Canadian Electorate Set to Push Back Against U.S. Trade War in Election
Trump’s tariffs have ignited a surge in Canadian national pride, prompting a swift political shift in favor of the Liberal Party. Canadian voters are casting their ballots in a highly anticipated federal election on Monday, marking the culmination of one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent history. What began as a surefire path to victory for the Conservative Party has transformed into a fierce contest dominated by an unexpected Liberal resurgence galvanized by shifting public sentiments, geopolitical tensions, and a rekindled sense of Canadian national pride. Back in January, the political landscape painted a different picture. Polls at the time overwhelmingly projected a Conservative landslide, driven by mounting frustration over the rising cost of living, inflation, and growing discontent with the long-serving Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose populist rhetoric and policy proposals drew comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump, gained significant traction among voters demanding economic reform and government accountability. However, the political dynamics underwent a seismic shift on January 6, when Justin Trudeau unexpectedly stepped down from office. His resignation opened the door for a new Liberal leadership team that brought a renewed message of unity, progressive reform, and economic stability. This change in leadership would prove to be a pivotal moment in the campaign. Adding fuel to the fire, the geopolitical landscape changed dramatically when Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term as President of the United States. Trump’s renewed threats of protectionist trade policies and aggressive tariff measures against Canadian goods sent shockwaves across Canada’s political and economic sectors. With memories of previous U.S.-Canada trade tensions still fresh, Canadians across the political spectrum rallied in defense of their national sovereignty and economic future. “Trump’s posture toward Canada triggered a remarkable wave of unity,” noted Frank Graves, president of the Canadian polling firm EKOS Research. “It stirred national pride and transformed the political narrative in favor of the Liberals. That kind of shift was almost unthinkable just months ago.” The result has been a surge in early voter turnout, with more than 7.3 million Canadians casting their ballots ahead of election day a record-breaking figure that underscores the heightened stakes and unprecedented public engagement in this election. While the Liberals have taken a clear lead in recent polls, the race remains tight. The Conservatives are far from defeated, having maintained a strong base of support, especially in western provinces. However, the momentum appears to favor…
Read moreIMF Reports Setbacks in Ghana Programme Amid Pre-2024 Election Challenges Despite Economic Growth
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged Ghana’s stronger-than-anticipated economic growth in 2024, largely driven by robust performance in the mining and construction sectors. However, despite these positive developments, the Fund has raised concerns over fiscal slippages and delays in critical reforms, particularly in the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 general elections. According to a statement released by the IMF following a mission to Accra, the external sector also showed significant improvement during 2024, supported by solid export performance especially in gold, and to a lesser extent, oil as well as an increase in remittances. These factors contributed to a substantial accumulation of international reserves, surpassing targets set under Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF)-supported program. An IMF staff team, led by Mr. Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, conducted discussions with Ghanaian authorities from April 2 to April 15, 2025, as part of the fourth review of Ghana’s three-year arrangement under the ECF. This program, initially approved by the IMF Executive Board on May 17, 2023, allocated a total of SDR 2.242 billion (approximately US$3 billion) to support Ghana’s economic stabilization and reform efforts amid ongoing fiscal and debt challenges. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Roudet confirmed that IMF staff and the Government of Ghana had reached a staff-level agreement regarding the fourth review of the economic program. This agreement, however, remains subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. Once approved, Ghana would gain access to an additional SDR 267.5 million (about US$370 million), bringing total disbursements under the program to SDR 1,708 million (approximately US$2.355 billion) since its inception. While commending Ghana for exceeding growth expectations and strengthening its external sector, the IMF expressed concern over a marked deterioration in overall program performance by the end of 2024. Preliminary fiscal data revealed significant slippages, notably due to a large accumulation of unpaid obligations in the months preceding the elections. Inflation also surpassed program targets, and key reforms in fiscal management, the financial sector, and the energy sector experienced delays. In response to these setbacks, Ghana’s new authorities have initiated corrective measures aimed at restoring fiscal discipline and ensuring that the broader objectives of the ECF-supported program remain achievable. Among these measures is a comprehensive audit of outstanding payables to assess the extent of fiscal slippages. Preliminary findings indicate that the primary balance recorded a deficit of approximately 3.25% of GDP, diverging sharply from the targeted surplus of 0.5% of GDP. To address this fiscal gap, the…
Read moreMetascholar Consult Limited Celebrates Ghana’s 68th Independence Day: Honoring Heritage, Empowering Futures
On this momentous occasion of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day, Metascholar Consult Limited extends heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana and our esteemed partners across the nation. Today, we join millions in celebrating the courage, resilience, and visionary leadership that paved the way for Ghana’s sovereignty on March 6, 1957. As we reflect on the theme of unity, progress, and national pride, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to Ghana’s growth through innovation, education, and strategic empowerment. At Metascholar Consult Limited, we draw inspiration from Ghana’s enduring legacy of excellence and self-determination. Just as Ghana’s founding fathers envisioned a future of prosperity and independence, we strive to empower individuals, institutions, and businesses with cutting edge consultancy services in education, research, and organizational development. Our tailored solutions from academic mentorship programs to corporate capacity building initiatives are designed to unlock potential, foster innovation, and drive sustainable progress in alignment with Ghana’s developmental goals. As the nation commemorates this historic day, we recognize the pivotal role of collaboration in nation-building. Metascholar Consult Limited is proud to partner with Ghanaian educational institutions, enterprises, and thought leaders to cultivate a skilled workforce, advance research excellence, and bridge knowledge gaps in critical sectors. Together, we are shaping a future where Ghanaian talent thrives on the global stage. Celebrating Ghana, Advancing TogetherIn honor of this milestone, we invite organizations and individuals to explore our bespoke consultancy services, including: Let us seize this Independence Day as a reminder that Ghana’s brightest days lie ahead. Metascholar Consult Limited stands ready to collaborate with you in building a legacy of knowledge, empowerment, and excellence. Happy 68th Independence Day, Ghana!From all of us at Metascholar Consult Limited—proud partners in your journey toward greatness. Contact Us:🌐 www.academicdigital.space📧 support@academicdigital.space📞 +233533204624 Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read moreEssential Update: Police Reveal Road Closures and Diversions for 68th Independence Day Festivities
The Ghana Police Service has unveiled detailed security and traffic management plans for the 68th Independence Day celebration, set to take place at the Jubilee House in Accra. In a press release issued on March 6, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Affairs, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, announced temporary road closures and diversions to ensure the smooth execution of the event. The affected roads will be closed to vehicular traffic during the celebration and reopened afterward. Road Closures The following roads will be temporarily closed: Road Diversions Motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes: Parking and Vehicle Restrictions The Police Service has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes to avoid delays. The public, particularly drivers, is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure efficient traffic management before, during, and after the Independence Day celebrations.
Read moreFebruary 2025 Sees Slight Dip in Inflation, Dropping to 23.1%
Inflation for February 2025 showed a slight decline, dropping to 23.1 percent from January’s 23.5 percent, driven primarily by a 1.8 percent reduction in food inflation. Government Statistician Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, speaking at a press briefing, attributed the marginal decrease to a consistent downward trend in food inflation over the past four months. He noted that food inflation has fallen by 2.0 percentage points between November 2024 and February 2025, marking a steady decline. Prof. Annim highlighted that the annual inflation rate for February was the third-highest recorded in the last 10 months. Food inflation for February stood at 28.1 percent, down from 28.3 percent in January, reflecting a month-on-month drop of 1.8 percent. Despite the overall decline, certain food categories saw price increases, including vegetables, tubers, cooking bananas, and pulses (28.1 percent), ready-made food and other food products (45.5 percent), cereals and cereal products (38.6 percent), and fish and seafood (26.5 percent). Non-food inflation also saw a slight decrease, falling to 18.8 percent in February from 19.2 percent in January, representing a month-on-month decline of 0.9 percent. Regionally, the Upper West Region recorded the highest food inflation at 49.8 percent and the second-highest non-food inflation at 24.0 percent. The Savannah Region followed closely, with a food inflation rate of 48.6 percent for February 2025. The data underscores the ongoing challenges in managing inflation, particularly in food prices, while also reflecting regional disparities in economic conditions. The consistent decline in food inflation offers a glimmer of hope, but the persistent price increases in certain categories and regional variations highlight the complexity of addressing inflationary pressures. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read more“NSS Fraud Case: Oware-Mensah Back in Ghana, Set to Turn Herself In”
Gifty Oware-Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director (General Services) of the National Service Scheme (NSS), has returned to Ghana amid an ongoing investigation into the NSS ghost names scandal. She arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, 4th March, and is expected to surrender herself to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Reports indicate that Oware-Mensah may be arrested upon arrival and escorted to the NIB offices, with key figures from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) reportedly mobilizing to accompany her. This development follows the recent release of Kwaku Ohene Gyan (Osonoba), the former Deputy Director of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), who was detained as part of the probe. Additionally, Yaw Danso, an NSA accountant, has been questioned by the NIB but denies involvement in the scandal. The NSS ghost names scandal, which has shocked the nation, involves allegations of billions of cedis being siphoned from public funds through fraudulent payroll activities. An investigation by The Fourth Estate uncovered widespread payroll fraud, revealing thousands of fake names and fraudulent student index numbers linked to top Ghanaian universities, including KNUST, UDS, UEW, Tamale Technical University, and Valley View University, among others. The exposé, covering the eight-year tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo (2017–2024), found that fraudulent identities had infiltrated the system since 2018, resulting in an estimated loss of 2.2 billion cedis. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage over financial mismanagement and corruption within the NSS, prompting intensified investigations to hold those responsible accountable. As the probe continues, stakeholders and the public await further developments, hoping for transparency and justice in addressing this significant breach of public trust. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read more“Mahama’s Vision for Ghana: 10 Highlights from the 2025 Economic Dialogue”
The National Economic Dialogue (NED) 2025 kicked off today at the Accra International Conference Centre, gathering key stakeholders to address Ghana’s economic challenges and chart a path forward. President John Dramani Mahama, the guest speaker, delivered a keynote address outlining his administration’s vision for economic recovery. Here are 10 key takeaways from his speech: The dialogue continues as stakeholders deliberate on actionable strategies to restore economic stability and drive development. Mahama concluded with a call to action: “Together, we will build the Ghana we want and a robust economy of our own design and creation.” Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read moreNaira Holds Strong, Finishes February Under N1,500 Against the Dollar
In February 2025, the Nigerian naira demonstrated resilience, closing the month with an 8.5% month-on-month gain on the parallel market, settling at 1,490/$, while it ended at 1,500/$ on the official market, marking a 1.7% decline month-on-month. Despite these gains, the nation’s foreign reserves dipped by 3.2% month-on-month, standing at $38.46 billion as of Thursday. Analysts from Afrinvest attributed this decline to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts to stabilize the naira, particularly through payments toward the verified portion of the $7.0 billion foreign exchange backlog. Looking ahead, analysts project that the naira will maintain its positive trajectory in March, supported by the CBN’s continued supply of US dollars to Bureau de Change operators (BDCs) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), barring any adverse market shocks. In recent weeks, the naira has shown mild strength against the US dollar, hovering around the N1,500 mark across both market segments. However, challenges persist. Cowry Asset Research highlighted that Nigeria’s oil benchmark, Bonny Light crude, traded weakly in the international market, shedding $2.36 (3.2%) week-on-week to close at $75.88 per barrel as of Thursday. This decline was driven by weakened global demand, which weighed on crude prices and reduced dollar inflows into Nigeria’s economy. Consequently, the nation’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $240 million (0.61%) week-on-week, reflecting weaker oil earnings and ongoing foreign exchange liquidity challenges. At the official market, the naira appreciated marginally by 93 kobo against the dollar, closing at N1,500.15/$, while on the parallel market, it gained N5 to settle at an average of N1,490/$ as demand pressure eased slightly. Analysts anticipate a continued struggle for stability in the forex market in the coming week, with the CBN expected to intensify efforts to defend the naira. These measures may include tightening liquidity and enhancing forex supply mechanisms, potentially enabling the naira to gain further ground against the dollar. Despite these efforts, experts have warned of underlying challenges threatening the naira’s stability. These include Nigeria’s mounting debt burden, the sustained decline in foreign reserves, and high inflation rates. These factors, they argue, could undermine the potential gains of ongoing foreign exchange reforms, posing significant risks to the currency’s long-term stability. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read moreChina Urges Banks to Boost Financial Support for Key Sectors, Including Steel Industry
In a move to bolster economic growth and sustainability, China’s financial regulator has called on banks and insurance companies to strengthen their medium-to-long-term lending support for technology innovation and equipment upgrades across key industrial sectors. The initiative targets industries such as steel, nonferrous metals, and petrochemicals, which are critical to the nation’s industrial base but also face significant challenges in transitioning to more sustainable and efficient practices. The regulator emphasized that financial institutions should prioritize providing tailored financing solutions to meet the growing demand for technological advancements and modernization in these sectors. By facilitating access to capital, banks and insurers can play a pivotal role in driving innovation, improving productivity, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Chinese industries. This push aligns with China’s broader strategic goals of achieving self-reliance in technology and reducing its reliance on foreign technologies. In addition to supporting technological upgrades, the regulator highlighted the importance of focusing on the green transition within traditional industries. Banks and insurers are encouraged to address the financing needs of high-energy-consuming and high-emission industries as they work toward low-carbon transformation. This includes funding for projects that promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt cleaner production methods. The move is part of China’s commitment to its dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The financial regulator’s statement underscored the need for a coordinated approach to ensure that the transition to greener practices is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. By aligning financial resources with national priorities, the regulator aims to create a more resilient and future-proof industrial ecosystem. This directive comes at a time when China is intensifying its efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The financial sector’s role in this transition is seen as crucial, as it can provide the necessary capital and risk management tools to support large-scale industrial transformations. The regulator’s call to action reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of economic development, technological progress, and environmental stewardship in shaping China’s future. As banks and insurers step up their efforts, the initiative is expected to drive significant changes in how traditional industries operate, paving the way for a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable industrial landscape in China.
Read moreFinance Minister Announces Comprehensive Review of Contracts and Payment Requests to Ensure Legitimacy
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the Mahama administration is undertaking a thorough review of all contracts and payment requests to ensure their legitimacy. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, addressing growing concerns about the authenticity of financial obligations and pending payments. Dr. Forson emphasized that no payments have been made to any contractor since he assumed office. He specifically refuted allegations suggesting that he had authorized a payment to businessman and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, for a contract purportedly executed during the previous administration. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Dr. Forson clarified the situation, stating, “Friends, since I took office, no contractor including Kennedy Agyapong has been paid a pesewa. We are currently conducting a comprehensive review of all contracts and payment requests to verify their legitimacy. Please disregard any claims suggesting that I have authorized payment to Kennedy Ohene Agyapong or any other contractor. Thank You!” The Finance Minister’s statement comes in response to circulating rumors and misinformation that had created public anxiety and speculation. By setting the record straight, Dr. Forson aims to reassure citizens that the government remains committed to upholding financial prudence and avoiding unwarranted expenditures. The comprehensive review process will involve meticulous scrutiny of all contractual agreements and associated payment requests. This exercise will include verifying contract authenticity, assessing compliance with procurement laws, and evaluating the execution status of awarded projects. The goal is to detect and eliminate any potential fraudulent claims while protecting the state’s financial interests. Dr. Forson also urged the general public to be cautious of misleading information and to rely only on verified communications from official government channels. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that any legitimate payments will only be made following the thorough vetting process. The Finance Ministry’s initiative aligns with broader governance reforms intended to build public trust and ensure responsible fiscal management. As the review progresses, the ministry has promised to keep the public informed and provide updates on significant developments. By taking a firm stance against unauthorized payments and emphasizing due diligence, Dr. Forson and the Mahama administration are demonstrating their dedication to fostering a transparent, accountable, and efficient financial management system.
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