Ghana Roundup: Rising Mpox cases, Red Interpol alert, visa travel

Ghana secures visa-free travel to Morocco

Ghana has achieved a visa-free entry agreement with Morocco, allowing its nationals to apply for online travel authorisation in just 24 hours. This arrangement was finalised during Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa's two-day visit to Morocco, aiming to enhance trade, tourism, and regional integration.

Bank of Ghana's new digital lending regulations

The Bank of Ghana is set to implement comprehensive guidelines for digital lending by August 2025, targeting the exploitation of users by online lending platforms. Governor Dr Johnson Asiama detailed measures focusing on licensing, interest transparency, and ethical debt recovery, intending to safeguard borrowers, particularly vulnerable groups.

Ghana faces Monkeypox outbreak

Ghana has recorded 45 cases of monkeypox in the past month, marking its worst outbreak since 2022, as reported by the Ghana Health Service. The government has initiated a response plan involving patient isolation, vaccination of at-risk healthcare workers, and public awareness campaigns, with expectations of rising case numbers.

Surge in excavator imports into Ghana

Transportation Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari has raised concerns over the import of over 200 excavators daily into Ghana, labelling it an 'invasion'. This surge has prompted a temporary halt in clearances at Tema Port, with intentions to enforce a ban on unregulated excavator imports to combat illegal mining and ensure compliance among licensed firms.

Interpol issues Red Notice for former Ghanaian finance minister

Interpol has issued a red notice for former Ghanaian finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta over corruption allegations, following his failure to appear before investigators. According to local reports, his lawyers have contested the designation of 'fugitive', while he faces accusations of misusing public funds related to a failed project.