Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a technology and innovations hub to boost Ghana’s digital transformation and position it as a leading centre for artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. 

The initiative, dubbed the “Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub,” led by UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) will serve as a strategic base for global tech giants seeking to expand their presence in the country and across the continent.

This means it will attract over 11,000 global companies under the PCFC umbrella—including tech giants such as Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, IBM, and Alphabet and will serving as a regional base for AI engineering, business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), and data generation for Africa-focused machine learning.

The initial phase of the one billion dollar project, fully funded by the PCFC, in partnership with leading AI firms behind Dubai’s AI transformation, will involve the  development of a 25 square kilometre (Km2) site in Ningo-Prampram  with the government providing the land for the initiative.

The MoU was signed in Accra on Thursday (May 29, 2025) by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George on behalf of Ghana and the Chairman of the Dubai PCFC, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, on behalf of the Middle Eastern nation. 

It brought together heads of the various agencies under the ministry and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their agencies.  

Also present to witness the signing were officials of the UAE’s mission in the country. 

Mr George described the agreement as a bold ambition grounded in mutual respect and built on a shared understanding that digital transformation is no longer optional but essential. 

He said the initiative was designed to anchor the nation’s place as a continental leader in digital transformation and technological advancement, reflective of  President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to not only diversify the economy but to ensure that innovation becomes a primary engine of inclusive and sustainable development.

“This hub will create a space where investment meets ingenuity, where the creativity of Ghana’s youth is matched with opportunities to try, and where advanced technologies are developed, deployed and exported. It is about building a nation where our brightest minds no longer look outwards for opportunity, but see it in their own backyards,” he stated. 

Mr George, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, said the initiative further underscored the importance of the government’s  One Million Coders Programme – an initiative to train a million youth in digital in-demand skills in AI, cybersecurity, data protection and data governance.  

“To Ghana’s vibrant community of tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital talents, this is your platform. It is your ideas, your startups, your research, and your courage that will give it life and meaning. We are creating the conditions for a digital renaissance, led by Ghanaians for Ghanaians. Our goal is not to catch up with the digital age, but to help shape it,” he added. 

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who also serves as the Chairman and CEO of DP World stated that in today’s world, national wealth was defined not by gold or oil but by the ability to generate, implement, and scale ideas—just as Apple turned a simple concept into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise stressing the power of ideas, engineering, and innovation. 
Highlighting the global shift toward automation and AI, he explained that the role of people has evolved from manual labor to high-value design, problem-solving, and supply chain management. 

Using examples from DP World’s fully automated port in Rotterdam and its integrated logistics operations in over 70 countries, he emphasized that jobs were not being lost but transformed, with workers now managing smarter processes and customer relationships. 

With global supply chains strained and companies looking to produce goods closer to their markets, he said Ghana was poised to become a major production and distribution hub in West Africa. 

Chelsea look set to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after triggering the £30m release clause in his contract.

Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were among the clubs to have shown a serious interest in Delap, who was made available for £30m when Ipswich were relegated, while Manchester City also hold a buy-back option.

The 22-year-old joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £20m last summer and was this month given permission to speak to interested clubs.

“Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that,” said Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, ahead of his side’s final Premier League game.

It is understood Stamford Bridge is Delap’s first-choice destination but negotiations over personal terms continue.

Chelsea, who lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy on Wednesday night, last week qualified for the Champions League, providing Delap with the chance to add to his solitary appearance in the competition with Manchester City in 2022.

Delap made 32 starts in the Premier League for Ipswich last season, scoring 12 goals.

Ipswich, who were relegated at the end of the season after finishing 19th in the table, are interested in taking Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as a replacement for Delap.

The Spanish striker scored six goals in 14 appearances for Chelsea this season but has missed most of 2025 with a muscular injury. He returned as a late substitute during the Conference League final in Wroclaw.

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NPA CEO, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), led by its Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, took part in the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference held in Accra, which focused on the continent’s natural gas potential and its role in the global energy transition.

This year’s conference, themed “Africa’s Gas Potential: Monetization and Its Role as a Transition Fuel,” brought together major players across the energy sector to explore strategies for leveraging Africa’s vast gas resources to drive sustainable development.

Mr. Tameklo joined a high-level panel of industry leaders, including Mr. David Pappoe Jr., President of the African Energy Chamber (Ghana); Mr. Appiah Keyi, Director of Commercial and New Ventures at Kosmos Energy; and Mr. Peter Stuttaford, CEO of Thompson Energy B.V.

During the panel discussion, the NPA boss underscored the importance of African-led solutions to the continent’s energy challenges, urging stakeholders to take full ownership of the gas value chain.

“Africa must take charge of its energy destiny,” Mr. Tameklo said. “Our natural gas reserves should be harnessed not only as a transition fuel but also as a driver for industrialization, job creation, and expanded energy access across the continent.”

The conference served as a platform for energy experts, policymakers, and investors to engage on critical issues surrounding energy security, investment opportunities, and the role of technology in unlocking Africa’s energy future.

National Coordinator of the CSOs Platform on SDGs, Levlyn Konadu Asiedu

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2025, Levlyn Konadu Asiedu, National Coordinator of the CSOs Platform on SDGs, has called on parents to take an active role in educating their children, especially girls, about menstrual hygiene and self-care.

“Teach them how to keep themselves clean and educate them about menstrual hygiene,” she emphasised, highlighting the importance of parental guidance over peer-led misinformation.

“What makes a lady a lady is when she begins menstruating, but most often, we hide this from our children. And when we hide such things from our children, their friends will teach them,” she added.

Her call came during a one-day Training Workshop and Field Visit on Menstrual Health and Hygiene organised by the CSOs Platform on SDGs in Accra on May 29, 2025.

The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of journalists to advocate more effectively for menstrual hygiene and access to affordable sanitary products.

Archibald Adams, Communications Lead at Oxfam in Ghana, a member organisation of the CSOs Platform on SDGs, noted that the workshop was part of broader efforts to make menstrual health a mainstream conversation in Ghana.

“The purpose of the training was to equip journalists to improve their advocacy for menstrual hygiene. It is in connection with World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is celebrated on May 28, 2025,” Adams said.

“And this year’s theme is ‘A Period-Friendly World’.”

He further commended the government for launching a Free Sanitary Pad initiative, pledging Oxfam’s full support in working alongside authorities to ensure menstrual equity.

“It is important that when it comes to menstruation, we don’t treat it as a girl’s or woman’s issue. It is supposed to be an issue that concerns everyone. We need the boys and we need the men; it is the boys that make the girls pregnant, and it is the men that make the women pregnant,” Adams stated.

President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr James Condua Orleans-Lindsay

The President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr James Condua Orleans-Lindsay, has called on Ghanaian businesses and citizens to demonstrate patriotism by reducing the prices of goods and services in response to the steady appreciation of the cedi.

Speaking at the inauguration of GREDA’s Executive Council Standing Committees and a stakeholders’ forum held on May 29, 2025, Dr Orleans-Lindsay underscored the need for a collective national effort to ensure economic stability.

“We will take the pain of the cedi’s appreciation as long as it is for the collective good of the country; as long as we can get stability for over five, six, or even eight years, once the cedi has appreciated, we all owe it to the country to bring prices down. You need to be a patriot; it is very important, and it is for the collective good,” he said.

He emphasised that price adjustments in the wake of a stronger cedi are not just an economic obligation but a moral one that contributes to the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.

The call for price reduction comes at a time when the cedi is making significant gains on the interbank market.

According to the Bank of Ghana’s latest update, the cedi is trading at GH¢10.27 (buying) and GH¢10.29 (selling) against the US dollar. The pound is at GH¢13.82 (buying) and GH¢13.83 (selling), while the euro stands at GH¢11.59 (buying) and GH¢11.60 (selling).

The newly inaugurated committees include:

• Technical and Projects Committee

• Research and Development Committee

• Finance and Audit Committee

• Membership and Welfare Committee

• Complaints, Disciplinary and Ethics Committee

• Marketing, Publicity and Events Committee

“These subcommittees are crucial in helping GREDA achieve its objectives of solidifying the association and extending our influence in Ghana’s housing and construction sector,” Dr. Orleans-Lindsay stated.

The Iron City Satellite Market being populated by the Assembly

As part of efforts to decongest Kasoa and restore order along major roads and pedestrian walkways, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Awutu Senya East in the Central Region, Mr. Seth Sabah Serwornoo-Banini, has announced the relocation of all traders operating on tarmacked roads and walkways to the newly developed Iron City Satellite Market.

During a tour to assess the state of the modern market facility at Iron City, Mr. Serwornoo-Banini underscored the importance of ensuring safety, free movement, and cleanliness within the municipality.

He stressed that trading on pedestrian walkways and roads poses a significant danger to both traders and commuters.

The MCE said the Iron City market was constructed to provide a safer and more organized space for commercial activities and that the relocation forms part of a broader municipal agenda to enhance urban management and improve the overall aesthetic of Kasoa.

He appealed to traders to cooperate with the directive and assured them that the satellite market is adequately equipped to accommodate their needs.

The seven-year-old boy lost his life after drowning in an abandoned illegal mining pit

A tragic incident has struck the community of Akyem Abomosu in the Atiwa West District, as a seven-year-old boy lost his life after drowning in an abandoned illegal mining pit.

According to eyewitnesses, the child accidentally slipped and fell into the water-filled pit, and despite frantic rescue efforts by residents, he could not be saved.

The heartbreaking incident has sparked swift action from authorities, with the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Hannah Bissiw, leading an intensive operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the area.

In an interview with Accra FM/CTV News reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, the District Chief Executive, Mr. Amo Johnson Anom, condemned the ongoing illegal mining operations and stressed that the Assembly would not tolerate such acts.

“This tragic loss of a young life is a wake-up call,” he said.

“Illegal mining must stop, and this operation is a clear warning to those engaged in it. We will ensure full compliance with mining regulations, and offenders will face the full force of the law.”

Mr. Amo Johnson further appealed to traditional leaders and residents, including chiefs, queen mothers, and opinion leaders, to rally behind the government’s efforts to protect the environment and secure the future of the community.

He underscored the importance of unity in the fight against illegal mining, adding that the district’s development and the safety of its people depend on collective action.

Equipment seized during the operation has been handed over to the Kwabeng Police Station for further investigation.

Two young digital creators, Darlington Edem and Michael Kumasenu, emerged winners of the inaugural Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) Creators Challenge.

This is an online competition inviting upcoming Ghanaian content creators to share their connecting stories using their smartphones.

Announced by Telecel Ghana, in partnership with Samsung during the TGMAs season, the Creators’ Challenge was designed to connect emerging content creators with the opportunity to showcase their unique skills during the music awards season.

Entrants were asked to create short-form video stories capturing the heartbeat of the theme: Music in Motion, in their own unique interpretation using a smartphone.

Darlington, a final year student at the University of Ghana, passionate about creative arts, filming and photography and Michael, a civil engineering graduate with a growing obsession for mobile phone videography, stood out among the tens of applicants who submitted entries.

Their compelling storytelling earned them the opportunity to connect with the audience at the TGMAs.

The prize included an all-access pass to the TGMAs to capture exclusive behind-the-scenes content at the most anticipated entertainment event of the year with Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone – Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, plus they get to own the Samsung Galaxy A56.

Their video content from the TGMAs, featuring red carpet appearances, stage performances, audience reactions and awards presentations, was shared across Telecel Ghana’s social media channels, marking a change in how Ghanaian entertainment is being captured and consumed.

“I joined the challenge to show my craft and use the platform to project my love for the arts. My Music in Motion video entry was a wrap of people enjoying good music, their raw emotions and dance rhythm. I wanted to show how music makes people feel wholesome,” Darlington said.

The TGMA Creators’ Challenge is a shift in the Ghanaian content landscape, empowering young creators to show the world how music, culture, and community merge with vibrant, emotional moments.

“The Creators Challenge is about connecting talents and unlocking potential in user-generated content. We have seen a growing interest among young people in mobile content creation; hence, we introduced this challenge to give them the opportunity, access and tools to do what they do best at the TGMAs,” said Aneth Muga, Acting Director of Consumer Business at Telecel Ghana.

For Michael, the experience is a moment he will cherish for a long time.

“Covering the TGMAs was an amazing moment and a dream come true for me. I had access to all the musicians and celebrities for interviews and saw them perform first-hand to capture those moments with the help of the Samsung device. I’m inspired to stay consistent and make the most of this opportunity,” Michael said.

The TGMAs Creators Challenge is a launchpad for the telecommunications giant to build an ecosystem that empowers and connects young content creators.

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Todays Trends Blog of Thursday, 29 May 2025

Source: Samuel Osei

German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull

Ghana’s trade volume with Germany reached €180,923,000 in the first quarter of 2025, Mr. Daniel Krull, German Ambassador to Ghana, has said.

Total exports to Germany stood at €85,660,000, while imports amounted to €95,263,000, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 49 percent from the same period in 2024.

In the first quarter of 2024, trade totaled €127,673,000, with exports at €63,682,000 and imports at €63,991,000, representing a 44 percent growth from 2023.

Mr. Krull announced these figures during a press briefing at his residence to introduce a project titled “New Northern Dimensions – Delights from Northern Ghana and Northern Germany.”

The project is a cultural and diplomatic initiative that blends culinary creativity, cultural exchange, and outreach. It forms part of activities marking the 836th anniversary of Hamburg, a city in northern Germany.

The initiative aims to highlight the rich cultures of northern Ghana and northern Germany while strengthening ties between the two regions.

Mr. Krull said the trade figures were encouraging, noting that, in recent years, trade volumes had ranged between €500 million and €700 million.

He explained that Ghana’s exports largely comprised cocoa, gold, tropical foods, and other raw materials, while Germany’s exports included vehicles, machinery, and spare parts.

The Ambassador stressed the importance of sustained bilateral trade, particularly given Ghana’s preferential access to the German and broader European market—an advantage not extended to all countries.

“We have a strong and stable market to enable Ghanaian manufacturers and agribusiness people to focus their businesses on. They must have a reliable framework for investment and planning,” he said.

Mr. Krull added: “Germany is not only the home of car manufacturers but also trade fairs, so we organize some of the specialized trade fairs for machinery, construction, and mining. If you take food logistics, for instance, it is the basic route for Ghanaian investors to enter the European market.”

The 836th Hamburg anniversary celebration will be held on Thursday, May 29, at the Ambassador’s residence, with members of the Diplomatic Corps, business community, government officials, and private sector representatives expected to attend.

The recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi may appear to be good news on the surface, but for the business community, it is not the strength of the currency that matters most. It is the ability to plan.

That’s the message from John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, who is urging policymakers not to get carried away by the cedi’s current momentum.

Speaking on PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 29, Mr. Awuah cautioned that businesses are more interested in stability and predictability than dramatic swings, whether up or down.

“Let us not be too excited about significant appreciation,” he said.

“That is not exactly what the business community is looking for. The business community is looking at predictability, not that the currency has depreciated to ¢5 to the dollar, and tomorrow it is ¢10. Another time it is ¢9.”

His warning comes as Ghana’s currency sees its strongest performance in recent months, aided by improved external inflows, better fiscal management, and a reduction in speculative demand.

He explained that for businesses to function properly, certain variables, especially the exchange rate, must be reasonably stable.

“You need to be able to plan effectively,” he said. “You need some variables to hold their own and not be oscillating significantly beyond levels that you are unable to predict and have a proper forecast.”

Even in conversations with banks, this instability makes it difficult for clients to provide reliable financial projections, he stated.

“If you are talking to your banks, your ability to project your revenue generation is hampered if a component of your revenue is foreign currency based,” Mr Awuah added.

He also addressed the role speculation plays in Ghana’s currency market, noting that a large chunk of past depreciation was driven by artificial pressures and not actual trade.

“I once stated—with no proper research behind it—that I could clearly read that the extent of speculation in the currency movement was between 20 and 30%,” he revealed.

“So if there was a depreciation, about 20 to 30% of that depreciation is not backed by any effective transaction, but people who are just playing on the currency for temporary price adjustments to profit from the movement.”

According to John Awuah, the current appreciation of the cedi is forcing speculators to reconsider, which is helping to reduce artificial pressures on the market.

“If the currency is able to hold its own, what you are doing is making that trade unattractive,” he explained.

“Now, the cedi is more attractive. So the people who are holding cedi, they are looking for cedi investments because the currency is not depreciating as aggressively as we are used to in the past.”

While he acknowledged there are multiple factors now working in favour of the cedi, Mr. Awuah urged a cautious approach.

He would not commit to whether the appreciation could bring the exchange rate back to single digits. Still, he expressed some optimism.

“I don’t want to say a wait and see, because I don’t have any reason to doubt the ability of the currency to hold its own,” he said.

“Coming down to single digits, I am not sure. But the point is, we must focus on stability.”

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West Ham player Mohammed Kudus

Ghana superstar Mohammed Kudus is too good to stagnate. His career needs a spark – and it won’t come at West Ham in the foreseeable future.

The Ghanaian international arrived from Ajax for a reported 38 million Pounds in 2023. Since then, he has shown glimpses of top-tier quality.

However, this season has not gone to plan. Kudus has only scored five goals. His last strike came on the last of the Premier League this season.

Stagnation at West Ham

Jamie Carragher recently said Kudus’ development has stalled. This is hard to argue. West Ham (2.21) are in transition again, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui mid-season.

“Last season, he was fantastic. He just hasn’t looked the same player this season” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

He added: “Kudus might think this is an off-season for him, and last season was the real Kudus, and we get that type of player; It’s a good sign.”

Commenting on a potential move elsewhere, Carragher said: “I won’t be surprised if there’s a change there somewhere because West Ham need the money.”

Kudus is a skillful dribbler and a match-winner on his day. But he has lacked consistency, not entirely due to his own form. The club’s struggles and tactical instability have played a role.

Lucas Paquetá’s betting case has also created more uncertainty. He could face a lengthy ban if it is found that he had any involvement in match-fixing. This has placed more creative pressure on Kudus. But the Ghanaian hasn’t been able to carry the load alone.

A Player of Bigger Ambitions

Kudus is only 24 years old. That makes this the ideal time for a move. He is still young enough to grow but experienced enough to deliver at the top level.

Several clubs in Europe are watching him. They see a forward who can operate out wide or centrally. He’s proven himself in some of the world’s best leagues.

At Ajax, he was a regular match-winner. He’s shown flashes of that at West Ham too. But a player of his quality needs Champions League soccer, not mid-table battles.

West Ham’s Financial Reality

According to a BBC report, West Ham may sell Kudus to fund new signings. Despite a 250 million Pounds outlay across the past two summers, money is tight.

The sale of Declan Rice brought in a reported fee of 105 million Pounds. However, those funds have already been spent with no immediate solution to West Ham’s problems. Now, Kudus could become the club’s most valuable asset on the market.

Ideally, West Ham don’t want to lose him. But they know that a rising fee could be too good to ignore. His departure may be a financial necessity – and a personal blessing.

Time to Seize the Moment

Kudus cannot afford another stagnant year. A player of his talent should be fighting for titles, not stability.

A move this summer would be well-timed. He will still attract suitors with big ambitions and strong project plans.

In conclusion, West Ham may need to sell – and Kudus needs to move. It’s the right time for both parties. While a rumoured potential move to Saudi Arabia is being discussed on some websites, it would probably take a major European team to get the best out of Kudus again.

If Kudus signs for another club, it could have a major impact for those interested in soccer betting. If he is to reach his full potential, Kudus is a potential match-winner for any club in Europe’s top leagues.

Sidi Ould Tah has been elected president of the African Development Bank Group for a five year term. The Mauritanian national is set to become the 9th president of the bank and will assume office on September 1, taking over from Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina.

The election results were announced by Niale Kaba, minister of planning and development for Côte d’Ivoire, and chairman of the bank’s board of governors at the institution’s annual meetings in Abidjan. 

The winning candidate is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes. Tah secured 76.18% of the total vote and 72.37% of regional votes in the third round of voting – a historic majority that underscores the strength of the mandate handed to him by the bank’s shareholders. He defeated Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, Senegal’s Amadou Hott, Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli, and South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala.

Tah, who spoke to African Business last month about his ambitions for the bank, brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. For a decade, until April, he was the president of the $20bn Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA), where he led a 376% capital expansion and launched the institution’s first ten year strategy. Under his watch, annual approvals rose twelvefold, disbursements eightfold and BADEA became a consequential actor in infrastructure, SME finance, digital platforms and fragile state development.  

In May, just weeks before the AfDB elections, S&P Global upgraded BADEA’s long-term credit rating to AA+. Tah previously served as minister of economic affairs and finance of Mauritania before his time at BADEA.

Working with a campaign team led by Frannie Léautier, former vice-president at both the AfDB and the World Bank, Tah campaigned on a platform of transformation. He promised to reform Africa’s financial architecture; turn the continent’s demographic boom into economic strength; industrialise while leveraging natural resources; and mobilise large-scale capital.

In a brief acceptance speech in Abidjan, he thanked the bank’s shareholders for entrusting him with a strong mandate and expressed his eagerness to hit the ground running. “It’s time to get to work. I’m ready,” he said. 

Transformative agenda

Speaking to African Business during his campaign, Tah laid out his vision for the AfDB, noting that he was determined to re-engineer internal processes at the bank to enable it to move with greater speed and agility. 

“Agility is a real issue. The project cycle at the bank can be slow, and by the time a project is approved, conditions on the ground may have changed, governments may even have changed for example,” he said. 

“We need to shorten timelines without compromising integrity. Departments must work in parallel, not sequentially – and today’s IT solutions make that entirely feasible,” he proposed, adding, for good measure, that “the bank needs to be more responsive, more agile, and needs to scale up its operations.”

Tah also highlighted what he sees as “untapped potential” in mobilising domestic resources – pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance capital – and channeling them into transformative development. 

“AfDB should be the leader – that is its very mandate. But it also must act as a catalyst by crowding in regional development banks, sovereign and pension funds, and international institutional investors. I don’t think that we are in a situation where the bank has exploited all the potential it has there. We need innovative solutions and the AfDB can be the platform to orchestrate them,” he remarked.

The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Its shareholder countries include 54 African countries or regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries or non-regional member countries.

Cosmo Developers and Fimex Ltd have outdoored a new residential project, Saareeyaa, aimed at addressing the growing housing needs of middle-income earners in Ghana.

The unveiling took place on Saturday at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, where project details were shared with real estate professionals, investors, and the media.

The development, currently under construction in Labone, includes a range of flexible purchasing options, including a rent-to-own model, mortgage-assisted plans, and outright sales.

According to the developers, these options are designed to make homeownership more accessible to working professionals and families who are often excluded from traditional financing structures.

Ghana faces a national housing deficit of over 1.8 million units, driven by rapid urbanisation and limited access to affordable financing.

Despite a rise in luxury developments across Accra, many remain unoccupied as middle-income earners struggle to meet high upfront costs and rigid payment structures.

Saareeyaa introduces an alternative approach. Buyers are expected to make part payment during the construction phase and complete the balance over a two-year period after handover.

They may live in the unit or rent it out during the repayment period.

“This model is not aimed at replacing the market but opening it up,” said Nadine Jaber, CEO of Cosmo Developers. “We’re trying to include a group that’s typically left out, not by lowering quality or price but by restructuring the pathway to ownership.” She added that early buyers are able to personalise their spaces. “When you invest early, you get to design your own space. That’s why we call it ‘design for living.’”

Abdul Latif Fawaz, Founder and Managing Director of Fimex Ghana Ltd, said the model is intended to serve clients who are often excluded from formal property acquisition systems. “We realised that a significant portion of the market wants to own, but the current structure simply doesn’t support them,” he said. “Saareeyaa is an attempt to respond to that segment, not just with payment terms, but with dignity and long-term usability.”

According to Fawaz, the project also integrates thoughtful design with practicality. “We believed in homes with gardens more than apartments. But with today’s urbanisation, we’re adapting. Saareeyaa brings vertical housing while still including landscaped areas, a pool, and amenities that let families live comfortably.”

Once completed, the development will include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a rooftop pool, gym, landscaped areas, backup power systems, and 24-hour security. Though these features are standard in premium developments, the developers say Saareeyaa is targeted primarily at salaried workers and middle-income households.

At the unveiling event, industry professionals expressed strong support for the initiative.

“This is exactly the kind of model the market needs right now,” said a real estate consultant who attended the event. “It’s practical, it’s relevant, and it has the potential to reshape how we think about urban housing access in Ghana.”

Another industry consultant, who has worked with both Cosmo Developers and Fimex Ltd on previous projects, described the developers as resilient. “Both companies have been through difficult market cycles and remained consistent. If there’s any group that understands how to deliver housing without cutting corners, it’s them,” he said.

“They may not always take the flashiest approach, but they’re reliable, and that matters in this market. When they commit to a project, they see it through, even when conditions shift.”

With delivery expected in the coming months, Saareeyaa will test whether flexible ownership models can succeed in a market that has largely focused on high-end buyers. Investors and prospective homeowners alike are watching closely, with many viewing the project as a much-needed shift toward inclusive urban development.

Singer Cassie Ventura, who recently testified as a central witness in the federal criminal trial of her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs, has given birth to her third child.

Ventura and her husband, Alex Fine, welcomed a son. They are also the parents of two young daughters, Frankie and Sunny.

CNN has reached out to representatives for the couple for comment.

Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash, who worked with Combs and Ventura for about a decade, said during his testimony Wednesday that he spoke to Ventura on Tuesday after she had her baby and expressed his congratulations.

In February, Ventura and Fine announced a new addition was joining the family.

Earlier this month, Ventura gave nearly 20 hours of often graphic testimony during Combs’ trial, speaking about the violence she said she endured at Combs’ hands and detailing drug-fueled sexual encounters, known as “Freak Offs.”

Ventura was the third witness to be called and referred to by both the defense and prosecution as an important witness in the case.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges that include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

If convicted on the most serious counts, he could face up to life in prison.

Combs and Ventura’s longterm relationship is part of the ongoing criminal case against him. She was identified as “Victim 1” in the federal indictment against Combs.

Ventura first detailed years of disturbing abuse allegations in a civil lawsuit filed against Combs, who she dated on and off between 2007 and 2018, in November 2023. The two settled her claim for $20 million one day after it was filed, according to Ventura’s testimony at the trial.

On the stand, Ventura said she was treated for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, after the relationship ended.

Combs has faced dozens of other civil lawsuits in recent months, accusing him of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations.

On the opening day of Combs’s trial, the jury was shown graphic video of him physically assaulting Ventura in a California hotel in 2016. During pretrial hearings, the defense unsuccessfully attempted to keep the jury from being able to see the video of the incident during the trial.

Prior to Ventura’s testimony at trial, Combs’ defense team made their best effort to have Ventura seated at the witness stand before the jury entered the courtroom.

 “I’m going to ask that victim number one, when she testifies, be already in the jury box when the jury comes in. Only as to her. Only because of her physical condition,” Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said in court ahead of Ventura’s testimony, according to a court-provided transcript of the exchange. “There is – there is a quality to her walking in front of the jury that I think is easily avoidable.”

Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the case, ultimately denied the request.

Outside the court on May 13, Ventura’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said: “The jury is going to judge her based on her testimony – not based on her appearance, hopefully.”

After she completed her time on the stand, Ventura issued a statement through her attorney that said in part, “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from the abuse and fear.”

By Gifty Amofa

Accra, May 29, GNA – The Ghana Police Service has promoted four officers from the Western Central Regional Command for demonstrating diligence, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

The officers are No. 47459 General Sergeant Fetus Gameli Kukuia, promoted to Inspector; No. 52192 General Corporal Christian Asare, and No. 52441 General Corporal Nicholas Kingsley Amoah, both promoted to Sergeant; and No. 59947 General Constable Adam Yakubu, promoted to Lance Corporal.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Police Management Board (POMAB) commended the officers, stating their promotion would inspire other personnel of the Service.

The IGP assured that “dedication to duty and exceptional performance would be both acknowledged and rewarded.”

On April 30, 2025, a day after the murder of five persons at Asiyaw near Nsawam, the Western Central Regional Command arrested three suspects for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition at Bawdie Barrier near Wassa Akropong.

The suspects, Hakeem Imoro, Imoro Tahiru, and Nurideen Wahab, were travelling on a Grand Bird Bus, registration AS 4431 22, en route to Wassa Akropong, when the officers intercepted and searched the vehicle.

A submachine gun and twenty-one rounds of ammunition were retrieved from Hakeem Imoro.

He later disclosed that the weapon was given to him by his boss, identified as Samuel Atsu Forson alias Alanyo, who had already been arrested in connection with the Asiyaw murders.

Further investigations confirmed that the suspects were directly linked to the incident and were attempting to flee the area.

The Police Service commended the officers for their vigilance and reiterated its commitment to recognising excellence and professionalism in the fight against crime.

GNA

Edited by Kenneth Sackey

Journalists Sanctuary International (JSI) has condemned the assault of JoyNews journalist, Latif Iddrisu, by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Accra.

The attack occurred during a protest over the arrest and detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a statement, JSI called on the Ghana Police Service and EOCO to swiftly investigate the assault and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The organization also urged state security agencies to provide protection for the journalist, given the threats to his safety.

“The act violates the right of the journalist, and also erode press freedom and the public’s right to information,” it added.

JSI emphasised that disagreements with journalists should be resolved through legal or editorial channels, not violence or threats.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL), Dzifa Gunu

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL), Dzifa Gunu, delivered an impassioned address at the “Tech Startup Workshop: Identifying Challenges, Building Data, Empowering Startups” held at the Accra Digital Centre on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The workshop brought together young entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, seasoned experts, and key stakeholders in Ghana’s tech ecosystem for a day of insight, inspiration, and collaboration.

In his opening remarks, the CEO painted a powerful picture of a Ghana where innovation fuels development and entrepreneurship drives economic transformation.

“Imagine a Ghana where every brilliant idea finds its wings, a Ghana that stands tall as the undisputed digital heart of Africa,” he said.

The event was graced by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, whose support for digital transformation was acknowledged as instrumental to GDCL’s mission.

The CEO also expressed gratitude to international partners, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as well as speakers and mentors who are helping to equip Ghana’s next generation of innovators.

Reflecting on the challenges startups face, Dzifa Gunu likened the journey of a tech entrepreneur to building “a spaceship with bicycle parts,” referencing issues such as funding constraints, technical skill gaps, and market entry barriers. He emphasised that the workshop was designed to help participants confront these realities, build practical tools through data, and receive the mentorship necessary for growth.

“Our mission is simple: to create the right environment for digital innovation,” the CEO affirmed.

He highlighted the workshop’s three core pillars—Identifying Challenges, Building Data, and Empowering Startups—as the foundation for a thriving digital ecosystem.

Dzifa Gunu called on participants to seize the opportunity, stating, “To those of you with startup ideas, this is your moment. Engage, connect, and learn. Ghana Digital Centres Limited is committed to being your partner on this journey.”

He concluded by reiterating GDCL’s commitment to supporting startups and pushing Ghana closer to the vision of becoming a digital hub for Africa, as championed by President John Dramani Mahama.

The workshop continued with a series of panels, training sessions, and networking activities, all aimed at empowering the next wave of Ghanaian tech entrepreneurs.