On May 7, 2014, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 with Ghana.

Economic growth slowing from high levels Large current account, fiscal deficits expose economy to risks Sound financial sector still requires close monitoring of exposures

Former President of Brazil, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has pledged to support Ghana's efforts to implement policies and build infrastructure that guarantees sustainable development.

The leading communication network in Ghana, Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN), has handed over a GH¢200,000 Accident Centre and Casualty Ward to the management of Atua Government Hospital. Addressing the gathering at the short but impressive ceremony, the Corporate Service Executive (CSE) of MTN, Mrs. Cynthia Lumor, explained that the MTN Ghana Foundation is focused on making relevant investment in communities across Ghana to brighten the lives of the people. This, she disclosed, has stimulated

Wellembelle -The Upper West Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) has paid glowing tribute to the late Kuoro Kyige Mumuni Dimbie II, Paramount Chief of the Wellembelle Traditional Area and President of the Wellembelle Traditional Council. Kuoro Dimbie, was a founding member of the Regional House of Chiefs, which he headed as President from 1995 to 1998.

Yeyi -The Volta Lake Transport Company Limited (VLTC), which ferries both human and goods across the Volta Lake, is in a mess, The Chronicle can report. After weeks of undercover investigations, it has been established that lack of proper management has led to the current sorry state of the once-vibrant company, which is now struggling to be on its feet.

Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a businessman, on Monday told the Financial Court that the initial funding for the CAN 2008 projects were to come from Ghana's oil find. He said because that arrangement could not materialize, the then government asked companies which would be interested in bidding for the project to show that they could provide funding.

Accra -With the naming of the provisional 26-man squad to represent the Republic of Ghana at the World Cup in Brazil, all is now set for the Black Stars to do battle in the home of the modern game.

Houston -- Partnership to develop skills and local workforce in Atuabo

The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) has embarked on nationwide skills development training for contractors' workers, to equip them with modern construction methods.

Sasol Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw has called 26 players into camp for assessment, in preparation for the international friendly match against the Black Queens of Ghana this coming Sunday, 18 May 2014. The match is scheduled for Dobsonville Stadium at 15h00.

Accra -GUARANTY Trust Bank (Ghana) has introduced an online system that enables customers to deposit cheques into their accounts without visiting any of the bank's branches.

Accra -GHANA captain Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari are set for a third successive FIFA World Cup after coach Kwesi Appiah named them in his 26-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World.

The Dormaa Municipal Assembly awarded GH¢50,000 worth of scholarships to brilliant but needy students in the municipality in 2013, Mr. Peter Nketiah, Municipal Budget Analyst disclosed on Friday. He said the more than 50 students are in Senior High Schools, Universities, Polytechnics and other tertiary institutions pursuing various degree and diploma courses.

"When you eat, keep some of the food because anything can happen." -Kwabena Akwaboah, late guitarist and highlife musician.Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is reported to have called for an amendment of the Act that set up the Ghana Heritage Fund.

Kumasi -Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on Ghanaians to join Asanteman in its battle against poverty and disease. He urged the people to adopt the brain power to wage a battle on the battle ground of education against illiteracy, disease and poverty, to ensure high quality of life for the people.

The President, Mrs Angela Peasah, Vice President, Prof. K.B. Omane-Antwi, Council members, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frederick Nana Kweku Moore, and staff of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), yesterday, joined the Pentecost International Worship Centre in worship.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says it is not in "crisis" as being reported in some sections of the media. Media reportage suggests that the NHIA was in 'turmoil' due to the introduction of the Biometric Membership Solution (BMS) to biometrically register its subscribers.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana say the inability of the Forestry Commission (FC) to review and publish new stumpage between the period of 2003 to 2012 has resulted in the loss of $16 million of stumpage value of timber meant for the country.

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Trade and Industry, has charged the re-constituted Board of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited (GTFCL) to re-establish the company under a public-private partnership and turn the centre into a major International Trade Convention Centre.