Ghana Roundup: National mourning, Vatican tribute, strong 2025 mid-year performance

ECOWAS Chairman honours helicopter crash victims in Ghana

ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, visited Ghana to pay tribute to eight Ghanaians killed in a military helicopter crash on August 6 in the Ashanti Region. The victims included two ministers of state and six others on official duty. At the Jubilee House in Accra, President Bio signed the condolence book, laid a wreath, and lit a candle in solidarity with President John Mahama and the Ghanaian people. He affirmed Sierra Leone’s support during the national mourning period.

Pope Leo XIV sends condolences after Ghana tragedy

Pope Leo XIV has expressed condolences following the deaths of two ministers, senior officials, and military personnel in the August 6 helicopter crash. In a telegram to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father conveyed sympathy to the bereaved, assuring them of his prayers during this time of loss.

Research praises Ghana’s strong 2025 mid-year performance

IC Research has commended Ghana’s macroeconomic performance in the first half of 2025, citing progress in inflation control, exchange rate stability, interest rates, real GDP growth, and reserves. The leading economic and financial outfit in its review of Ghana’s 2025 Mid-Year Budget noted a sizable fiscal adjustment exceeding targets, improved spending control, and non-accumulation of arrears. Authorities maintained all end-2025 macro-fiscal targets, reflecting optimism for the remainder of the year.

Caretaker ministers appointed after loss of cabinet members

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as Acting Defence Minister and former Energy Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as caretaker Minister of Environment, Science and Technology. The appointments follow the deaths of Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in last week’s Ghana Air Force helicopter crash. The move ensures continuity in governance during the nation's mourning period.

Government targets $1.2 billion investment in garment industry

Ghana aims to attract $1.2 billion in investments to create 150,000 jobs in the garment and textiles industry by 2030. Plans include reviving cotton cultivation on 50,000 hectares to strengthen the local raw material supply. Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Samson Ahi, said the new policy framework will position Ghana as a hub for ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturing.