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The battle for African sovereignty has entered a critical new phase with Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traoré at its center. Since coming to power in September 2022, Traoré has become the focal point of Western opposition, facing an astonishing twenty assassination attempts. His crime? Daring to reclaim Burkina Faso's resources and sovereignty from Western control, particularly French neocolonial influence that has dominated the region for decades.

The heart of this conflict lies in the notorious French Colonial Agreement established in 1958 by Charles de Gaulle as independence movements swept across Africa. This agreement, rarely discussed in Western media, effectively maintained economic colonization while creating the illusion of political independence. Under its terms, France maintained ownership of all natural resources in its former colonies, claimed 95% of national wealth, loaned money back to African nations at exploitative interest rates, and secured first rights to all government contracts. This arrangement ensured that countries like Burkina Faso remained financially dependent despite their nominal independence.

Ibrahim Traoré, following in the footsteps of Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader who was assassinated in 1987), has systematically dismantled this neocolonial structure. He has reclaimed ownership of the country's gold mines, renegotiated exploitative contracts, invested heavily in agriculture to ensure food sovereignty, and is building a gold refinery so that Burkina Faso can process its own resources rather than exporting raw materials for Western profit. These actions represent a direct challenge to the established order that has kept Africa's wealth flowing northward for centuries.

The Western response has followed a familiar playbook. Just as past leaders like Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, and Muammar Gaddafi faced destabilization and elimination when they threatened Western interests, Traoré now faces propaganda campaigns accusing him of corruption and dictatorship. The irony is striking – Western powers rarely target African leaders who maintain decades-long authoritarian rule while serving foreign interests, such as Paul Biya in Cameroon or Teodoro Obiang in Equatorial Guinea. The selective application of "democracy" concerns reveals the true priorities at play.

The issue at stake is total Afrikan Emancipation/ Freedom from White Terrorism/Supremacy or continued slavery and impoverishment.

Sources: Thousands of people rally in support of Bur

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The opioid crisis sweeping across West Africa represents a grave public health emergency that demands immediate attention. Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire are witnessing an alarming rise in opioid abuse among their youth populations, creating devastating consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities. This crisis is not merely a health concern but also poses significant social and economic threats to these nations.

At the heart of this crisis lies a disturbing reality: manufacturers from India are specifically targeting West African markets with highly addictive opioid products that have been banned in European countries due to their dangerous properties. According to a recent BBC investigation, these pharmaceutical products are being imported without proper regulation or testing, bypassing health authorities through corrupt practices at ports and regulatory agencies. This investigation revealed how one Indian businessman, identified as Sharma, openly acknowledged the addictive nature of these drugs while continuing to market them aggressively in West Africa, viewing African lives as expendable in pursuit of profit.

The demographic vulnerability of Africa makes this crisis particularly concerning. With over 75% of the continent's population under the age of 35, these dangerous opioids are targeting the very foundation of Africa's future – its youth. This addiction pathway often forces users into criminal activities or prostitution to sustain their habits, creating a devastating cycle that destroys lives and communities. The social and economic implications of this crisis cannot be overstated, as a generation of young people becomes increasingly dependent on these substances rather than contributing to national development.

The regulatory failures highlight systemic weaknesses in West African governance structures. While European and Asian markets maintain strict regulations that prevent the sale of these dangerous substances, West African regulatory bodies like Ghana's Food and Drug Administration appear to be failing in their mandate to protect citizens.

There is historical precedent that MUST NOT be ignored. This current opioid crisis follows a troubling pattern where Africa has been used as a dumping ground for substandard or dangerous medical products. A BBC Radio 5 investigation from two decades ago found that 75% of anti-malarial drugs entering West African markets were counterfeit, demonstrating that today's opioid crisis is part of a longer history of pharmaceutical exploitation.

Source:

Exposing an Indian pharma firm fuelling West Africa's opioid crisis - BBC News

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When discussing investment opportunities in Africa, technology startups and mineral extraction often dominate the conversation. However, Ghana's agricultural sector represents one of the most promising yet underappreciated investment landscapes on the continent. With its fertile soil, favorable climate, and growing demand for high-quality agricultural products both locally and internationally, Ghana offers remarkable potential for investors willing to look beyond conventional sectors.

The agricultural landscape in Ghana benefits from naturally rich, fertile soil that supports a vast array of tropical crops. Unlike many regions that require extensive fertilization and soil treatment, Ghana's natural conditions create an ideal environment for organic farming practices.

Cash crops represent the backbone of Ghana's agricultural export sector, with cocoa being the flagship commodity. Recent market trends have seen cocoa prices soar to record highs of around $8,000-11,000 per tonne, significantly higher than the $3,000-5,000 range seen just a few years ago. Beyond cocoa, Ghana's agricultural portfolio includes exceptionally sweet pineapples, mangoes, and oranges that command premium prices in international markets. Less obvious opportunities exist in crops like almonds, which thrive in Ghana's climate and currently fetch approximately $8,000-9,000 per tonne in global markets. Avocados (locally called pear) represent another high-potential crop, with the UK market alone spending approximately £2-3 billion annually on avocado imports, mostly sourced from countries like Mexico, Chile, and Israel.

The strategic advantage for investors lies not just in primary production but in agricultural processing and value addition. Taking raw agricultural products and transforming them into finished goods represents perhaps the greatest untapped potential in Ghana's agricultural sector. For instance, coconut—a simple tropical fruit—can be processed into more than 20 different products including coconut oil, moisturizer, shower gel, biscuits, cakes, and beverages. This diversification strategy allows investors to maximize returns from a single crop investment while building resilience against market fluctuations.

Export opportunities add another dimension to agricultural investment in Ghana. With the right certification from Ghana's Export Promotion Authority, producers can access lucrative international markets hungry for tropical fruits and organic produce.

It's worth noting that foreign investors have already recognized Ghana's agricultural potential. Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs have established substantial farming operations in Ghana.

Given the above the time is now ripe to invest in farming!!

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Donald Trump's decision to impose worldwide tariffs has sent shockwaves through the global economy, with African nations experiencing some of the most severe impacts. In what Trump described as "America's Liberation Day," he announced tariffs that disproportionately affect African economies, with Lesotho facing a staggering 50% tariff rate, Madagascar 47%, and several other African nations facing double-digit tariffs. This economic maneuver represents more than just a policy shift; it's a stark reminder of Africa's economic vulnerability in the global marketplace and the urgent need for continental unity and self-sufficiency.

The imposition of these tariffs exposes a fundamental weakness in Africa's economic structure: its overwhelming dependence on external markets. For decades, African nations have oriented their economies toward exporting raw materials to global powers and importing finished goods at premium prices. Ghana, like many African nations, imports everything from food to toothpicks, despite having abundant natural resources to produce these items domestically. This economic model has kept the continent vulnerable to external shocks and policy decisions made in Washington, Brussels, or Beijing.

Kwame Nkrumah's vision of a united Africa seems more prophetic now than ever before. During his leadership in Ghana, Nkrumah established over 400 state-owned factories within nine years, deliberately pushing for rapid industrialization to achieve economic independence. According to declassified CIA documents, Ghana was on track to become a middle-income country by 1970 had this industrialization continued uninterrupted. Nkrumah understood that political independence without economic emancipation was meaningless, a lesson that resonates powerfully in today's context of Trump's tariffs.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a potential market of 1.5 billion people, significantly larger than both the European Union (500 million) and the United States (300 million). This massive internal market could serve as a buffer against external economic pressures if properly leveraged. By removing artificial boundaries created during the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference and promoting intra-African trade, the continent could develop resilience against global economic fluctuations.

Burkina Faso under Ibrahim Traoré provides an instructive model of economic self-sufficiency. By investing heavily in agriculture to achieve food security and nationalizing the gold mining sector to retain value within the country, Burkina Faso is working toward an economy that doesn't depend on Western goodwill or policy decisions.

The opportunity now is for Afrika to Unite or PERISH!!

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Ghana's booming real estate market holds tremendous potential for savvy investors willing to navigate its unique landscape.

From the mountains of Aburi to the affluent neighbourhoods of East Legon Hills , opportunities abound for those looking to build wealth through property portfolio.

The traditional approach of constructing with cement blocks and iron rods remains popular, though building costs have doubled since 2022. Forward-thinking investors are turning to innovative alternatives like raffawoods, shipping containers, recycled plastic, and brick construction—all offering eco-friendly benefits and significant cost savings.

Whether building from scratch or purchasing existing properties, Ghana's premium real estate commands impressive prices, with two-bedroom apartments in upscale areas starting around $200,000 and three-bedroom homes from $250,000.

Beyond Accra's boundaries, emerging hotspots like Ayi Mensah, Oyarifa, and particularly Aburi in the mountains are attracting substantial development. Aburi's cooler climate has made it especially popular among diaspora returnees seeking respite from Accra's heat. Property owners can maximize returns through various strategies—long-term rentals to corporations or expatriates, seasonal Airbnb listings during peak tourism months (December-March), or even developing specialized housing like student accommodation, which represents a particularly untapped market given Ghana's predominantly young population and inadequate university housing options

.Perhaps the simplest entry point remains land investment, with plots in desirable areas like Aburi starting around $35,000-$40,000 and frequently doubling or tripling in value within just a few years. The key to successful land ownership? Immediately fence or wall your property to prevent encroachment by unauthorized "land guards."

Looking for expert guidance on navigating Ghana's real estate market? Join Seso developers' upcoming webinar on March 27th to learn how to purchase legitimate land and avoid common pitfalls in this dynamic market.

Please register here for Webinar: How To Buy Land In Ghana Webinar · Zoom · Luma

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Ghana's hair and beauty industry is a very lucrative market one can easily tap into. Here are key segments of this industry that we recommend you get into.

The hair salon business stands as perhaps the most obvious entry point into Ghana's beauty economy. Ghanaian women are known for their commitment to looking good, regardless of economic status, with many visiting salons at least twice monthly. This creates two potential market segments: the regular market serving students, teachers, and government employees, and the premium market targeting affluent clients like MPs, business executives, and corporate managers. The latter segment is particularly profitable, with services like cane rows potentially commanding $30-50 per client. For skilled hairstylists capable of executing diverse styles from cane rows to twists, locks, and relaxed styles, the earning potential is substantial and immediate. This demand intensifies during Ghana's many celebrations including outdoorings, naming ceremonies, funerals, weddings, and festivals, when women are especially motivated to look their best.

The wigs and weaves sector presents another golden opportunity, though it requires navigating a market currently dominated by Asian merchants. Ghanaian women, particularly in professional sectors, have embraced wigs as part of their beauty routine, creating consistent demand for quality products. Brazilian, Amazonian, and other premium hair extensions command high prices, especially among the growing professional class working in banking, telecommunications, and multinational corporations. For entrepreneurs capable of importing quality products or even manufacturing their own hairpieces, this segment offers tremendous potential for rapid profit generation, particularly when targeting the expanding black middle class with substantial disposable income.

Skincare represents perhaps the most dynamic segment within Ghana's beauty industry. Two distinct niches exist: natural skin-lightening products (a controversial but undeniably large market) and organic, natural skincare. The latter category is experiencing particularly strong growth as Ghanaian women become increasingly conscious of the harmful chemicals in conventional products. Entrepreneurs creating organic formulations using indigenous ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and neem oil are finding receptive audiences among both regular consumers and affluent clients seeking ethically-produced alternatives.

The nail industry has emerged as another promising sector, mirroring trends seen in Western markets. Just as nail bars have proliferated across European and American cities, Ghana's urban areas are experiencing similar growth.

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The upcoming budget presentation by Ghana's NDC government marks a pivotal moment in the nation's economic journey. Set against a backdrop of severe economic challenges, including crippling inflation, currency depreciation, and the aftermath of the domestic debt exchange programme, this budget will potentially shape Ghana's economic trajectory for the next decade.

Food inflation remains one of the most pressing concerns for everyday Ghanaians. The budget must address this through strategic investments in agriculture, potentially reviving policies like the "Operation Feed Yourself" initiative from the Acheampong era, which encouraged Ghanaians to cultivate available land. Additionally, providing interest-free or soft loans to farmers could stimulate food production and ultimately bring down prices.

The taxation landscape in Ghana requires urgent reconsideration. The E-Levy, COVID-19 Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax have become significant burdens on businesses and individuals alike. While these taxes generate revenue, their negative impact on economic activity may outweigh their benefits. The government could compensate for potential revenue loss by addressing public sector corruption, which reportedly costs Ghana approximately 2.5 billion USD annually, and tackling gold smuggling, which drains an estimated 5 billion USD yearly from the economy.

Interest rates in Ghana are the highest in the West African sub-region, deterring investment and hampering business growth. The budget needs to outline mechanisms through which the Bank of Ghana can gradually reduce its policy rate from the current 26-27% range. Lower interest rates would stimulate borrowing, investment, and expansion among businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of the economy.

Indigenous Ghanaian businesses deserve special attention in this budget. Currently, key sectors of Ghana's economy are dominated by non-Ghanaian interests – Lebanese, Indian, and Chinese businesses control significant portions of the retail and manufacturing sectors, while European companies dominate mining and oil. The budget should include provisions for supporting indigenous Ghanaian businesses through preferential loans, tax breaks, and capacity development programmes. When local businesses thrive, profits remain within the country, stimulating further economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

The budget presents an opportunity for the government to boldly renegotiate more favourable mining and oil agreements, potentially generating billions of Ghana Cedi in additional revenue that could fund infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.

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We charge a rate of US$30 for an hour's consultation or US$20 for a 30 minute consultation briefing.

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The idea of independence holds a profound place in the psyche of every nation. As Ghana commemorates its 68th anniversary of independence, we raise critical questions about what it truly means to be free. This episode takes an unflinching look at Ghanaian autonomy, dissecting the reality versus the myth.

We articulate the essence of real independence, posing the questions: Does Ghana genuinely serve its own interests, or does it bend to the whims of foreign powers, exemplified by its reliance on institutions like the IMF and World Bank?

Ghana's economic landscape starkly illustrates its dependence. The discussion reveals how crucial sectors, such as banking and telecommunications, are not under Ghanaian control. We articulate the painful reality that the country must seek approval from international forces before it can even prepare its budget.

By analysing the colonial roots embedded in Ghana's economy, we explain how the nation's dependency on exporting raw materials - notably cocoa - rather than processing them for local sales perpetuates a cycle of economic slavery. The podcast highlights a salient point: if Ghana were genuinely independent, it would own its resources and set its prices rather than having them dictated by the West and China.

The conversation takes a poignant turn when addressing food security and healthcare. We reinforce that for a truly independent nation, self-sufficiency in agriculture is essential. The contrast between Ghana's heavy dependence on imported food and the cultivation of local resources is stark.

We urge listeners to recognise that a nation unable to feed itself is running a grave risk. This risk extends to healthcare, where Ghana's reliance on foreign aid underscores a bigger issue: are we genuinely sovereign if our health sector and education systems are funded by Western nations?

We discuss how external pressures, especially regarding legislative initiatives, like the anti LGBTQ+ bill can become bogged down by fears of international backlash, revealing a significant conflict between national interests and global pressures.

True independence is depicted as fundamentally challenging the status quo—striving for a nation that proudly champions its own identity and decisively shapes its development trajectory.

The podcast serves as a call to rethink independence not just as a historical event but as an ongoing journey requiring concerted effort from every Ghanaian citizen.

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We offer a consultation session for those who wish to relocate to Ghana , do business in Ghana , buy land, buying a property or even starting business in Ghana. We offer professional support tailored on your needs and wants.

We provide valuable information that can assist you in your relocation like the Ghana card how/where to register your business.

We can also signpost you to other agencies that can help in your relocation as well as business and investment opportunities.

We charge a rate of US$30 for an hour's consultation or US$20 for a 30 minute consultation briefing.

To book your consultation please email ahodwo805@gmail.com

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