plementation of roadmap of the single currency for the region.
The Governor of BoG entreated the delegates to participate actively and help broaden the policy discourse towards a viable monetary union.
The Director-General of WAMA, Momodou Bamba Saho, said there was the need for enhanced strategies and reforms to ensure all the member states of ECOWAS met the ECO Convergence Criteria.
“It is incumbent that our work here not only remains pertinent and useful to member states, but also serves as bedrock of stability and cohesion in these very complex times,” he stated.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Bussiness
Global Market Volatility: Gov’t absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol
Effective Thursday, April 16, 2026, which is the next pricing window, the Government will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢ 0.36 per litre on petrol.
This intervention is intended to cushion customers and ease the cost burden on households, transport operators, and businesses.
The measure, approved by Cabinet, is in response to rising prices of petroleum products on the international market, which have significantly impacted ex-pump prices in Ghana.
This temporary intervention will remain in force for a period of one (1) month.
During this period government will continue to closely monitor developments in the global oil market and assess the need for further policy adjustments.
A statement signed by Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye noted that they remain commited to maintaining price stability, protecting livelihoods, and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery in the face of external shocks.
