News
GEXIM seeks strategic partnerships to finance Ghanaian businesses
In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s agenda to position Ghanaian businesses to play a major role in driving Ghana’s economic growth, management of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) is seeking strategic partnership with the country’s development partners, development finance institutes, export credit agencies and other global investors to support Ghanaian businesses.
The Acting Chief Executive of GEXIM, Sylvester Adinam Mensah led a management team from the bank to engage various financial institutions and funding agencies on the side-lines of the recently held 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington DC., from 21st to 26th April 2025.
The GEXIM team met with the leadership of the Export – Import Bank of the United States of America (US EXIM Bank), African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank), Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, US Africa Trade Desk and Cygnum Capital.
Mr. Sylvester Mensah revealed that the engagements were to explore strategic collaborations to secure funding solutions to assist Ghanaian businesses to explore new markets.
“We had the opportunity to share our strategic direction and immediate priorities in line with President Mahama’s resetting agenda in addition to some of our bankable pipeline projects in our meetings. I am particularly excited about the prospects of our meetings based on the positive and encouraging feedback received so far and convinced of securing funding to support Ghanaian businesses to enable them to contribute to economic development. Currently, the high cost of local financing with short-term interest rates is a disincentive for local traders, inhibiting the expansion of most Ghanaian businesses,” he emphasized.
Over the years, financing has remained one of the key barriers to the development of Ghanaian businesses. A 2020 survey by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) revealed that sixty percent (60%) of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) owners identified funding, inadequate skills in financial management and business planning as significant challenges facing their businesses.
Minority Leader in parliament, Alexander Osahen Afenyo Markin has raised concerns about the direction of the country one year after the 2024 general election, warning that Ghana’s democracy may be under threat if current governance trends are not checked.
In a statement reflecting on the year since Ghanaians voted for change, he noted that while the New Patriotic Party hoped for victory, the people chose differently and the outcome was respected as the will of the electorate.
He stressed that winning power comes with responsibility and not the freedom to govern without caution.
The Minority Leader argued that the removal of key public officials reflected a worrying pattern.
These included the dismissal of workers from state institutions, the exit of the Chief Justice, and ongoing processes affecting the Electoral Commission leadership and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He described the development as retribution rather than renewal and questioned the government’s promises on jobs and the 24 hour economy.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama directly, he urged him to use his rare second return to office to build a legacy of development rather than removals.
He explained that global history shows that leaders who return to power after defeat are few, stressing that such an opportunity should lead to transformation that benefits citizens.
He encouraged the President to invest in technology, artificial intelligence and modern economic growth models to position Ghana for global competition.
He warned that no country will wait for Ghana while others advance through digital innovation.
The statement further pointed to youth unemployment and frustration, noting that campaign foot soldiers who worked hard during elections have been left disappointed.
He warned that ignoring young people could lead to instability.
He urged the media to uphold its watchdog duty by speaking up against constitutional breaches rather than seeking comfort in silence.
He explained that the Minority wants the government to succeed because national progress benefits everyone, not only one political side.
The Minority Leader maintained that although democracy is not perfect, it remains the best system since it allows peaceful correction through elections.
He encouraged citizens to trust the ballot and not violence.
He encouraged President Mahama to resist party hawks and focus on national development, stating that the world is watching how Ghana uses this moment in history.
He called on leaders across the political divide to remember they are custodians of the Republic and must work to protect the nation’s democratic future.
He concluded by urging young people not to lose hope, stressing that change comes through democratic processes, and reminding all leaders that Ghana’s stability depends on responsible governance, unity and development oriented action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, is calling on young people to take hypertension seriously by checking their blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication to prevent sudden deaths and stroke.
In a message shared to the public, the MP noted that cases of young people dying from high blood pressure are rising, even though the condition is preventable.
He mentioned that many refuse to go for checkups, and those who later discover they have hypertension still stop or avoid taking their medication.
He expressed worry that some men refuse treatment because they believe blood pressure drugs affect their sexual performance, a belief he described as misleading.
A Plus stressed that staying alive and healthy should be the priority, adding that complications from uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke and long term disability.
He encouraged the youth, especially men, to get their blood pressure tested and take treatment seriously to protect their health and future.
A Plus urged the public to spread the message so more people will take action on their health.
By: Jacob Aggrey
