Richard Osei-Anim

Innovators, educators, and changemakers recently gathered at the ALX Hub in Accra for an event themed ‘Driving Ghana’s Next Generation of Digital Talent’.

The event brought together key players in the digital ecosystem, all united by a single goal – preparing African youth for a future powered by technology.

Among the standout voices at the event was Coral Reef Innovation Africa, represented by its Managing Partner, Richard Osei-Anim, whose light-hearted introduction, “I make the tea at Coral Reef”, gave way to a stirring presentation that left the audience reflective and inspired.

Coral Reef’s participation was a wake-up call, a rallying point, and a compelling showcase of what it means to drive meaningful change from the ground up.

Mr. Osei-Anim, in a presentation, detailed how artificial intelligence was already transforming industries, from flying planes and diagnosing diseases to revolutionising agriculture and finance.

He noted that over the past few years, Coral Reef has been living out this vision and deployed tens of thousands of smart devices across districts in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.

He continued that a significant part of Coral Reef’s work has been dedicated to girls, children with disabilities, and underserved regions adding his organisation has installed digital labs in dozens of special needs schools, ensuring that no child was excluded from the future simply because of a condition or circumstance.

In collaboration with the Otumfuo Foundation, he said support has been extended to schools in Wiawso, Kona, Gona, and the Ahafo regions, creating access points where none existed.

“The ambition is continental. Coral Reef is building a Pan African footprint in collaboration with Access Bank, bringing its model of inclusive digital transformation to countries such as Nigeria and Eswatini.”

Mr. Osei-Anim furthermore said Coral Reef was not waiting for ideal conditions as it was creating them. “With faith in people and the power of partnerships, we are transforming forgotten communities into digital havens and bridging the gap between what is and what could be.”

By Samuel Boadi

President John Mahama has issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that the utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.  

Speaking at an orientation programme for the MMDCEs at Madina, Accra, yesterday, the President stressed that while his administration had allocated a historic 80 per cent of the DACF directly to the local authorities — the highest in the Fourth Republic — the funds must be used prudently for development, not personal gain.  

“The Auditor-General and other anti-corruption institutions will be watching your work,” President Mahama said, and added that, “This money is for the people, and any diversion or mismanagement will not be tolerated.”  

The President’s caution was part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency in local governance under his government’s “Reset Agenda.”

He reiterated that the decentralisation of resources was meant to accelerate grassroots development, not to enrich appointees.  

Orientation

The orientation, on the theme: “Strengthening Local Governance Through the Reset Agenda,” also emphasised the need for MMDCEs to prioritise service delivery, job creation and accountability in line with the government’s 2024 manifesto.  

Present at the event were the Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Doe Adjaho; the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim; the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, and the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, among others.

The President emphasised that their appointments were not personal rewards but a “public responsibility” demanding diligence and integrity.  

“The Ghanaian people voted for a bold change and for a reset. Your actions and results must demonstrate that their trust was not misplaced,” President Mahama said.

He warned the MMDCEs against arrogance and inertia, stating that the time for political celebration was over and that they must now deliver tangible outcomes for citizens.  

The President stressed that Ghana stood at a crossroads, and the leadership of MMDCEs will determine whether the nation achieves inclusive growth or continues to drift.  

The President also directed all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15, 2025, in compliance with the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550).

“I remind you that you are required to declare your assets, and I expect all of you to do so by 15th July,” he said.

The law mandates public officers to declare their assets upon assuming office to promote accountability and curb corruption.  

Confirmation process

The Local Government Minister, Ahmed Ibrahim, disclosed that 257 out of 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) had been confirmed following their nomination.  

“Mr President, I’m pleased to report that 257 nominees have received assembly approval, with confirmations ongoing for Tatale and Kanda,” he said. 

He mentioned two outstanding nominations in the Ashanti Region: “We are finalising the nomination process for the Asante Mampong and Atwima Mponua assemblies.”  

The Minister commended the vetting committee chaired by the NDC Chairman for ensuring a transparent selection process. 

“The swift confirmations reflect the quality of nominees and assemblies’ confidence in your leadership,” Mr Ibrahim told the new MMDCEs.  

Accountability

Mr Adjaho charged the MMDCEs to restore public trust through accountable leadership at the local level.  

“You assume office when public confidence in political leadership is under significant strain. Citizens are demanding greater accountability from those in public office,” he said.

He reminded the gathering about the 2018 constitutional amendment attempt: “It took President Mahama’s leadership and our collective effort to stop the MMDCEs election bill. Had it passed, some present here wouldn’t be occupying these positions today.”  

The Council of State Chairman emphasised the critical role of MMDCEs as not just policy implementers but the face of government where it matters most and urged the participants to approach the orientation with seriousness.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, commended President Mahama for convening the orientation, describing it as crucial for equipping MMDCEs to deliver on the government’s reset agenda, which is focused on discipline, integrity and local development.

Board members of the National Petroleum Authority

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), pledging enhanced oversight and regulatory reforms to bolster Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.

Speaking at the official ceremony, Minister Jinapor underscored the critical role of the NPA in ensuring efficient, transparent, and accountable operations across the petroleum value chain.

He emphasised the importance of robust regulation in protecting consumer interests, guaranteeing fair pricing, and curbing malpractice in a sector vital to national development.

“This industry is central to our economic growth. Effective regulation is not optional—it is imperative,” the Minister stated.

“With global volatility in oil prices and persistent challenges such as fuel smuggling, adulteration, dumping, and tax evasion, the NPA must remain vigilant and proactive.”

He lauded the Authority’s recent progress in enhancing regulatory and compliance mechanisms but urged the new Board to intensify efforts to combat illicit activities and restore trust and integrity in the sector.

“The Board’s responsibility goes beyond oversight—it includes advancing good governance, promoting transparency, ensuring adherence to licensing standards, and boosting local content and participation,” Mr. Jinapor said. “You must work to maintain a stable, competitive, and investor-friendly environment.”

The Minister also revealed that the Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee, established in March 2025, had submitted its final report. He indicated that the Ministry would review its recommendations—particularly those aimed at improving operational transparency, regulatory enforcement, and long-term sustainability—with a view to implementing reforms in close coordination with the NPA and other industry stakeholders.

In his acceptance remarks, the newly appointed Chairman of the NPA Board, Alhaji Huudu Yahya Iddrisu, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the trust reposed in the Board. He assured the Minister and Ghanaians of the Board’s readiness to work diligently to meet its mandate.

“On behalf of the Board, I express our gratitude to President Mahama. We are committed to advancing his vision of a fair, transparent, and efficient petroleum sector that delivers value to all Ghanaians,” Alhaji Iddrisu stated. “We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the NPA fulfils its regulatory obligations with integrity and innovation.”

The new Board includes:

Alhaji Huudu Yahya Iddrisu – Chairman

Mr. Elorm L. Lardi Glawu

Dr. Clement Osei-Amodo

Mr. Godwin Tameklo – CEO of NPA

Sanja Anita Morrison, Esq.

Linda N. Ogebdei Quao, Esq.

Madam Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor

 Unilever Ghana PLC, despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, posted a profit of GH¢ 58 million in 2024.

The company also maintained a strong cash position of GH¢ 97 million.

The Managing Director of Unilever Ghana PLC, Mr Christo­pher Wulff-Caesar, who stated this last Friday, during the company’s turn at the “Facts Behind the Fig­ures” series of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) said the compa­ny performed creditably amidst a dynamic economic landscape.

“Our performance in 2024 re­flects not only the strength of our trusted brands but also the agility of our business model,” he said.

He said Unilever Ghana PLC reported a revenue of GH¢ 930.8 million in 2024, compared with 2023 GH¢ 908.6 million,” Mr Wulff-Caesar, stated.

He said Unilever Ghana con­tinued to lead in the Oral Care and Personal Care categories.

“The company has remained focused on innovation, opera­tional efficiency, and building the equity of its heritage brands such as Pepsodent, Geisha, and Vaseline,” he said.

Mr Wulff-Caesar stated that in 2024, the company further ex­panded its product portfolio, with the launch of Omo Autos and the reintroduction of Omo Handwash, which had significantly strength­ened the company’s Home Care segment.

In alignment with Unilever’s Growth Action Plan (GAP), the Managing Director emphasised several impactful sustainability initiatives, particularly in support of plastics and livelihoods.

He said through the Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private En­terprises the company had champi­oned the development of a viable plastic economy.

The Managing Director said the company initiated a plastics educa­tion programme at its site and in various basic schools in collabora­tion with key players in the plastics industry.

The Managing Director indi­cated that Unilever Ghana PLC also partnered with the British Government and Ernst & Young to support two Ghanaian enterprises in the plastic and agriculture sectors with funding of one hundred thou­sand pounds (£100,000) each.

“Through our hygiene educa­tion programmes, Pepsodent teach­es over one million Ghanaians an­nually the proper way of brushing their teeth day and night through the twice-brushing campaign in basic schools and communities across the country, alongside prod­uct donations aimed at enhancing the health and hygiene status of the beneficiaries,” he said

Mr Wulff-Caesar reiterated the company’s purpose of “Brightening Everyday Life for All,” asserting: “We remain committed to driving consistent, competitive, profitable, and responsible growth through innovation, sustainability, and our people.”

 BY KINGSLEY ASARE

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi trading at GH¢10.30 to $1

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has appreciated slightly on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH$10.29 and a selling price of GH¢10.30 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢13.86 and sold at GH¢13.88, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢11.86 and a selling price of GH$11.87.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on June 18, 2025, at 8:40 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.00, while the pound is selling at GH¢16.90 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢14.70 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has announced that Ghana is expected to receive $360 million from the IMF in July 2025 to further stabilise the cedi.

SP/AE

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

BRUSSELS, June 19, (Xinhua/GNA) — The European Commission on Tuesday proposed legislation to phase out all Russian natural gas and oil imports to the European Union (EU) by the end of 2027.

The draft regulation, part of the Commission’s REPowerEU Roadmap, bans the conclusion of new contracts for Russian gas as of Jan. 1, 2026, and mandates the termination of existing short-term contracts by June 17, 2026.

Long-term pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts with Russian suppliers would be permitted to run only until the end of 2027.

EU member states are required to present diversification plans with precise measures and milestones for the gradual elimination of Russian gas and oil imports, said the Commission in the press release.

EU member states will also be required to report on Russian gas volumes and contractual obligations, including LNG shipments, to enhance transparency and enforceability.

The plan also targets Russian oil, setting a 2027 deadline for ending imports. While Russian oil has already dropped from 27 percent of EU imports in early 2022 to just 3 percent in 2024, the Commission argued that a complete cessation is necessary to eliminate residual risks.

The regulation still requires adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, with a qualified majority needed for approval.
GNA

CAIRO, June 19, (Xinhua/GNA) — Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, on Tuesday called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, advocating for political and diplomatic solutions and a return to negotiations.

During a phone conversation, the two ministers stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis, warning that further escalation could have dire repercussions for regional security and stability, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both Abdelatty and Lavrov affirmed that restoring calm, is the sole pathway to prevent the current conflict from expanding to neighboring countries and the broader region.

The two ministers also exchanged the results of their recent contacts, with a number of ministers and senior officials in the region and the United States to de-escalate the situation.

The deadly aerial conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its fifth day, with at least 244 people killed in Iran and 24 in Israel.

The escalation was triggered by Israel’s surprise airstrikes across Iran on June 13.
GNA

The said image has reportedly been circulated widely across billboards and social media

An onion seller near Makola Market in Accra, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against telecom giant Telecel, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, for what she describes as a gross violation of her privacy, personal liberties, and image rights.

According to court documents filed at the High Court, through her legal counsel Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, Madam Abbey claims Telecel used her photograph without her knowledge or consent in marketing campaigns for the company’s “Telecel Red Save” product.

The said image has reportedly been circulated widely across billboards, traditional media, and social media platforms.

In her statement of claim, Madam Abbey avers that she only became aware of the unauthorised use of her image after being alerted by friends and customers. She says the unexpected publicity has led to psychological distress, strained family relations, and misconceptions about her financial status.

According to her, some family members now assume she has become financially well-off, resulting in tension and discomfort in her personal life.

“The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me,” Madam Abbey noted in her writ.

“I am unable to deal with the enormous publicity. It has impacted heavily on my mental health.”

She also alleges that Telecel’s actions were deliberate and targeted, exploiting her vulnerable position as a market trader for corporate gain. She warns that the company is likely to continue its conduct unless the court intervenes.

Madam Abbey is seeking three key reliefs from the High Court:

1. A declaration that Telecel violated her privacy and personal liberties.

2. A declaration that her image rights were abused through the unauthorized use of her photo.

3. An order directing Telecel to pay GH¢2,000,000.00 as compensation for the alleged violations.

Additionally, she wants all advertisements bearing her image whether on billboards, social media, or any other platforms to be pulled down.

AM/KA

Over the years, many economists and finance experts have espoused laudable ideas and proposed various initiatives to revive and make the country’s oil refinery entity, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) viable.

A strong TOR has manifold benefits to the functioning of the Ghanaian economy in various aspects, stemming from energy and fuel security and sustainability, stability of fuel prices, potent weapon for mitigating foreign exchange pressures/volatility , strengthen Ghana’s trade balance. seeking multi-sectorial industrial expansion and economic diversification through to balancing of the economic fundamentals to ensure sustained economic recovery

The Current State

TOR, established in 1963, currently has a total installed capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream per day (bpsd). Over the decades, Ghana’s only petroleum refinery has been dormant because of operational and financial challenges, including maintenance issues, capacity under-utilisation, operational inefficiencies, under-investment, incoherent policies, financial mismanagement and political interference.

Currently, TOR only supports importers of finished petroleum products with its facilities. The refinery has a crude storage capacity of 1,925,348 barrels across 59 tanks, representing 44% of Ghana’s national storage capacity. TOR is also the country’s sole producer of Premix fuel and operates the largest LPG storage facility in Ghana. Looking ahead, the refinery is seeking $25 million to support the maintenance and reactivation of an essential unit within its crude distillation unit. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency and ensure TOR’s continued role in sustaining national fuel distribution and energy security.

Ghana is poised for a significant expansion in crude production. Backed by over 1.1 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 2.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the country is said to be ramping up production. This must be backed by indigenous refinery efforts.

There is an urgent need to inject new capital and technical expertise into the refinery, open up the place to partnerships to rejuvenate the fortunes of the ailing Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as the refinery is in dire need of partnerships to help retool, modernize and expand its capacity. The revival of TOR is seen as critical to reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products and strengthening the country’s energy security.

An OILBOARD to the Rescue?

The country is already reaping the benefits of the novel Gold-for-reserve programme which is being bolstered by the establishment of GOLDBOD. The Cedi is gaining momentum and has held ground against major currencies in the past months. This has been attributed in part to the growing Gold reserves the country is accumulating. Considering this evidential success, can we replicate the same in the petroleum sector to rescue TOR?  

An OILBOARD, just as a GOLDBOD in the mining sector, could be replicated in the oil sector through reviewing the acts that established the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Petroleum Commission to envelop this innovation to help revive and revamp TOR.

In Ghana, large-scale mining firms are required to retain 20% of their gold output domestically to support the country’s gold reserves programme. This could be replicated in the oil sector to feed TOR.

An OILBOARD should be championed by reaching an agreement with the upstream Oil companies, mandating them to sell a portion of their crude production to TOR and receiving cedis at a 1% discount to international crude spot prices. This structure guarantees a domestic market for drilling companies while providing the government cost-saving benefits including TOR’s revival. Thus, the OILBOARD will purchase 20% of the monthly output of oil firms for TOR through the Bank of Ghana. Purchases are settled in the Ghanaian Cedi currency. This proposal will be a comprehensive turnaround strategy aimed at reviving the state-owned refinery after years of inactivity and is critical to Ghana’s economic recovery.

Every 10 barrels of oil produced from our fields, at least 1 or 2 barrels being 10% or 20% must be sold to TOR. To show good faith, the government’s share of the output should also be given to TOR. With this initiative, foreign exchange demand for oil importation would be conserved. This collaborative effort between the public and private sectors will breathe new life into the once-thriving refinery, making a potential turning point in the facility’s trajectory a necessity

The total consumption of petroleum products is projected at 5,484.73 kilotonnes, a 5.13% increase over 2024, driven by increased demand for gasoil, gasoline, and LPG. Ghana’s crude oil production is approximately 186,000 barrels per month. The country’s total crude oil exports reached around 48 million barrels in 2023. As of December 2024, the crude oil production capacity in Ghana stood at 188,000 barrels per day, Overall, a total of around 5.3 million metric tons of petroleum products were consumed in Ghana in 2024.

Currently, TOR only supports importers of finished petroleum products with its facilities. The refinery requires an estimated $25 million to undergo a complete revamp and resume full operations. This could be provided for in 2026 budget as a step forward to attracting strategic private sector investment to restore TOR to optimal performance

Securing the necessary funds through key partnerships and the introduction of the OILBOARD would allow the refinery to function at full capacity, ensuring efficient fuel production at competitive costs. The overarching goal of this innovative programme is to stabilize fuel prices and reduce dependency on foreign currencies for oil imports, conserve foreign exchange reserves, promote economic stability and self-sufficiency.

The OILBOARD Potential Benefits

The new oil board programme in Ghana will strategically devise means to eliminate the necessity for foreign exchange in the pricing mechanism of petroleum products. By intentionally excluding the exchange rate from the pricing formula for fuel and utilities, domestic fuel vendors are relieved of the requirement for foreign currency when importing petroleum products.

This policy shift has a benefit of lowering product prices at the pumps, offering relief to the Ghanaian population. The innovative approach of eliminating the dollar component in pricing calculations will translate into tangible benefits for consumers, providing economic relief and contributing to a more stable domestic market. This approach will not only sustain the positive impacts achieved but also serve as a model for responsible and innovative economic recovery and indigenization

Furthermore, currency instability remains a significant concern for the business community, as it increases the cost of doing business and surges inflation. When importers require more Cedis to obtain foreign currencies, prices inevitably go up, affecting every Ghanaian. Given the assured sources of supply of crude locally, TOR could leverage its balance sheet to raise bonds to wean itself off government support.

TOR’s rejuvenation will empower local businesses and entrepreneurs by creating opportunities in the oil and gas value chain. By reducing reliance on imported refined products, the country can stabilize fuel prices, mitigate foreign exchange pressures, and strengthen its trade balance. It will also ensure Increase employment levels across various sectors, from skilled refinery technicians to supply chain managers and local service providers.

Financially, TOR’s revitalization is expected to contribute significantly to GDP growth. Ghana’s petroleum sector currently accounts for approximately 7% of GDP, and with improved refinery operations, this contribution could rise to over 10% within the next five years. Moreover, efficient refinery operations will minimize fiscal losses associated with importing petroleum products, potentially saving the economy millions of dollars annually.

A rejuvenated TOR through the OILBOARD initiative will enhance national capacity by fostering knowledge transfer, technological development, and industrial expertise among Ghanaians. Local businesses involved in logistics, transportation, and petroleum retailing will have expanded market opportunities.

Strengthening indigenous capacity in the petroleum industry aligns with the vision of reducing dependency on foreign aid and fostering self-sufficiency. Technical training institutions and vocational centers can align their curricula with the industry’s evolving needs, thereby creating a skilled workforce.

The price of oil is closely tied to the world’s economy, and fluctuations in oil prices can have a significant impact on global markets. TOR when fully operational will serve as a hedging mechanism against crude oil market disruptions like wars, natural disasters etc such as the current Israel -Iran war, Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic

Revamping of TOR will ensure the reliability of petroleum products on the Ghanaian market and to export to the ECOWAS Sub-region.

We can as a nation and as a matter of utmost priority make TOR become the first choice for Bulk Distribution Companies (BDC) for finished petroleum products. Government must avert its mind to and explore the opportunities abound in the petrochemical sector of the petroleum value chain.

This initiative will occasion a crucial step towards economic resilience and self-reliance. By prioritizing local participation, empowering indigenous businesses, and aligning with broader economic sustainability goals, this initiative will have far-reaching effects on employment, industrialization, and national energy security. With the right approach, TOR can be transformed into a model refinery that supports national development and positions Ghana as a formidable player in the global petroleum industry. So, I say, an OILBOARD could do the rescue we have been chasing over decades.

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.

A significant legal battle is brewing in Ghana’s High Court as Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion seller operating near the bustling Makola Market in Accra, has initiated a GH¢2 million lawsuit against Telecel, the telecommunications giant operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited.

The suit alleges egregious breaches of her “privacy” and “personal liberties” due to the unauthorised use of her image for product marketing.

Filed on May 23, 2025, by her legal representative, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, Madam Abbey’s writ contends that Telecel’s failure to seek her consent and subsequent use of her image to promote, market, and advertise its ‘Telecel Red Save’ product across various platforms, including prominent social media channels, constitutes a clear abuse of her image rights.

The ‘Telecel Red Save’ product is understood to be a digital financial service aimed at encouraging savings among its subscriber base.

The legal action highlights a growing global and local awareness of individual privacy and image rights in the digital age.

Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), for instance, provides a framework for protecting personal data and privacy, requiring consent for the processing of personal information, which would arguably extend to the commercial use of an individual’s likeness.

According to her Statement of Claim, Madam Abbey only became aware of the pervasive advertisement through customers and other individuals who recognised her from the bustling Makola Market, a vibrant commercial hub known to attract tens of thousands of traders and shoppers daily.

The impact on Madam Abbey extends beyond the alleged commercial exploitation.

She states that the unauthorised advertisement has brought her unwanted public scrutiny, with family members and acquaintances mistakenly believing her to be of significant financial means due to her perceived association with a major telecom brand.

This misconception, she avers, has led to strained relationships with others and significantly impacted her mental health, highlighting the often-unseen personal toll of digital privacy infringements.

Telecel Ghana, a major player in the country’s telecommunications landscape with a reported 17.2% market share in voice and data as of July 2024, now faces a potentially landmark case that could set precedents for image rights and corporate marketing ethics in the nation.

The lawsuit seeks not only monetary compensation but also declaratory reliefs from the High Court, demanding that all billboards, social media campaigns, and traditional media advertisements featuring the ‘Telecel Red Save’ product with her image be immediately pulled down.

The writ filed by Mad. Abbey is expected to be a crucial test of how Ghana’s legal system addresses individual privacy rights in the rapidly evolving digital marketing sphere.

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.

Tags:  

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 Sharif Mahmud Khalid is the Economic Policy Advisor to the Vice President

The Economic Policy Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has stated that the government is not planning to re-enter the international capital markets anytime soon.

According to him, the recent update by Fitch is not a signal to return to fiscal indiscipline, but rather a testament to the fact that the government’s reforms are driving the economy toward recovery.

Fitch recently upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook.

Dr Khalid emphasised, “This rating is not just for us to celebrate and go back to borrowing. We are not getting bullish. We are focused. We want to stabilize the domestic market first.”

He further explained that despite the improved rating, Ghana is not yet ready to return to the external market.

“This is for the external market, which we are not ready to engage with at this point. We believe in stabilizing the domestic market, which is why we have internal controls in place,” he added.

Dr Khalid reiterated, “We’re not here celebrating. We are building. And we’ll continue to keep our eyes on stabilizing the Ghanaian economy.”

Meanwhile, some analysts have also advised against Ghana’s re-entry into the international capital market, noting that the country is still under a $3 billion bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and is not expected to re-enter the market until after 2026.

SSD/MA

Tyler Perry’s latest movie did not only gain traction in Hollywood—it created a global wave that swept through Ghana as well.

Many Ghanaian movie lovers, critics, and film buffs took to various media platforms to comment on or analyse the film upon its release.

While some praised Straw for its storyline, which they said highlighted the challenges faced by single parents, others criticised it as another example of Perry’s overindulgence in sensationalism.

Speaking to Doreen Avio on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, film producer and director Shirley Frimpong-Manso expressed her frustration over what she described as the Ghanaian media’s excessive focus on Straw.

She argued that if local filmmakers received the same attention, it would go a long way to promote and sustain the Ghanaian film industry.

“Why are we talking about Tyler Perry’s movie when we could easily have that same attention come to a Shirley Frimpong-Manso movie?” she questioned.

Shirley lamented that despite consistently producing high-quality films, her works—and those of other local filmmakers—are often overlooked.

“We have put films out there that critically examine a lot of things. We released a film called Chasing Lullaby on Mother’s Day. It’s a film we shot a few years ago and released on our YouTube page—and you should see the film. It’s a beautiful story that talks about mothers in all forms. But I didn’t see the media pick it up and make a whole song and dance about it like they are doing with Tyler Perry’s movie. He doesn’t care about us,” she said.

Shirley, who has been in the filmmaking industry for 17 years, is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s top directors.

On 25th February 2025, she launched Sparrow Station, a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing her film productions.

She is known for several acclaimed movies including Perfect Picture, Scorned, Life and Living It, 6 Hours to Christmas, A Sting in a Tale, and Checkmate.

Washington, June 19, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump, said on Wednesday he has encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stick to

his line, regarding Iran.

When asked what he had communicated to Netanyahu, Trump told journalists: “I said: Keep going.” He mentioned that he speaks with Netanyahu every day.

“He is a good man,” Trump emphasized.

When asked whether he had indicated to Netanyahu that he intended to help Israel more than before, Trump replied: “No.” Israel’s prime minister was

doing his job well so far, he said.

The US military supports Israel in its defence. However, the US government has so far stressed that it does not intend to participate in the fighting

between Israel and Iran.

Regarding his approach towards Iran, Trump was also asked whether he had given the country an ultimatum. After a brief pause, the US president responded

that one could say that. “Maybe you could call it the ultimate, the ultimate ultimatum, right?”
GNA

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has maintained the gains it made earlier this week, holding steady against the US dollar while appreciating slightly against the euro and the pound on the interbank market.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢10.29 and a selling price of GH¢10.30 to the US dollar as of June 19, 2025.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢13.86 and sold at GH¢13.88, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢11.86 and a selling price of GH¢11.87.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on June 19, 2025, at 8:30 AM, indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.00 to the dollar, while the pound is selling at GH¢16.90 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢14.70 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has announced that Ghana is expected to receive $360 million from the IMF in July 2025, a move expected to further stabilise the cedi.

SSD/MA

Featured

GNA

Politics

Jun – 19 – 2025 , 07:20

1 minute read