The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to scale up support for agricultural entrepreneurs through the Adwumawura Programme.

The partnership seeks to strengthen Ghana’s agribusiness sector by combining MoFA’s technical expertise with NEIP’s entrepreneurship training initiatives.

As part of the agreement, MoFA will provide high-quality poultry feed and deliver technical and field support to programme beneficiaries. NEIP, on the other hand, will equip entrepreneurs with practical business training and essential resources, including hen coops, to help them establish and expand their poultry ventures.

At the signing ceremony, officials from both institutions emphasized that the collaboration is tailored to empower small-scale poultry farmers, especially “nkoko nketenkete” entrepreneurs, to create jobs, grow agribusinesses, and contribute to sustainable economic development.

The initiative falls under NEIP’s broader Reset Agenda, which is focused on driving innovation, supporting small enterprises, and positioning agriculture as a central pillar of Ghana’s economic transformation.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, has announced sweeping reforms and strategic initiatives to position Ghana’s mining sector as a globally competitive and sustainable industry.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Mining and Minerals Convention at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Mr. Gyamfi said the GoldBod was driving a paradigm shift from raw mineral extraction to value retention, with the goal of maximising national benefit from Ghana’s mineral wealth.

Between January and August 2025, small-scale gold exports facilitated by GoldBod reached a record 66.7 tonnes valued at $6 billion, surpassing the entire 2024 figure of 63 tonnes worth $4.6 billion. For the first time, small-scale gold exports outperformed large-scale mining exports over the same period.

Key reforms announced include:

Aggressive licensing reforms to promote responsible sourcing.

Scrapping of the 1.5% withholding tax on unprocessed small-scale gold.

Introduction of a nationwide traceability system to ensure transparency and compliance.

Partnerships requiring large-scale miners to supply 20% of their output to the Bank of Ghana for reserve accumulation.

To combat illegal mining, the GoldBod has pledged ₵5 million and five Toyota Hilux pickups to enforcement agencies, alongside a program to reclaim 1,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves beginning November 2025.

On value addition, Mr. Gyamfi announced plans for a state-owned gold refinery and an ISO-certified Assay Laboratory at Kotoka International Airport. Discussions are also underway to establish a “Gold Village” as a continental hub for jewellery production.

Calling for stronger investment, he urged local banks, pension funds, and financiers to channel resources into mining, stressing Africa’s need to transition from raw exports to beneficiation, from middlemen to tech-driven trade, and from youth as labourers to youth as innovators and owners.

“Ghana is resetting and Africa is rising. The GoldBod is ready. All we need now is courage and capital. Let us fund the minerals and mining sector differently. Let us transform it together,” Mr. Gyamfi concluded.

GCB Bank has introduced a dedicated Hajj Savings Account to help Muslim customers prepare financially for the holy pilgrimage while safeguarding them from the risks associated with unregulated agents.

At the launch, the bank’s Executive Head of Retail Banking, Sina Kamagate, described the initiative as a reflection of GCB’s commitment to inclusive and responsible banking.

“This day is endearing to all of us because GCB has always remained an inclusive bank,” he said. “Today, what you have witnessed is a further demonstration of how inclusive and responsible our banking solutions are.”

The account allows customers to begin saving with as little as GHS 50 and ensures that funds are transferred directly to the accredited Hajj Board, with agents duly notified—removing the possibility of fraud.

“We have heard several reports of agents who absconded with pilgrims’ funds in the past,” Kamagate explained. “With the Hajj Savings Account, you no longer have to entrust your money to individuals.”

The product also comes with insurance cover from Hollard Life Insurance, at no extra premium. Benefits include death compensation for families of account holders, as well as protection against theft and property loss.

Kamagate emphasized the account’s flexibility, noting that customers can continue saving even after performing Hajj or convert it into a regular savings account for other goals, such as holidays or personal projects.

The initiative ties into GCB’s broader agenda to deepen Islamic banking in Ghana. Kamagate revealed that the bank is working toward establishing a fully-fledged Islamic banking unit, following recent discussions between the Bank of Ghana and the National Chief Imam.

With Hajj 2026 fast approaching, GCB is urging early sign-ups, highlighting that consistent contributions of GHS 100 a month could help customers achieve their pilgrimage dreams.