Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund , Dr Hannah Bissiw-Kotei

Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has expressed grave concern following the disappearance of 33 excavators that were in police custody after an anti-galamsey operation.

According to her, 40 excavators were handed over to the police for safekeeping because there were no lowbed vehicles available to transport the equipment from the galamsey sites.

However, speaking in an interview on Adom FM, Dr Bissiw-Kotei — who also serves as the National Women’s Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) — disclosed that only seven excavators remained when her team returned the following morning.

“We handed over 40 excavators to the police, but when we returned the next morning, only seven were left. I spoke with the Police Commander about the incident because I was unhappy with it. Right now, the seven we managed to recover are being held,” she said.

She added that the experience informed a change in strategy during her next operation at Atetem.

“So, during my next operation at Atetem, I went with engineers, as well as uniformed and plainclothes police and military officers. I also wore body armor because the last time we were ambushed and even came under fire. The engineers I brought along ensured that the excavators, which had trackers installed to prevent us from moving them, were successfully removed from the galamsey site.”

Since assuming her role, Dr Bissiw-Kotei has taken a firm stance in defense of mining communities.

The Minerals Development Fund has grown increasingly concerned about illegal mining activities, prompting threats from those benefiting from the galamsey operations.

Herh NDC 🤦‍♀️ 40 excavators seized but only 7 were found the following day. Hannah Bissiw, Administrator of Minerals Development fund. Chale what is this? Eiii hmm pic.twitter.com/X2uui5JdYU

— CHARLOTTE NICOLE 🕊 (@charllycolegh) July 1, 2025

Herh NDC 🤦‍♀️ 40 excavators seized but only 7 were found the following day. Hannah Bissiw, Administrator of Minerals Development fund. Chale what is this? Eiii hmm pic.twitter.com/X2uui5JdYU

— CHARLOTTE NICOLE 🕊 (@charllycolegh) July 1, 2025

KA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

The ongoing monitoring tour began with visits to quarry and salt mining sites in the Greater Accra

In its quest to increase royalty receipts from mining companies operating across the country, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF or the Fund) has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure players in the industry honour their obligations to the state.

The exercise, being carried out by the Business Development team of the Fund, is also meant to identify new entrants into the industry as part of efforts to update the list of companies eligible to pay royalties.

It is also designed to assess compliance with statutory royalty payments and to gain firsthand insights into the challenges confronting operators in the sector.

Under Ghana’s current legal framework, mining companies are required to pay five per cent of their total revenues as royalties to the state, with these payments forming a critical component of the country’s mineral revenue stream.

The ongoing monitoring tour began with visits to quarry and salt mining sites in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions of Ghana.

The team covered all quarry sites in Nsawam, Suhum, and Shai Hills. The team also visited salt mines in the Ada enclave, including Electrochem Salt and Dangbe Salt, among others.

During the tour, two emerging salt mines were identified, one of which is scheduled to commence production and sales in the next season.

The tour offered the team the opportunity to extensively review records pertaining to royalty payments. The team stressed the importance of full compliance to ensure the state derives its due share from mineral resources.

Some of the operators expressed concerns about increasing encroachment by nearby communities who were undertaking residential developments just meters from concession boundaries.

In his remarks, Head of Business Development, Dr Kennedy Abrokwa, said the industrial mineral sub-sector, encompassing quarries, salt, and related minerals, holds significant untapped potential for Ghana’s economy.

While we have made strides in monitoring and compliance, we observed that there is more room for improvement, and we will step up to achieve our objectives in the best interest of the state.

Dr Abrokwa noted that MIIF’s efforts, including the nationwide tour, underscores the Fund’s commitment to closing the royalty’s payment gap.

“By strengthening compliance, identifying new entrants, and addressing systemic challenges, we aim to unlock greater value for the nation.

The road ahead requires collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that Ghana derives its rightful share from these vital resources, fostering sustainable growth for the benefit of all citizens” he added.

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has extended his contract at English club AFC Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030, ending interest from top clubs in cluding Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs in the current transfer window.

Semenyo has been a key figure for the Cherries since joining them from Bristol City in January 2023.

Last season, Semenyo scored 11 Premier League goals and added five assists as the Vitality Park outfit made history by amassing their best points haul in the topflight.

“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” said an excited Semenyo after signing the contract.

“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club. It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner.”

President of the club’s Football Operation, Tiago Pinto, expressed delight after the striker signed the deal.

“Antoine has been crucial to the club’s progress and is a key member of the project here at Vitality Stadium.

“We have a great relationship with Antoine and we’re looking forward to continuing that as we hope to build on a record-breaking season. His commitment to the club matches our ambition and I’m excited to see what can be achieved as we prepare for the new campaign,” he said.

Semenyo has made 89 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and delivering ten assists to his name.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, says govern­ment will continue to invest into Technical, Vocational and Educa­tion, Training (TVET) to drive the country’s development.

He said the government was well aware of the sector’s impact on the economy, and was invest­ing in it to enable it realise its full potential.

Addressing TV students at the Methodist Technical Institute (MTI) at Kumasi-Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region yesterday, he expressed best wishes to them in their examination as they prepare to formally exit the second cycle institution.

He also visited some centres such as Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), Tweidie Technical Institute (TTI) and Business Secretariat Institute (BSTSI).

“As you’re beginning your first paper today, you’ll excel in all your papers. The president has asked me to convey to you through the minister that technical, voca­tional education is what is going to propel Ghana to achieve the development we want. And that is why the minister has announced the establishment of three addi­tional technical universities,” he observed.

Dr Apaak in his interaction with the learners assured them of government’s commitment to supporting Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana and said irrespective of the path they elected to take after school, the administration was going to lend its support to them.

“Those of you who want to continue from this level, we will make provision for you. Those who may want to practice by virtue of what you’ve learnt so far, we have also launched the Na­tional Apprenticeship Programme which you can take advantage of,” he assured the students.

Since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office in January, it has been pledging to give technical institutes and uni­versities the necessary infrastruc­tural support and facelift amid struggles with deplorable facilities by staff and students alike.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

outgoing Chief Manager, Ing Francis Lamptey of GWCL Volta Regional Office

As leadership transitions within the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) Volta Regional Office, the outgoing Chief Manager, Ing Francis Lamptey, has made a passionate call for continuity and commitment to sustain the gains made in water delivery across the Volta Region.

Speaking in an interview with Class News, Ing Lamptey emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum built under his stewardship.

“We have gotten to a point where any drop in performance would suggest that what we did was cosmetic,” he said.

He stated that the incoming leadership must demonstrate the same level of dedication to ensure the progress became permanent.

He expressed confidence in the team he was leaving behind and noted that for at least two years, systems put in place should sustain operations as the new leader’s vision was gradually integrated.

Ing Lamptey highlighted key achievements, disclosing that by the end of July, the region should see full operational capacity at all production centers, helping improve reliability.

While current water distribution allowed many communities access only once a week, he expressed optimism that post IMF in 2026, GWCL could expand services to ensure 24/7 water access.

He noted that a significant demand supply gap existed, but a robust demand management plan had been instituted to manage expectations and guide household storage behaviour effectively.

Customer satisfaction, according to Ing Lamptey, had been a priority.

“When we are unable to deliver, we do not go silent. We engage the media and explain,” he said, hoping this culture of transparency would continue.

He further revealed progress with key infrastructure, such as the expected arrival and installation of the switchgear for Kpeve by July to prevent service disruptions to Ho Municipality and surrounding valley areas. He also mentioned plans to sink the Nua borehole after successful engagements with Ketu North Traditional Authorities.

Looking to the future, Ing Lamptey proposed a major investment initiative combining four to five boreholes into a single farm to serve both the immediate area and its outskirts.

While acknowledging Volta Regional Minister James Gunu’s increasingly demanding schedule, he stated that critical reports and recommendations will be handed over to aid further investment efforts.

He urged close collaboration with stakeholders, including Gunu, and traditional leaders, who he acknowledged had been instrumental in GWCL’s progress in the region.

“I trust the team I worked with will do even more,” he commented.

He reaffirmed his belief in the continuity of vision and commitment to reliable water supply across the Volta Region.

Intel’s new chief executive is exploring a big change to its contract manufacturing business to win major customers, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters, in a potentially expensive shift from his predecessor’s plans.

If implemented, the new strategy for what Intel calls its “foundry” business would entail no longer marketing certain chipmaking technology, which the company had long developed, to external customers, the people said.

It has been a good year for gold. A host of turbulent events in the global economy has driven up prices for the glittery commodity to record highs in 2025.

In a world of tariffs and international conflict, gold appeals to investors as one of the few remaining stable assets. Everyone wants a piece of the action, from central banks to large institutions like hedge funds, and retail investors. But few know where their gold comes from, or much about the conflicts it may be fuelling in the countries where it is mined.

For the governments of West Africa’s Sahel region, the stakes are even higher. Gold is a lifeline for the military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who are beleaguered by jihadist insurgencies, regional isolation, and the ravages of climate change.

“Because gold prices have been at a historic high… the military governments are hoping that they will be able to benefit directly,” Beverly Ochieng, a senior researcher at global consultancy firm Control Risks, told the BBC.

Together, the three Sahel states produce around 230 tonnes of gold per year, according to the World Gold Council’s estimates, or about $15bn (£11bn) at the current market rate.

A lack of records for artisanal and small-scale gold mining means that this figure is probably an underestimate.

The combined gold production in these three states surpasses any other country in Africa, making the Sahel region a major global contributor to the gold market.

The governments say that the proceeds from the lucrative sector are benefitting citizens through increased “sovereignty” – though Russian firms are increasing their stake in the industry at the expense of Western-owned firms.

For example, Mali’s junta leader Gen Assimi Goïta laid the foundation stone last month for a gold refinery, in which a Russian conglomerate, the Yadran Group, will have a minority stake. The refinery will reportedly create 500 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.

Burkina Faso is also building its first-ever gold refinery and has set up a state-owned mining company, requiring foreign firms to give it a 15% stake in their local operations and to transfer skills to Burkinabé people.

Fake AI media campaigns have even been launched to celebrate the country’s charismatic 37-year-old military ruler Capt Ibrahim Traoré, for commanding such an important revenue stream for the nation.

“Mining gold from deepest dirt. But souls are rich and true,” croons an AI-generated Rihanna in one recent song, pouring her silky, auto-tuned praise on Capt Traoré.

The reality is very different, according to Ms Ochieng, who explained that Burkina Faso and its neighbours need quick cash to fund counterinsurgency campaigns.

In the case of Mali, much of this has been outsourced to Russian mercenaries, including the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, which falls under the command of Russia’s defence ministry.

Africa Corps has been involved in military training in Burkina Faso, but the junta officially denies its presence.

Although public spending transparency in the countries is poor, the governments are thought to devote large portions of their budgets to national security.

Military spending in Mali trebled since 2010, amounting to 22% of the national budget by 2020.

The governments are fighting jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS).

But campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Malian government and the Wagner Group of committing atrocities against civilians, including unlawful killings, summary executions, and torture.

It has documented similar atrocities by Burkina Faso’s military and its allied militias.

For their services, the Wagner Group and now Africa Corps are often paid directly in gold or in mining concessions, according to Alex Vines of the London-based Chatham House think-tank.

“Very little [of the gold revenues] will trickle down to Malians and Burkinabés,” he told the BBC, adding that in fact the armed insurgents themselves may be benefiting from gold.

Since the coup in Mali in 2021, brutal government tactics against communities suspected of harbouring or sympathising with jihadists have increased, pushing more civilians to join the very groups they are fighting.

Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate which is the most active jihadist group in the region, staged an unprecedented number of attacks targeting Burkina Faso military during the first half of 2025, a sign of the group’s growing strength.

The armed groups are also literally cashing in on the increased global appetite for gold.

A large proportion of gold mining in the Sahel is from the artisanal and small-scale sector, which is often informal, meaning it takes place on unlicensed and undeclared sites away from government oversight, according to a 2023 report on gold mining in the Sahel by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Armed groups, including jihadist groups, and Sahel governments are in competition for control over many of these small-scale gold mines.

Gold provides an important revenue stream for militant groups, which appear to be expanding their territorial influence in both Mali and Burkina Faso.

The UNODC believes that most gold from this type of mining ends up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a global centre for gold refining and trading.

“You do see overlap of violent extremist groups moving onto artisanal production areas for control,” said Dr Vines.

The global spike in gold prices may be prolonging and exacerbating conflict in the Sahel – but, unfortunately for the diggers in artisanal gold mines, it has not led to owners increasing their wages.

One gold miner in Mali’s northern Kidal region agreed to respond to written questions from the BBC on condition of anonymity, for fear of his safety.

He estimated that, on a “good day”, he earns 10,000 to 20,000 CFA francs, or approximately $18 to $36 (£13 to £26).

The amount he is paid has not increased alongside global gold prices, he said.

“Prices went up, but the extra profit goes to mine owners… It’s risky and uncertain, but for many of us, it’s the only option,” he added.

Dr Vines, who formerly worked as a blood diamond investigator for the UN, is concerned that gold has become Africa’s new main conflict commodity.

He noted that gold has not received the same international attention as diamonds, which fuelled bloodshed in several African states throughout the 20th Century, especially during the 1990s.

Intervention by human rights groups and the UN led to the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003, which did much to end the sale of so-called “blood diamonds” on the open market.

But attempts to crack down on “blood gold” have been less successful.

This is partly due to a lack of unified ethical standards. The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), a major authority in the gold market, requires refiners to comply with standards based on guidelines set by a global body, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OED).

The UAE’s enforcement of these regulations has historically been patchy.

In 2021, the country announced its own standards for ethical gold mining – however, the framework remains voluntary. The issue of enforcement has caused tensions in the past between the Gulf state and the LBMA.

Tracing technology represents another hurdle.

“There is no ‘DNA testing’ for gold. With a lot of effort, you can trace diamonds before they get polished and cut… But I haven’t seen ways of tracing the origins of a gold nugget,” Dr Vines said.

Gold is smelted early on in the value chain, making it nearly impossible to trace and connect to potential conflict zones, he explained.

Dr Vines believes that it is likely that some blood gold from the Sahel ends up in UK markets.

“[Gold] gets smelted in [the] UAE, then goes onto the jewellery manufacturing industry, or into dentistry, or bullion. Some of it clearly comes into the UK. And once it is here, there is no way of testing what it is.”

Another reason that it will be difficult to repeat the successes of the Kimberley process, according to Dr Vines, is because the certification system was not designed to deal with state governments.

“Kimberley was designed to deal with armed non-state actors in places like Sierra Leone and Liberia,” he said.

For now, gold’s importance for Sahel governments and the patchy enforcement of ethical gold standards mean that the commodity is likely to continue changing hands, regardless of its origin.

Unfortunately for some communities in the Sahel, that may mean paying for the trade in blood.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant five-nation tour beginning on Wednesday, marking a major diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening India’s global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This eight-day tour will take the Prime Minister to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with his first stop in Ghana, a country that no Indian Prime Minister has visited in the past three decades.

First Indian PM to visit Ghana in past three years

PM Modi’s visit to Ghana from July 2 to 3 marks his first-ever trip to the West African nation. Furthermore, this visit also marks the first by an Indian prime minister in 30 years. During his time in Accra, PM Modi will be received with full ceremonial honours at Kotoka International Airport at 8:00 p.m. IST.

“Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana,” PM Modi said in a statement released before his departure.

ALSO READ: A Decade Of Digital India, Writes PM Narendra Modi

He will then proceed to Jubilee House for a series of bilateral engagements with President John Dramani Mahama, including high-level talks and a joint press statement. A state dinner hosted by President Mahama will conclude the day’s official schedule. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides are expected to review their robust bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for deepening cooperation in economic, energy, defence, and development sectors.

India-Ghana relations

India and Ghana share longstanding ties, with India playing a key role in supporting Ghana’s development through capacity building and investment. Following his engagements in Ghana, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, followed by a visit to Argentina. From there, he will head to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in 2025, and finally conclude his tour in Namibia.

PM Modi to attend BRICS Summit

The Prime Minister is travelling to Brazil at the invitation of its President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, This will be the Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Set To Join BRICS Summit In Brazil: What’s On The Table And Why Is It Significant

“I will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6-7 July. As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order.  On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South,” said PM Modi in a depearture message.

(With inputs from agency)

Police in Singapore can now seize control of a person’s bank account and block money transfers if they suspect the person is being scammed, under a new law that kicked in on Tuesday.

The move is aimed at addressing a common issue faced by the police, where victims often refuse to believe they are being scammed despite warnings, authorities have said.

The law was passed earlier this year by lawmakers, though some members of parliament have described the measure as intrusive.

Singapore has seen a worsening problem with scams, which surged to a record S$1.1 billion ($860m; £630m) in 2024 in the island-state.

Under the new Protection from Scams Act, the police can order banks to block a potential victim from making transactions if they suspect the person is being scammed.

Police can also block a potential victim’s use of ATMs and credit services.

The decision can be taken by a police officer even if the potential victim does not believe warnings that they are being scammed.

The bank account owner will still have access to his funds for legitimate reasons, such as to pay for their daily expenses and bills, but can only use their money at the discretion of the police, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The MHA has said that a potential victim’s bank account can be controlled by the police for up to 30 days at a time, with the option for a maximum of five extensions if more time is needed.

Critics of the law have raised concerns over accountability and the possibility of abuse of power. In Parliament in January, some MPs suggested allowing citizens to opt out of the law, or giving people the option to nominate someone else to freeze their transactions instead of the authorities.

But proponents have said that the law is needed to stem the huge losses incurred by victims and to protect them.

The MHA said the decision would be based on the facts offered by the individual and family members. “The restriction order will only be issued as a last resort, after other options to convince the individual have been exhausted,” it said in a statement.

The number of reported scams in Singapore has grown from around 15,600 cases in 2020 to more than 50,000 cases in 2024.

Common scams in Singapore include job and investment scams, and e-commerce fraud where users are duped into paying for items they never receive. Many are also increasingly falling prey to internet love scams, where fraudsters spend months building online relationships before tricking victims into sending money.

The new law is the latest anti-scam measure authorities have rolled out in Singapore. Since 2023, bank users can lock up a portion of money in their account so that they cannot be transferred digitally.

Most banks also have an emergency “kill switch” that lets customers freeze their bank accounts immediately if they suspect it has been compromised.

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.

play videoGoosie Tanoh is the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy

Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh, has projected that Ghana’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy initiative will attract an estimated $4 billion in private sector investment over the next few years.

Speaking ahead of the official launch of the policy on Monday, June 30, 2025, Tanoh highlighted the initiative’s core objective of fostering long-term industrial growth, creating sustainable jobs, and boosting the country’s export competitiveness.

“The total investment required is about $4 billion times ten, so GH¢400 billion. We hope it stays that way, and most of it is going to come from the private sector,” he stated.

He emphasised that the policy will focus on key structural reforms to make Ghana a more attractive destination for businesses, particularly in light of the growing trend of firms relocating to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire due to more favorable business conditions.

“One of the problems investors have faced in Ghana, and I’m sure you’ve all heard this, is the unpredictable and incoherent incentive regimes, the high cost of operations, and under-the-table payments and corruption. Some companies have moved to Ivory Coast, where it’s easier to do business. Our aim is to reverse that,” he added.

Tanoh further explained that the 24-Hour Economy will focus on three main pillars: a coherent and transparent performance-based incentive regime, improved infrastructure, and secured industrial lands free from title disputes.

“The key components are a coherent, practical, transparent incentive regime with very little discretion—that’s how we eliminate corruption. Secondly, we will build ecological paths to ensure both domestic and foreign investors have access to land without litigation or disputes,” he explained.

The 24-Hour Economy, a flagship policy of the current administration, is expected to transform Ghana’s economic landscape by encouraging round-the-clock industrial activity, increasing productivity, and strengthening the country’s export base.

SP/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Ghana’s ambitious quest to revitalise its poultry sector confronts a fundamental reality: its smallholder base profoundly shapes the agricultural landscape. Over 80 per cent of Ghanaian farms are typically less than two hectares (MoFA, 2022). 

Yet, a multitude of formidable challenges consistently impedes their growth and competitiveness.

While the undeniable efficiency of large-scale operations holds significant allure, the most sustainable path forward for Ghana’s agricultural industry in the medium term critically depends on empowering these numerous smallholder farmers, transforming them into efficient, resilient contributors. 

In this context, the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model has proven particularly effective. Its broad applicability spans various agricultural commodities, extending well before and beyond just poultry.

The VSLA revolution: A grassroots powerhouse

VSLAs are not just microfinance schemes; they are community-based engines of empowerment. Imagine a collective where individuals, often in rural and underserved areas, pool their meagre savings, building a shared fund from which members can borrow at low-interest rates. 

This transparent, self-managed system, governed by elected officers and with clear bylaws, rebuilds trust where formal banks often fail. Women dominate these groups and are led by women. 

Crucially for smallholder farmers (SHFs), these groups offer immediate, collateral-free loans for critical needs.  

Beyond credit, VSLAs enable collective procurement of inputs. By aggregating demand, groups can negotiate substantial bulk discounts on inputs, significantly driving down costs for each farmer and streamlining the supply chain. This collective muscle transforms individual struggles into shared strength.

A 2019 report by Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, referencing the Savings Groups Information Exchange, revealed that VSLAs in Ghana had mobilised $56 million in savings among more than 850,000 members, primarily women in rural and peri-urban areas. 

Globally, CARE—pioneer of the model—estimates that VSLAs now control over $1 billion in savings annually, underscoring their transformative potential.

Beyond finance: Knowledge, tech and resilience

The impact of VSLAs extends far beyond financial transactions. Their weekly gatherings naturally evolve into informal farmer field schools, where members organically share invaluable agronomic tips and demonstrate new techniques. 

This peer-to-peer learning creates a robust, localised extension service. Furthermore, VSLAs are proving to be powerful gateways for ICT4Ag services. Digital tools, such as mobile-based savings ledgers, SMS alerts for market prices, or even weather advisories, become highly cost-effective when deployed to an existing, cohesive group. 

These groups foster digital literacy, turning early adopters into trainers who rapidly multiply technological know-how across the community.

The impact is tangible: lenders across the spectrum, from commercial banks, through rural banks to input credit providers, all attest to the high repayment behaviour of the VSLAs.

Also, numerous studies show that VSLA members were twice as likely to purchase improved seeds and agrochemicals. In northern Ghana, VSLA-affiliated SHFs reported a 30 per cent increase in off-season vegetable production, spurred by micro-credit for irrigation. 

Fortifying the future: Social protection and embedded insurance

To truly make these VSLAs resilient and propel the agricultural sector forward, we must integrate crucial layers of protection. Smallholder farmers, particularly in rural areas, face disproportionate risks from climate change (floods, droughts) and personal vulnerabilities (illness, accidents, ageing). 

Here, VSLAs can evolve to become platforms for comprehensive social protection products. By leveraging their social funds, VSLAs can offer microinsurance cover for life, death, on-farm accidents, hospitalisation and contribute to informal pensions. 

This layered protection safeguards livelihoods and prevents minor shocks from becoming catastrophic setbacks. For poultry farmers, this could mean specific coverage for disease outbreaks, unexpected flock mortality or losses due to extreme weather, ensuring they can rebuild without spiralling into debt.

Furthermore, fostering resilience and mitigation demands innovative financial tools. Embedded insurance models that bundle crucial crop and livestock insurance with VSLA financial products can be deployed.

Imagine an agric-loan or input credit that automatically includes climate-risk insurance, protecting the farmer’s investment against unforeseen weather patterns.

This approach de-risks the entire value chain, encouraging greater investment and more sustainable practices.

By promoting widespread awareness and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and ICT4Ag tools—providing critical support for informed decisions on optimal planting date, input selection and enhanced productivity— farmers are empowered to navigate a changing climate. 

Market access and value addition

Even with enhanced production, the smallholder poultry and crop farmers often struggle to access lucrative markets. VSLAs offer a powerful solution. 

By pooling their produce, members can collectively meet larger market demands, negotiate better prices with buyers and reduce individual transportation costs. 

This aggregated volume makes them more attractive to larger off-takers, including hotels, restaurants and even formal processing plants that might otherwise overlook individual smallholders.

VSLAs can facilitate direct linkages to these markets, bypassing exploitative middlemen and ensuring farmers receive a fairer share of the value chain. 

Moreover, groups can collectively invest in basic value addition, such as improved cleaning, packaging or even small-scale processing equipment, which can significantly enhance the marketability and profitability of their poultry products. This shift from scattered sellers to organised suppliers is a game-changer.

Policy pathways

For VSLAs to truly revolutionise Ghana’s agricultural sector, supportive policy is paramount.

Government and development partners must recognise VSLAs as key agents of change, moving beyond short-term projects to integrate them into national agricultural development strategies. This includes:

•    Formal recognition and capacity building: Providing legal recognition and tailored training for VSLA leadership in governance, financial management and cooperative principles.

•    Support to form Apex VSLA (or VSLA Federation/Network): A secondary-level organisation formed by multiple, mature, individual VSLAs that come together to collectively pool larger capital, provide bigger loans and access more sophisticated financial services and market opportunities beyond what a single group can achieve.

•    Linking VSLAs to formal finance: Creating pathways for successful VSLAs to transition into or partner with formal financial institutions, allowing them to access larger credit lines and expand their operations. This could involve guarantees or blended finance mechanisms.

Conclusion

The journey to revive Ghana’s poultry sector is complex, but the path of empowering smallholder farmers through resilient VSLA models offers a powerful, proven solution. 

By championing their access to flexible finance, fostering collective action in input procurement, leveraging peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, embracing digital innovation, streamlining market access, facilitating value addition and crucially integrating robust social protection and embedded insurance, we can transform the landscape. 

These tools are not mere additions; they are the bedrock upon which our smallholder farmers can build unshakeable resilience, driving the agricultural sector—and, indeed, Ghana’s economic renewal—confidently forward.

CUTS International has announced plans to seek a court injunction against the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over its approval of new electricity tariffs, accusing the regulator of failing to address inefficiencies at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The move follows PURC’s recent announcement of a 2.45% increase in electricity tariffs for all customer categories, which took effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Water tariffs, however, remain unchanged.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 1, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, stated that PURC’s continued approval of tariffs despite ECG’s unresolved technical and commercial losses is unacceptable.

“For us as an organisation, what we intend to do is go to court to also mandate PURC not to approve tariffs for ECG, until ECG can address the inefficiencies in the energy sector. Already we know that there are a lot of technical and commercial losses which are unacceptable,” he said.

He stressed that the Commission appears more focused on burdening consumers than holding ECG accountable.

“PURC is unable to tell the ECG to bring those losses down, but anytime PURC is looking at the low-hanging fruits, taxing you and me to pay, and that is where we can go to court to put further injunction on any tariff review,” Mr. Adomako added.

An emotional Coco Gauff said she will need to “make changes” to be successful at Wimbledon after she was knocked out in the first round on a day of shocks at the All England Club.

The American second seed was beaten 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 by Ukraine world number 42 Dayana Yastremska on a packed Court One under the roof.

Gauff, 21, was a contender for the title at SW19 following her triumph at Roland Garros less than a month ago.

But a performance strewn with double faults and unforced errors handed Yastremska a rare opportunity against the world number two and she grasped it with both hands to reach the second round.

Gauff teared up as she expressed “disappointment” at the loss and said she would do things differently in the build-up to the grass-court swing next time, particularly after a deep run at the French Open.

“I think it’s just changing my playing style a little bit, which is difficult,” she said.

“I have faith that if I can make these adjustments, I can do well here. I really do want to do well here.

“I’m not someone who wants to write myself off grass this early in my career, but I definitely need to make changes if I want to be successful here.”

The shock result follows first-round exits for fellow top-five seeds Jessica Pegula and Zheng Qinwen on day two at the Championships.

American third seed Pegula lost 6-2 6-3 to Italy’s world number 116 Elisabetta Cocciaretto, while Olympic champion Zheng went down 7-5 4-6 6-1 to Katerina Siniakova.

Gauff questions Wimbledon preparations

Just three and a half weeks ago, Gauff was on top of the world, having lifted the trophy at Roland Garros after beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

But a lacklustre performance laden with mistakes on her unfavoured surface saw the two-time major winner head out early against the unseeded Yastremska, leading her to question her build-up to the grass-court major.

“I just feel like the surface, I maybe could have used more matches,” she said.

“If you go deep in Roland Garros, you’re debating: ‘do I rush and play that week, or do I take time and play the week before?’ It’s a tricky thing.

“It’s like finding the puzzle. I don’t like to play the week before. It’s a quick turnaround, so I think just trying to learn whether it’s better to train more and maybe play Bad Homburg or Eastbourne.

“If that time comes around again, I’ll approach it differently.”

Since winning her first title on the Paris clay last month Gauff has played just one match, a first-round defeat by qualifier Wang Xinyu of China at the Berlin Open.

In that match, she was plagued by double faults, and those demons were back to haunt her again at SW19.

Gauff recorded nine double faults and 29 unforced errors compared with just six winners and struggled against Yastremska’s aggressive style and powerful ground strokes.

Success on grass continues to elude her, with Wimbledon the only Grand Slam where Gauff is yet to reach the last eight.

Pegula records ‘worst result of year’ as Zheng also falls

Pegula said her first-round exit earlier on Tuesday was her “worst result of the year” as she was beaten by a player ranked 113 places below her.

The 31-year-old had heavy strapping on her right knee but said that did not bother her as she was dismantled in just 58 minutes on Court Two by Cocciaretto.

“This is definitely probably the worst result I’ve had all year,” the American said.

“I’ve been winning lots of matches. It’s just all about it having to come together for two weeks. Sometimes it doesn’t quite all align when you need it to.”

Pegula has only once gone beyond the quarter-final stage of a major – at last year’s US Open, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the final – and has gone out before the last eight in all three Grand Slam tournaments since.

This marks her worst performance at a major since the 2020 French Open.

Less than three hours later, she was followed out of the door by Chinese fifth seed Zheng after a grass-court lesson from doubles champion Siniakova.

Siniakova, who has won the Wimbledon women’s doubles title three times, showed her grass-court pedigree to ensure Zheng’s challenge ended at the first hurdle for the third year in a row. It was the Czech who also knocked her out at the same stage two years ago.

Polish eighth seed Iga Swiatek advanced with a comprehensive 7-5 6-1 victory over Russia’s Polina Kudermetova.

Teenager Mirra Andreeva was also a 6-3 6-3 winner against Egypt’s Mayar Sherif while 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina cruised through with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Armenia’s Elina Avanesyan.

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.

MEST Africa releases transforming lives and shaping futures

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) has released Transforming Lives, Shaping Futures: AgTech in Ghana, a five-part docu-series that is now streaming on its social media channels.

The series follows Complete Farmer, Agro Innova and Farmerline, AgTech Companies, as equip smallholder farmers with digital tools that raise yields, open markets, and build climate resilience across the country.

In 2022, Ghana imported roughly US$2.6 billion in food and farm products—a cost driven by low on-farm productivity, post-harvest losses of up to 50 percent, patchy storage, transport, and limited local processing.

The series sets this backdrop in the fields, weaving on-site footage with voices of farmers, AgTech founders, sector experts, and agronomists to show how home-grown AgTech is narrowing the gap: lifting yields, linking smallholders to new markets, and building a climate-resilient, more self-reliant food system.

“By putting real farmers and founders side-by-side on screen, we show how technology grounded in local know-how can be both practical and profitable,” said Greg Coussa, Strategic Director at MEST Africa. “Climate change isn’t a distant forecast for Ghana’s farmers—it’s the weather they work in every day. This series proves that the same tech-and-talent partnership can turn climate risk into resilience, strengthening food systems for tomorrow while delivering prosperity today.”

Across the five episodes, viewers see technology applied in real time—from precision weather alerts that help farmers time their planting, to data-driven supply chains that shorten the road from field to market.

The series shows that when locally built solutions meet the everyday realities of Ghana’s smallholders, the results are tangible: higher yields, steadier incomes, and farming practices that can withstand erratic rains and rising temperatures.

“Digital tools are finally giving Ghana’s farmers the information, markets, and predictability they’ve always needed,” said Desmond Koney, CEO of Complete Farmer, a MEST Portfolio Company. “Sharing our story through MEST’s docu-series lets us show—practically—how tech can turn daily challenges into stable, growing livelihoods for smallholders.”

Founded on the conviction that ‘talent is everywhere yet opportunity is not’, MEST Africa has spent more than 17 years turning that gap into growth, training over 2,000 tech entrepreneurs and backing 90-plus startups across fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and now AgTech.

‘Transforming Lives, Shaping Futures: AgTech in Ghana’ carries that work to the farmgate, documenting how home-grown digital solutions are already helping smallholders boost yields, reach new markets, and weather a changing climate. All five episodes are live on MEST’s social channels, with wider distribution to follow on YouTube, national broadcasters, and international platforms.

Parliament has approved a $360 million financing agreement between the Government of Ghana and the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to support the country’s post-crisis economic recovery and long-term resilience.

The facility—part of the Second Resilient Recovery Development Policy Financing (DPF) operation—is expected to bolster Ghana’s fiscal consolidation efforts, strengthen the financial sector, promote energy sector reforms, and enhance social and climate resilience.

The agreement was laid before the House and reviewed by the Finance Committee, which presented its report in Parliament this week. According to the Committee, the funds are crucial to sustaining the current momentum in macroeconomic stabilisation and implementing reforms under the government’s Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).

Key Areas of Focus

The financing is structured around three main pillars:

1. Restoring Fiscal Sustainability – The facility will help consolidate gains made under the IMF-supported programme, particularly in domestic revenue mobilisation, public financial management, and debt transparency.

2. Strengthening Financial Sector Stability and Energy Sector Reform – It aims to enhance the operational and financial viability of the energy sector and improve risk-based supervision of financial institutions.

3. Enhancing Social, Climate, and Economic Resilience – This includes expanding access to social protection, addressing gender gaps, and improving climate-responsive planning and spending.

Favourable Terms

The loan comes with highly concessional terms, including a 1.25% service charge, no interest, a 5-year grace period, and a 30-year repayment schedule. The Committee emphasised that the facility is aligned with Ghana’s medium-term debt strategy and will not unduly burden the country’s debt sustainability outlook.

Background and Context

This facility is part of a broader World Bank support package to Ghana, which also includes investment lending and technical assistance. It complements earlier budgetary support under the first Resilient Recovery DPF and is designed to reinforce ongoing reforms under Ghana’s IMF programme.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Isaac Adongo, recommended the agreement for adoption after noting that the terms were favourable and the intended reforms were essential for building a more resilient and inclusive economy.

The motion was subsequently adopted by Parliament, clearing the way for the Ministry of Finance to access the funds and commence implementation of the outlined policy actions.

Business leaders at the Ghana Outstanding Business Achievement Awards forum

The Technical Director of Monty Prestige Engineering and Consultancy Limited (MPEC), Anthony Herbert Montford, along with several business leaders, has called on the government to enhance support for startups and local enterprises.

He argues that targeted support for startups is a key strategy to tackle unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth.

“If we want to see long-term, sustainable economic growth, we must prioritise the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.

“Our company was founded in 2016, and the journey hasn’t been easy. For both local and international mining firms to now trust us with their equipment is not just a win for MPEC, it shows how local businesses can thrive with the right support,” he pointed out.

He made the appeal during the 2025 edition of the Ghana Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (GOBAA) forum, held in Accra.

Several award recipients echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the urgent need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to make existing support programmes more transparent, accessible, and impactful.

Head of Finance at Zipline, Samuel Nsiah Ansong, also weighed in on the topic, noting that improved partnerships could create more jobs for the youth.

“With enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can create more job opportunities in security and logistics, particularly for the youth,” he said after Zipline was named Best Security Service Company.

Country Manager of Cosmo Cosmetics Ghana, Comfort T. Nomo, also highlighted how the macroeconomic environment has presented new business opportunities.

“The recent depreciation of the dollar has actually helped create more revenue and jobs in the importation sector,” she said.

“Cosmo Cosmetics is here to stay, and we have plans underway to expand our brand reach across the region.”

According to recent data from the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contribute more than 70% to the country’s GDP and provide nearly 80% of private-sector employment.

However, many SMEs continue to face persistent challenges, including limited access to financing, inadequate regulatory support, and a lack of technical expertise.

SSD/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cautioned the public against engaging with investment products promoted by News GH and Ghana News, describing both entities as unlicensed and operating outside Ghana’s regulatory framework.

According to the SEC, the two companies have been using social media platforms to advertise unapproved investment schemes. News GH is reportedly promoting a scheme called the “Gold AI Rise Platform,” while Ghana News is offering an unnamed product that promises unrealistically high returns with no associated risk.

In a statement issued on July 1, 2025, the Commission stated that neither News GH nor Ghana News is licensed to conduct capital market activities under Section 3 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), as amended.

As part of its investor protection mandate, the SEC has launched enforcement actions in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals behind the schemes.

The Commission is also urging the public to remain vigilant and verify the regulatory status of any investment offer through official SEC channels before participating.

The advisory was issued pursuant to Sections 3 and 208(c) of the Securities Industry Act, reinforcing the SEC’s commitment to protecting investors from fraudulent and unregulated market operators.

Majority of Ghanaians believe Ghana is headed in the right direction – Global InfoAnalytics