Debt talks advance with commercial creditors

Stronger economic indicators support upgrade

Debt sustainability still under pressure

In a significant move to stimulate local economic development, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ahanta West, Hon. Ing. Ebenezer Aidoo, has engaged the chiefs, elders, and residents of Apimanim on the planned construction of a cassava processing facility in the community.

The engagement forms part of the Assembly’s broader strategy to promote agro-industrial development and inclusive growth within the municipality. “Your generosity in releasing land for this initiative is a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to development,” Hon. Aidoo stated during the meeting.

He added, “This facility will open up new economic opportunities—particularly in job creation, value addition, and agricultural advancement.”

Hon. Aidoo, who was recently confirmed in office with overwhelming community backing, expressed his gratitude to the people of Apimanim for making land available for the project.

The proposed facility is expected to significantly enhance cassava production and processing in the area, establishing a direct link between local farming and industrial markets. It also aligns with the national agenda of promoting agro-processing and value addition as key pillars of Ghana’s sustainable development strategy.

The MCE was accompanied by senior officials from the Assembly, including the Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Joyce Akosua Angmorteh; Municipal Planning Officer, Pln. Jalil Ali Mahama, Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Dennis Adjei Antwi, and staff from the Works Department. The team visited the proposed project site to assess its readiness for construction.

The chiefs and elders of Apimanim welcomed the initiative enthusiastically, describing it as a timely intervention with the potential to create employment for the youth and stimulate long-term socio-economic transformation. They pledged their full support and cooperation to ensure the project’s success.

This community engagement underscores the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance and the implementation of development projects tailored to the needs of local communities.

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.

On a warm, expectant evening in Accra, beneath glittering chandeliers and the weight of 20 years of memories, something rare unfolded — a celebration not just of a company, but of a journey stitched together by resilience, youthful ambition, bold risks, and relentless innovation.

Billed as Hubtel’s 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving, the night quickly revealed itself to be more about a story than a milestone, brought to life by some of the country’s biggest gospel acts, including Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther, and Perez Music.

The Humble Beginnings: A Letter to God

The evening offered a deep moment of reflection for a company that has evolved from a startup to an industry leader in payment platforms and E-commerce.

Instead of a conventional CEO address, Hubtel’s co-founder and CEO, Alex Adjei Bram, read a deeply personal letter to God, recounting the twists and turns that led to Hubtel’s birth:

• The painful rejection from medical school that felt like failure but turned into divine redirection.

• The crushing political loss after graduation, armed only with a printed business card, no investors, no office, and a burning belief.

• The fragility of the early years, when faith was often the only currency.

As Bram spoke, the room fell silent, not out of politeness but reverence. Each word carried remembrance of lean times, small wins, overlooked miracles, and enduring friendships.

“We didn’t know what we were doing,” Bram admitted. “We only knew that as long as we stood for good and pursued love for our customers and mankind, You would be with us.”

Since then, Hubtel has moved through significant phases, first as the go-to bulk SMS platform for businesses, then transforming into the tech and payment giant it is today. Bram gave thanks for every door opened and closed, for early mentors, hard seasons, and a market that forced them to evolve. Above all, he thanked God for being present — not just in loud victories but in quiet, consistent provision.

A Reflection of Ghanaian Excellence

The evening also saw stirring remarks from the Minister for Communications, Digitalization, and Innovation, Sam George, a fellow alumnus of KNUST like Hubtel’s founders. He praised Hubtel’s story as a powerful reflection of Ghana’s potential.

“The Hubtel story highlights a major fact we should all be proud of as Ghanaians,” he said.

“It speaks to the power of local innovation and proves that Ghanaian talent can compete at the highest levels. You don’t have to leave Ghana to achieve greatness.”

He lauded Hubtel’s pioneering work in messaging, payment systems, and E-commerce. “When Ghana needed ways for businesses to connect faster, Hubtel built it. When payments needed to be easier, Hubtel innovated. They have not just participated in Ghana’s digital transformation; they have led it.”

A Testament to Youthful Innovation

Minister for Youth Empowerment, George Opare Addo, emphasized that Hubtel’s success is a testament to what Ghanaian youth can achieve with foresight, opportunity, and resilience.

“This is not just a celebration of a company’s milestone; it is a celebration of what the Ghanaian youth can do,” he declared.

He highlighted that every young software engineer, marketer, and delivery partner at Hubtel stands as proof that innovation can create jobs and new possibilities. Opare Addo urged more private sector players to support the government’s “one million coders” program, aimed at equipping youth with vital digital skills.

“I want to challenge not just Hubtel but the entire private sector to invest heavily in digital skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support. It is the surest way to empower our youth for a digitally competitive future.”

Quiet Strength in the Business World

Patience Akyeanu, Hubtel board member and chair of its audit committee, drew on her deep experience in banking and insurance to underscore Hubtel’s often unseen but critical role in Ghana’s digital economy.

“In banking and insurance, digital transformation has shifted from a luxury to a lifeline,” she said. “At the heart of Ghana’s digital evolution, Hubtel has consistently been a key player.”

Akyeanu praised Hubtel’s early recognition that technology would be the great enabler, investing ahead of trends to build platforms that empowered businesses to connect, transact, and build trust.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Courage

Throughout the night, one theme persisted: Hubtel’s journey is far from over. Artificial intelligence, big data, and emerging financial technologies will shape the next frontier. And with Hubtel’s history of bold reinvention, tireless learning, and deep commitment to Ghana, many believe they will not just adapt to the future — they will help shape it.

About Hubtel

Hubtel is a leading indigenous Ghanaian tech company that makes it easy for people to find and pay for everyday essentials and connect with businesses. Its mobile application allows users to order food, pay bills, and make payments seamlessly.

Hubtel’s mission is to drive Africa forward by enabling everyone to find and pay for essentials, aiming to become Africa’s most useful company — a platform that allows anyone to easily participate in the emerging digital economy across the continent.

Click photos for more.

File photo of a slum in Accra

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has expressed serious concerns about the rapid expansion of slum settlements in urban areas across the country.

They warned that these unregulated and overcrowded communities significantly increase the risk of urban fires, making them hotspots for devastating incidents.

This warning follows the fire that occurred at the Sakumono-Asoprochona Railway enclave on May 5, which destroyed dozens of homes and displaced many residents.

According to the GNFS, the spread of makeshift structures, poor waste management, and insufficient access to fire safety measures in slum areas create a high-risk environment for fires.

In a report released on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Divisional Officer Grade 2 Desmond Essoun Ackah, the Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, stated that incidents of urban fires are becoming alarmingly frequent.

These incidents are often attributed to the unsafe use of open flames, illegal power connections, and negligence.

Ackah urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take proactive measures to tackle these issues.

He emphasised the need for enforcing building codes and providing fire safety education to residents to curb the unchecked growth of slum communities and implement safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

The warning comes amid a surge in urban fires in recent years, many of which have been linked to electrical faults, improper use of fuels, and other human-related factors.

“Those people are low-income earners, and what we in the service have done over the period is to visit them, engage them, and let them know their responsibilities, especially when it comes to fire prevention.

“But as human as they are sometimes, they may be negligent, and for such places, illegal wiring is also rife. People use naked wires anyhow. Therefore, these could be the causes of fires in those areas. But if the assemblies can take this up to ensure that these slums do not erupt in the first place, or, better still, find a decent accommodation for these dwellers, it will go a long way to prevent some of these fires,” he stated.

The GNFS calls for collaborative efforts to mitigate risks and prevent devastating fires in urban slums.

NAD/AE

Meanwhile, ‘Where did you get the dollars?’ Watch as Opambour questions Sammy Gyamfi

Debt ratio falls on back of lower borrowing and expanding economy

Public debt inches up despite overall progress

Debt may rise temporarily as development programmes roll out

As insurgency intensifies and civic space shrinks in the West African state, a different kind of battle is unfolding online where AI-generated images, deepfake anthems and algorithmic fervour have turned the young military leader into a digital messiah.

The face of Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been beaming across social media feeds throughout West Africa and from posters and placards hoisted in the streets of Burkina Faso‘s capital Ouagadougou, London and beyond. His image appears in various forms. Sometimes he seems stoic in military fatigues, other times draped in pan-African flags or depicted as a divine warrior glowing with celestial light.

In dozens of viral TikTok edits, Traoré leads imaginary armies, topples Western empires and is hailed as the “new [Thomas] Sankara”. The captions, bold and uncompromising, include “Africa’s Messiah!” “The People’s Captain!” and “France Must Fall!”

The images – curated, multiplied and mythologised – are now central to a rapidly evolving online movement that fuses anti-imperialism, youth frustration and pan-African aspiration.

The main concern? Many of the images used and shared across social media and the internet aren’t real. They are machine-generated hallucinations, the product of AI tools; manipulated audio and filters that feed an online ecosystem of adoration.

The pro-Traoré social media buzz took off following a protest in Ouagadougou on 30 April when tens of thousands rallied in a massive show of support for the 36-year-old military ruler. Smaller solidarity protests emerged in Accra, London and Montego Bay, Jamaica. In Nigeria, two demonstrators were charged with inciting public disturbance and conducting an unauthorised assembly for organising a procession in honour of Traoré.

But online, AI-generated images depicted fictional demonstrations in Nairobi, Harare, Kampala and even New York’s Times Square. Deepfake audio tracks mimicking the voices of global pop stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé singing praises of Traoré circulated widely, blurring the line between digital propaganda and fan-driven mythmaking.

From social media feed to frontline

Traoré seized power in September 2022 amid escalating jihadist violence and mounting public anger at French influence in Burkina Faso. He has since styled himself as a revolutionary anti-imperialist, cutting ties with France, aligning more closely with Russia and vowing to restore sovereignty in a country plagued by insurgency.

Traoré successfully cultivated an anti-colonial stance that speaks directly to a generation disillusioned by neoliberal promises and post-independence elites.

Political risk analyst Jessica Moody sees Traoré’s rise as part of a broader reckoning with decades of foreign exploitation. “This political moment is fuelled by a feeling that Africa has been taken advantage of by foreign powers for too long,” she says. “There is an upsurge in resource nationalism and a desire to ‘make Africa great again’, to regain sovereignty and develop the continent from within.”

According to Moody, France remains the primary symbol of neo-colonial frustration. “This is based on decades of companies and countries, especially France, profiting from African economies with little regard for sentiment on the ground. That frustration has been epitomised by [Emmanuel] Macron’s presidency, in which he has fundamentally failed to understand how the French are perceived in West Africa.”

More rhetoric, less reform

Much of Traoré’s appeal rests on rhetoric and not institutional reform. But that has not slowed his meteoric rise on social platforms.

“There has been a sustained sense of support for Traoré,” says security analyst Beverley Ochieng. “As a young leader and a powerful orator, he resonates with many who are increasingly questioning the relationship between African countries – especially in the Sahel – and the West. He speaks directly to a generation navigating the legacies of imperialism, post-colonialism and neo-colonialism.”

In the digital age, Ochieng says, that support feels even more amplified. “Thanks to social media, it appears global and widespread. You see it in the rhetoric of Tanzanian opposition leaders, among Kenyan officials, South African youth groups and even in personal encounters.”

“It’s algorithmic populism; emotional, visual, anti-Western and hyper-shareable,” says Burkinabe researcher Alidou Werem. “It’s about vibe and vision and not fact or policy. Social media platforms reward spectacle and Traoré’s image fits perfectly into that ecosystem.”

Digital repression by proxy

Pro-Traoré internet and social media warriors seem to stop at nothing to build and defend the image of a man who, in reality, leads a fragile transitional government in one of the world’s most unstable regions.

The glorification comes with a cost, one increasingly paid by Burkinabe journalists, activists and ordinary citizens who raise critical questions about Traoré’s rule. “We are witnessing the rise of a digitally sanctified ruler where criticism becomes sacrilege,” says Werem.

Despite his populist appeal, tangible reforms under Traoré’s leadership remain limited. While he has implemented measures such as reducing ministerial salaries and increasing civil servant wages, the broader challenges of security and governance persist. The ongoing jihadist insurgency has displaced over two million people, and much of the country remains outside state control.

Journalists in Burkina Faso are increasingly subjected to online abuse for being critical of Traoré and his junta. This, according to rights groups, reflects a broader pattern of intimidation and censorship under the country’s military-led government.

However, this isn’t merely social media toxicity. Analysts and activists warn it’s a new form of digitally outsourced repression, where the state may not have to censor because online mobs do it for them.

“Traoré’s popularity has crowded out dissenting voices,” says Ochieng. “His rhetoric still falls short of real, measurable improvements in security and civic freedoms. There is a gap between his message and the reality on the ground, something that will ultimately test his legitimacy and legacy.”

theafricareport.com 

Di CEO of di gold board dey under pressure

One goment official – Sammy Gyamfi dey face pressure for Ghana afta one viral video ova di weekend show how im dey count plenty dollar notes from im car wey im dash one controversial woman preacher.

Inside di video wey bin dey trend, di CEO of di gold board and di popular preacher Nana Agradaa from one event bin dey chat wen dem take pictures near di goment official im car.

Na so afta dem take di picture, she ask for money wia Sammy Gyamfi enta di car to count di dollar notes for her.

Nana Agradaa bin dey shout say make di CEO give am all di dollar notes; afta she show di moni wey im collect from Sammy Gyamfi to di cameras.

Many pipo don tok say wetin Sammy Gyamfi do dey “inappropriate” for pesin wey be goment official under President John Mahama wey tok say im no go tolerate opulence and luxury lifestyle from im appointees.

Tori be say di kontri Chief of Staff Julius Debrah don summon Sammy Gyamfi to di seat of goment to answer questions about dis mata.

Wetin dey inside di code of conduct

Only last week, di president bin launch code of conduct for im public officers wey go regulate how dem dey behave for public office.

Among oda tins, di president tok say “dis code na bold declaration of di standards we get to uphold as servants of di public.”

President Mahama also tok say “all political appointees get to avoid opulence wia dem get to be accountable for di use of public funds.

“Dem for show humility and respect di citizens,” di president tok during di launch of di document.

Goment officials wey no comply wit di code of conduct fit face sanctions from public apology to dismissal.

Sammy Gyamfi issue apology

Afta pipo don put pressure on top di gold board CEO, im write apology on top im social media page.

Sammy Gyamfi write say, “dis na kind gesture to fellow human being; like how I bin dey lend helping hand to di needy.”

“I tink say I just dey show kindness for private, I no sabi say dis tin go enta di public space. Dis na unfortunate and regrettable tin.”

Sammy Gyamfi add say, “I see how dis tin don vex party members, I dey apologise for dis unfortunate act of indiscretion.”

Despite dis, pipo still tok say make di president sanction am.

Anoda reason dis tin dey vex most pipo na sake of di woman preacher (Nana Agradaa) wia Sammy Gyamfi dash di moni be controversial pesin wey bin tok say she repent from being fetish priestess to become woman of God.

Pipo and ogbonge civil society groups wan make di president take action

Na so many pipo dey tok say wetin di CEO of Gold Board Sammy Gyamfi do na wrong tin.

Di Ghana integrity initiative (GII) tok say President Mahama need to take serious action for dis mata.

Executive director Mary Adda say, “dis na opportunity for di president to show say im mean business. Im get to use dis mata to show say im dey committed to ethical governance.”

Oga for di IMANI center for policy and governance Franklin Cudjoe say, “dis na difficult tin. E dey clear say di moni dey above GHc 20k ($1,500). Sammy get to answer questions to us and di president.”

Members of im own party don dey tok say im no try for dis mata.

Former NDC MP for Kumbungu Ras Mubarak bin write on top im social media say “you no fit justify dis mata, as public officer dey dash forex (dollars) especially at di time di cedi don dey do well, even if im earn di money, dis fit to affect di local currency and di economy.”

“Sammy Gyamfi im error of judgement fit cause lack of confidence for di cedi; such tins fit affect di value of di cedi,” Ras Mubarak write.

Pipo dey wait wetin di president go do about dis mata, sake of Sammy Gyamfi na ogbonge pesin wey help di goment win election.

Sammy Gyamfi profile

Oga Sammy Gyamfi na lawyer wey be national tok-tok pesin for di national democratic congress (NDC).

During di campaign, im lead di party to fire di goment well well on top media platforms and oda places.

Im criticize di former Akufo-Addo goment say dem spend di kontri moni on lavish lifestyles and oda tins.

For di party, im na wetin sabi pipo describe as “darling boy”.

Afta di party win elections, di president bin appoint am as di CEO of di gold board.

Since im become oga for di gold board, dem ban foreigners and oda pipo from trading for di local gold market for Ghana.

Di only body wey fit deal for di trading of gold na dis gold board, wey dis na to “strengthen industry laws and for national benefits.”

Di CEO of di gold board dey under pressure afta viral video in which im count dollar notes from im car wey im take dash controversial Preacher Evangelist Patricia Asiedu (Nana Agradaa)

President Mahama tok say appointees “need to eschew opulence” for public office, wen im launch di code of conduct for public officers last week

Sabi pipo and oda groups don dey demand say make di president punish oga Sammy Gyamfi to show say im dey committed to good governance

Evangelist Mama Pat dey popular for social media

Sammy Gyamfi apologize for “di indiscretion”

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released the latest prices for its new investment initiative, the Ghana Gold Coin.

The coin’s prices have gradually decreased in response to the appreciation of the cedi against the dollar.

The Central Bank introduced the coin as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of U.S. dollars.

As of Monday, May 12 2025, the Bank reported the following updated prices:

– The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢11,959.46, down from GH¢12,441.05 last week.

– The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢23,108.02, down from GH¢24,036.96

– The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢45,458.69, down from GH¢47,286.35

According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.

The Ghana Gold Coin is available in three denominations: one ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and is being sold through commercial banks.

“The Ghana Gold Coin is manufactured from gold mined in Ghana and refined to 99.99 percent purity. It is issued and guaranteed by the Bank of Ghana,” the Bank stated.

pic.twitter.com/N5Idd8V7C3

— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) May 12, 2025

SSD/MA

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London, May 12, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Bananas are coming under increasing threat from climate change, with farmers saying extreme weather is “killing” their crops, according to a report.

An analysis by international development charity Christian Aid released on Monday shows rising temperatures and climate-related pests are putting bananas at risk.

It found that nearly two-thirds of the most suitable banana-growing areas in Latin America and the Caribbean – a region responsible for around 80% of the world’s banana exports – could be lost by 2080 due to climate impacts.

Bananas grow in a temperature range of between 15-35 degrees Celsius but are also very sensitive to water shortages, meaning increasingly extreme weather is affecting the plant’s ability to photosynthesise.

Diseases such as fusarium tropical race 4 have also emerged as a growing threat in recent years, causing the loss of entire farms across Latin America.

Christian Aid cited farmers from the region who say their farms are “dying,” which in turn is affecting their income.

Aurelia Pop Xo, 53, a banana grower in Guatemala, said: “Climate change has been killing our crops.

“This means there is no income because we cannot sell anything. What is happening is that my plantation has been dying.

“In the past, there was a prediction that this would happen in the future, but it has come earlier, and this is because we are not taking care of our motherland, our ecosystems, and this is very worrying for our kids, and especially for our grandkids.”

In light of the findings, Christian Aid is urging developed nations to urgently reduce their carbon emissions to stem the growing impacts of climate change.

It also calls for international climate finance to support banana growers and agricultural communities to adapt to the changing climate.

Osai Ojigho, Christian Aid’s director of policy and campaigns, said: “Bananas are not just the world’s favourite fruit, but they are also an essential food for millions of people.

“The lives and livelihoods of people who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis are already under threat.”

Ojigho called on countries to use this year’s deadline for new UN national climate action plans as an opportunity to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and ensure climate finance “reaches people in desperate need of it.”

Elsewhere, consumers and businesses are being urged to choose bananas certified as Fairtrade, which ensures farmers are paid more for their crops.

Anna Pierides, Fairtrade Foundation’s senior sustainable sourcing manager for bananas, said: “Without fair prices, banana farmers simply cannot make ends meet.

“Fairtrade is committed to raising incomes, living standards and the resilience of banana producers to enable them to deal with the changing climate and to continue farming.

“One way businesses can support this is through our Shared Impact initiative, which brings buyers together to ensure longer-term sourcing commitments, greater transparency and more opportunities for banana growers to sell more on Fairtrade terms.”

Holly Woodward-Davey, project co-ordinator at Banana Link, which works across the banana supply chain, said: “The climate crisis and the associated biodiversity crisis demand a rethink of industrial food production systems, which depend on the use of increasing amounts of harmful chemicals.

“Governments must continue to take decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ban the most toxic chemicals while investing in transitions to fair, stable and healthy food systems.”

GNA

PDC

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will leave the Spanish club at the end of the season to become the new national team coach of Brazil.

The 65-year-old Italian will officially take charge of Brazil on 26 May following the conclusion of the La Liga season.

He leaves the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the club’s most successful managers.

Ancelotti won 15 trophies across two spells as Real manager and last season led Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double.

His exit comes after Sunday’s El Clasico defeat left Real seven points behind leaders Barcelona with three games remaining. 

Barring a spectacular collapse from Barcelona, that result all but confirmed that Real will end the season without a trophy for the first time in four years.

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.

Sammy Gyamfi is the CEO of GoldBod

The Minority in Parliament has disclosed the salary and the benefits of the Chief Executive of the Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, amidst his dollar gift saga.

According to them, his salaries and benefits far outweigh those of an MP, which they say raises questions.

They have, therefore, listed his entitlements as follows:

A. GH¢1.5 million annual salary, i.e GH¢125,000 per month, subject to a 15% increase every year.

B. Clothing Allowance: 15% of annual basic salary

C. Security: Provision of two personal security officers or GH¢6,000.00 for each

officer as a cash equivalent.

D. Provision of one gardener or GH¢4,000.00 as a cash equivalent.

E. Full medical cover for the CEO, spouse, and up to five children under 18 years or up to 22 years

F. Provision of two company cars (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser VS), with full maintenance and insurance

G. 1,500 litres of fuel monthly for each official vehicle

H. The vehicles may be sold to the CEO upon contract expiration or termination per the Company’s Asset Disposal Policy.

I. Thirty (30) working days of paid vacation annually, exclusive of public holidays.

J. Annual Familiarisation Tour: Airfare up to USD 10,000 annually upon proof of

travel. Per diem of USD 2,000 per day for 7 days, payable in advance.

K. Business Travel: For official duties, the CEO is entitled to business class tickets and a USD 2,000.00 per diem per day of travel.

L. Personal accident and life insurance cover valued at five (5) times the CEO’s annual salary.

It will be recalled that Sammy Gyamfi was captured on camera giving some dollar notes to Evangelist Patricia Asiama, aka Agradaa.

He has, however, apologised for the act, but the Minority has condemned the behaviour and is asking for the necessary sanctions to be applied.

SSD/AE

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The National Identification Authority of Ghana (NIA) has new appointees on its governing board with a call on them to enhance the delivery of digital identity services in the country.

A press release from the NIA notes that the Minister of Interior, Hon Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, officially commissioned the new board recently, urging members to display a high sense of devotion to service. They were called upon to “deepen oversight, strengthen public trust, and accelerate the delivery of secure and inclusive identity services.”

The minister praised the NIA for some of its recent achievements which are aimed at expanding the reach of the national digital ID and facilitate access to several public and private sector services. He said under the leadership of the acting NIA Executive Secretary, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, the authority has been able to decentralize ID registration services and expand premium services.

One other recent innovation by the NIA is the introduction of an online-only application system for national ID-related premium services, the minister mentioned.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the new Board Chairman Moses Afetsi Positive pledged to provide strategic leadership for the board in order to enhance the delivery of inclusive identification services to Ghanaians. He emphasized the importance of the national ID card, commonly known as the Ghana Card, saying it is a critical tool that enables citizens and aliens to access a wide range of government and private sector services in an easy and secure manner.

The government has tasked the new board members with ensuring that the NIA effectively works to implement its vision of providing legal and digital ID for all citizens of the West African country by 2030, in line with objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16.9 target.

As provided for by Ghana’s National Identification Act, 2009, the governing board of the NIA has several important roles which include policy direction and financial oversight, strategic leadership, appointment of executive management officials, approval of regulations and operational guidelines, data governance and security, and stakeholder engagement.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  digital ID  |  digital identity  |  digital inclusion  |  Ghana  |  Ghana Card  |  legal identity  |  national ID  |  National Identification Authority (NIA)

By Simon Asare

Accra, May 12, GNA — Ghanaian musician Emmanuel Kwadwo Oware, known by his stage name as Ayisi, has won the Record of the Year award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).   

He won the Record of the Year award for his inspirational and inspiring song “Can I Live?” which has gained extensive airplay in recent months.   

Despite missing out on Songwriter of the Year and Best Male Vocal Performance award, Ayisi thanked fans who voted for him.   

Ayisi stated that he felt honoured to be recognised for his efforts throughout the review year and thanked the organisers of the awards, Charterhouse Productions. 

On the awards night, Ayisi demonstrated his unique stagecraft and thrilled the audience with an energetic performance. 

His outstanding performance earned him plaudits, with fans hoping that his display would be a new beginning in his stellar music career. 

GNA 

KOA 

The US and China have agreed a deal that will significantly cut the import tariffs they have imposed on each other, in a major de-escalation of their trade war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said both countries would lower their reciprocal tariffs by 115% for 90 days.

The announcement came after the two countries held talks in Switzerland, the first between the two countries since US President Donald Trump had levied steep tariffs on Chinese imports last month.

Shares jumped on news of the deal. Last month, the imposition of the tariffs had caused turmoil in financial markets and sparked fears of a global recession.

The trade war between China and the US intensified last month after President Trump announced a universal baseline tariff on all imports to the US, on what he called “Liberation Day”.

Around 60 trading partners, which the White House described as the “worst offenders”, were subjected to higher rates than others, and this included China.

China retaliated with tariffs of its own, and this ratcheting up of levies ultimately led to the US imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, while Beijing had a 125% levy on some US goods.

Liberation Day tariffs for 90 days and cancelled other retaliatory tariffs.

This will cut US tariffs on Chinese imports to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on US imports will be cut to 10%. The pause will begin on 14 May.

The US measures still include an extra 20% component aimed at putting pressure on Beijing to do more to curb the illegal trade in fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug.

The huge tariffs imposed had raised the prospect of trade between the two countries slumping, with US ports reporting a sharp drop in the number of ships scheduled to arrive from China.

Meanwhile Beijing has become increasingly concerned about the impact the tariffs could have on its economy. Factory output has already slowed and there are reports some firms were having to lay off workers as production lines of goods bound for the US began to grind to a halt.

Announcing the agreement, Bessent said: “The consensus from both delegations this weekend is neither side wants a decoupling.

“What had occurred with these very high tariffs was the equivalent of an embargo, and neither side wants that.

“We do want trade, we want more balanced trade, and I think that both sides are committed to achieving that.”

China’s commerce ministry said the agreement reached with the US was an important step to “resolve differences” and “lay the foundation to bridge differences and deepen co-operation”.

News of the agreement boosted stock markets, with Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index ending the day up 3%. China’s Shanghai Composite Index had closed before details of the deal came out, and ended 0.8% higher.

European stocks rose and early indications were that the main US stock markets will open up by 2-3%.

The deal has boosted shares in shipping companies, with Denmark’s Maersk up more than 12% and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd jumping 14%.

Maersk told the BBC the US-China agreement was “a step in the right direction”.

“We hope it can lay the foundation for the parties to also reach a permanent deal that can create the long-term predictability our customers need.”

However, the gold price – which has benefited from its safe-haven status in recent weeks given the disruption caused by the tariffs – fell 3% to $3,224.34 an ounce.

In a joint statement, both countries said they would establish “a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations”, led by Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng.

It added that both countries believe that “continued discussions have the potential to address the concerns of each side in their economic and trade relationship”.

President Trump has long been unhappy with the fact that the US buys substantially more goods from China than it sells it.

Other concerns include a lack of protection for the intellectual property rights of American companies in China including the forced transfer of technology.

There’s also unhappiness about alleged Chinese government subsidies that give their companies an unfair advantage – something Beijing says Washington also does.

When President Trump first announced the tariffs, he argued they would boost American manufacturing and protect jobs.

But many economists argued they would hit growth in the global economy, and make many products more expensive for US consumers.

Last month, the International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecast for the global economy for this year to 2.8% from 3.3%, arguing that the uncertainty caused by the tariffs would hit supply chains and lead to firms either pausing or cutting investment.