Brand Focus Africa
banner
brandfocusafrica.bsky.social
Brand Focus Africa
@brandfocusafrica.bsky.social
Brand Focus Africa is a leading digital platform operated by SamBoad Publishing Hub, subsidiary of SamBoad dedicated to providing news, insights, and resources with a unique focus on African perspectives. Click on https://brandfocusafrica.com for more
Employee vs Independent Contractor in Ghana: Key Differences Every Worker Should Know

Distinguishing between an employee and an independent contractor in Ghana is vital for understanding legal rights, tax obligations, and workplace responsibilities. While employees typically receive benefits and…
Employee vs Independent Contractor in Ghana: Key Differences Every Worker Should Know
Distinguishing between an employee and an independent contractor in Ghana is vital for understanding legal rights, tax obligations, and workplace responsibilities. While employees typically receive benefits and are subject to employer control, independent contractors operate under more flexible terms with different tax and social security requirements. Clarifying these roles helps ensure compliance with Ghanaian labor laws and protects both businesses…
brandfocusafrica.com
April 15, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Ecobank Faces Backlash Over Branding Misstep Involving Sarkodie Lookalike

Ecobank is under public scrutiny following a controversial branding campaign that featured a Sarkodie lookalike without the rapper’s involvement or consent. The incident has sparked debates over intellectual property rights…
Ecobank Faces Backlash Over Branding Misstep Involving Sarkodie Lookalike
Ecobank is under public scrutiny following a controversial branding campaign that featured a Sarkodie lookalike without the rapper’s involvement or consent. The incident has sparked debates over intellectual property rights and brand authenticity, with fans and industry stakeholders calling for greater accountability in corporate marketing practices. What’s not in the balance sheet is often what tips the scale. Because every now and then, a story comes along that exposes not what a brand owns, but what it is.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 15, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Major Currencies Strengthen Against US Dollar Amid Tariff Hikes – Fitch Reports

According to a recent Fitch report, several major global currencies have posted gains against the US dollar despite rising trade tariffs. The resilience is attributed to strong economic fundamentals and adaptive…
Major Currencies Strengthen Against US Dollar Amid Tariff Hikes – Fitch Reports
According to a recent Fitch report, several major global currencies have posted gains against the US dollar despite rising trade tariffs. The resilience is attributed to strong economic fundamentals and adaptive monetary policies in key markets. Analysts note that the trend signals investor confidence in select economies, even amid escalating global trade tensions The Fitch Ratings‘ latest FX Market Monitor report has noted that major world currencies have appreciated against the US dollar since the beginning of 2025, …
brandfocusafrica.com
April 15, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Ghana Gold Board Overhauls Industry Oversight, Cancels PMMC Gold Trading Licences

The Ghana Gold Board has taken a decisive step to strengthen regulatory oversight in the gold sector by nullifying all gold trading licences previously issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). This…
Ghana Gold Board Overhauls Industry Oversight, Cancels PMMC Gold Trading Licences
The Ghana Gold Board has taken a decisive step to strengthen regulatory oversight in the gold sector by nullifying all gold trading licences previously issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). This move is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, curbing illegal trade, and centralizing gold market regulation under a unified authority. The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has assumed full control over the artisanal and small-scale gold trading ecosystem, following the enactment of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
brandfocusafrica.com
April 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
GMWU Calls for Clear Government Mining Policy to Avoid Industry Uncertainty

The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) is urging the government to publicly outline its mining policy direction to prevent growing confusion among industry stakeholders. The union warned that the lack of clear guidance is…
GMWU Calls for Clear Government Mining Policy to Avoid Industry Uncertainty
The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) is urging the government to publicly outline its mining policy direction to prevent growing confusion among industry stakeholders. The union warned that the lack of clear guidance is creating uncertainty for investors, workers, and communities, potentially undermining confidence and progress in the sector. A transparent policy roadmap, they say, is crucial for sustainable industry development…
brandfocusafrica.com
April 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Transport Fares to Remain Unchanged Amid Fuel Price Drop

Transport Fares to Remain Unchanged Amid Fuel Price Drop-------In a move signaling policy continuity and sectoral stability, Ghana‘s Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced that public transport fares will remain…
Transport Fares to Remain Unchanged Amid Fuel Price Drop
Transport Fares to Remain Unchanged Amid Fuel Price Drop-------In a move signaling policy continuity and sectoral stability, Ghana‘s Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced that public transport fares will remain unchanged despite a recent decline in fuel prices. Speaking to the press, Minister Nikpe explained that fare adjustments are governed by a comprehensive pricing formula jointly administered with transport unions and operators.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Finance Ministry to Launch Compliance Desk Under Amended PFM Act

Finance Ministry to Launch Compliance Desk Under Amended PFM Act----Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to set up a dedicated Compliance Desk at the Ministry of Finance to strengthen enforcement of the revised…
Finance Ministry to Launch Compliance Desk Under Amended PFM Act
Finance Ministry to Launch Compliance Desk Under Amended PFM Act----Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to set up a dedicated Compliance Desk at the Ministry of Finance to strengthen enforcement of the revised Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2025. The Minister said this during a high-level meeting with the World Bank Africa team led by Vice President Ousmane Diagana.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Key Legal Rights Every Business Owner in Ghana Should Know

Key Legal Rights Every Business Owner in Ghana Should Know------Every business has rights and duties they may perform. Some duties include the registration of the business and the payment of taxes. There are also various legal rights that…
Key Legal Rights Every Business Owner in Ghana Should Know
Key Legal Rights Every Business Owner in Ghana Should Know------Every business has rights and duties they may perform. Some duties include the registration of the business and the payment of taxes. There are also various legal rights that protect businesses, their assets, and interests. Knowing these rights helps you navigate agreements, and handle disputes effectively.  Here are some legal rights every business owner should be aware of:
brandfocusafrica.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Government Moves to Eliminate Prospecting Licences for Small-Scale Miners in Policy Shift

Government Moves to Eliminate Prospecting Licences for Small-Scale Miners in Policy Shift------The government is set to end the issuance of prospecting licences to small-scale miners as part of broader…
Government Moves to Eliminate Prospecting Licences for Small-Scale Miners in Policy Shift
Government Moves to Eliminate Prospecting Licences for Small-Scale Miners in Policy Shift------The government is set to end the issuance of prospecting licences to small-scale miners as part of broader efforts to reform Ghana‘s mining sector. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says the current system is prone to abuse, with some license holders engaging in full-scale gold mining under the guise of prospecting, which is illegal.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Expert Backs Finance Minister’s Strict MDAs Contract Directive, Says Move Will Control Reckless Spending

Expert Backs Finance Minister’s Strict MDAs Contract Directive, Says Move Will Control Reckless Spending------Financial Analyst and Banking Consultant Dr. Richmond Atuahene is justifying the…
Expert Backs Finance Minister’s Strict MDAs Contract Directive, Says Move Will Control Reckless Spending
Expert Backs Finance Minister’s Strict MDAs Contract Directive, Says Move Will Control Reckless Spending------Financial Analyst and Banking Consultant Dr. Richmond Atuahene is justifying the Finance Minister‘s recent directive barring Chief Directors, Spending Officers, etc, at the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from awarding contracts without prior commencement authorization from the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Atuahene says the decision is a strategic and necessary step toward the fiscal consolidation touted by the government.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:09 PM
UN Delegation Partners with Ghana to Advance Quality of Life Agenda

UN Delegation Partners with Ghana to Advance Quality of Life Agenda------A team from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) visited Accra this week to explore Ghana‘s potential participation in UN-Habitat’s…
UN Delegation Partners with Ghana to Advance Quality of Life Agenda
UN Delegation Partners with Ghana to Advance Quality of Life Agenda------A team from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) visited Accra this week to explore Ghana‘s potential participation in UN-Habitat’s Quality of Life (QoL) Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance living standards in urban areas by providing data-driven insights for city leaders. During their visit from March 25 to 26, 2025, the delegation met with key stakeholders, including the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the Ghana Statistical Service, and the United Nations Country Team.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
AI-Generated Content Sparks Debate Over Copyright in the Creative Industry

AI-Generated Content Sparks Debate Over Copyright in the Creative Industry----In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence is not only redefining how movies are made, it’s also transforming the very…
AI-Generated Content Sparks Debate Over Copyright in the Creative Industry
AI-Generated Content Sparks Debate Over Copyright in the Creative Industry----In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence is not only redefining how movies are made, it’s also transforming the very nature of copyright in the film industry. As AI technology achieves unprecedented levels of quality in video content creation, the development is calling for filmmakers and studios to rethink the process of securing intellectual property rights in a world where the line between human creativity and machine innovation is increasingly blurred.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Ghana Remains Important Partner to the US Despite 10% Tariff Hike – US Amb. to Ghana Calls for Calm 

Ghana Remains Important Partner to the US Despite 10% Tariff Hike – US Ambassador to Ghana Calls for Calm ---U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer is assuring the Ghanaian business community…
Ghana Remains Important Partner to the US Despite 10% Tariff Hike – US Amb. to Ghana Calls for Calm 
Ghana Remains Important Partner to the US Despite 10% Tariff Hike – US Ambassador to Ghana Calls for Calm ---U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer is assuring the Ghanaian business community that the country still remains a very important bilateral partner to the United States despite the tariff increases imposed on Ghana’s exports by the Trump administration. The 10% tariff imposed on Ghana’s exports to the United States was part of a mass policy action taken by President Donald Trump‘s administration.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Flawed Credit Data Systems Stifle SME Growth, Prompting Calls for Urgent Reform

Flawed Credit Data Systems Stifle SME Growth, Prompting Calls for Urgent Reform----Ghana‘s business environment is experiencing a wave of optimism, driven by increased private sector investments and improved business…
Flawed Credit Data Systems Stifle SME Growth, Prompting Calls for Urgent Reform
Flawed Credit Data Systems Stifle SME Growth, Prompting Calls for Urgent Reform----Ghana‘s business environment is experiencing a wave of optimism, driven by increased private sector investments and improved business confidence. The Bank of Ghana’s Business Confidence Index climbed from 96.6 in December 2024 to 99.7 in March 2025, indicating growing trust in the economic landscape. However, while firms are gaining confidence, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to face significant financing challenges due to weak credit information systems.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
AI Pushback: The Human Comeback in a World Built for Machines

AI Pushback: The Human Comeback in a World Built for Machines----In the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI), a prevailing concern among professionals and the general public is the potential for AI to displace human jobs.…
AI Pushback: The Human Comeback in a World Built for Machines
AI Pushback: The Human Comeback in a World Built for Machines----In the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI), a prevailing concern among professionals and the general public is the potential for AI to displace human jobs. This apprehension has led to calls for the moderation of AI development, legal battles in courts, and a general resistance to its integration into various sectors.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:46 PM
135 Days Later: The World Bank’s Silent Stance on Key Issues Revealed

135 Days Later: The World Bank’s Silent Stance on Key Issues Revealed----It’s been 135 days since the World Bank stated the allegations surrounding the Development Bank Ghana (DBG). On November 19, 2024, the Bank acknowledged…
135 Days Later: The World Bank’s Silent Stance on Key Issues Revealed
135 Days Later: The World Bank’s Silent Stance on Key Issues Revealed----It’s been 135 days since the World Bank stated the allegations surrounding the Development Bank Ghana (DBG). On November 19, 2024, the Bank acknowledged serious concerns and mentioned engaging key stakeholders to obtain full clarification. Since then, however, there has been no public update, no follow-up statement, and no sign that the Ghanaian public, whose trust and taxes are part of the story, has been given any clarity.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Tema Customs Division Surpasses Expectations with GH¢7.9 Billion Q1 Revenue

Tema Customs Division Surpasses Expectations with GH¢7.9 Billion Q1 Revenue----The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Tema has recorded a strong revenue performance in the first quarter of 2025,…
Tema Customs Division Surpasses Expectations with GH¢7.9 Billion Q1 Revenue
Tema Customs Division Surpasses Expectations with GH¢7.9 Billion Q1 Revenue----The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Tema has recorded a strong revenue performance in the first quarter of 2025, collecting over GH¢7.9 billion in import duties, marking a significant 43% increase compared to the same period last year. Sector Commander, Assistant Commissioner Theresa Potakey, who made this known, emphasized the division’s commitment to exceeding its annual revenue target.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Inflation Declines to 22.4% in March from 23.1%, Slightly Easing Price Hikes

Inflation Declines to 22.4% in March from 23.1%, Slightly Easing Price Hikes----The current Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reported that Ghana’s inflation rate…
Inflation Declines to 22.4% in March from 23.1%, Slightly Easing Price Hikes
Inflation Declines to 22.4% in March from 23.1%, Slightly Easing Price Hikes----The current Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reported that Ghana’s inflation rate declined to 22.4% in March 2025, down from 23.1% in February 2025, easing hikes in goods prices. This marks a 0.7 percentage point drop in the annual inflation rate…
brandfocusafrica.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Ghana’s $600M Iron Ore Project Set to Begin in 2025

Ghana’s $600M Iron Ore Project Set to Begin in 2025----Ghana is set to begin large-scale iron ore mining by the end of 2025, as the Shieni Iron Ore Project moves forward under the leadership of Emmerland Resource Limited. The initiative seeks to…
Ghana’s $600M Iron Ore Project Set to Begin in 2025
Ghana’s $600M Iron Ore Project Set to Begin in 2025----Ghana is set to begin large-scale iron ore mining by the end of 2025, as the Shieni Iron Ore Project moves forward under the leadership of Emmerland Resource Limited. The initiative seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on imported steel, boost local production, and create jobs. The project is led by Emmerland Resource Limited, a Ghanaian company licensed to mine iron ore deposits in Shieni, Northern Region.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM
World Bank Freezes Funding for Two Projects After Government Sacks Key Officials

World Bank Freezes Funding for Two Projects After Government Sacks Key Officials----Two major World Bank-funded projects, a $200 million Tree Crops Diversification Project and another $200 million Ghana Digital…
World Bank Freezes Funding for Two Projects After Government Sacks Key Officials
World Bank Freezes Funding for Two Projects After Government Sacks Key Officials----Two major World Bank-funded projects, a $200 million Tree Crops Diversification Project and another $200 million Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP), have been suspended following the dismissal of key personnel by the new government. The terminations, carried out without adherence to World Bank protocols, have raised concerns about the future of these initiatives.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Ghana’s Business Landscape Struggles with Lengthy Registration and High Costs

Ghana’s Business Landscape Struggles with Lengthy Registration and High Costs----Ghana’s business environment has shown positive progress in recent years, but significant challenges remain that continue to hinder the…
Ghana’s Business Landscape Struggles with Lengthy Registration and High Costs
Ghana’s Business Landscape Struggles with Lengthy Registration and High Costs----Ghana’s business environment has shown positive progress in recent years, but significant challenges remain that continue to hinder the growth of new and small businesses. According to IMANI‘s Economic Report (March 2025), despite the country’s relatively strong legal framework for business startups, practical barriers such as the cost and time required for registration still pose major obstacles for entrepreneurs.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 3, 2025 at 12:57 PM
President Mahama Signs Bills to Abolish Betting Tax, E-Levy, and Emissions Tax

President Mahama Signs Bills to Abolish Betting Tax, E-Levy, and Emissions Tax----President John Dramani Mahama has officially signed into law a set of amended bills, removing several controversial taxes, including the…
President Mahama Signs Bills to Abolish Betting Tax, E-Levy, and Emissions Tax
President Mahama Signs Bills to Abolish Betting Tax, E-Levy, and Emissions Tax----President John Dramani Mahama has officially signed into law a set of amended bills, removing several controversial taxes, including the E-levy, betting tax, and emissions tax. The signing, which took place in his office, signals a major shift in the government’s approach to easing the financial burden on the public while promoting economic growth.
brandfocusafrica.com
April 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Fighting Corruption & Ensuring Accountability: Ghana’s Key to Economic Freedom – Prof. Antwi

Fighting Corruption & Ensuring Accountability: Ghana’s Key to Economic Freedom – Prof. Antwi Ghana‘s economic struggles are deeply rooted in high levels of corruption and a lack of accountability, and…
Fighting Corruption & Ensuring Accountability: Ghana’s Key to Economic Freedom – Prof. Antwi
Fighting Corruption & Ensuring Accountability: Ghana’s Key to Economic Freedom – Prof. Antwi Ghana‘s economic struggles are deeply rooted in high levels of corruption and a lack of accountability, and addressing these challenges is the nation’s best bet for achieving true economic freedom, says Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi. The Dean of Business Administration and Communication Arts at the Academic City University says…
brandfocusafrica.com
March 31, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Parliament Scraps E-Levy, Easing Burden on Digital Transactions

Parliament Scraps E-Levy, Easing Burden on Digital Transactions-----Parliament has officially passed a bill to abolish the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), a tax on digital transactions that has faced significant public backlash…
Parliament Scraps E-Levy, Easing Burden on Digital Transactions
Parliament Scraps E-Levy, Easing Burden on Digital Transactions-----Parliament has officially passed a bill to abolish the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), a tax on digital transactions that has faced significant public backlash since its introduction in 2022. The bill, approved on Wednesday, March 26, now awaits the assent of President John Mahama. The E-Levy, introduced by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, imposed a 1% tax on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers, bank transactions, and online payments.
brandfocusafrica.com
March 27, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Lifestyle Audits Demystified: Lawyer Clarifies Facts and Misconceptions

Lifestyle Audits Demystified: Lawyer Clarifies Facts and Misconceptions-----One subject that has become rife in Ghana recently is the issue of lifestyle audit. The issue has become the talk of town after the display of…
Lifestyle Audits Demystified: Lawyer Clarifies Facts and Misconceptions
Lifestyle Audits Demystified: Lawyer Clarifies Facts and Misconceptions-----One subject that has become rife in Ghana recently is the issue of lifestyle audit. The issue has become the talk of town after the display of opulence at the 40th birthday celebrations of the founder of Bills Credit. The arrest of the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has also fueled the conversation following the alleged numerous properties alleged to have been bought by the former DG, which are suspected to have been bought through questionable means.
brandfocusafrica.com
March 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM