February 2009

The Economist Lied

The emergence of Mr. Charles Soludo as Central Bank governor was greeted with relief by many for so many reasons. First, the appointment of a first rate academic economist was a refreshing departure from the previous insistence on ageing bankers. Second, Soludo’s relatively youthful age signified a generational shift or concession in terms of strategic public office appointments.

Ghana receives commendation

Accra: Ghana continues to receive commendation for the recent remarkable election, bolstering her performance at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The development has changed the image of Ghana which has reached an appreciable interest globally as other countries yearn to share in her experiences and are asking for assistance as they begin their review processes.

Nigeria Market Rates 27/02/09

CLOSING USD/NGN FX RATES  

MARKET SEGMENT BID OFFER
 CBN Range 144.90 145.85
SPOT NIFEX 145.90    145.90
CBN Form M   144.85

ECONOMIC NEWS

Sequel to the recommendations of the Steering Committee on the Global Economic Crisis, the Federal Government has finally approved the full deregulation of the petroleum sector to end the era of subsidy for inefficient and fraudulent operations.

Ghana News

* Ghana: Country's Oil Can Erode Democratic Accountability *
  The much anticipated onset of Ghana's oil wealth in 2010 and beyond could erode democratic accountability and institutions in the country.

NIgeria Top News

* Nigeria: Party Calls For Probes Into Banks, Stock Market *
  AS the effect of the financial crisis bites harder, the Nigeria Labour  Congress has called on President Umaru Yar'Adua to "conduct a thorough  investigation" of the nation's banks as well as the stock exchange,  just as it called for a review of government's privatisation policy.

Ghana’s mobile licensing regime rated best in Africa

The unified licensing regime employed by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in awarding mobile licences in the country has been rated as the best for telecom operators on the continent, B&FT has learnt.

Nigerians in Ghana, warned

Ho, Feb. 25, GNA - Nigerians living in Ghana have been urged to abide by the laws of Ghana so as to protect the image of Nigeria. Madam Edith Chukwu, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Association in the Volta Region made the call when she spoke to the Ghana News Agency on the reported criminal activities of some Nigerians in the country.

Ghana News

* Ghana: Women in Power - Trickle Down? *
  The arrival of women at top positions in Ghana's government and security forces has highlighted the question of whether such milestones will translate into concrete benefits in women's lives.
  * Ghana: Central Bank Ups Prime Rate to 18.5 Percent *
  The Central Bank of Ghana yesterday raised its prime rate by 1.5  percentage points from 17% to 8.5% on the heels of a soaring  inflation.

Top Nigeria News

* Nigeria: Nobody Can Sack Me, Says Electoral Body Chairman *
  CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  Professor Maurice Iwu, yesterday told those calling for his sack to  stop wasting their time as he can only be removed from office through  impeachment by the Senate.
  * Nigeria: Classified Documents Stolen - Govt *
  The Federal Government yesterday said it was petitioning the United  States government over the use of its official documents in the legal  tussle over the ownership of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. The government feared the documents were stolen.

Auditors raise alarm on Nigerian banks

Some Nigerian banks might not be as healthy as portrayed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), says PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Abuja. The renowned audit firm said in a statement on the Global Financial Crisis and Implications for Nigeria that some of the banks had already signaled interest for government intervention in their operational activities.