Ghana IntelBrief
Back to Latest Briefings
From Cotonou to Bata: Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s rivalry enters a new chapter
September 24, 2026
AI-Enhanced

From Cotonou to Bata: Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s rivalry enters a new chapter

Opportunity
Growth

Key Points

  • Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire will renew their enduring football rivalry in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
  • The rivalry is heavily shaped by two painful AFCON final losses for Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, both decided by penalty shootouts in 1992 and 2015.
  • Ghana is beginning this qualifying campaign after missing the last AFCON for the first time in 20 years, aiming to reclaim its place on the continental stage.
  • Côte d’Ivoire, having recently won the AFCON on home soil, hosts this fixture as another chapter in the rivalry.
  • The match also features a tactical battle between Côte d’Ivoire's Hervé Renard and Ghana's Carlos Queiroz.

Why This Matters

This match is highly significant for Ghana as it marks the beginning of their journey to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after a two-decade absence, impacting national morale and the future direction of its football program. A strong performance or victory could provide a crucial boost in confidence and help re-establish Ghana's standing in African football, signifying a potential turning point for the Black Stars.

Read Full Article

View original source

Related Articles

Bank of Ghana to introduce new Heritage Series cedi notes on 3 November

September 24, 2026

Bank of Ghana to introduce new Heritage Series cedi notes on 3 November
  • The Bank of Ghana will launch a new series of upgraded cedi banknotes, the "Heritage Series," on 3 November 2026.
  • This modernization aims to enhance the currency's security, durability, and resilience, as current designs are over two decades old.
  • The new series will upgrade existing GH¢1, GH¢5, GH¢10, GH¢20, GH¢50, GH¢100, and GH¢200 denominations, and reintroduce the GH¢2 note.
  • Key features include enhanced security against counterfeiting, improved durability, and modern designs reflecting Ghanaian heritage and culture.
  • Existing banknotes will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the new series; the public is advised against rushing to exchange old notes.
Read full briefing

BoG to introduce new Heritage Series banknotes in November 2026

September 24, 2026

BoG to introduce new Heritage Series banknotes in November 2026
  • The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will introduce a new series of banknotes, the Heritage Series, on November 3, 2026.
  • The new notes will feature enhanced security, improved durability, and modern designs reflecting Ghana's heritage and national identity.
  • This move aims to combat counterfeiting, adapt to technological advancements, and ensure more efficient currency management.
  • The BoG emphasizes that existing banknotes will remain valid and circulate alongside the new series.
  • The public and businesses are urged to handle banknotes properly to preserve their quality and reduce replacement costs.
Read full briefing

BoG Governor warns Middle East crisis could fuel inflation in Ghana

September 23, 2026

BoG Governor warns Middle East crisis could fuel inflation in Ghana
  • Ghana faces both economic gains (higher gold prices) and renewed risks (increased energy and fertiliser costs) from the escalating Middle East crisis.
  • Higher gold prices could boost Ghana's export earnings, foreign exchange reserves, and government revenue.
  • Rising energy and agricultural input costs are expected to fuel inflation by increasing transportation, production, and food prices.
  • Global growth forecasts have been revised downwards, and international inflationary pressures are increasing, with Brent crude prices significantly rising.
  • The situation complicates Ghana's monetary policy outlook, potentially leading to tighter global financial conditions, a stronger dollar, and pressure on the cedi, prompting the MPC to assess policy rate adjustments.
Read full briefing