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Analysis

Long-term funding: The government takes action to increase activity on the bond market
OBG
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While government bonds are a popular form of investment among both retail and institutional investors, there are currently no corporate bonds listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). However, the government is undertaking an initiative to encourage more issues and listings, and developments such as pension reform are set to spur increased activity. A POPULAR CHOICE: “Government securities…

Analysis

Managing climate risk: Index insurance project provides coverage for the agricultural sector
OBG
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As it works to expand its economy, Ghana has proven that it is open to becoming a fertile testing ground for innovations. Mobile microinsurance is one example that has come out of this forward thinking, as has index insurance, which has the potential to not only boost coverage in rural areas, but also prime the agricultural sector for growth. Index insurance is an innovation that has been gaining…

Analysis

Lines of credit: Although borrowing remains expensive, access to finance is improving
OBG
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Lack of access to credit and high borrowing rates are significant problems for Ghanaian businesses and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. These issues are a result of factors such as the high cost of doing business for banks, competition from government borrowing and problems particular to SMEs, such as lack of collateral and poor recordkeeping. However, private sector…

Analysis

Mobile coverage: Sector players are increasingly turning to alternative distribution channels to reach more potential customers
OBG
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In the past year Ghana has hosted two pilot programmes that have turned mobile phones into new distribution channels for microinsurance policies. Two carriers launched these services in conjunction with partners from the insurance sector in early 2011, and they are now being introduced in other countries on the continent. The demand has proved that insurance can be a successful venture in Ghana…

Analysis

Top of the league: Most leading banks have seen their profits increase
OBG
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The banking industry is heavily dominated in terms of market share by a relatively small number of large banks, made up by a mix of state-backed and foreign-owned entities. The pack has long been led by the majority state-owned Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), which benefits from a number of advantages that help underpin its position, though mergers and new entries have begun to eat away at its dominance.…

Analysis

Mutual benefits: The relationship with Nigeria remains crucial, despite a recent dispute
OBG
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As the two largest economies in West Africa, the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana is a crucial one for the region. Trade ties are particularly important, and Nigeria’s high levels of liquidity serve as an important source of capital for Ghana. However, a recent dispute between the two countries concerning the status of Nigerian traders in Ghana is a reminder of past bilateral tensions…

Analysis

Tullow Oil: Oil and gas
OBG
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THE COMPANY: Tullow Oil (Tullow) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company. The company is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production and the sale of hydrocarbons and related activities. The company operates in three geographical segments: Europe, South America and Asia and Africa. Tullow has exploration, development and production assets covering more…

Analysis

Wave of activity: Mergers lead to market consolidation
OBG
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The banking sector has been seeing a significant amount of merger and acquisition activity since early 2011, including one deal that recent reports suggest has given rise to a new industry leader, in terms of banking assets. Some observers predict further merger activity and view recent capital requirement increases as being aimed at spurring consolidation. This would enable the creation of banks…

Analysis

The ties that bind: An important player on both the regional and world stage
OBG
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Ever since gaining its independence from the UK in 1957, sub-Saharan Africa’s first self-governing nation has strived to follow a path of cooperation and active participation in the international community. As one of Africa’s most stable and progressive democracies, Ghana’s influence in regional affairs and international diplomacy has been solidified over the years, aided by repeated…

Analysis

Thinking small: Microinsurance has a key role to play in boosting penetration rates
OBG
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With the vast majority of Ghanaians unable to afford insurance, sector players have been looking at other ways in which to increase penetration, one of which includes microinsurance. As a cheaper, smaller-scale version of risk mitigation, many believe it could work as a catalyst to boost growth and increase customer numbers. The segment has been seeing rapid growth not only in Ghana but worldwide.…