Ghana’s consumer inflation rate rose to 21.5 percent in September.

Samuel Kobina Annim, government statistician at the Ghana Statistical Service, announced the figure in Accra, on Wednesday.

Annim said the consumer prices rose to 21.5 percent from 20.4 percent in August.

He said the surge, driven by an increase in food prices, represents the first increase in six months.

Annim said the increase was due to a 3 percentage points jump in food inflation.

“This five-month successive decrease in the rate of inflation has been reversed in the month of September with food recording a higher rate,” Annim said.

On September 27, in response to improving economic indicators, including inflation, the Bank of Ghana, the country’s central bank, reduced its main interest rate by 200 basis points to 27 percent — marking its first rate cut since January.

Ernest Addison, Bank of Ghana governor, told a news conference that economic trends point to a proceeding disinflation process, and the price increase will continue to ease towards the short-term range target of 13 percent to 17 percent for the year.

“Such a strong signalling of the monetary policy rate by reducing it by 200 basis points tells you that the central bank is quite satisfied with the progress of recovery of this economy,” Addison said

He added that all economic indicators including growth, inflation and reserves are improving.

In June, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to disburse $360 million to Ghana as part of its $3 billion loan arrangement.

The Italian government is taking steps to simplify the process for foreigners seeking temporary work visas.

This is in effort to meet labour market demands as the country is reported to be facing a shortage of skilled workers.

The government plans to increase the number of days each year when applications are accepted.

By expanding the number of days available for visa applications, referred to as “Click Days,” the government aims to better align the visa process with the needs of employers seeking qualified workers.

According to TravelBiz’s recent report, these changes are set to address the growing need for foreign labour in Italy, as current quotas and deadlines have proven ineffective.

The government intends to create a more flexible system that focuses on the actual needs of the labor market.

Reports relate that the proposed changes come in response to the challenges faced by employers in finding qualified candidates.

According to TravelBiz, Secretary of Cgil, Maria Grazia Gabrielli, said, “We need to move away from the limited ‘click day’ system. A new approach should align with the real needs of the country.”

By shifting away from a limited application system and strict quotas, the government is looking to create a more flexible and ongoing application process for work visas, making it easier for foreign workers to fill job vacancies in the country.

No Changes For Bossi-Fini Law  

Despite recognizing the need for adjustments, the government, according to reports, will not modify the Bossi-Fini Law.

The Bossi-Fini Law, is an Italian immigration law that governs the entry and residency of foreign nationals in Italy.

The law was enacted to address concerns about immigration and labour market stability.

TravelBiz reports that this law requires that third-country nationals secure a job offer before entering Italy. Key provisions include:

• Stricter requirements for residence permits for foreign workers and their families.
• Mandatory job offers for non-EU nationals to work in Italy.
• Increased powers for authorities to deport undocumented migrants.
• Penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers.

Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano indicated that the government will soon present a decree outlining these adjustments to the Council of Ministers.

Tackling Visa Fraud and Criminal Exploitation 

Concerns about fraudulent practices and organized crime exploiting the visa system have also prompted the government to revise the application process, according to reports.

There have also been reports of companies requesting more workers than needed, and issues regarding foreigners entering the country with work visas but failing to secure employment.

Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that criminal gangs are abusing seasonal work visas. She mentioned reports of visas being resold for as much as $15,000, particularly affecting Bangladeshi nationals. This situation underscores the need for stricter oversight in the visa application process.

Addressing Labor Market Needs through Visa Reforms 

Reports provide that the Italian labour market requires significant changes to better accommodate foreign workers. Hence by extending the application period for temporary work visas and implementing stricter oversight measures, the government is determined to meet market demands while curbing misuse and illegal activities.

Emirates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, has resumed flight operations to Nigeria.

The development comes almost two years after the suspension of operation by the airline.

On Tuesday afternoon, the airline’s flight landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The flight EK 783, which travelled for over 8 hours, touched down at the MMIA at 3:32 pm.

In November 2022, Emirates suspended flight operations to Nigeria over its inability to repatriate its $85 million revenue trapped in the country.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, on April 8, 2024, announced that he received a letter from the airline confirming that all the issues have been resolved and is prepared to resume flights.

On September 27, Nigeria and the UAE agreed on reciprocal rights ahead of the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Nigeria.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Keyamo said the discussions reaffirm the commitment of Nigeria to fostering a balanced and forward-looking partnership with the UAE.

“We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, which will not only deepen our bilateral ties but also strengthen the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Keyamo said.

As Emirates returns to Nigeria, Keyamo said the country looks forward to a thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship.