The African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has hosted a welcome Dinner and Awards Night to celebrate the return of 118 Ghanaian postgraduate scholars who completed advanced studies in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Russia’s RUDN University and Peoples’ Friendship University under the AAC-RUDN scholarship programme.

The colourful event, held at the AH Hotel in East Legon, Accra on Saturday, August 1, 2026 brought together AAC executives, Jospong officials, development partners, stakeholders and the graduates to honour their academic achievements and formally welcome the first cohort of the pioneering initiative.

The scholars earned master’s and doctoral degrees in agronomy, crop production, soil science, environmental management, agricultural engineering and biotechnology. These expertise are expected to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, and drive sustainable innovation into the system.

Speaking during the ceremony, the CEO of AAC and Executive Director of the Jospong Group, Dr. Mrs. Adelaide Siaw-Agyepong, described the occasion as one of the most fulfilling moments of her career, reflecting the profound impact of purposeful investment in people.

“Today’s event is so fulfilling. When you impact people and see the fruitfulness of what you have done, it brings fulfilment. This event is spectacular and will remain indelible on my mind,” she said.

She expressed gratitude for the students’ safe return, describing the scholarship as a landmark achievement designed to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled agricultural professionals. She noted that the graduates had already pledged to apply their acquired knowledge to support national development.

Addressing the scholars directly, she urged them to uphold integrity, discipline, and humility, stressing that academic excellence alone is insufficient without strong character.

“Education is very important, but what will sustain young people is character. You can acquire many credentials, but without character you will fail. Remain humble because character will take you very far in life,” she advised, encouraging them to become ambassadors of excellence, mentor future generations, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic growth.

The Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, also gave glory to God for guiding the students throughout their journey. Reflecting on the Group’s growth, he noted that while the beneficiaries left Ghana when the company operated in only one foreign country, Jospong has since expanded its footprint to 29 nations across Africa, demonstrating its growing capacity to drive agricultural development beyond Ghana’s borders.

He assured the graduates that Jospong and its subsidiary, AAC, would continue creating platforms for them to apply their expertise through research, agribusiness ventures, and practical projects supporting the continent’s food systems.

The returning scholars expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Mrs. Siaw-Agyepong, Dr. Siaw Agyepong, and the leadership of AAC and Jospong for the life-changing opportunity. They affirmed that the scholarship had transformed their careers and outlook on leadership and national service, pledging to improve local agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. As a token of gratitude, they presented plaques and commemorative artefacts to the Group’s leadership.

The Welcome Dinner and Awards Night forms part of the broader AAC-RUDN Graduates Return and Reintegration Programme, which includes visits to AAC facilities, agricultural project sites and courtesy calls on key government institutions. These activities aim to align the graduates with Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda and prepare them for meaningful sector roles.

The welcome party was climaxed on Sunday, August 2, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Trasacco, Accra where the graduates, together with the leadership of AAC and the Jospong Group, offered thanks to God for the successful completion of the programme and the safe return of the scholars.

The service also marked a significant moment for the future of the initiative as representatives of RUDN University reaffirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding between the university and AAC, which provides scholarships for 500 Ghanaian students, remains fully in force.

Following the confirmation, Dr. Siaw Agyepong announced that preparations were already underway to sponsor the next cohort of approximately 120 Ghanaian students to pursue postgraduate studies in Russia under the expanding partnership.

Representatives of RUDN University commended the collaboration as a model for Africa, noting that it extends beyond academic exchange to promote scientific research, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.

The successful reintegration of the pioneer cohort and the announcement of a new intake underscore AAC’s long-term vision of building a highly skilled workforce capable of transforming agriculture, driving food security and supporting sustainable development in Ghana and across Africa.

The initiative underscores AAC’s broader vision, in partnership with RUDN University, of accelerating agricultural industrialisation, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening value chains across Africa through education and strategic partnerships. The successful homecoming of the 118 scholars reaffirms the Consortium’s belief that sustained investment in human capital remains one of the most effective pathways to transforming agriculture in Ghana and across the continent.

Ghana’s youth population continues to grow, presenting both a major opportunity and a significant challenge for national development, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in its World Population Day 2026 press release.

The Service revealed that Ghana’s population has increased from 18.9 million in 2000 to 30.8 million in the 2021 Population and Housing Census, with projections estimating the population at 33.7 million in 2025. Young people aged 15 to 35 now constitute 36.9 percent of the projected population, meaning more than one in every three Ghanaians falls within the youth bracket.

Marking this year’s World Population Day under the theme, “Investing in Ghana’s Future through Healthy, Skilled and Empowered Young People,” GSS said the country’s youthful population could become a powerful driver of economic growth if adequate investments are made in education, healthcare and skills development.

However, the Service stressed that the demographic dividend can only be achieved if young people are equipped with relevant skills and provided with meaningful employment opportunities.

According to the report, sustainable investments in technical education, entrepreneurship development, stronger school-to-work transition programmes and expansion of productive sectors are essential to transform Ghana’s youth into active contributors to inclusive national development.

GSS concluded that the decisions made today regarding young people’s health, education and empowerment will determine whether Ghana’s growing youth population becomes its greatest economic asset or a major development challenge.

WORLD POPULATION DAY_ PRESS RELEASE_28.07.2026

NPA fuel price floors have been increased for the first pricing window of August, signalling fresh pressure on fuel prices and raising concerns over the cost of transportation, logistics and production across Ghana.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) announced higher minimum retail prices for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compared with the second pricing window of July.

According to the revised pricing schedule, the NPA fuel price floors for petrol have increased from GH¢13.28 to GH¢14.53 per litre, representing an increase of GH¢1.25, or 9.4 percent.

Diesel recorded the sharpest adjustment, with its price floor rising from GH¢14.35 to GH¢16.97 per litre. The GH¢2.62 increase represents 18.3 percent, making it one of the biggest increases in diesel price floors in recent years.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also saw an upward adjustment. The LPG price floor increased from GH¢10.19 to GH¢11.06 per kilogram, reflecting an increase of GH¢0.87, or 8.5 percent.

The NPA explained that the fuel price floors represent the minimum retail prices that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) are required to charge during the pricing window.

However, the authority noted that these minimum prices do not include premiums charged by International Oil Trading Companies (IOTCs), the operating margins of Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), or the margins of marketers and dealers. As a result, pump prices at filling stations may be higher than the published price floors.

The latest adjustment means consumers and businesses should prepare for increased fuel costs during the first pricing window of August. The significant rise in diesel prices is expected to have the greatest economic impact, as diesel remains the primary fuel used in transportation, mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing.

Analysts say the increase in NPA fuel price floors could trigger higher transport fares, increased logistics expenses and rising production costs, with businesses likely to pass some of the additional costs on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services.

Several Oil Marketing Companies have already begun adjusting pump prices in line with the new pricing window, indicating that fuel prices are likely to remain under upward pressure in the coming weeks

Ghana economic recovery has made meaningful progress following the country’s recent macroeconomic challenges, but the gains remain fragile and should not be viewed as a permanent turnaround, according to audit and advisory firm PwC.

In its review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, PwC acknowledged that Ghana has achieved notable improvements in key macroeconomic indicators during the first half of 2026. However, the firm cautioned that maintaining the recovery will require continued fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and resilience against increasing global economic risks.

According to PwC, the Finance Minister was justified in highlighting the country’s stronger economic performance compared to the same period last year.

“The Minister for Finance is right to argue that macroeconomic conditions in the first half (H1) of 2026 were significantly better than a year earlier,” the firm stated.

However, PwC stressed that the critical issue is whether these improvements are sustainable enough to attract long-term investment.

“The more important question for everybody, including business leaders, is whether the improvement is structural, durable and investable.”

Improved Indicators Signal Recovery

PwC noted that several economic indicators have recorded significant improvements, including:

* Higher economic growth
* Lower inflation compared to previous years
* Stronger fiscal balances
* Improved foreign exchange reserves
* Better debt sustainability indicators

The firm explained that some of these gains are the result of prudent fiscal management and progress made under Ghana’s debt restructuring programme.

However, it also pointed out that other positive developments have been supported by temporary factors such as:

* Favourable statistical base effects
* Delayed government expenditure
* Lower domestic interest rates
* Improved foreign reserve accumulation

PwC warned that these supportive conditions may become more difficult to sustain during the second half of 2026 as government increases spending on capital projects, inflationary pressures rise, and external economic uncertainties persist.

Inflation Risks Remain

While PwC believes the government’s year-end targets for real GDP growth and primary surplus remain achievable, it expressed concern over inflation.

The firm warned that recent increases in inflation, coupled with rising global crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions, could push inflation towards the upper end of the government’s target range before the end of the year.

Businesses Urged to Remain Cautious

PwC advised businesses and investors not to assume that the current macroeconomic stability will continue without challenges.

“For business leaders and investors, our message is straightforward: Ghana’s macro picture is much improved, but this is not yet a no-risk operating environment.”

The report predicts that the second half of 2026 is likely to be characterised by:

* Mild reflation
* Selective acceleration in government spending
* Continued external economic vulnerabilities
* Less room for additional monetary policy easing than markets currently anticipate

Fiscal Strategy Viewed as Credible

PwC described the government’s fiscal strategy as broadly credible, noting that the administration has maintained its original revenue and expenditure projections without introducing a supplementary budget or significantly relaxing fiscal policy.

Nonetheless, the firm said long-term fiscal sustainability will depend on several critical reforms, including:

* Strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation
* Improving governance of state-owned enterprises
* Resolving persistent financial challenges within Ghana’s energy sector

PwC concluded that although Ghana’s fiscal position has improved, it cannot yet be considered fully repaired.

“Our independent judgment is that fiscal sustainability is improving, but it is not conclusively repaired.”

The report added that part of the stronger fiscal performance recorded during the first half of 2026 may have resulted from delayed government spending rather than permanent improvements in expenditure efficiency.

“Part of the fiscal strength reflects opportune timing rather than permanent efficiency.”

According to the firm, fiscal savings achieved earlier in the year could narrow as government ramps up spending on flagship programmes during the remainder of 2026.

Outlook Remains Positive but Requires Discipline

Despite the risks, PwC believes Ghana’s current macroeconomic environment offers better opportunities for businesses than in recent years.

Lower interest rates, stronger investor confidence and improved exchange-rate stability are expected to support investment and economic activity.

However, the firm urged businesses to adopt what it described as “disciplined optimism” by taking advantage of improving conditions while continuing to hedge against currency volatility, safeguard profit margins and prepare for a potentially more challenging second half of the year.

PwC’s assessment suggests that while Ghana economic recovery is gaining momentum, sustaining the progress will require consistent policy implementation, continued fiscal discipline and successful structural reforms to withstand both domestic and global economic pressures.

A Banking Consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, has argued that the independence of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) is essential to protecting the country’s financial system from political interference, claiming that government influence over the central bank contributed significantly to Ghana’s recent economic challenges.

In a zoom interview granted on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Dr. Atuahene insisted, the Bank of Ghana should operate independently without interference from any government, stressing that central bank autonomy is a globally accepted principle designed to safeguard sound monetary policy.
He alleged that the previous NPP administration dictated the operations of the central bank, a situation he believes ultimately resulted in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
“The Bank of Ghana should operate as an independent entity devoid of political interference, but the NPP government dictated its mode of operation, and that led to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme,” he stated.

Dr. Atuahene further claimed that the debt exchange became necessary because the central bank had extended substantial financing to the government, weakening its financial position.
He also criticized the currency redenomination exercise, asserting that it was a government-driven policy rather than an independent decision by the Bank of Ghana.”The redenomination was Kufuor’s policy and not Dr. Paul Acquah’s own. It was pure government interference, not Central Bank policy,” he claimed.

The banking consultant warned that Ghana currently lacks the resources needed to fully recapitalize the Bank of Ghana, suggesting that the country’s financial system may continue to feel the effects of the central bank’s losses for several more years unless decisive measures are taken.
Dr. Atuahene maintained that preserving the independence of the Bank of Ghana is critical to preventing future economic crises and restoring confidence in the country’s financial sector.

By Maurice Otoo