A photo of lithium, one of Ghana’s key mineral resources

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Paramount Chief of the Mankessim Traditional Area in the Central Region, has denied claims that traditional leaders are opposing the government’s decision to peg Ghana’s lithium royalty at 5 percent.

He stressed that the position of chiefs in the area is fully aligned with national law and accused officials of Friends of the Nation (FoN) of spreading misinformation.

Speaking at a meeting of the Mankessim Traditional Council last week, the chief explained that the earlier proposal of a 10 percent royalty risked stalling the lithium project, prompting government to revert to the legally established 5 percent rate.

“It is very true that if they take the 10 percent royalty, the project may not come to fruition. So the government has agreed for it to be pegged at the rate in the law. That is the right thing,” he said.

Cedi opens December 1 trading at GH¢11.27 to the dollar

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI questioned why Atlantic Lithium was initially assigned a 10 percent rate when all other mining companies in Ghana pay 5 percent.

According to him, the recent decision to restore the uniform rate is consistent with the law and ensures fairness across the mining sector.

“The present government’s stance is that the company should pay the stipulated 5 percent. Others are saying the law should be amended to accommodate any increase. But whatever percentage they want to increase it to must apply to all mining firms,” he added.

“The boss of Friends of the Nation is the mastermind behind the new narrative that we traditional leaders have kicked against the 5 percent rate. Their boss dictated what Charles Paa Grant said in an interview,” he alleged.

He further emphasized that Paa Grant has no authority to speak for traditional leadership on such matters.

“Charles Paa Grant is not a royal. He doesn’t have any authority to meet Friends of the Nation and say that we reject the 5 percent royalty. He cannot speak for the chiefs,” he stressed.

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to ensuring that their communities benefit from the lithium project, but insisted that such advocacy must be grounded in law, truth, and proper representation.

SA

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:

Flamengo players celebrate record win

Flamengo etched their name into South American football history on Saturday, becoming the first Brazilian club to win the Copa Libertadores four times after a hard-fought victory over rivals Palmeiras.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when former Real Madrid and Manchester City defender Danilo powered a header into the bottom corner from a Giorgian de Arrascaeta corner, sending Filipe Luis’ side into wild celebration.

Palmeiras came agonisingly close to drawing level late on. With just two minutes left in regulation time, forward Victor Roque squandered a golden chance, firing over the bar from close range when it seemed easier to score.

Flamengo nearly wrapped up the contest in stoppage time, but Everton’s low free-kick was pushed onto the post by Palmeiras goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, keeping the champions on edge until the final whistle.

The triumph reinforces the modern dominance of both clubs in the competition; five of the last seven Libertadores titles have been won by either Flamengo or Palmeiras.

The win also places Flamengo coach Filipe Luis in elite company—he becomes the ninth person to lift the trophy both as a player and as a coach, having previously won it twice with the club in 2019 and 2022.

Despite the historic outcome, the match began cautiously. A cagey first half produced no shots on target, though controversy briefly flared in the 30th minute when Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar escaped a potential straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Bruno Fuchs.

The fixture added another tense chapter to the teams’ growing rivalry; Palmeiras had triumphed 2-1 the last time they met in a Libertadores final, back in 2021.

A former student of Wesley Girls’ High School, Lawuratu Musah-Saaka, has stressed that the long-running concerns raised by some Muslim students are not about religion but about abuse and bullying that must be addressed.

Speaking in an interview at Metro TV, she recalled that the issue gained national attention in 2021 when a first-year Muslim student wrote an emotional letter to her father during Ramadan.

The letter stated that students had been told not to fast. She noted that many parents would naturally be worried if they received such a message from their child.

According to her, the matter escalated when the parent visited the school with media personnel, turning it into a major public debate.

She explained that although Wesley Girls’ is a Methodist school with its own rules and schedules, the conversation should not be reduced to a fight between Islam and Christianity.

Musah-Saaka said several old students later reached out to her with their own experiences, some of which were traumatic. She described reading messages that made her cry, adding that these concerns have existed for years but were often handled quietly because the number of Muslim students was smaller in the past.

She insisted that the real problem lies with the conduct of some members of the administration and staff, as the girls consistently mention names in their accounts.

She called for a thorough investigation so the affected students can find closure.

Musah-Saaka urged the public to stop framing the matter as a religious conflict.

She maintained that “it is fundamentally abuse and bullying” and asked authorities to focus on the stories of the students and take corrective action.

By: Jacob Aggrey

play videoYakup Karatas is the Marketing Director of Yagmur Group

Construction of the highly anticipated Grand Mirage development in Airport Residential is approaching completion, marking a major milestone for Accra’s luxury real estate sector.

The project’s developer, Yagmur Group, has released a new construction update video showcasing the rapid progress on site and the scale of interior and exterior finishing now underway.

Speaking on the project, Yakup Karatas, Marketing Director of Yagmur Group, noted that Grand Mirage represents a major addition to Airport Residential’s skyline and will set a new benchmark for premium residential living in Ghana.

“We are now in the final stretch. The structure, façade, and major installations are complete, and finishing works are underway. Grand Mirage is being built to a standard that matches premium developments found in major international cities. For us, the priority is quality, durability, and long-term investment value for our buyers and future tenants.”

Strategically located just minutes from Kotoka International Airport, Grand Mirage has already attracted strong interest from both local and international buyers seeking secure and high-yield real estate assets in Accra’s most prestigious district.

The development includes a selection of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse units designed for modern urban living.

The video below provides a first-hand visual update of the completed structure, façade, mechanical and electrical works, and the final interior finishing phases.

About Yagmur Group

Yagmur Group is a leading premium real estate developer in Ghana and the company behind Mirage Residence, another established luxury address in Airport Residential completed in 2019.

With a proven track record of delivering quality developments, the company continues to invest in large-scale urban projects supporting Accra’s economic growth and modern urban expansion.

For inquiries, viewing arrangements, or further information, contact:

+233 55 001 55 55 or +233 55 001 44 44

or visit: https://www.grandmirage.com.gh

By Philip Tengzu, GNA 

Gwollu (UW/R), Dec. 01, GNA – The Millennium Child Support Group (MCSG), with funding from the Spanish Cooperation through the ECOWAS Commission’s Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF), has organised a deworming exercise aimed at improving child health and nutrition in Northern Ghana. 

More than 420 pupils at Muftul Ulum and Nuriah English and Arabic Schools in Gwollu benefitted from the exercise, which formed part of the ongoing School Feeding and Child Nutrition Improvement Initiative.  

This intervention is expected to reach at least 1,600 schoolchildren across eight basic schools in the Sissala West, Jirapa, Lawra and Nandom Municipalities. 

The initiative sought to reduce malnutrition, prevent parasitic infections, improve cognitive development, and sustain high attendance and enrolment rates in beneficiary schools.  

The Sissala West District Health Directorate led the deworming exercise alongside community sensitisation sessions targeting parents and caregivers on nutrition, sanitation, personal hygiene, and child healthcare practices. 

Addressing the participants, Dr Godfrey Ato Parker, the Chief Executive Officer of MCSG, stated that the deworming exercise would be carried out every three months throughout the project lifecycle from 2024 to 2027.  

He emphasised that maintaining child health was critical to improving learning performance, school retention, and long-term development outcomes. 

“This intervention reinforces our commitment to ensure that every child grows healthy, learns well, and thrives. We encourage parents to sustain regular deworming at home and to adopt proper sanitation practices to safeguard their children’s health,” Dr Parker said. 

Mr Chakurah Dramani, the Sissala West District Director of Education, expressed appreciation to ECOWAS, RAAF, the Spanish Cooperation and MCSG for their continuous investment in the welfare of schoolchildren.  

He underscored the importance of deworming in improving concentration, physical growth, cognitive performance, and learning outcomes among schoolchildren. 

“With improved feeding, access to clean water, and deworming, we are strengthening the foundation for quality education. These combined interventions are critical in ensuring learners remain healthy, motivated, and ready to learn,” Mr Dramani noted. 

Mr Yakubu Benin, the Acting Sissala West District Director of Health Services, commended the partnership for advancing public health priorities in schools.  

He urged families to ensure consistent hygiene behaviour, including handwashing with soap under running water, safe water consumption, and the use of toilet facilities, to prevent sanitation-related infections. 

He advised parents and guardians to be proactive in protecting their children from preventable diseases. 

This deworming activity is a key component of the broader school feeding programme, aimed contributing to higher enrolment, improving student attendance, and ensuring greater classroom participation in the targeted districts.  

It further reinforces ECOWAS Commission and MCSG’s joint mission to strengthen child health, nutrition, and educational success across West Africa. 

GNA 

Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo 

Simon Madjie is the Chief Executive Officer of GIPC

The Volta Region continues to emerge as a major economic hub in Ghana, driven by its strategic location, fertile land, and abundant natural resources, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has said.

Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, made the observation in a statement read on his behalf at the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Volta Trade and Investment Fair (VTIF), being held on the theme: “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy.”

The ongoing Fair, a flagship public-private partnership platform between the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), had drawn businesses, policymakers, investors, innovators, and visitors from across the country and beyond, featuring exhibitions, networking sessions, and cultural showcases designed to spotlight the region’s potential.

Madjie identified the region as a key area for investment, with opportunities including in agribusiness and tourism and said the GIPC was delighted to lend its full support to the VRCC and the AGI in delivering the seventh VTIF at a time when Ghana was accelerating efforts to ensure equitable distribution of investment across all regions.

“The Volta region continues to emerge as one of Ghana’s most promising frontiers for growth, with strong prospects in agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and cross-border trade. It is also central to transformative national initiatives such as green city project and the 24-hour economy accelerated export development programme, particularly through the Volta Economic Corridor,” he said.

Madjie recounted GIPC’s recent investment roadshow in the region just before the Fair, where several exciting opportunities were brought to light and assured of the Centre’s commitment to deepen collaborations with regional stakeholders to build on the momentum achieved.

“Together, we attract the right investments that strengthen industries and evaluate the region’s contribution to Ghana’s economic transformation. We commend the organisers for their innovation and dedication,” he added.

Michael Abbey, CEO of Venture Capital Trust Fund in a speech read on his behalf, expressed his pleasure to be part of the VTIF 2025, calling it a landmark edition that reflected government’s bold ambition to build a resilient, competitive and inclusive 24-hour economy.

New Fuel Prices from Dec 1: Here’s what to expect

He commended organisers of the Fair for creating a platform that showcased the region’s economic potential and positioned Ghana for a stronger domestic and global investment, assuring that “Venture Capital Trust Fund is committed to empowering Ghanaian businesses. So let’s work together to build a vibrant 24-hour economy that creates opportunities for all.”

Professor Richard Jinks Bani, Board Chairman of Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), explained that GIRSAL was a non-banking financial institution established by the gGovernment to de-risk agricultural financing and stimulate increased lending to the agricultural sector by financial institutions in Ghana, pledging to businesses that “our doors are open.”

Ivy Prosper, a VTIF ambassador on behalf of other ambassadors, highlighted the natural beauty and resources of the Volta region, stressing its untapped potential while encouraging residents to be proud of their region and urged attendees to take advantage of the Fair to connect with potential business partners and explore the region’s potential.

“We have waterfalls, so many places to hike on mountains, places to visit wonderful people, have great food and wonderful experiences,” he said.

“The Volta region truly is an untapped resource in this country. Those of you who are from the Volta region, you should all be proud… Visit Volta, experience Ghana. Volta to the world,” she called.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were the Volta Regional Minister, CEO of VTIF and regional heads of institutions and agencies among other dignitaries.

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for stronger and more coordinated regional action to tackle the rapid rise of synthetic drugs across West Africa, warning that the crisis now represents one of the most serious threats to the region’s security, public health and long-term development.

He made the call at the closing ceremony of a two-day International Conference and Regional High-Level Dialogue on Drug Markets in West Africa held in Accra. The meeting brought together ministers, security chiefs, international partners and drug policy experts to examine emerging drug trends and to adopt the Accra Call to Action on Drug Markets in West Africa.

It was jointly convened by the Government of Ghana, the Government of the Netherlands and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).

Mr Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the Dialogue and to advancing a unified regional strategy, expressing gratitude to partners for their technical support.

He said the evolving complexity of synthetic drug markets demanded deeper cooperation across borders and institutions.

He noted that West Africa’s position had long made it a transit hub for drug trafficking networks but stressed that the situation had now escalated beyond transit concerns.

“We are witnessing the disturbing growth of domestic drug consumption and the rapid emergence of synthetic drug markets, which are exerting devastating effects on our youth and communities,” he said, citing substances such as kush, synthetic opioids and codeine-based mixtures that mimic the effects of cocaine and heroin.

He said discussions over the two days reinforced the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral framework, combining intelligence sharing, law enforcement, prevention, education, rehabilitation and strong community engagement.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the ECOWAS Plan of Action on Drug Control (2020–2030) and the UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa, stressing the importance of harmonised legal standards and coordinated enforcement.

The conference, themed “Mapping the Future of Drug Markets in West Africa: Synthetics, Cocaine, Criminal Money and Strategic Responses,” highlighted concerns that West Africa is becoming a hotspot for emerging synthetic substances, many far more potent and unpredictable than traditional narcotics.

Studies presented indicated a growing presence of synthetic cannabinoids, nitazenes, tramadol derivatives and methamphetamine in local markets — often mixed with unknown compounds that significantly heighten the risk of addiction, overdose and long-term health damage.

Participants also pointed to the role of online platforms, global supply chains and postal channels in enabling criminal groups to access precursor chemicals and set up low-cost production hubs.

Experts warned that synthetic drugs are reshaping the global illicit drug market by lowering barriers for new criminal groups and accelerating the fragmentation of trafficking networks. Youth are disproportionately affected, with countries reporting spikes in addiction, mental health disorders, overdoses and community breakdown. Two West African states have already declared national emergencies over synthetic drug use.

A report by GI-TOC highlighted major gaps in forensic testing, weak surveillance systems and the limited capacity of many countries to detect new compounds. It cautioned that traditional drug-control approaches were inadequate to confront a fast-evolving, technologically sophisticated and decentralised criminal economy.

Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the crisis was both a criminal and a development challenge, rooted in deep socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

“Drug trafficking and illicit drug markets are both a symptom and a driver of deeper socio-economic inequality,” he said, citing youth unemployment, poverty, weak governance and limited access to social protection as factors that strengthen criminal influence in communities.

He outlined five key priorities:
• strengthened intelligence sharing across West African states;
• expanded forensic and laboratory capacity to identify new substances;
• tougher tools to disrupt the financial operations of trafficking networks;
• scaled-up prevention, early intervention and school-based awareness; and
• accessible, rights-based treatment and rehabilitation services.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Accra Call to Action, which urges evidence-based drug policies, better data collection and enhanced cooperation under ECOWAS, the AU and the UN. He called for urgent political leadership to translate commitments into measurable progress.

“We must move beyond declarations to measurable progress… Ghana stands ready to continue working closely with all her partners and sister states to build a safer, healthier and more secure West Africa,” he said.

At the close of the conference, participants renewed their commitment to the Accra Call to Action, which outlines measures to strengthen scientific data sharing, dismantle transnational criminal networks, promote rights-based drug strategies and deepen collaboration across regional and global institutions.

The Call emphasises protecting young people and vulnerable groups from emerging drug harms while ensuring that state responses uphold human rights and public health principles.

There are weekends that change your perspective, weekends that remind you why Ghana’s music ecosystem is a fascinating, misunderstood organism, and then there are weekends with Aya Ramzy B in Takoradi. That one deserves its own genre.

Before I travelled, I carried with me what I now admit was my Accra mind: a slightly jaded, metrics-obsessed, industry-wired consciousness that measures an artiste’s “worth” by Spotify editorial placements, Accra billboards, and their likelihood of getting interviewed on a Tuesday morning entertainment show.

By that scale, Aya Ramzy B, though nominated for TGMA Unsung and for 3Music’s Next Rated, was just another promising but still-struggling talent. A name you nod to politely but don’t put money on just yet.

But Takoradi showed me flames. Beautiful, smoky, grilled-khebab-at-midnight flames.

Takoradi’s Golden Son

Aya Ramzy B is not famous in Ghana.
He is not a household name.
He is not charting on the national playlists.

What he is, however, is royalty.

In the Western Region, this man walks with the easy calm of someone whose kingdom is secure. People don’t just recognize him—they claim him. For them, he is not part of the music industry; he is part of the community, the culture, the collective moodboard of their everyday life.

From the moment I landed in Takoradi, I realized the rules had changed. For 72 straight hours, Aya couldn’t move five steps without being swallowed by hugs, selfies, praise, questions, declarations of loyalty, and the occasional audacious groppierequest whispered with the confidence of someone who believes proximity to their king is a birthright.

Restaurants refused our money—not “discount,” not “on the house,” but a full-blown how-dare-you-suggest-paying refusal. Barriers melted for the Police because the “star boy” had arrived. I’ve travelled with several A-list artistes across Ghana, artistes with national prominence and international ambitions—but never, and I mean never, have I seen this level of reverence.

It wasn’t fame.
It was worship.

The Gospel of the Pool Party

Aya Ramzy B’s pool party was Takoradi’s Tidal Rave, AfroNation, and Homowo rolled into one—but made with local spice, community muscle, and a flavor the national industry doesn’t have the palate to understand.

On the day of the show, I stood at the venue and realized I had once again underestimated the city’s devotion. Thousands—thousands—had gathered. And still they came, crowding the gates with money in hand, pushing to purchase tickets, as if entry into this event had spiritual implications.

The lineup?
Look, let me be honest. No Accra entertainment editor would have raised an eyebrow at it. Many wouldn’t know most names. And that’s exactly where my Accra mind failed me.

Because to these patrons, this wasn’t a “small show.” It wasn’t “local programming.” This was their pantheon. Their gods and angels assembled on one stage, here for them, singing to their hearts, and reinforcing the cultural truth that significance is not only determined by national validation.

The stage was modest.
The sound wasn’t “industry-standard.”
The lighting wasn’t going to give any production manager heart palpitations.

And none of that mattered.

There was a party.
There were artistes.
And there was their king—Aya Ramzy B.

I watched him step onto that stage and the air changed. Not metaphorically. Physically. The crowd surged forward, a collective heartbeat syncing to his voice. I have been to stadium shows that felt less electric.

The Industry’s Blind Spot

Somewhere between the third performance and my fifth sigh of “Herh, this thing dier we’re sleeping on it,” it hit me: there are likely dozens of Aya Ramzy Bs across Ghana.

Artistes who are not “nationally visible,” but regionally colossal.
Artistes who are not charting, but are changing lives within their territories.
Artistes who, if the industry cared to look beyond Accra’s polished walls, could become powerful cultural investments.

But the problem is simple:
The national industry doesn’t see them.
Or worse—doesn’t think it needs to.

We have become a centrally programmed machine that assumes that greatness must ascend through Accra’s funnel to be validated. Meanwhile, regional ecosystems are thriving, generation after generation, building stars the national agenda never acknowledges until Accra decides it’s time.

Aya Ramzy B is a case study of what Ghana’s music landscape could look like if we respected and invested in our regional kingdoms—if we stopped treating local fame as the minor leagues and instead saw it as fertile soil for national impact.

What the Industry Can Learn

1. Regional dominance is not inferior to national fame—it’s a business model.
In Takoradi, Aya is selling out events effortlessly. He has a loyal base willing to spend, defend, and promote him. Brands in Accra are busy chasing charts while Takoradibusinesses are busy funding their king.

2. Local ecosystems can create sustainable careers.
Aya might never top national charts, but his community guarantees longevity. National stardom is fickle; regional loyalty is generational.

3. The industry must decentralize its talent radar.
Imagine what happens when labels, promoters, and media houses take the time to nurture these regional giants—giving them the tools, resources, and visibility they need to break out naturally.

4. Artistes should learn from Aya: Build home first.
Home is not a stepping stone. It is a fortress. Aya’s empire is proof.

The Lesson My Accra Mind Needed

I left Takoradi humbled, inspired, slightly sunburned, and fully convinced that Ghana’s music future is not hiding—it is simply spread out. It lives in the streets of Sunyani, the bars of Ho, the beaches of Takoradi, the night markets of Tamale, the taxi ranks of Cape Coast, the chop bars of Kumasi.

Aya Ramzy B is not just a Western Region superstar.
He is a symbol, a brand and already a legend in the making.
A reminder that fame is not only found in the spotlight—it can also burn fiercely in places the national camera has not turned to yet.

As my GMC pulled out of Takoradi, I found myself thinking:
If the industry doesn’t learn to celebrate its regional kings, it will keep missing out on the next big thing—not because the talent isn’t there, but because the vantage point is too narrow.

Because sometimes, greatness isn’t waiting to be discovered.
Sometimes, greatness is already happening, just not in Accra.

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.

Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of the late highlife icon Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has announced plans to appeal the High Court ruling that dismissed her attempt to be recognised as his only legal spouse.

The court recently rejected her assertion that her marriage to the musician was an ordinance marriage, a status that would have legally prevented him from contracting any subsequent marriages.

Her lawyer, William Kusi, told Accra-based Citi FM that the legal team would “file the appeal by the end of the day,” insisting the High Court erred in its judgment. According to him, “the supporting documents and admissions from the defendants” strongly supported Serwaa’s position.

Kusi also pushed back against public criticism that he mishandled aspects of the case, including concerns about certifying the marriage certificate through a German official. He maintained that the law allows “multiple legitimate means” of submitting such documents and that his team followed due process.

The case has generated significant public attention, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding marriage recognition and validity under Ghanaian law.

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.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has called on Ghana’s marketing and communications industry to play a leading role in reshaping the country’s national narrative in line with the government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda.”

Speaking at the 14th Marketing World Awards (MWA) in Accra, Muslim said Ghana had reached a pivotal moment where brand builders, innovators and communicators must become partners in crafting a unified and confident national identity capable of driving development, attracting investment and boosting citizen optimism.

“There is power in storytelling for nation-building. We need you not only as spectators, sometimes disgruntled voters even, but as collaborators at the centre of our national transformative journey,” she said.

Shamima Muslim noted that Ghana possessed strong value propositions — including democratic stability, a youthful and talented population, Pan-African symbolism, a growing creative economy and a vibrant digital innovation space.

These, she said, were “brand assets” waiting to be amplified to position the country as a top destination for investment, tourism and culture.

Citing global examples such as Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Dubai and Kenya, she stressed that national transformation often began with a deliberate narrative shift.

“A nation becomes the story it deliberately chooses to tell,” she said. “It tells it clearly before it becomes it.”

She also outlined key aspects of the government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda”, describing it as a renewed phase that requires strong private-sector collaboration to advance economic recovery, improve governance, and stimulate innovation.

She pointed to improved fiscal discipline, restored investor confidence and strengthened public financial management as signs of renewed leadership credibility.

Measures such as reducing ministerial appointments, eliminating waste, restricting foreign travel and enforcing accountability among officials, she said, demonstrated a shift toward responsible governance and laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

On the 24-Hour Economy initiative, Shamima Muslim said it was intended to expand productivity, create jobs and make Ghana a competitive, round-the-clock hub.

Its success, she added, depended heavily on private-sector innovation, investment, and partnership.

She also referenced the “Black Star Experience project”, a national rebranding effort aimed at establishing Ghana as the global home of Pan-African culture, creative arts and tourism.

She encouraged marketers to explore opportunities within the emerging national vision.

The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson further urged communicators and the media to amplify truth-driven narratives that reflect Ghana’s ongoing recovery and counter misinformation.

“If the cedi is doing well, tell that story. If the economy is rebounding, tell that story too. We are not out of the woods yet, but we are certainly not where we started,” she said.

Emphasising that a strong national brand boosts corporate brands and expands business opportunities, she added: “A confident Ghana creates fertile ground for business expansion.”

She called on marketers and communicators to commit to advancing a unified narrative defined by optimism, creativity and shared progress.

“Let us tell the story of the Black Star — bold, innovative, unstoppable. When Ghana works, your businesses will grow, and our economy will expand. Let us tell our national story with courage, unity and purpose,” she stated.

MWA CEO Akin Naphtal reflected on the evolution of the awards, noting that the event had grown from a West African initiative into a continent-wide platform celebrating marketing excellence across Africa.

He said Artificial Intelligence was reshaping the industry by transforming how brands analyse data and design personalised consumer experiences.

However, he emphasised that technology could not replace the human elements of creativity and emotional connection.

“AI cannot replace the human spirit that drives storytelling, emotional connectivity and authentic brand experience,” he said. “The future belongs to those who merge technology with humanity.”

Established over a decade ago, the Marketing World Awards has become one of Africa’s leading honours in marketing, communications and branding.

Originating in Nigeria before expanding to Ghana and Kenya, the awards now spotlight excellence across technology, media, sales, public sector communication, advertising and corporate branding.

…..

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The INSPIRE Business Seminar is intended to be more than just a conference; it is an ecosystem-building platform.

The event brings together aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, business coaches, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders in one location to exchange knowledge, share practical insights, and form significant connections.

Unlike typical lectures, the seminar emphasises participatory learning. Participants are invited to ask questions, share experiences, and work together on ideas.

Guest speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from successful business founders and corporate executives to social innovators and policymakers, representing the multifaceted nature of Ghana’s business landscape.

The presence of unemployed youth, women, and people with impairments makes the INSPIRE Seminar truly inclusive. It acknowledges that entrepreneurship must be accessible to everybody, and that diversity drives innovation.

As a result, regardless of background or business stage, everyone has equal access to learning and networking opportunities at the conference. I’ve discussed six ways that the business seminar benefits the Ghanaian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Bridging the Knowledge and Skill Gap

One of the most significant problems for Ghanaian entrepreneurs is a lack of actual business expertise. Many people start businesses because they are passionate about them, but they lack the abilities to properly handle operations, finances, and marketing.

The INSPIRE Business Seminar directly tackles this gap by providing practical, experience-based learning from experts who have been through the entrepreneurial path themselves.

Participants learn about business model creation, access to finance, branding, digital marketing, and leadership in practical terms that apply to the Ghanaian setting.

Building Networks and Collaborative Communities

Entrepreneurship flourishes in networks. The INSPIRE Business Seminar offers a stimulating networking opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet like-minded peers, mentors, and possible partners. For many young business entrepreneurs, having the proper network can lead to new markets, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

Structured networking breaks and interactive panels allow seminar attendees to share contact information, pitch ideas, and discover synergies. By doing so, INSPIRE not only helps individual entrepreneurs, but also fosters a collaborative ecosystem that values mutual assistance and common progress.

Showcasing Ghanaian Entrepreneurial Success Stories