On a trip to the Gulf nations, Defence Secretary John Healey said extra air defence teams and systems would be deployed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait while the use of Typhoon jets in Qatar will be extended.

“My message to Gulf partners is: Britain’s best will help you defend your skies,” he said.

The UK’s position on the war in the Middle East is to participate in “defensive action” but US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised that stance.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday the UK is “not going to get dragged into this war” but would continue to defend its interests and allies in the region.

The defence secretary has been visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain as the government announced the deployment of further systems, and associated teams, for the nations and for Kuwait.

Speaking to reporters from Qatar, Healey said the Gulf nations had praised the contributions of UK forces describing them as “a cornerstone” to their defence.

He added that Iran had been “expanding” its attacks in the region and that he expected the war to continue “for some weeks”.

Visiting the UK Armed Forces at Dukhan air base, Healey said the government has extended the deployment of UK Typhoon jets to Qatar.

At the start of the month, Starmer said four additional jets would be sent to Qatar following the deployment of the Royal Air Force’s joint UK-Qatari Typhoon squadron in January.

Separately, the defence secretary told Saudi Arabia’s defence minister that the UK will deploy air defence missile system Sky Sabre there this week along with teams to operate the system.

The system, composed of radars, control node, and missile launchers, can intercept munitions and aircraft and will integrate within the wider air defences in the region, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missile launcher, a short-range air defence system, has already been deployed to Bahrain along with UK experts who will work to integrate the system into Bahraini defences – and ground-based air defence missile system Rapid Sentry has arrived in Kuwait.

“That’s why the UK has been flying defensive missions since day one of this conflict to protect British interests and allies – and today we’re delivering further support by extending our UK jets in Qatar and deploying extra air defence teams and systems to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.”

He further paid tribute to the “heroic efforts” of partners across the Gulf.

“We will stand by our long-term partners in the Middle East and continue to push for a swift resolution to this conflict.”

Speaking on Monday, Starmer reiterated that UK troops will not be deployed on the ground in Iran.

“This is not our war and we’re not going to get drawn into it,” he said while responding to a question from reporters.

The UK previously gave permission for the US to use British military bases for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites after Starmer denied a request for the use of UK bases for the initial US-Israeli strikes against Iran in February.

President Trump has been critical of the UK’s involvement in the war, as well as that of other Nato allies.

On Tuesday, the president specifically referenced the UK as he said countries that did not participate in the initial strikes on Iran should “get your own oil” from the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president said: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself.”

Healey told reporters on Tuesday that allies were looking at a range of options to keep the key shipping lane open. He said it would require an international response – which included the US.

He gave no timeline or further details – but said the conflict would have to be “dialled down” – adding that the US and UK were still working together in their military and security relationship.

Addressing the media, following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Wednesday, Dr. Asiama said the cut which brought the Monetary Policy Rate to 14% was well‑anchored in the country’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals and does not jeopardise Ghana’s growth prospects.

“The adjustment of 150 basis points in our policy rate does not pose a risk to the economy,” Dr. Asiama said. “Our inflation trajectory remains sound, and our policy stance continues to support both price stability and sustainable growth regardless of disruptions originating from the Middle East.”

His comments come amid mounting global concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up crude oil prices and introduced fresh uncertainty into the global inflation outlook developments that have complicated central bank deliberations worldwide.

Dr. Asiama acknowledged that external geopolitical shocks could influence trade and financial conditions, but he stressed Ghana’s economic resilience.

“While we remain mindful of external risks, including those from distant conflict zones, the recent policy decision reflects a careful balance one that safeguards domestic stability while supporting economic activity.”

Dr. Asiama also reiterated that the bank will continue to monitor global developments closely and adjust its policy stance as necessary to sustain economic stability.

“Our focus is on ensuring that the economy continues on a stable path. That requires both vigilance in the face of global uncertainties and confidence in the progress we have achieved,” the Governor added.

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According to him, the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States is already creating uncertainty in global maritime insurance, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a key shipping route that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil trade.

Dr Agyemang, an insurance expert, said war-risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in the Gulf region could rise sharply if the conflict continues.

He projected that premiums could increase by between 50 and 100 percent in the coming weeks as insurers reassess the level of risk associated with shipping activities in the region.

Speaking on JoyNews, he explained that rising premiums could significantly increase the cost of global shipping and trade, with ripple effects on supply chains and energy markets.

Dr Agyemang cautioned that although the conflict is occurring far from Ghana, its economic consequences could still be felt locally through higher shipping costs, increased insurance premiums, and disruptions in global trade.

He therefore urged policymakers and industry players to closely monitor developments and prepare for possible economic impacts on the country’s insurance sector.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he said factories in Ghana may not immediately feel the effects of global disruptions because of the typical production cycle used by most manufacturers.

“Normally, companies talk, and for typical manufacturing, there’s a cycle of at least three months to a six-month cycle.”

He explained that companies usually secure inputs and process goods over several months before they reach the market. Because of this cycle, the impact of disruptions is not immediately visible, he said.

“During that period, if there are major disruptions, it may not affect you much, because we have bought the goods at a particular price.”

“We have stopped them at a particular cost and processing them at a particular so you wouldn’t see the disruptions affecting you so much at the very beginning.”

For now, he said, manufacturers remain calm, stating, “We don’t need to panic. Companies are reasonably stable in their minds.”

However, he warned that prolonged global disruptions could create serious challenges for local industries once existing stocks run out.

“However, when it drags, that is where it comes because no matter the amount of stock you have, it will get finished at some point, then you need to import. When you import, the question will be, Will the imports be the same cost as they were before?”

Mr Twum Akwaboah said Ghana’s manufacturing sector relies heavily on imported inputs.

“Remember that a lot of the inputs we process, or the manufacturing we do in the country, we import quite a lot of our inputs.”

“The machinery and raw materials are coming from abroad, apart from the agri business-related ones.”

He said many of these inputs are sourced from regions already affected by global tensions.

“A lot of the light manufacturing, we import the inputs, and it’s coming from the various parts of the world, especially Southeast Asia. And they are having challenges as a result of this war that is going on.”

If the situation persists, he said, production costs in Ghana will inevitably rise.

“So, eventually, if the situation drags on, there will definitely be an impact in a negative way. Because your cost of production will go up as a result of the input costs going up.”

He explained that higher shipping and logistics costs will also contribute to rising prices.

“And why would the input costs go up? They will go up because your landed cost will go up. Fuel prices may be affected, the supply chain is getting disrupted, and the volumes you may need may not be available at the time you need.”

“It is taking much longer before you get your goods.”

He also pointed to new shipping charges linked to global conflicts.

“And then once it’s on a longer route, the shipping lines are going to add more. There are charges, they call the war risk charges that have been imposed.”

“And it’s as high as 1500 to $2,000 per container.”

He said such unexpected costs could significantly affect manufacturers.

“So if this is added to your cost and unplanned, you can imagine the impact.”

Mr Twum Akwaboah said the global community must work to resolve the tensions quickly to avoid long-term disruption.

“That’s why we are all hoping that Uncle Trump would sit down with the people and quickly iron out their differences. And let’s move on as a world and as a nation.”

“So that we don’t get too long a disruption. Because it lasts, any drug is definitely going to have an effect.”

“For now, we are not panicking. We are just hoping and waiting to see how things progress.”

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In a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 10, Mr. Tameklo pointed to a recent shift in crude oil prices following comments by former United States President Donald Trump.

“Immediately, President Donald Trump said the Iran war was complete, crude prices dropped from $110 to $93,” he wrote.

He explained that the development underscores the powerful role political signals play in shaping market reactions, particularly in the energy sector.

Mr. Tameklo noted that global oil markets often respond rapidly to changing expectations surrounding conflict resolution and stability in oil-producing regions.

“What a powerful President. This week will be decisive,” he added.

His comments highlight the sensitivity of crude oil markets to geopolitical developments, especially events linked to the Middle East, a region critical to global oil supply.

He further suggested that traders and policymakers will be closely monitoring developments in the coming days as the situation continues to evolve.

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His comments come amid fears of a potential global oil crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which analysts warn could disrupt major oil supply routes. Global oil markets have already experienced volatility, with crude prices reportedly rising above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.

Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, March 9, Dr. Sulemana explained that Ghana currently has sufficient fuel stocks to meet short-term demand.

“We are not immediately threatened by the supply or the availability of the product. What we are immediately threatened with is the price. Are we able to maintain the price? That is a big question that we are looking at,” he stated.

He added that while global supply disruptions could eventually affect markets, Ghana’s immediate priority is maintaining adequate fuel reserves.

Tank Farm Operators are working closely with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to ensure stable supply levels.

“We have only to ensure that we maintain the availability of supply. After we made the announcement, we have been working closely with the NPA, and they have given us the assurance that we can go beyond the five weeks,” Dr. Sulemana said.

He further disclosed that additional fuel shipments have already arrived at the country’s ports and will soon be discharged, potentially extending Ghana’s fuel reserves significantly.

“We have some ships that have been docked at the harbour, ready to discharge. So, if these ships are discharged, we can go up to 10 weeks,” he noted.

The ministry emphasised that while price fluctuations remain a concern, Ghana’s fuel supply situation remains stable and capable of meeting national demand in the short term.

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Speaking during a strategic engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Dr. Aubyn said the meeting aimed to update stakeholders on the progress of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project while addressing concerns, questions, and clarifications from participants.

Addressing the media after the session, he emphasized that Africa currently imports about 85 percent of its petroleum products from outside the continent, a situation he described as risky and unsustainable, especially in light of geopolitical instability in major oil-producing regions.

According to Dr. Aubyn, recent developments in the Middle East underscore the urgent need for African countries to invest in local refining and petroleum infrastructure to safeguard their energy needs.

“The Petroleum Hub presents a major opportunity not only for Ghana but for the entire continent to strengthen energy security,” he noted. “What is happening in the Middle East should serve as a wake-up call for investors to come on board and support this transformative project.”

He stressed that establishing a robust petroleum hub in Ghana would reduce Africa’s dependence on imported refined products, stabilize supply chains, create jobs, and position the country as a key energy player in the region.

Some CSO representatives who participated in the engagement also shared their views with Adom News, expressing appreciation for the briefing and highlighting the importance of continued transparency and collaboration as the project progresses.

The engagement forms part of PHDC’s broader stakeholder consultation efforts, aimed at building public trust and ensuring inclusive participation in the development of Ghana’s ambitious Petroleum Hub initiative.

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