Accra Street Journal

Ghana’s Rebound Is Real — But Sustainability Will Be the True Test The story of Ghana’s economy in 2025 is one of cautious optimism — a comeback narrative underscored by impressive growth numbers, market confidence, and global validation. The World Bank’s October 2025 Africa Pulse Report paints a picture of a nation on the rebound, revising Ghana’s growth forecast upward to 4.3%, just a hair below the government’s own 4.4% target…

The World Bank revises Ghana’s 2025 growth forecast to 4.3%, reflecting renewed confidence in the economy, strong market performance, and fiscal stability.

When Policemen Become Insurance Agents: The Street Madness of Ghana’s Accident Settlements Walk through the streets of Accra on any weekday morning and you’ll likely meet the same chaotic scene that plays out across the city: two cars in the middle of the road, hazard lights blinking, traffic piling up, and two angry drivers arguing over whose fault it is. Sometimes, one holds a steering wheel in hand like a weapon of authority; the other has already called “someone” — often, that someone is a policeman.

On the streets of Accra, police now settle accident claims like insurers. Here’s why it’s wrong, what the law says, and how Ghanaian drivers can fix it.

Pearl Nkiruka Waturuocha (Pearl Watts or Pearl Wats) : From Banker to Nollywood’s Rising Star Pearl Wats or Pearl Watts, whose full name is Pearl Nkiruka Waturuocha, has carved a spot for herself in Nollywood as an actress, marketer, content creator, and media personality. Her rise has been fueled by ambition, talent, and consistency — a blend that has earned her recognition across Nigeria’s entertainment circles. Early Life & Education Pearl Waturuocha was born in…

Explore the life of Nollywood actress Pearl Wats. From banking graduate to breakout TV role, co-star projects with Maurice Sam, branding, challenges, and her rise in Nigeria’s film industry.

Can Sean “Diddy” Combs Rebuild His Empire After 4 years 4 months Prison Sentence? From Music Mogul to Federal Inmate Sean “Diddy” Combs once commanded not just stages, but boardrooms—his empire spanning music, fashion, media, and liquor. But on October 3, 2025, the balance between power, reputation, and law shifted dramatically when a New York federal court sentenced him to 50 months in prison. Combs’s conviction stemmed from a July 2025 verdict…

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison for violating the Mann Act. This in-depth editorial explores his trial, conviction, and what it reveals about the collapse of power, fame, and accountability.

2025 Claims Efficiency Ranking: The Fastest and Most Transparent Insurers in Ghana As Ghana’s insurance market matures, the most valuable currency is no longer policy volume — it’s trust. At the heart of that trust lies one critical factor: how efficiently insurers process and pay claims. The 2025 Claims Efficiency Ranking, compiled by Accra Street Journal’s Research Desk, assesses Ghana’s top insurers based on speed, transparency, and customer satisfaction…

Discover Ghana’s top 10 insurance companies ranked by claims speed, transparency, and customer satisfaction in Accra Street Journal’s 2025 report.

Top 10 Insurance Companies in Accra With the Best Customer Service – 2025 Edition Accra’s insurance industry is changing fast — not just in products and digital transformation, but in how insurers treat their customers. From complaint handling to claims processing, companies are beginning to compete on empathy, speed, and innovation. But who’s really leading when it comes to customer service in Ghana’s capital? Accra Street Journal reviewed public awards, sector data, online reviews, and media reports…

Accra Street Journal’s 2025 report ranks the top insurance companies in Accra for customer service, transparency, and innovation, led by Hollard Ghana and Star Assurance.

Beyond Beans: How Ghana’s Cocoa Industry Is Moving Into Beverage, Confectionery & Dairy Processing Ghana grows cocoa the world envies, yet most of that raw bounty still leaves the country before it becomes chocolate, cocoa-based beverages or even milk-based drinks. That paradox — abundant upstream supply, scarce downstream industry — has been a fault line in Ghana’s economic strategy for decades. Over the past three years, however, the country’s cocoa sector has quietly begun to tilt toward value addition: small-but-significant investments in confectionery production, beverage lines and even dairy processing tied to cocoa ingredients.

Ghana is pushing cocoa beyond raw exports — investing in aseptic beverage lines, confectionery and dairy processing. Accra Street Journal examines the industrial, policy and farm-level hurdles that will determine whether value-addition becomes a lasting economic shift.

The Rise of Fitness Hubs: Inside Accra’s Top Gyms and Fitness Businesses Accra’s skyline is changing—not just with office towers and apartment blocks, but with fitness centers, wellness clubs, and gyms redefining how Ghanaians view health, status, and urban living. What began as a niche trend for the affluent has evolved into a vibrant, competitive industry, generating millions in revenue and creating hundreds of jobs across Ghana’s capital. According to Accra Street Journal…

Accra’s booming fitness industry is creating new jobs—from trainers to tech developers. Discover how gyms, wellness startups, and health trends are reshaping the economy.

How Ghana’s Fitness Boom Is Quietly Building a New Workforce & Creating Employment Ghana’s fitness revolution is no longer just about lifestyle—it’s about livelihood. Across Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, a growing network of gyms, wellness startups, and sportswear businesses is creating jobs and fueling entrepreneurship among Ghana’s youth. Once seen as a luxury for the elite, fitness culture is now reshaping the country’s urban labor market. Data reviewed by Accra Street Journal reveals that the sector, while still informally documented, is quietly building a new workforce through both direct and indirect employment.

The fitness and wellness business in Ghana is becoming a major job creator. From personal trainers and physiotherapists to digital fitness startups, Accra Street Journal explores how Ghana’s health-conscious movement is powering new employment and entrepreneurship in 2025.

Ghana’s New Fitness Economy: Inside the Rise of Gyms and the Business of Wellness In the last five years, Ghana’s skyline has changed in subtle but telling ways. Alongside the familiar billboards of telcos and banks, new signage now lights up neighborhoods: fit labs, gyms, wellness clubs, boot camps, and yoga studios. What was once a niche pursuit among Accra’s elite has become a fast-evolving segment of Ghana’s urban economy — the business of fitness.

According to an Accra Street Journal analysis of publicly available data, there are now over 600 gyms across Ghana, with 342 concentrated in the Greater Accra Region alone

Africa’s Trade Ambitions Mature: AfCFTA and Afreximbank Push Toward a Unified Continental Economy Africa’s vision of a seamless, self-reliant trading bloc is no longer an abstract aspiration—it is gradually becoming a structured agenda. But as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) move to deepen collaboration, the question remains: can Africa trade with itself faster than it negotiates with the world? That question loomed large in Accra on Thursday, where AfCFTA Secretary-General…

As AfCFTA and Afreximbank deepen collaboration, Africa stands on the brink of a transformative era in trade. But experts warn that without efficient borders, strong digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies, the dream of a unified African market could stall.

Ghana’s Cocoa Price Hike: A Sweet Deal or a Political Balancing Act? When Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced a new producer price for cocoa—raising it from GH₵3,228 to GH₵3,625 per 64kg bag—the government framed it as a victory for farmers. On paper, it’s a 12.27% increase, one that offers nearly GH₵400 more per bag to farmers starting October 3, 2025. But in Ghana’s politically charged economic climate, such figures are rarely just about economics.

The Ghanaian government has raised cocoa prices for the 2025/26 crop season by over 12%, promising relief for farmers. But beneath the surface lies a complex mix of economic necessity, political calculation, and sustainability concerns.

Ghana’s Petroleum Hub Project: A Vision to Power Africa’s Energy Future Accra — Ghana’s ambitions in the global energy economy have entered a new chapter with the Petroleum Hub Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative designed to transform the Western Region into Africa’s next major energy and petrochemical hub. Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), described the project as “a transformative national investment that will shape Ghana’s industrial and employment landscape for generations.”

The Petroleum Hub Project aims to transform Ghana into a continental energy and petrochemical hub, creating up to 500,000 jobs. But will policy, funding, and global energy shifts support its promise?

Ghana’s Market Rallies Amid Low Inflation and Treasury Bill Shortfalls — A Mixed Economic Signal Accra — The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) ended the first week of October 2025 on a bullish note, signaling renewed investor confidence in the equity market even as Treasury bill demand falters and liquidity tightens. The GSE Composite Index climbed 44.67 points on Friday, October 3, 2025, to close at 8,410.56, its strongest level in months. The Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI)

The Ghana Stock Exchange recorded strong gains in early October 2025, led by MTN Ghana. But waning investor appetite for T-bills and tightening liquidity highlight mixed signals for the economy.

Ghana’s Markets Show Renewed Strength as Stocks Climb and Private Sector Confidence Rises Ghana’s financial markets closed the first week of October on a strong note, buoyed by a rally in equities, improved private sector sentiment, and record trading in the fixed income space — signaling renewed investor confidence in the economy’s direction. Stocks Extend Gains, Led by MTN Ghana The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) Composite Index advanced 44.67 points to close at 8,410.56…

The Ghana Stock Exchange surged in early October 2025 as MTN Ghana led trading activity. Private sector confidence remains strong amid faster supplier performance and record-breaking fixed income trading volumes.

Mahama’s Big Push Agenda: Ghana’s $10 Billion Leap Toward Modern Infrastructure In Afienya, on September 16, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama stood before a crowd of party faithful, contractors, and policy experts to cut the sod for what is arguably Ghana’s most ambitious post-independence infrastructure program — The Big Push. Initially proposed in 2020 as researched by Accra Street Journal, when Mahama was still in opposition, the “Big Push” has now evolved from political promise to policy reality.

President John Dramani Mahama’s $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure agenda has entered its implementation phase, promising to reshape Ghana’s economy through ambitious road, energy, and education projects. Here’s where the nation stands today

Accra → Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Kumasi — Nature, Conservation & Serenity) Overview Hidden within Ghana’s lush Ashanti Region, the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary is one of West Africa’s most enchanting natural destinations as researched by Accra Street Journal — a living paradise for eco-tourists, nature photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility away from city life. Located about 30 km from Kumasi along the Kumasi–Accra highway, Bobiri is the only butterfly sanctuary in West Africa…

Discover Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary near Kumasi — West Africa’s only butterfly haven. Learn how to travel from Accra, entry fees, best visiting times, hotels, and travel tips.

Accra → Ntonso (Adinkra Printing Village Travel & Cultural Experience) Overview A journey from Accra to Ntonso is more than a trip — it’s a journey into the symbolic heart of Ashanti culture. Ntonso, a small town located near Kumasi in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, is world-famous as the home of Adinkra, a traditional cloth adorned with meaningful symbols that express proverbs, ethics, and wisdom. Known as “the village where Adinkra lives,” Ntonso offers visitors an intimate experience of Ghanaian heritage through craftsmanship, storytelling, and living culture.

Discover Ntonso, the home of Adinkra symbols in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Learn the history, travel options, entry fees, and best tips for exploring this cultural hub from Accra.

Accra → Bonwire (Kente Weaving Village — The Home of Ghana’s Iconic Cloth) Overview: The Heartbeat of Ghanaian Heritage A journey from Accra to Bonwire, nestled in the Ashanti Region about 18 km northeast of Kumasi, is not just a trip — it’s a cultural pilgrimage as remarked by an Accra Street Journal writer. Bonwire (pronounced “Bon-ray”) is the birthplace of Kente, Ghana’s most iconic and globally recognized woven cloth, worn by royalty, presidents, and celebrated worldwide as a symbol of African pride and identity.

Explore Bonwire, the cultural heart of Kente weaving in Ghana. Learn its royal history, meet master weavers, shop authentic Kente cloths, and experience the colorful heritage of the Ashanti Region

Accra → Lake Bosomtwe (Natural Lake & Leisure Destination) Overview: Discover Ghana’s Only Natural Lake Nestled in the Ashanti highlands, about 30 kilometers southeast of Kumasi, lies the breathtaking Lake Bosomtwe — Ghana’s only natural lake and one of the most serene ecological and cultural destinations in West Africa. Formed by a meteorite impact over a million years ago, the lake is encircled by lush green hills and 22 picturesque fishing and farming villages.

Plan your trip from Accra to Lake Bosomtwe — Ghana’s natural wonder. Explore eco-lodges, canoeing, hiking trails, hotels, entry fees, and travel tips for the perfect Ashanti getaway

Accra → Kejetia Market (Kumasi — Cultural & Market Experience) Overview: Ghana’s Largest Open-Air Market Experience If you’re looking for the heart of Ghana’s trading culture and a true sensory adventure, Kejetia Market in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, is an unmissable destination. Known locally as “Kejetia” or “the Central Market,” it’s one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa — a buzzing, colorful maze of over…

Explore Ghana’s largest market — Kejetia in Kumasi. Learn about its history, bus fares, hotels, travel tips, and what to buy. Your complete guide from Accra to Kumasi.

Senegal’s $5bn Refinery Gamble: Can West Africa Secure Its Fuel Future? Senegal has unveiled plans for a massive $5 billion oil refinery project that could redefine its energy landscape and strengthen West Africa’s quest for fuel independence. The government, through the national refining company Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR), announced that it is preparing to construct a second refinery — dubbed SAR 2.0 — which would add 4 million tons of refining capacity annually by 2029…

Senegal is investing $5 billion in a second oil refinery to close its fuel gap and achieve energy self-sufficiency. Backed by partners from China, Turkey, and South Korea, the SAR 2.0 project could position Senegal as a key fuel exporter in West Africa.

Ivory Coast Expands Gold Mining Ambitions with 11 New Exploration Permits Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, is pushing aggressively into gold mining, signaling a new phase of economic diversification beyond its agricultural backbone. The government has granted 11 new exploration permits to local and international companies, marking a deliberate effort to transform the West African nation into a regional mining hub. The announcement was made in Abidjan by government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly following a cabinet meeting.

Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, has granted 11 new mining permits to expand gold, copper, and cobalt exploration as part of its drive to diversify and hit 100 tonnes of gold output by 2030.

Senegal Exports Oil to Europe but Runs Its Refinery on Nigerian Crude Senegal, one of Africa’s newest oil producers, has found itself in a paradox that highlights the continent’s refining dilemma: despite producing 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day from its Sangomar field, the country cannot refine its own output and instead depends on Nigeria’s Erha crude to keep its lone refinery running. Industry data from Kpler shows that Dakar’s 30,000-barrel-per-day refinery is configured to process lighter, sweeter crudes.

Senegal produces 100,000 barrels per day but exports almost all to Europe, while relying on Nigeria’s Erha crude and Russian fuel imports to power its refinery and meet demand.

The Remarkable Journey of Emmanuel Essel Acheampong In a country where leadership is often measured by titles and positions, Emmanuel Essel Acheampong stands out for his substance. His story is not just one of academic achievement or professional milestones, but of a relentless pursuit of knowledge, impact, and service that bridges business, law, and youth advocacy. Born in Ghana’s vibrant Ashanti Region and raised across Winneba…

Discover the inspiring journey of Emmanuel Essel Acheampong, a Ghanaian leader redefining business, law, and youth empowerment. From Kumasi to Accra, his story blends innovation, arbitration, and social impact.

Top Pharmacies and Pharmaceutical Companies in Accra (2025 Update) Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is not just the political and economic hub of the country — it is also the heartbeat of Ghana’s pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. With some of the largest pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and distribution centers headquartered in Accra, the city remains the first stop for millions of Ghanaians seeking quality medicines. In this special analysis, …

Discover the leading pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies in Accra. List of trusted pharmacies, top 10 pharma firms, and online pharmacy options in Accra.

list of pharmacies in Ghana, top 10 pharmaceutical companies in Ghana, online pharmacy in Ghana, buy medicine Ghana, best pharmacies in Accra, pharmaceutical distributors Ghana

Maternity Health Insurance in Ghana: 7 Best Plans for Mothers (2025 Guide) Introduction Childbirth can be one of the most expensive medical costs for families in Ghana. From antenatal visits and delivery to postnatal care, hospital bills often run into thousands of Ghana cedis. That’s why maternity health insurance is so important. At Accra Street Journal, we reviewed the top maternity health insurance plans in Ghana (2025) — both public and private — to help mothers and families plan ahead.

Looking for maternity health insurance in Ghana? Explore the 7 best plans in 2025 from NHIS, Acacia, GLICO, Apex, Enterprise, Nationwide, and Cosmopolitan

Cheapest Health Insurance in Ghana: Top 5 Affordable Plans (2025 Guide) Introduction Health insurance in Ghana is often seen as expensive, but the truth is that there are several affordable options for individuals, families, and businesses. From the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to private providers offering basic packages, Ghanaians can now access quality healthcare at relatively low costs. In this article, Accra Street Journal highlights the 5 cheapest health insurance plans in Ghana (2025)

Looking for cheap and affordable health insurance in Ghana? Here are the top 5 cheapest plans in 2025, including NHIS, Acacia, GLICO, and more.

NHIS in Ghana: Benefits, Registration, Renewal, and Coverage (2025 Guide) Introduction The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was launched in 2003 to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians. Today, over 16 million active members are enrolled, making it one of the most important social programs in the country. Despite challenges like delays, coverage gaps, and long queues, the NHIS still provides essential health coverage to millions, especially low-income households.

A complete guide to Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2025. Learn how to register, renew, what NHIS covers, and its benefits and limitations