Development Report

29/10/2025

In June 2025, China unveiled a landmark decision to grant zero-tariff access to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. Announced at a high-level meeting in Changsha, the policy extends duty-free treatment to 98 percent of taxable products, symbolizing Beijing’s deepening commitment to South–South cooperation through trade rather than aid. For Ghana, this marks both a historic opportunity and a strategic policy test.

The initiative promises to unlock vast new prospects for Ghanaian exports — from processed cocoa, cashew, and shea butter to horticultural and light-manufactured products — at a time when the country is actively pursuing an export-led, productivity-driven agenda under its 24-Hour Economy initiative. Yet beneath the optimism lies a complex economic puzzle.

Ghana is not classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC), meaning that under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, China’s offer could eventually require reciprocity — tariff concessions by Ghana in return. This article argues that Ghana must pursue “smart reciprocity” — a data-driven, selective approach that satisfies WTO obligations while protecting domestic producers. Handled strategically, China’s zero-tariff initiative could evolve from a generous gesture into a mutually beneficial framework that advances Ghana’s industrialization and strengthens its 24-Hour Economy vision.

Read more: https://developmentreport.online/selective-reciprocity-how-ghana-can-turn-chinas-zero-tariff-policy-into-a-win-win-strategy/



AAfrica-China Centre for Policy & Advisory
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China’s new zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries offers Ghana major export opportunities under its 24-Hour Economy agenda — but also raises tough questions on trade reciprocity and industrial strategy.

14/10/2025

African Professors Must Stop Counting Publications — And Start Building Nations

"In lecture halls across Africa, a quiet tragedy unfolds every day. Brilliant professors — full of knowledge, passion, and vision — spend their best years chasing publications, not solutions. They write for journals abroad while problems at home multiply.

Our universities overflow with research papers, yet our factories remain silent. Our libraries are full, but our laboratories are empty."

Insightful article by Dr. Isaac Yaw Asiedu

Read here: https://developmentreport.online/african-professors-must-stop-counting-publications-and-start-building-nations/

Africa’s universities overflow with research but lack real-world innovation — a crisis fueled by the “publish or perish” culture.

07/10/2025

"If you tuned into the news recently, you likely caught the buzz around President John Dramani Mahama’s high-profile meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the menace of galamsey. Illegal small-scale mining has long scarred Ghana’s landscape, poisoned rivers, and disrupted communities. This latest “presidential powwow” promised something different: less political posturing, more straight talk at the Jubilee House. But the real question is, what happens after the cameras stop rolling?"

Insight by George Okorley

President John Mahama met with Civil Society Organisations to tackle Ghana’s illegal mining crisis, pledging real action beyond politics to restore lands, rivers, and communities.

09/09/2025

Coming Out Soon!

"When African nations lowered the colonial flags and raised their own, they declared political independence. Yet, decades later, many leaders and thinkers still argue that true freedom has remained elusive."

H. E. Jacob Zuma
Former President of South Africa








University of Professional Studies, Accra
Victoria Beeko Danso
Benjamin Terkper

09/09/2025

At the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” Summit in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)—a framework aimed at reforming international cooperation in a time of turbulence. The initiative calls for a system grounded in sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and practical results.

The announcement coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Both moments reflect collective efforts to safeguard peace and institutionalize cooperation. As Xi noted, history reminds us that “at difficult times, we must uphold our original commitment to peaceful coexistence, strengthen our confidence in win-win cooperation, advance in line with the trend of history, and thrive in keeping pace with the times.”

Today, geopolitical rivalries, unilateralism, and global crises such as climate change and inequality threaten the multilateral system built after 1945. Against this backdrop, the GGI positions itself as both a response to present challenges and a forward-looking blueprint for a renewed global order.

Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/chinas-global-governance-initiative-shaping-a-new-era-of-multilateralism/

Africa-China Centre for Policy & Advisory Victoria Beeko Danso Benjamin Terkper

Introduction At the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” Summit in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)—a framework aimed at reforming international cooperation in a time of turbulence. The initiative calls for a system grounded in sovereign equal...

28/08/2025

Boniface Mwangi Enters 2027 Presidential Race: Redefining Kenya’s Politics and Inspiring Africa

Human Rights Activist Boniface Mwangi has officially launched his 2027 presidential campaign, marking a significant turning point in Kenya’s political landscape. He announced his candidacy at Ufungamano House during celebrations commemorating 15 years of Kenya’s constitution on 27 August 2025. Mwangi is transitioning from years of activism and social mobilisation into direct electoral politics. His campaign is more than a political candidacy, it represents a “ballot revolution,” a deliberate effort to transform the country and offers important lessons for the wider African continent. Having interacted with Mwangi on several occasions and collaborated with him to strengthen activism through the Africans Rising Movement, I have long admired his fortitude, courage, and steadfastness in confronting entrenched systems of power.

Insight by Charles Kojo VanDyck

Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/boniface-mwangi-enters-2027-presidential-race-redefining-kenyas-politics-and-inspiring-africa/

Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi launches 2027 presidential bid, marking a shift from activism to electoral politics and sparking a potential "ballot revolution" in Kenya.

28/08/2025

The Ministry of Finance has opened a probe into payroll infractions uncovered in the Auditor-General’s 2024 report, following revelations at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sittings that pointed to deep flaws in Ghana’s wage management system.

The Auditor-General’s findings show that payroll-related irregularities surged dramatically within a year, rising from GHC 14.4 million in 2023 to GHC 57.8 million in 2024 — an increase of over 300 percent.

Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/finance-ministry-probes-payroll-irregularities-after-pac-expose/

Victoria Beeko Danso

Ghana's Ministry of Finance probes GHC 57.8m payroll infractions uncovered in 2024 Auditor-General's report, revealing a 300% surge in irregularities from 2023

20/08/2025

Investing for Civil Society Organisations: A Path to Financial Stability

For Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the struggle for financial stability is real and ongoing. Many depend heavily on donor grants, which are often short-term and unpredictable. This constant uncertainty makes it difficult to plan for the future or to respond quickly to new opportunities. One way CSOs can reduce this pressure is by investing. When managed well, investments can create steady resources, strengthen financial independence, and build resilience. However, it is important to note that most advice on investments is general. CSOs in Africa face unique challenges such as fluctuating currencies, high inflation, and limited investment options that make some strategies unsuitable. This is why CSOs should always combine global best practices with local financial and legal advice.

Why CSOs Invest

Investing is not simply about making money; it is about preparing for the future and reducing vulnerability. For CSOs, investments help to grow financial resources over time, giving them greater freedom to make independent decisions rather than relying only on external donors. They also offer better returns than keeping money in basic savings accounts, especially in environments where inflation reduces the real value of cash savings. A well-managed investment system builds trust with donors, especially those considering large or long-term contributions, because it demonstrates that funds will be managed responsibly and sustainably. Investments can also provide a vital safety net during periods of funding shortages, enabling organisations to keep operating when grants are delayed or reduced. Over time, they allow CSOs to build a legacy by financing ambitious projects or creating reserves for future generations.

Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/investing-for-civil-society-organisations-a-path-to-financial-stability/

Insight by Charles Kojo VanDyck

African CSOs face financial instability due to reliance on short-term donor grants. Strategic investments, guided by local context, can build resilience, independence, and long-term sustainability.

19/08/2025

In recent days, Ghana’s political and social space has been tainted by a dangerous trend—openly wishing for the death of leaders. The latest example came from social media personalities Akosua Jollof and her associate Fante Brother, whose brazen pronouncements wishing for the death of the President have rightly sparked public outrage and led to their arrest. Their conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also a direct affront to our nation’s values of decency, respect, and the sanctity of life.

Equally troubling is the selective outrage and double standards that have plagued our national conscience. Just as Akosua Jollof’s words are indefensible, so too were the chants and utterances from some members of the then opposition NDC members,under the erstwhileNPP administration, including notable party figures like Sammy Gyamfi’s camp, who in the past have sung for God to “kill” Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Such acts—whether from one side or the other—are cut from the same poisonous cloth. Yet, those quick to condemn one instance often remain conveniently silent when it is their own allies spewing similar venom.

This hypocrisy is dangerous. It emboldens bad behavior, poisons our political climate, and risks normalizing hate speech as a tool of political expression. The selective defense of wrongdoers based on political affiliation is an insult to the intelligence of Ghanaians and a betrayal of the democratic principles we claim to cherish.

Victoria Beeko Danso

Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/dangerous-utterances-and-the-hypocrisy-of-selective-outrage-time-to-sanitize-political-discourse/

Ghana’s public discourse faces a disturbing turn as social media and political figures openly wish death on national leaders, sparking outrage, arrests, and calls to uphold decency and respect for life.

05/08/2025

"Despite significant progress in electrification, nearly 15% of Ghana’s population, primarily in rural areas still lacks access to electricity, according to the Energy Commission of Ghana."

Read more on Navigating the Energy Transition in Ghana: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Emerging and Oil-Producing Countries.

Here: https://developmentreport.online/product/development-dialogues-perspectives-on-ghana-and-africa/

29/07/2025

Bawku in Crisis: Tragedy, Tension, and the Task of Building Peace

In the far northeastern corner of Ghana lies Bawku — a town of great historical depth, economic promise, and social diversity. Yet, for more than four decades, Bawku has also been a crucible of conflict, gripped by a recurring chieftaincy dispute that has led to the loss of lives, livelihoods, and a sense of national shame. The recent killing of students, the brutal murder of a Kusase chief in Kumasi, and the curfew now hanging over the region are painful reminders of a conflict left to fester for too long. Bawku is bleeding, not only from gunshots but from decades of failed reconciliation, political neglect, and social disintegration.

A Comprehensive Reflection on the Ongoing Conflict, Its Far-Reaching Impact, and the National Urgency for Resolution by
VVictoria Beeko Danso
Read more here: https://developmentreport.online/bawku-in-crisis-tragedy-tension-and-the-task-of-building-peace/

Bawku, Ghana, struggles with a decades-long chieftaincy conflict, resulting in loss of lives, livelihoods, and social cohesion, demanding urgent reconciliation and attention.

22/07/2025

"What we need is a vision: Where do we want to go? Where do we want to see this country in the next 40-50 years? Singapore, Malaysia and China, for example, have developed to their current notable levels because they crafted visionary development plans and lived them. To get started on this trajectory, political parties need to sit together and build consensus on the vision for Ghana’s development agenda. Without consensus, we’ll continue to be where we are currently."

Please read more here: https://developmentreport.online/product/development-dialogues-perspectives-on-ghana-and-africa/




STAR-Ghana Foundation