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This week's edition of Ghana in Focus takes a critical analytical eye on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) This is centered around two significant recent events: the Pakistan Rice Roadshow in Accra and President Mahama's visit to Japan to court investment in energy, agribusiness, and manufacturing.

The Pakistan Rice Roadshow, facilitated by Ghana's Ministry of Agriculture, ostensibly aimed to foster collaboration in rice production through technology transfer and knowledge sharing around premium rice varieties like basmati.

What's particularly troubling about this partnership is the historical context. Pakistan has a documented history of discrimination against its own African population, the Siddi people, who have resided there for over 600 years yet face severe marginalization. This raises legitimate concerns about whether such a country would genuinely pursue an equitable trading relationship with Ghana or simply view it as a market to exploit.

We state this is a missed opportunity for Ghana to engage with African Americans who possess deep ancestral knowledge of rice cultivation. During the transatlantic slave trade, Africans from regions including present-day Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone were specifically targeted for enslavement due to their expertise in rice cultivation.

African Americans collectively represent an economic powerhouse with a net worth of approximately $3 trillion - equivalent to the fifth richest country globally if they were an independent nation. This economic strength, presents an ideal opportunity for meaningful partnership rather than depending on countries with questionable motivations toward African development.

Similarly, President Mahama's recent visit to Japan to promote his "Big Push" initiative at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) follows the same problematic pattern. Japan, like many Asian and Western nations, views Africa as a "final frontier" for market expansion as their domestic growth slows and population ages. By 2040, half of Japan's population will be over 65, creating urgent pressure to secure external markets and resources.

The fundamental problem with these foreign partnerships is that profits generated in Ghana ultimately flow back to investor countries, enriching their economies rather than building sustainable wealth within Ghana. Instead of courting foreign investors, the Ghanaian government could support local entrepreneurs like Papa Kwesi Nduom, who has built a multi-sector empire including banking, media, real estate, and hospitality. Supporting Ghanaian businesses would create jobs, generate wealth that remains in the country, and provide tax revenue that can be reinvested.

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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.

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Financial dynamics in African relationships can either build strong foundations or lead to devastating breakups. This eye-opening discussion was sparked by a viral story of a South African doctor who suffered financial abuse at the hands of her husband, who manipulated her into funding his luxury lifestyle complete with Mercedes Benz vehicles. The doctor's experience reflects a concerning pattern across the continent where relationships are sometimes formed with financial agendas rather than genuine partnership.

Money matters within African marriages often present unique challenges. Some men experience deep insecurity when their wives earn more, leading to manipulation or financial exploitation. Meanwhile, many women across Ghana and the continent pursue relationships with financially well-endowed men, seeing marriage as a safety net rather than a true partnership. These transactional approaches to relationships contradict the fundamental purpose of marriage as a union where "two become one" – a partnership designed to weather life's ups and downs together.

For couples seeking healthy financial relationships, communication is key. We explore practical approaches like establishing both joint accounts (for family expenses like rent, school fees, and utilities) and separate accounts for personal spending. With economic pressures mounting across Africa, particularly in Ghana where cost of living remains high despite recent improvements, financial transparency has become essential for relationship survival.

By aligning on financial values and long-term goals early, couples can avoid exploitation and build partnerships based on mutual support rather than transactional benefit. Remember: true partnership transcends financial status and creates a foundation where both partners can thrive regardless of who earns more

Want guidance on navigating business opportunities in Ghana? Book a consultation with me to learn about essential requirements like the Ghana card, phone contracts, and more. Subscribe to Ghana Africa Focus on YouTube and Spotify to continue exploring crucial topics affecting African relationships and lifestyles.

Source:

Dr Celiwe gets South Africa talking about financial abuse - BBC News

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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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We examine whether men should foot the bill on a first date. In Ghana, this seemingly simple question reveals deeper cultural expectations and potential relationship dynamics that deserve exploration. The tradition in Ghana has typically leaned heavily toward men paying for everything on the first date—from drinks to dinner to transportation. This expectation stems from cultural norms where men are traditionally seen as providers and breadwinners.

However, as we examine this practice more critically, important questions emerge about what these financial dynamics on a first date might reveal about potential long-term compatibility. When a man from the diaspora dates in Ghana, he's often automatically perceived as wealthy, which can create an expectation that he will cover all expenses. This differs markedly from dating cultures in the UK, Europe, or North America, where women frequently offer to pay for part of the date, reflecting a more egalitarian approach to courtship that aligns with broader societal moves toward gender equality.

This distinction isn't merely about who picks up the bill; it potentially foreshadows how financial responsibilities might be shared in a future relationship. A woman who is willing to contribute financially on a first date may be signaling her approach to partnership—suggesting she views relationships as collaborative ventures where resources are shared. This quality might indicate someone who would make "good wife material" in terms of financial partnership, as she demonstrates from the outset that she doesn't expect the man to shoulder all financial burdens.

The dowry tradition in Ghana further complicates these dynamics. When a man marries a Ghanaian woman, he typically pays a dowry to her family—offering items like cloth, a Bible (for Christian families), rings, or even cattle. This cultural practice reinforces the expectation that men should be financial providers, potentially extending to the expectation that they will pay for everything on dates as well. However, Ghana has changed significantly in recent decades, with many more women entering the workforce and having their own disposable income, which raises questions about whether these traditional expectations still make sense.

The concern that emerges from these dating customs is whether they set up problematic patterns for future relationships. If a woman expects a man to pay for everything on a first date, does this suggest she might expect him to cover all household expenses in marriage—from rent to utilities to children's school fees? In an era where marriage is increasingly viewed as a partnership, these early financial interactions might serve as important indicators of compatibility.

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Donate/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1793098/support

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

Subscribe on Youtube - just look for the Ghana/Afrika in Focus podcast on Youtube and click the notification bell so that every time I upload a new podcast it automatically comes to your feed.

Tell your family and friends.