Residents of Denase, located in the Afigya Kwabre North District of the Ashanti Region, are grappling with shock and grief following a horrific armed assault on Thursday night that resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others.

Among the deceased is Peggy Ayelbassah, a vibrant young woman whose dreams of entering the healthcare field was tragically cut short.

Peggy was reportedly on her way to Salaga for a nursing training college admission interview when she was gunned down.

This heartbreaking news was shared by the Member of Parliament for the area, Collins Adomako-Mensah, who expressed his sorrow in a Facebook post.

He revealed that Peggy had reached out to him via WhatsApp just a day before her untimely death, making the loss even more poignant for the community.

Witnesses report that the violent incident unfolded late Thursday when gunmen opened fire on a vehicle travelling through Denase.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene filled with chaos as the sound of gunfire echoed, prompting widespread panic among residents.

The three injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention at Offinso Saint Patrick Hospital, where their conditions are being monitored by healthcare professionals.

Kwabena Asamoah, the Unit Committee Chairman for the Denase Electoral Area, suggested that this incident may have been a deliberate attack rather than a random act of robbery.

“This didn’t seem like a robbery. It appeared more like a targeted attack. The way the shooting was done, it looked like they knew who they were after,” Mr. Asamoah told reporters, highlighting the alarming nature of the violence.

The chilling event has intensified fears in Denase, a community that has endured similar violent incidents in the past.

Residents are now urgently calling for improved security measures and prompt action from law enforcement to safeguard their lives and property.

As investigations are underway, the Ghana Police Service has committed to bringing the assailants to justice.

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.

GNCCI commended the minister for her continuous engagement with the private sector

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has called on the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The discussions centered on boasting local manufacturing activities, and support for Made-in-Ghana products.

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare in her submission, reiterated commitment to supporting the private sector in her role as an advocate for industry.

GNCCI commended the minister for her continuous engagement with the private sector to especially address issues timeously.

They pledged to foster closer collaborations between the Ministry and the Chamber to enhance trade facilitation.

GA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The blaze broke out on the evening of Wednesday, July 23, 2025

MyNewsGh has gathered that a recurring power surge led to the fire outbreak at the studios of Kumasi-based Pure FM, which reduced the equipment to ashes.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the various phases from the national grid connected to the station kept going on and off, and in the process, triggered a spark through one of the air conditioners in the studios, resulting in the fire.

The station, considered one of the mouthpieces of the Ashanti Region, has since been off air, and there is no indication of when transmission will resume.

It would be recalled that the station was gutted by fire on Wednesday, July 23, 2024 while transmitting live from its base at Patase, a suburb of Kumasi.

The media entity is said to have lost all its equipment and some parts of the building that houses it.

Meanwhile, there were no casualties recorded as a result of the fire outbreak.

A post by veteran broadcaster Kwame Adinkrah who is the Business Manager and Morning Show Host, read, “I’m completely exhausted.” We’ve just spent over three intense hours battling the fire that broke out at Pure FM studios. Thankfully, we managed to save the building, but we lost all our studio equipment. We’ll be off air temporarily, but we shall rise again!”

Pure FM is a subsidiary of the Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN). ABN currently comprises Angel FM in Kumasi, Angel Fm in Accra, Angel FM in Sunyani, Cheers Fm Sunyani, OFM in Obuasi, Angel FM in Takoradi, Cheers Fm in Takoradi, Darling Fm Cape Coast, KFM in Techiman, Angel FM in Bolga (Yet to commence operations), Angel Fm in Tamale and Taste FM in Koforidua.

Google has outlined a wave of AI support across Africa, representing $37 million in cumulative funding, including previously committed but unannounced funding, to research, talent development, and infrastructure.

The funding package includes funding and partnerships that aim to strengthen AI research, support African languages, improve food systems, expand digital skills, and build research capacity.

The AI Collaborative for Food Security, a multi-partner initiative launched with $25 million in funding from Google.org will bring together researchers, and nonprofit organisations to co-develop AI tools for early hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and tailored guidance for smallholder farmers.

The goal is to help make food systems across Africa more adaptive, equitable, and resilient in the face of increasing climate and economic shocks.

Google also announced $3 million in funding to the Masakhane Research Foundation, the open research collective advancing AI tools in over 40 African languages.

The funding will support the development of high-quality datasets, machine translation models, and speech tools that make digital content more accessible to millions of Africans in their native languages.

To further empower innovation, Google is launching a catalytic funding initiative to support AI-driven startups tackling real-world challenges.

This platform will combine philanthropic capital, venture investment, and Google’s technical expertise to help more than 100 early-stage ventures scale AI-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and other vital sectors.

Startups will also receive mentorship, access to tools, and technical guidance to support responsible development.

Africa’s AI talent is growing rapidly, but the infrastructure to support it must grow in tandem. That’s why a cornerstone of this announcement is the launch of the AI Community Centre in Accra, a first-of-its-kind space for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa.

The Centre will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development. Its programming will span four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture, providing a platform for a diverse ecosystem of developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways that are grounded in African priorities.

To help meet the rising demand for AI and digital skills, Google is rolling out 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students in higher learning institutions across Ghana.

These fully funded, self-paced programs will focus on AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other high-growth fields like IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity, enabling more learners to access job-ready training and build careers in AI and the digital economy.

Beyond Ghana, Google.org is committing an additional $7 million to support AI education across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. The funding will support academic institutions and nonprofits building localized AI curricula, online safety training, and cybersecurity programs.

Additionally, two new $1 million grants from Google.org aim to bolster AI research capacity across the continent. One grant goes to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria to support applied AI research and training.

The other supports the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa, which will fund MSc and PhD students to conduct foundational AI research and help shape Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.

Speaking about the announcements, James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society at Google, said: “Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.”

Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, added: “This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent. By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”

These new initiatives build on Google’s ongoing work across the continent. Past efforts have included partnerships to support AI-powered maternal health dashboards in Ghana and Nigeria, wildfire alerts in East Africa, and regional language models developed by teams in Accra and Nairobi.

They also reflect Google’s continued focus on shared infrastructure, open research, and inclusive innovation that ensures AI works for everyone.

About the initiatives

AI Collaborative: Food Security

Backed by a $25 million support allocation from Google.org, the AI Collaborative: Food Security is a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to help researchers and NGOs harness AI to tackle hunger and strengthen local food systems.

The initiative supports projects that improve hunger forecasting, enhance crop resilience, and deliver real-time, AI-driven guidance to smallholder farmers, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate disruption.

Masakhane African Languages AI Hub

With a $3 million funding allocation, Google.org is supporting Masakhane to expand the development of open-source AI tools across more than 40 African languages.

The Hub brings together linguists, technologists, and local communities to create language datasets, machine translation models, and voice technologies that improve digital access for millions, ensuring African languages are represented and usable in today’s AI-powered world.

Catalytic Startup Fund for AI Innovation

Google is launching a catalytic fund to support impact-driven AI startups across Africa. This initiative brings together philanthropic capital, venture funding, and Google’s technical support to help over 100 startups scale solutions in agriculture, health, education, and commerce. By providing early-stage funding and mentorship, it seeks to close critical gaps for local founders building AI tools for African needs.

AI Community Centre, Accra

The newly launched AI Community Center in Accra is a first-of-its-kind hub designed to democratize access to AI learning, collaboration, and experimentation. Built around four core program pillars, tech development, AI literacy, social impact, and arts and culture, the Centre offers workshops, hackathons, and research programming for students, developers, civil society, and creatives, all rooted in local contexts and challenges.

Google Career Certificates for AI Skills

Google is offering 100,000 fully funded Career Certificate scholarships to students in higher education institutions across Ghana. These flexible, self-paced courses provide job-ready training in AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other fast-growing tech fields like Data Analytics and Cybersecurity, empowering the next generation of AI professionals to thrive in Africa’s digital economy.

$7M Google.org Investment in AI Skilling Programs

As part of its broader AI education mission, Google.org is investing $7 million in nonprofit and academic partners across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. This funding supports the development of localized AI curricula, cybersecurity training, and responsible AI education for youth, public sector workers, and nonprofit organizations — ensuring AI access and literacy reach every level of society.

$1M in Funding by Google.org to AfriDSAI, University of Pretoria is providing $1 million in funding to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria. This initiative will support applied AI and data science research to address critical African challenges, enhance lives across the continent, and strengthen capacity for emerging African researchers.

$1M in Funding by Google.org to Wits MIND Institute To help establish Africa’s leadership in global AI research, Google.org is providing $1 million in funding to the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa.

This funding will support MSc and PhD students conducting foundational research, fostering a new generation of AI experts to shape innovation and policy from an African perspective.

Dorcas Affo-Toffey is the Deputy Minister-designate of Transport

Deputy Minister-designate of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey has revealed that only 4 out of 10 electric buses are operational in Ghana although 100 buses were initially ordered into the country by the previous government.

According to her, the six remaining have developed faults with the charging system which the Minister has resolved with the company in charge.

During her vetting by the Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, 2025, she said when given the nod, she will work hand-in-hand with the Minister to ensure that the country transitions to use electric vehicles as it is the new norm.

“Mr Chair, with the briefing I had with my Minister, I was told that ten buses (Electric) are currently in Ghana, of course 100 were ordered, ten were delivered. Four of them are working and the other six have problems with the charging system but he has resolved that and also made contacts with the company which initially started,” she stated.

“I will work with my Minister to see how best we can do that so that we can be part of the global world because that is what everybody is transitioning into and Ghana should be part of it,” she added.

She further revealed that, the minister of transport has reached out to ensure all the 10 buses are fit for purpose.

SP/AME

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Deputy Health Minister-designate Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has robustly defended her use of the title “Professor”, stating she has been teaching surgery for at least 15 years.

Her clarification came in response to probing questions from Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought to understand the basis of her professorial title in the context of academic norms when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin, noting her “14-page CV”, asked Dr. Ayensu-Danquah to clarify whether she should be addressed as “Doctor” or “Professor” and which title matched her rank.

In her response, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah affirmed, “Both do. I am a Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah in the United States.”

The Minority Leader then pressed further, drawing a distinction with the Ghanaian academic system, where a PhD typically precedes an Associate Professor rank, followed by a full Professorship, often requiring extensive publications and research.

He asked her to clarify the jurisdiction where she earned the title and whether she held a document from a certified body confirming the conferment, as is customary in Ghana.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah explained the divergence in academic systems.

“Thank you, Mr. Chair. The American system is completely different from the Ghana system,” she stated. “I am a Professor of Surgery. I have been teaching surgery for at least the last 15 years.”

She further elaborated on the nature of surgical education, emphasising its practical component.

“Surgery is a skill. So we teach in the theatre. We don’t teach only in the classroom. As we are doing classroom work, we are also doing teaching in the theatre. I am a full Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah and a Professor of Global Surgery.”

Understanding Academic Titles: Ghana vs. the US System

The exchange highlighted a common point of confusion regarding academic titles across different higher education systems. In Ghana and many Commonwealth countries, the progression to full professorship typically involves:

1. Lecturer: Entry-level academic position, usually requiring a PhD.
2. Senior Lecturer: Requires more experience, publications, and sometimes administrative roles.
3. Associate Professor (or Reader): A significant step, requiring substantial research, publications, and teaching experience, often involving a rigorous review process.
4. Full Professor: The highest academic rank, reserved for scholars with an outstanding record of research, publications, teaching, and often significant contributions to their field at national or international levels. The conferment is a formal process by the university.

In the United States, while a similar hierarchy exists, the specific requirements and pathways can vary significantly between institutions and even departments.

In medical education, particularly in clinical fields like surgery, the title of Professor can be granted based on a combination of:

• Clinical Expertise and Teaching: Extensive experience in practising and teaching advanced surgical techniques in a hospital or clinical setting, directly mentoring residents and fellows in operating theatres.
• Research and Publications: While often extensive, the balance between pure academic publications and clinical research or contributions to medical practice can differ.
• Leadership and Service: Contributions to departmental leadership, medical societies, and professional service.
• Years of Service: Significant tenure at a university or teaching hospital.

For clinical professors, teaching is often conducted at the bedside, in operating rooms, and through mentorship, complementing traditional classroom lectures.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s assertion of “teaching surgery for 15 years” in a clinical setting aligns with the typical progression for clinical professorships in the American system.

The Appointments Committee’s scrutiny of such details is a standard part of the vetting process, ensuring that appointees’ credentials are clear and understood by the public, especially given the differing academic terminologies across international jurisdictions.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s clarification aims to assure both the committee and the public about the legitimacy of her academic standing.

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.

Access Bank (Ghana) PLC has demonstrated its leadership in employee wellbeing and sustainable business practices by clinching two top honours at the 2025 Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) Awards.

At the ceremony held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, the bank was named Best Company in Employee Health & Wellbeing Initiatives and received the Sustainability & Operational Excellence Award, cementing its status as a trailblazer in workplace wellness and responsible corporate governance.

Commenting on the recognition, Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, noted that the awards are a testament to the Bank’s continuous commitment to its people and operational integrity.

“These awards reflect our dedication to integrating sustainability into our core business strategy. At Access Bank, operational excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey of improvement, innovation, and accountability as we strive to build a future-ready institution,” he said.

Head of Human Resources Nana Adu Kyeremateng echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the human-centred nature of the Bank’s initiatives.

“At Access Bank, we believe that our staff are our greatest asset. This recognition further reaffirms our commitment to fostering a workplace culture where employee wellbeing is prioritised at every level. We believe that the safety, health, and overall well-being of our staff are integral to the Bank’s performance,” he reiterated.

This year’s recognition adds to Access Bank Ghana’s growing list of accolades at the HESS Awards.

In 2024, the bank received the Best Company in Data Security Award and the Employee Empowered Excellence Award, highlighting its commitment to employee development and digital safety.

Organised annually, the HESS Awards celebrate institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to health, safety, environmental sustainability, security, and corporate social responsibility.

Access Bank Ghana’s exemplary leadership in sustainability also won the bank the prestigious Best Bank for ESG at the 2024 Euromoney Banking Awards for Excellence held in London, UK.

Operating from more than 700 branches and service outlets in 23 countries in Africa and the rest of the world, including the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, and France, along with three representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon, Access Bank is committed to setting standards to deliver superior value to customers and provide innovative solutions for the markets and communities it serves.

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.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

There have been mixed reactions following the announcement by the Minister for Finance that the prices of some items on the market have reduced over the last six months, particularly sanitary pads.

While some individuals argue that the prices mentioned do not reflect the actual market rates, others agree that prices have indeed declined.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the appreciation of the local currency over the past six months has influenced the real prices of goods on the market.

He listed the following price changes:

• A 25kg bag of Royal Aroma rice, which sold for GH¢650 in January, is now selling for GH¢356.

• A olonka of sugar has dropped from GH¢50 in January to GH¢44.

• A 25-litre container of cooking oil has reduced from GH¢980 to GH¢640.

• A sack of kokonte has decreased from GH¢1,200 to GH¢950.

• A tonne of iron rods, previously GH¢9,400, is now selling at GH¢7,500.

• A paint bucket of onions has gone down from GH¢120 to GH¢95.

• POP cement, which sold at GH¢115 in January, now sells for GH¢90.

• A sack of maize has dropped from GH¢1,600 to GH¢1,450.

• The price of Yazz sanitary pads has reduced from GH¢25 in January to GH¢15.

• An olonka of palm fruits, which used to sell for GH¢40, is now being sold for GH¢25.

However, some netizens have disputed the sanitary pad figures. One user on X wrote, “Yazz was never 25 cedis… I bought one recently for my girlfriend and it was 19 cedis in my area.”

Another user, however, confirmed the price drop, “Yeah, true. I was shocked, my girlfriend asked me to buy one for her, and I went to the store thinking it was about GH¢30, only for the woman to tell me it’s GH¢15.”

pic.twitter.com/WLDZUgSGie

— Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) (@Cassielforson) July 24, 2025

Yazz was never 25cedis…. I bought one recently for my girlfriend and it was 19cedis at my area.

— Nana Sarfo Kantankah🟡🟢⚫️ (@VictorSarfo1) July 24, 2025

Yeah true I was shocked 😳, my gf asked me to buy one for her and I went to the store thinking it about 30¢ only for the woman to tell me it’s 15¢.

— RG Godsway (@GodswayRg) July 24, 2025

I distribute sanitary pads to government schools whenever finances allow it. I can tell you on authority that Yazz wasn’t ¢25 in January, neither is it ¢15 today. Anyway, I spent ¢30 on Waakye today at Gyinase, Kumasi. My pack used to be ¢22 in January. My beer is ¢20. Was ¢15. https://t.co/k6DtjtWYiA pic.twitter.com/PrTutnBLX9

— DomiNICK (@domynych) July 24, 2025

3 variants. The most expensive one amongst the 3 which is the purple is still 18 and has been 18 for a while. This blue has been 15 for a while too. There has been no change in price whatsoever. https://t.co/JZP7I9RLzk

— 🅐🅚🅤🅐 (@akuao2) July 24, 2025

I saw this brand in the Mall for like 14 cedis and i thought oh promo.

Now I know why

– Disclaimer- i am not having any political bias.

Just a citizen enjoying benefits https://t.co/iEQxm7C3r1

— just_Ehu (@EhuOfficial) July 24, 2025

He just set his own price and reduced it😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/ntaR3SyvWI

— ACHEAMPONG K. DERRICK (@Dr_Action_Boi) July 24, 2025

It’s not 15 cedis boss https://t.co/x0De9OHBve

— Kwesi Ewusie Nunoo (@Rossey99) July 24, 2025

Good stuff. Now let’s think of ways to make them free. https://t.co/hLJyvMdLOE

— beacon of the east (@kwabenasamjr) July 24, 2025

When did it reach 25? Because the highest I bought it was for 20 cedis and that was even the purple one. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/PRZe4Jv2oM

— Abena_Larbi (@Nene_Larbi) July 25, 2025

I just bought my own for 20 cedis o https://t.co/6uyRsWct8A

— Illusions and Glow ✨ (@miss__hooper) July 24, 2025

SSD/MA

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Minister-Designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has pledged his unwavering commitment to propelling Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) agenda forward.

The Sissala West MP said this during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25.

Addressing the panel, Mr. Sukparu endorsed the country’s current AI strategy and expressed his intention to enhance it, aiming to position Ghana at the forefront of AI innovation on the African continent.

He explaiened that “I’m aware that there’s a strategy for Artificial Intelligence, and I will assist my minister for us to build upon the already existing strategy.”

“So that we will enhance it to make it fit for purpose, so that we can make Ghana an Artificial Intelligence hub for Africa,” he added.

Read More

Finance and economy ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have called for accelerated operationalization of the newly established Confederal Bank for Investment and Development.

The appeal came during a ministerial committee meeting in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday, according to an official communiqué.

Ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger agreed to prioritize consultations for implementing the bank’s initiatives and securing capitalization within stipulated timelines. The institution aims to finance sovereign projects, reduce reliance on external funding, and mobilize local savings for structural investments across AES economies.

The communiqué emphasized the ministers’ “strong commitment” to deploying all necessary measures for the bank’s effective implementation. This initiative follows the three nations’ formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2024, marking a strategic shift toward regional financial self-reliance.

No specific capitalization targets or operational deadlines were disclosed in the statement. The bank represents a cornerstone of the AES alliance, formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger amid ongoing regional security and political realignments.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

Claim:

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in his 2025 Mid-Year Budget presentation in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, 2025, claimed that the country’s currency, the Ghana cedi, traded at GH¢17 to a dollar in the recent past.

Dr Ato Forson, while touting the management of the cedi by the John Dramani Mahama administration, asserted that the prudent measures put in place by the government have led to the country’s currency appreciating to trade at GH¢10 to a dollar.

“Mr Speaker, the cedi’s performance in the first half of this year has been impressive! The Ghana Cedi experienced significant appreciation against all major trading currencies in the first six months of 2025. I am happy to inform the House that our precious cedi, which once upon a time was trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US Dollar, was trading at about GH¢10.4 as at yesterday, 23rd July, 2025. Similarly, the cedi, which was once trading at GH¢21.0 to the Great British Pound, was trading at about GH¢14.1 as at yesterday, 23rd July, 2025,” he said.

Analysis:

The GH¢14-to-the-$1 rate the minister made reference to was the interbank exchange rate from the Bank of Ghana for Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

This presupposes that the GH¢17-to-dollar rate he mentioned was also an interbank rate from the central bank.

GhanaWeb’s check from the Bank of Ghana data showed that the Ghana cedi has never traded at GH¢17 to the dollar at the interbank market.

The records show that the highest-ever interbank rate, amid the cedi depreciation under the erstwhile Nana Addo Akufo-Addo government, was around GH¢16.4 to the US dollar in November 2024.

At the forex bureaus, however, the Ghana cedi traded around GH¢18 at some point during the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

Also, the minister’s use of the preposition “about” could suggest that he was only approximating the exchange rate.

However, the highest interbank cedi-to-dollar rate was recorded on November 2, 2024, when the cedi traded at GH¢16.4 to $1.

Mathematically, approximating GH¢16.4 to a round figure would result in GH¢16, not GH¢17.

Verdict:

The finance minister’s claim that the cedi traded at GH¢17 to the dollar is false if he was making reference to the interbank foreign exchange rates.

However, the minister’s claim would be true if the GH¢17-to-dollar rate he mentioned was the rate for forex bureaus.

Conclusion:

Dr Ato Forson’s comparison of the GH¢10.4-to-dollar rate, which was the rate for July 23 as indicated earlier, to the GH¢17-to-dollar rate makes it seem he was comparing interbank rates.

The minister did not mention whether he was comparing interbank or forex bureau rates, which has opened his claim to various interpretations.

AME

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The suspects

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has intensified its clampdown on armed robbery in the region, mounting two separate operations in different districts that led to the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and the killing of another during a gunfire exchange.

First Operation

In the early hours of July 19, 2025, the Regional Operations Patrol Team responded swiftly to a distress call that armed men had mounted a roadblock along the Ankanko-Asuoso-Fenaso road in the Amansie Central District, robbing unsuspecting commuters.

Upon arrival, police officers encountered four armed men in the act. The suspects, wielding a pump action gun, a sword, and other weapons, attempted to flee on two motorbikes. The police gave a chase, successfully demobilised the motorbikes, and arrested all four suspects.

The suspects have been identified as Rahman Alhassan, 27, Nurudeen Fatawu, 25, Naafewu Masahud, 22, and Yaw Saaka, 42.
Items retrieved from the suspects included one pump action gun, 20 rounds of AAA ammunition, a sword, and a string of talismans believed to be used for spiritual protection.

Second Operation

In a second operation on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, police intelligence led the Obuasi Divisional Operations Team to Abedwum, a suburb of Obuasi, where an armed robbery was reportedly in progress.

On reaching the scene, the suspected robbers fled into a nearby forest while firing at the police.

Officers pursued them and engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire, which resulted in the death of one of the suspects.

A search of his backpack revealed 14 rounds of live ammunition and other unspecified items.

The remaining suspects managed to escape, and police believe some may have sustained gunshot wounds during the shootout.
Public Assistance Requested

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, is calling on the public to report any individuals with suspicious wounds or injuries to the nearest police station.

The police also urged the public to continue partnering with them by volunteering credible information to help combat crime in the region.

“These operations underscore our commitment to rooting out armed criminals and ensuring public safety. We count on the support of the community to sustain these gains,” ACP Nyaaba stated.

The suspects currently in custody are expected to be arraigned soon, as investigations continue.

A Daily Guide Report

Ghana’s Black Queens held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat South Africa and secure the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Ghana triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli, sealing third place in a tense and emotional encounter.

It was a fitting end to a thrilling clash between two fierce rivals, whose history at WAFCON is marked by closely contested battles.

For Ghana, the victory was more than just redemption for their 2-0 loss to South Africa in the group stage—it was also a repeat of their bronze medal triumph over Banyana Banyana in 2016.

South Africa struck first, with Nonhlanhla Mthandi opening the scoring in the 45th minute. Her crisp right-footed strike from outside the box capped a dominant first-half performance by the reigning champions.

But Ghana responded with renewed intensity after the break and were rewarded with a deserved—albeit fortuitous—equaliser in the 68th minute. A defensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after she deflected a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net.

Both sides had opportunities to snatch a winner late in regulation. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu rattled the crossbar deep into stoppage time, while South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo forced a sharp save from Cynthia Konlan just minutes earlier.

With the deadlock unbroken, the match headed to penalties.

Konlan emerged as Ghana’s heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tip the shootout in her side’s favour.

Though Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had an early penalty saved by Dlamini, the Black Queens recovered with composed conversions from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Jermaine Seoposenwe and Motlhalo scored for South Africa, but the defending champions ultimately fell short—exiting the tournament without a medal after also missing out on the final.

It was a spirited finish from Kim Björkegren’s Black Queens, who came into the tournament as underdogs but depart with tangible proof of their resurgence on the continental stage.

For South Africa, the result will sting. Coach Desiree Ellis’s side, champions in 2022, had hoped to leave Morocco with at least a consolation medal. Instead, they return home facing questions about renewal, with a younger generation likely to take center stage in the next cycle.

As the final whistle blew on a tense night in Casablanca, it was Ghana’s players and staff who danced with joy—pride restored, and revenge sweetly served.

The session featured a presentation by Professor John Gatsi, an Advisor at the Bank

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has held a high-level engagement with leaders of the clergy to discuss its plans to introduce non-interest banking and finance in the country.

In a post shared on Friday, July 25, 2025, the central bank said the meeting took place at the Bank Square in Accra as part of efforts to promote inclusive banking.

The session featured a presentation by Professor John Gatsi, an Advisor at the Bank, who outlined the potential of non-interest financial services to improve access to finance, particularly for those excluded by conventional banking models.

The meeting follows the Central Bank’s announcement of plans to establish a comprehensive framework to support non-interest banking and finance (NIBF) by the end of 2025, subject to prevailing conditions.

The adoption of NIBF in Ghana is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and promoting long-term economic stability.

Today, Friday, 25 July 2025, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana hosted a high-level engagement with leaders of the clergy at the Bank Square to discuss the Bank’s plans to introduce non-interest banking and finance in Ghana.

The session featured a compelling presentation by… pic.twitter.com/HlmoWINOZl

— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) July 25, 2025

MA