Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong has issued a call for the development of a comprehensive National Skills Plan for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transition, warning that without it, Ghana risks widening inequality and missing out on the transformative potential of AI in job creation.

He made this charge while delivering a public lecture on yesterday at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), themed “AI Disruptions and the Future of Work: Readiness of our Youth.”

The event, which drew academics, students, industry professionals, and policymakers, was part of the University’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

Dr. Acheampong emphasised that Ghana’s youthful population and increasing digital penetration offer unique advantages, but these can only be translated into economic value if young people are trained to compete and collaborate with intelligent systems.

“The next generation of Ghanaian workers will not compete with machines—they will collaborate with them. But collaboration requires preparation,” he stated.

Dr. Acheampong proposed that a Ghana Skills for AI Transition Plan should be developed through coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Education, Youth Employment Agency (YEA), and private sector partners.

This, he said, must include vocational training, digital apprenticeships, scholarships, micro-credentials, and community-based AI awareness programmes.

He explained that while Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education remains critical, Ghana’s AI transition must go further by localising AI education and linking it with sectors like agriculture, journalism, health, and creative arts.

“This is not just about STEM. It’s about STEM with context— teaching students how to use AI in the fields they live and work in,” he added.

He said Ghana’s readiness must extend beyond urban centres and elite institutions.

He insisted that informal workers, rural youth, teacher trainees, and artisans must also be included in Ghana’s digital learning journey.

His remarks were backed by data and case studies from his own doctoral research on institutional responsiveness and technological trust.

He explained how poorly designed reforms and lack of end-user engagement often result in failure of digital tools in public institutions.

To avoid similar pitfalls in Ghana’s AI journey, he called for an education model that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Universities, he suggested, should act as innovation hubs where students co-create with AI, engage in design thinking, and receive industry exposure through fellowships and project-based learning.

“We must rethink not only what we teach, but how we teach. The classroom must evolve into a collaborative innovation lab,” he said.

The speech painted a realistic but urgent picture. From digital exclusion in rural areas to algorithmic bias in imported systems, Dr. Acheampong laid out the risks of proceeding without a skills framework.

He pointed out that AI technologies, if not deployed ethically and inclusively, could reinforce existing inequalities in employment, access, and opportunity.

He urged Ghana to learn from the experience of other countries and proactively craft a roadmap that ties AI adoption to economic transformation.

He noted that while Rwanda has already launched a national AI strategy, Ghana remains without a central document to guide investment, training, or regulation.

Throughout the lecture, Dr. Acheampong emphasized that Ghana’s digital future must be shaped by its people and grounded in its context.

He advocated for cross-sector partnerships between academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to co-develop a nationally relevant AI agenda.

In a message directed at the youth, he encouraged students to take ownership of the future and build not just technical skills, but also critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and creativity, skills that remain irreplaceable even in the age of machines.

“Whether you’re scripting a documentary, running a grassroots campaign, building a social enterprise, or hosting a podcast, AI will influence how you ideate, execute, and scale. So embrace it, not passively, but purposefully,” he urged.

The MP pointed out that countries like Rwanda have already launched national AI strategies and begun deploying the technology in healthcare and agriculture. Ghana, he said, risks falling behind unless it develops its own roadmap that reflects local development goals and protects data sovereignty.

Dr. Acheampong’s remarks come amid growing concern that many African countries are embracing AI without adequate policy or legal safeguards, potentially leaving populations vulnerable to data exploitation, job displacement, and widening inequality.

He urged policymakers to act decisively to create the institutional and legal infrastructure needed to manage AI’s rapid integration into the economy and society. Without this, he said, AI will not fulfil its potential to boost productivity, enhance service delivery, or improve livelihoods.

“The real question is not whether we will use AI,” Dr. Acheampong said, “but whether we will lead it, shape it, and deploy it to serve Ghanaian lives and livelihoods.”

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Telecel Ghana has opened three additional community shops in Kumasi in a bid to bring telecom services closer to the doorstep of everyday Ghanaian, as part of its Ashanti Month celebrations.

The new outlets, strategically located within Abuakwa, Kaase and Ahodwo, are designed to serve as convenient hubs for residents to access a wide range of Telecel Ghana’s services, including SIM replacement and Telecel Cash transactions.

Unlike its retail stores, Telecel’s community shops operate through partnerships with local entrepreneurs, an innovative model that integrates telecom services into existing community businesses.

This approach encourages diversification of services offered by local enterprises while expanding the telco’s reach in underserved areas.

“We are opening these community shops during Ashanti Month to increase availability and access for customers, so they don’t have to travel long distances to our retail shops. Community shops have contributed to keeping our active base as customers can find us and get things fixed easily.

Additionally, partnering existing businesses in communities helps these enterprises to diversify their services and revenue streams while expanding our reach,” said Mercy Dawn Akude, General Manager of Commercial Operations at Telecel Ghana, during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Abuakwa Community Shop.

Mercy also said the partnership for expansion approach is part of a broader plan to empower more local entrepreneurs and extend Telecel’s community shop concept to more regions in the coming months.

Currently, Telecel Ghana has over 420 physical touchpoints across the country, with a target to end the year with a total of 500 shops nationwide.

For local entrepreneurs, the community shop model has opened new avenues for growth in services, revenue and outlook.

“Partnering with Telecel has expanded my business and improved the shop’s look as well,” said Dennis Asamoah, the partner entrepreneur behind the new Abuakwa shop.

“Now I can serve Telecel customers in Abuakwa who want to do Telecel Cash, SIM replacement, top-ups and many more.”

The new community shops roll-out forms part of Telecel Ghana’s Ashanti Month this June, a month-long celebration of the partnerships, cultural heritage and economic vitality of the Ashanti Region.

The suite of activities for the celebration includes market activations, enterprise customer engagements, health outreach, educational donations, and regional greening initiatives.

Residents in and around Ahodwo, Kaase and Abuakwa can now walk into the new shops to resolve their Telecel account issues and get support for SIM replacement, Telecel Cash transactions, as well as purchase airtime and devices without travelling long distances.

With its Ashanti Month festivities in full swing this month, Telecel Ghana’s community expansion approach through partnerships reaffirms its place as an active player in the region’s social and economic fabric.

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.

An Accra Circuit Court has granted GH¢200,000 bail to 38-year-old public servant Eliasu Abubakar, accused of defrauding a complainant of GH¢265,000 in a recruitment and visa scam.

Abubakar is accused of collecting GH¢265,000 from Hassan Mohammed, a caterer from Odumase Krobo, under the pretext of recruiting his relatives into the security services and securing Canadian visas for two of them.

He has pleaded not guilty and is to reappear in court on July 28, 2025.

According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, Abubakar last August claimed ties to the New Patriotic Party government to win the complainant’s trust.

A petition led to the case being transferred from Nima District Police, where Abubakar was arrested, to the Accra Regional CID for further investigations.

During interrogation, he admitted to the offence and refunded GH¢70,000, leaving a balance of GH¢195,000.

Abubakar was later granted police enquiry bail but failed to report, prompting a manhunt that led to his re-arrest.

Source: GNA

A bus involved in a crash

The Accra-Kumasi Highway near Oframase became a graveyard once again. A horrific collision claimed several lives, leaving behind shattered families and a nation grappling with grief.

This was no isolated tragedy—it was the latest chapter in Ghana’s unrelenting road safety crisis, a silent epidemic that claimed over 2,000 lives in 2024 alone.

As a concerned citizen, I penned an open letter to the Honourable Minister for Transport, copied to key stakeholders, demanding an end to the carnage on our roads. This is a story of loss, systemic failure, and a desperate plea for change.

The Accra-Kumasi Highway, a vital artery of commerce and connection, has become a symbol of death. In April 2025, 11 lives were lost at Amanase when a dozing tanker driver crashed into a Sprinter bus. In September 2024, seven perished at Obretema in a similar tragedy.

These are not just numbers—they are mothers, fathers, and children whose lives were snuffed out by preventable failures. Speeding, with 89% of vehicles exceeding safe limits, remains the leading killer. Pothole-riddled roads, single-carriageway stretches, and lax enforcement turn our highways into death traps. Motorbike crashes—often due to missing helmets—account for 40% of accidents.

The pattern is clear. The solutions are known. Yet the bloodshed continues.

Imagine the agony of Ama, a mother from Kumasi, who received a call that her son, Kofi, was among the Oframase victims. Kofi, a 22-year-old university student, was returning home for the holidays.

His dreams, his laughter, his future—gone in an instant because a driver sped recklessly, unchecked by cameras or consequences. Ama’s story is not unique. Thousands of Ghanaians bear the scars of such losses, their grief a silent indictment of a system that has failed them.

In my open letter, I called on the Honourable Minister for Transport to act decisively. The measures are straightforward—but they demand courage:

Install speed cameras and GPS tracking on all commercial vehicles, as Rwanda and Uganda have done, with steep fines (GH₵600 minimum) and licence suspensions for offenders.

Overhaul roads like Accra-Kumasi, widening lanes and fixing potholes.

Enforce helmet use for motorbike riders and impound non-compliant vehicles.

Mandate rest periods for drivers to prevent fatigue-related crashes, with criminal charges for those caught dozing.

Launch graphic awareness campaigns to shock drivers into compliance.

Equip emergency services and build trauma centres along highways.

Fast-track prosecutions to end the culture of impunity.

This letter was not sent in isolation. I copied the Rt. Honourable Speaker of Parliament, the Chief of Staff, the Majority and Minority Leaders, the Minister for Roads and Highways, the Inspector General of Police, the Acting Executive Director of the NRSA, the DVLA, the GPRTU, and all major media houses.

Why? Because transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. This crisis demands a collective response—from policymakers to drivers to ordinary citizens.

The media’s role is critical. By amplifying this call, they can ensure the government feels the weight of public outrage.

The NRSA reports over 1,800 deaths in the first nine months of 2024—a 12.97% rise from 2023. If we do nothing, 2025 will be bloodier.

The ongoing review of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, cannot become another bureaucratic delay. It must deliver enforceable laws. The Minister must rally stakeholders to treat road safety as a national emergency, not a footnote.

As I write, I see Ama’s tear-streaked face, clutching Kofi’s photo. Her pain is Ghana’s pain. Our highways were meant to carry dreams—not coffins.

Honourable Minister, the Oframase tragedy must be the tipping point. Act now—or the next crash will be on all our consciences.

Join the movement. Demand safer roads. Share this story. Ghana’s future depends on it.

Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) logo

Two leading consumer advocacy groups—CUTS International Accra and the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE)—have strongly criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for its decision to increase electricity tariffs by 2.45%, effective July 1, 2025.

In a joint statement, the groups described the hike as unjustified, citing a lack of transparency, outdated economic data, and failure to consult stakeholders. The increase was announced as part of PURC’s quarterly review process. Water tariffs, however, remain unchanged for the third quarter.

According to Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, and Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of CEMSE, the Commission’s decision violates Section 3(c) of Act 538 of 1997, which mandates fair and balanced pricing that benefits the government, utility providers, and consumers alike.

The CSOs argue that macroeconomic improvements—especially the over 30% appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, from GH¢15.70 to GH¢10.31 per US dollar between Q1 and Q2—should have prompted a tariff reduction. They estimate that this appreciation created a GH¢1 billion windfall for the government and utility companies, which could have been used to lower consumer tariffs or settle outstanding debts.

Additionally, the groups criticized PURC’s reliance on an outdated inflation rate of 20.67%, despite the current rate standing at 18.4%. “Falling inflation reduces operational costs, and the benefit should be passed on to consumers,” the statement read.

They also questioned the economic justification for the tariff hike, noting that the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) rose by just 1% (or $0.08)—a change they argue is too small to warrant any increase in electricity prices. For comparison, a 25% surge in gas costs in 2024 led to only a 3.5% increase in tariffs, making the current decision appear inconsistent and economically indefensible.

Further concerns were raised over the GH¢488 million in outstanding arrears cited by PURC. The CSOs demanded accountability for how the cedi appreciation windfall was utilized. They also condemned the Commission for introducing new cost components—such as fuel and reserve margins—without stakeholder consultation or public disclosure. Notably, the 27% fuel cost component was introduced without any supporting data, simulations, or procurement details being released.

Warning of systemic risks, the groups stated that repeated tariff increases could entrench inefficiencies in Ghana’s power sector while placing undue pressure on already burdened consumers.

“If care is not taken, PURC’s frequent upward tariff adjustments could result in an energy sector that is not efficient,” the statement warned.

CUTS and CEMSE are calling on President Mahama to immediately suspend the tariff increase and direct PURC to disclose the full methodology and assumptions behind its decision.

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has indicated that the recently announced increase in electricity tariffs is unlikely to affect the prices of goods and services.

This comes after the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 2.45% increase in electricity tariffs across all consumer categories, effective July 1, 2025. The adjustment follows the Commission’s routine quarterly review. Meanwhile, water tariffs will remain unchanged for the third quarter of the year.

Speaking to Citi Business News, GNCCI CEO, Mark Badu-Aboagye downplayed the impact of the increment, describing it as minimal.

“What we are looking at is that if there is a further improvement in the key variables, we expect the tariffs for businesses to eventually be reduced,” he said.

He added: “Electricity costs per kilowatt hour in Ghana are already quite high, so an additional 2.45% increase will certainly raise production costs. However, I don’t believe this will result in a significant rise in prices.”

Meanwhile, two civil society organisations, CUTS International Accra and the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), have jointly called on the PURC to suspend its planned electricity tariff adjustment.

The groups argue that the proposed tariff increase is unjustified given recent improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions.

The civil society groups cited the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar and declining inflation rates both key variables in the tariff-setting formula.

In a statement signed by the West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako and the Executive Director for CEMSE, Benjamin Nsiah criticised PURC for failing to align its tariff review with current economic realities. They insist that consumers had expected a downward revision, not an increase.

Arsenal are in talks to sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The Gunners want to make a defensive signing this summer, and the 20-year-old Spaniard, who can play at centre-back and right-back, is emerging as their favoured option.

Arsenal have shown interest in Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, but the England international may be reluctant to join given that he may find opportunities limited behind Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Spain Under-21 international Mosquera has made 90 appearances for Valencia and was a regular in the team last season, playing 90 minutes in 37 of the club’s 38 La Liga games.

It has been a busy 24 hours for Arsenal, who are also on the verge of completing a move for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.

A fee worth up to £15million has been agreed and the Denmark international is set to undergo a medical.

Arsenal are also imminently expected to complete the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a five-year deal at Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

The full-back made 39 appearances for Arsenal last season as he established himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Fellow defender Gabriel also signed a long-term contract earlier this month.

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.

Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a bold transformation in Africa’s approach to development financing, urging a shift away from traditional donor aid towards sustainable, locally driven economic models.

Delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Ghana Civil Society Forum (GCSF) in Accra on June 25, 2025, the Vice President emphasized the urgency of reimagining development in a way that prioritizes innovation, local ownership, and inclusive growth.

The forum, themed “Reimagining Development Financing and Civic Action: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward,” brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, development partners, and the diplomatic community.

“In an era where aid is declining and public debt is rising, we can no longer rely on external assistance as the primary engine of development,” she stated. “Reimagining financing means moving from dependency to ownership.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted a series of government reforms aimed at enhancing domestic resource mobilization, including the expansion of the tax base, strengthened oversight to combat gold smuggling, and the planned removal of the COVID-19 and E-Levy taxes in the 2025 national budget.

She also identified alternative financing options such as climate finance, diaspora bonds, and sovereign wealth funds as sustainable strategies to replace donor-driven models.

Underscoring the critical role of civic engagement, the Vice President commended civil society organizations (CSOs) for amplifying citizen voices, promoting accountability, and fostering local solutions.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for civic actors through the passage of a Non-Profit Bill, the establishment of structured dialogue platforms, and support for local philanthropy.

“Our development future must be built with ordinary people in mind,” she stressed. “Civil society, youth groups, women’s associations, and traditional leaders are central to this mission.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Ghana’s youthful population as reasons to invest in education, digital skills, and youth-led civic engagement.

She concluded her address with a call for a renewed social contract grounded in shared accountability, co-investment, and decentralized power.

“Let Ghana be a place where local initiative meets strategic investment, where accountability meets empowerment.”

Supporting her message, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, emphasized the need for transparency and efficiency in the use of foreign aid to ensure maximum impact.

He encouraged CSOs to innovate in mobilizing and managing alternative resources amid declining donor support.

“I strongly propose that CSOs reinvent—or better yet, reengineer—systems that ensure accountability and optimize the use of increasingly limited resources,” Dr. Thompson said.

Echoing this sentiment, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of the STAR-Ghana Foundation, proposed the creation of a peer review mechanism to evaluate the performance of civil society organizations and improve sector accountability.

“We need to shine a light on the civic sector and confront the challenges—some of which are self-inflicted—so it can remain a constructive and equal partner to government in the pursuit of development,” Amidu stated.

The forum marked a significant step in strengthening collaboration between civil society and government actors, as Ghana navigates global and domestic economic challenges in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.

AM/KA

Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:

Bibiani Gold Stars squad posing for a photograph before a football match

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially confirmed Bibiani Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko as the country’s representatives for the 2025/26 CAF Interclub competitions.

Bibiani Gold Stars, crowned champions of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, will make their maiden appearance in the CAF Champions League. The Miners clinched the league title with 63 points under the leadership of head coach Stephen Frimpong Manso, completing a remarkable rise just three seasons after gaining promotion to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko SC, one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs, will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup following their victory in the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup. The Porcupine Warriors defeated Golden Kick FC in the final to secure their return to continental football.

Both clubs are expected to begin preparations soon for their respective campaigns, which include completing club licensing requirements and player registrations mandated by CAF.