Ghana central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark interest rate by 150 bps to 29.5%, the second consecutive rate hike this year. The move aims to curb persistent inflationary pressures, despite the headline inflation rate, which dropped to 52.8% in February after reaching a record high of 54.1% in December. The country is also restructuring its debt to secure a USD 3 bln loan from the IMF amidst its worst economic crisis in decades.