In a move to restore dignity to women living with obstetric fistula, Ghana has launched a nationwide initiative offering free surgeries in five major hospitals.

The initiative, led by the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIC), aims to eliminate one of the most debilitating childbirth-related conditions by providing comprehensive care and reintegration support to survivors.

The designated hospitals now offering free fistula repairs include Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi), Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region), Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region), Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region), and Upper West Regional Hospital.

The announcement was made by Dr. Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), during a commemorative event on May 23 at Ho Teaching Hospital marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

“This year, we decided to take the conversation out of the conference rooms and into clinics and communities,” Dr. Ochan emphasized, underscoring the need to confront the stigma and isolation that fistula survivors endure.

Obstetric fistula, caused primarily by prolonged or obstructed labour, results in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces.

Beyond the physical trauma, affected women often suffer severe psychological and social rejection ,many lose their babies, are abandoned by spouses, and are excluded from basic social activities.

Restoring Hope, One Surgery at a Time

PEFIC, officially launched in December 2023 by former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has rapidly grown from seven founding partners to 18 institutions.

These include ministries, health facilities, international organizations like WHO and WFP, and private sector players such as Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and AT (formerly AirtelTigo).

Non-governmental organizations such as Qatar Charity and MCAM are also contributing significantly to the campaign.

Qatar Charity is building a shelter for fistula patients in Yendi, providing a safe space for recovery and reintegration.

At the same time, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is constructing a new surgical theatre in Tamale to support the increased demand for repairs and improve access to quality care in the Northern Region.

The estimated cost per patient around $700 covers transportation, surgery, and two weeks of recovery care.

While the Ghana Health Service provides the clinical workforce and infrastructure, other partners support with logistics, public education, and infrastructure projects.

“It’s not just about performing the surgery,” Dr. Ochan noted. “We must ensure each woman is transported safely, given a place to heal, and supported to rejoin her family and community.”

From Donor Dependency to National Ownership

What began with a modest $60,000 in donor support has evolved into a nationally-owned, multi-sectoral campaign.

Ghana’s move toward self-sufficiency is a beacon of hope for countries battling similar maternal health challenges.

With skilled delivery care now covering 87-88% of births in health facilities, the nation is making visible strides but challenges remain.

Ghana’s maternal mortality rate stands at approximately 310 deaths per 100,000 live births, and for every death, about 20 women suffer serious complications many of which are preventable, like obstetric fistula.

How to Access the Free Surgery

Women in need of fistula repair can contact the following hospitals:

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi) – 057 020 2800

Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region) – 027 939 0179

Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region) – 027 701 3270

Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region) – 027 523 2127

Upper West Regional Hospital – 055 849 6307

A Future Free of Fistula

With this new campaign, Ghana is not only treating a condition it is restoring dignity, empowering women, and setting a global example.

“We’ve moved from dependency to sustainability,” said Dr. Ochan. “This is what national commitment to maternal health looks like.”

As the country accelerates efforts to eradicate obstetric fistula by 2030, the collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and international agencies marks a hopeful turning point in the lives of thousands of women.

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.

Accra, May 23,GNA-Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Limited has inaugurated a new 532kWp grid-tied solar power system at its Tema factory.

This system is projected to generate an average of 50.51 MWh of electricity per month, providing 55% of the plant’s daytime power needs.

The 900 photovoltaic modules installed are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 11.7 tonnes per quarter.

This renewable energy source will cover 25% of the plant’s overall energy consumption, which is used to produce various cables for building, industry, and infrastructure.

The project was commissioned by Daystar Power, a hybrid solar energy provider for businesses and industrial manufacturers in Africa and a member of the Shell Group.

The official unveiling was attended by Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, and Mr Jules-Armand Aniambossou, French Ambassador to Ghana.

Key figures commented on the inauguration:
Mr. Alexander Quarcoopome , Chief Executive Officer of Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Ltd, stated that the achievement was a key milestone in their E3 journey, focusing on economic performance, environmental impact reduction, and community engagement.

He emphasized the company’s commitment to leading Ghana’s energy transition and demonstrating that sustainability and industry excellence could go hand in hand.

Mr Alex Quarcoopome added; “I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our strategic partner, the National Investment Bank (NIB), for its invaluable contributions to our journey over the years. NIB’s support has gone far beyond financial investment—it reflects a deep and consistent commitment to driving industrial growth and advancing Ghana’s economic development.

Their partnership with Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Ltd, stands as a strong testament to their dedication to empowering local industries and fostering sustainable national progress.”

Mr Jules-Armand Aniambossou, French Ambassador to Ghana, expressed pride in Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana setting an example for sustainable industrial development and highlighted the project as a demonstration of private sector leadership in climate action.

Mr Victor Ezenwoko, Ghana Country Head of Daystar Power, noted that the project was an example of how companies could adopt solar energy to meet carbon emission targets and save on energy costs.

He also expressed pride in having their first ground-mounted system in Ghana located in the country’s leading manufacturing hub.

Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Ltd, established in 1968, is the first cable manufacturer in the region and a leading producer of electrical cables in Ghana.

The Tema factory operates under stringent international standards like IEC and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certifications, reflecting its dedication to quality, environmental sustainability, and occupational health and safety.

The company’s product range serves various sectors including energy, housing, infrastructure, construction, and mining.
Nexans, the parent company, has been involved in electrification for over a century and aims to electrify the future.

With approximately 28,500 employees in 41 countries, Nexans is committed to safe, sustainable, and decarbonized electricity for all.

In 2024, Nexans generated €7.1 billion in standard sales. The Group leads in designing and manufacturing cable systems and services across four business areas: PWR-Transmission, PWR-Grid, PWR-Connect, and Industry & Solutions.

Nexans was also the first in its industry to establish a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives and providing energy access to disadvantaged communities globally.

The Group is recognized for its climate action and has committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2050, aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

GNA

Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong

The Ghana Audit Service has firmly rejected claims made by the University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) concerning its recent audit report on the university’s employee compensation.

The Service maintains that its findings—highlighting a GH¢59.2 million overstatement in employee compensation between 2022 and 2024—are accurate and conducted in full compliance with internationally recognized auditing standards.

UTAG-UG had challenged the Auditor-General’s report at a press conference on May 20, describing the findings as “misleading” and accusing the Audit Service of failing to adequately engage with the university’s management.

In a press release dated May 23, 2025, the Audit Service dismissed these criticisms, urging the public to disregard UTAG-UG’s assertions. It stressed that its audits are conducted in accordance with International Standards for Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and Ghana’s legal framework, including the 1992 Constitution, the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), and the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584).

The Service clarified that audit reports are not designed to “disallow legitimate payments” but to ensure compliance with financial regulations and prevent mismanagement of public funds. It reiterated that its audits intend to correct irregularities and promote accountability, not to damage the reputation of any institution.

Addressing UTAG-UG’s claim of insufficient engagement, the Audit Service stated that there were multiple interactions with the University of Ghana’s management regarding employee compensation.

It assured the public of the integrity of its findings, stating that its reports “are never intended to mislead” and that the Service remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and accountability.

The statement further explained that payroll verification for subvented institutions—including the University of Ghana—is handled in line with Regulation 91(3) of the Public Financial Management Regulation, 2019 (L.I. 2378). Any payroll entries without financial clearance or containing unapproved allowances are disallowed and treated as savings to the state.

The Audit Service concluded by urging Ghanaians to have confidence in its processes, noting that all Auditor-General reports submitted to Parliament are publicly accessible on its official website. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and financial discipline across the public sector.

Read also

Effective leadership behind cedi gains – Mahama tells Bawumia

The CEO of Margins ID Group, Moses Kwesi Baiden Jr., has outlined the impact of Ghana’s national biometric ID system—the Ghana Card—on the country’s healthcare sector.

Speaking at the ID4Africa 2025 summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a session focused on digital identity and public service delivery, Mr. Baiden described how the Ghana Card is being used to improve efficiency and reduce costs in healthcare.

According to Baiden, the integration of the Ghana Card into the healthcare system has allowed the government to eliminate the need for separate National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards. This consolidation, he said, is saving the government millions of dollars annually by streamlining identity verification and reducing instances of healthcare fraud.

The Ghana Card, a legally mandated biometric identity document, has now been issued to over 98% of the adult population, with efforts ongoing to register children. Baiden said that more than 200 million biometric verifications have been processed through the system so far.

Margins ID Group, a private Ghanaian company, was one of only two African firms represented at this year’s summit. Through its subsidiaries, Identity Management Systems (IMS) and Intelligent Card Production Systems (ICPS), it partnered with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to develop and roll out the card.

In his address, Baiden argued that a single, integrated identity system is essential for digital governance and development. He pointed to the card’s application beyond healthcare, including its use in banking, education, and government services, as evidence of its broader value.

He also called for greater inclusion of African-developed digital identity solutions in global discussions, stating that Africa should not be seen only as a market but also as a source of innovation.

The ID4Africa summit, held annually, brings together identity authorities, technology providers, and policymakers from across the continent. As African countries work toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9—to provide legal identity for all by 2030—Ghana’s experience with the Ghana Card was presented as one possible model for others to examine.

Baiden stressed that the success of identity systems should be measured not just by technical achievements but by their ability to deliver tangible benefits to society.

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.

The President, John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring forest reserves degraded by illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey through a comprehensive reclamation program supported by the carbon credit system.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Friday, May 23, 2025, when the Catholic Bishops Conference paid a courtesy call on him, the former President disclosed the extent of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.

He described the extent of destruction caused by galamsey as troubling and stressed the urgency of coordinated efforts.

“16% of our forest reserves have been destroyed and encroached upon. It will need both reclamation and rehabilitation of the forest. And we are intending to do that under the carbon credit system”, he noted.

Illegal mining activities persist in the country despite efforts by successive governments to combat the menace.

The government has introduced the Blue Water Guards initiative to support enforcement operations against galamsey.

The move forms part of broader efforts to combat illegal mining and restore Ghana’s water bodies.

Watch the video below:

Mahama Vows to Reclaim Galamsey-Damaged Forests:

President Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining, assuring the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference that the government is on track to restore all forests devastated by galamsey.#ChannelOneNews | #CitiVerify pic.twitter.com/SF9bpJH5iF

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) May 23, 2025

JKB/MA

You can also watch the latest news on GhanaWeb TV below:

Introduction

When a loan officer at Ecobank Ghana or Fidelity Bank asks a colleague, “What’s the score?” they’re rarely discussing the Black Stars’ latest football match.

Instead, they’re likely referring to a loan applicant’s credit score—a crucial metric in the evolving African financial landscape.

Credit scoring, a statistical method that predicts the probability of loan default or delinquency, arrived relatively late to Africa compared to Western markets but has rapidly transformed lending practices across the continent.

For Ghana specifically, with its growing middle class and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem centered in Accra and Kumasi, credit scoring represents both an opportunity and a challenge.

The country’s journey from predominantly cash-based transactions to digital financial services has created new possibilities for data-driven lending decisions, while highlighting unique obstacles in implementation.

What is Credit Scoring in the African Context?

Credit scoring in Africa has evolved distinctively from Western models, adapting to the continent’s unique financial ecosystem. While the fundamental purpose remains evaluating credit risk, African credit scoring addresses specific regional challenges, particularly the lack of traditional credit histories for most of the population.

In Ghana, where the Ghana Credit Reference Bureau Association estimates less than 25% of adults have formal credit histories as of 2023, innovative approaches have emerged. Modern African credit scoring models incorporate alternative data sources particularly relevant to Ghana’s context:

• Mobile money transaction patterns (via MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash, etc.)
• Telecom data (call patterns, airtime purchases, data usage)
• Digital payment history through platforms like expressPay and Hubtel
• Agricultural inputs and harvest data for rural borrowers
• SSNIT (Social Security) contribution consistency
• Merchant sales data from platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave
• Psychometric assessments measuring business acumen and integrity

Ghanaian fintech Bloom Impact, for instance, has developed scoring algorithms that analyze mobile money transactions alongside business registration data to evaluate micro-entrepreneurs in Kumasi’s central market. Their 2023 data showed 31% higher accuracy in predicting repayment compared to traditional methods.

A typical Ghanaian credit scoring system might evaluate:

1. Limited traditional credit bureau data (where available)
2. Mobile money and digital payment history
3. Telecom behavior patterns
4. Business formalization status (registration with Registrar-General’s Department)
5. Social verification through community references
6. For agricultural loans, seasonal patterns and crop diversification

The Bank of Ghana’s 2022 regulatory framework for digital lending has standardized some of these approaches while ensuring consumer protection in this rapidly evolving space.

Where is Credit Scoring Used in Africa with Focus on Ghana?

Consumer Lending

The consumer lending landscape in Ghana and broader Africa has been transformed by credit scoring innovations that address the continent’s unique characteristics. Unlike Western markets dominated by FICO and VantageScore, Africa has developed more localized solutions.

XDS Data Ghana and Dun & Bradstreet Credit Bureau Limited, the two major credit reference bureaus licensed by the Bank of Ghana, have developed scoring systems tailored to Ghanaian consumers. According to their 2023 data, these bureaus can now score approximately 4.5 million Ghanaians, representing about 25% of the adult population—a significant improvement from just 5% coverage in 2015.

Mobile-based lenders have been at the forefront of consumer credit innovation. Letshego Ghana’s “Qwikloan” product, offered in partnership with MTN Mobile Money, uses algorithmic scoring to provide instant loans up to GHS 2,000 to qualified customers. Their proprietary scoring evaluates mobile money transaction patterns and repayment history to make instant credit decisions, serving over 1.2 million Ghanaians as of 2023.

Home Financing

Unlike Western mortgage markets with their long-established underwriting systems, Ghana’s home financing sector is still developing. Ghana Home Loans (now part of First National Bank) has pioneered credit scoring for housing finance, creating systems that accommodate Ghana’s unique property ownership challenges.

Their “Step-Up Home Loan” program uses a scoring system that considers not only traditional employment income but also remittance consistency for diaspora Ghanaians and incremental building patterns common in Ghanaian homeownership journeys. This approach has helped Ghana Home Loans increase approval rates for middle-income Ghanaians by 28% since 2021.

The Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) has partnered with Ecobank to develop standardized credit assessment tools for potential homebuyers at developments like Appolonia City and Lakeside Estate. These tools incorporate both formal employment verification and informal income assessment, reflecting Ghana’s economic reality.

MSME Lending

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Ghana’s economy, comprising over 85% of businesses. Credit scoring has revolutionized how these businesses access capital:

• Mobile-First Lenders: Fintechs like Nokwary Technologies based in Accra use natural language processing to analyze Ghanaian small business transactions via WhatsApp and USSD. Their AI-powered credit scoring evaluates business viability for market women and small shop owners in places like Makola Market, offering loans from GHS 1,000-10,000 with approval in under 30 minutes.
• Banking Integration: Traditional Ghanaian banks including GCB Bank and NIB have integrated scoring models into their SME lending. GCB’s “SME Quick Loan” uses a scoring system that evaluates transactions through their Temenos core banking system alongside business registration data from the Registrar-General’s Department.
• Sector-Specific Approaches: Agricultural lending has seen specialized scoring innovations. Farmerline, headquartered in Kumasi, has developed “Mergdata,” a platform that scores farmers for creditworthiness based on land size verification through GPS mapping, crop yields, and adherence to farming practices. Over 70,000 cocoa and maize farmers in the Western and Ashanti Regions have received input financing through these models.
• Value Chain Financing: Trade finance platform Jetstream Africa uses credit scoring to evaluate Ghanaian exporters of products like shea butter and processed cocoa, analyzing customs data, buyer contracts, and historic shipment performance to extend working capital loans averaging GHS 120,000.

New Frontiers: Pay-Later Services and Embedded Finance

Ghana’s credit scoring landscape has evolved to support emerging financial products with local relevance:

• BNPL for Essential Services: Unlike Western BNPL focused on consumer goods, Ghana’s M-KOPA uses credit scoring to finance essential productive assets. After success in Kenya, M-KOPA expanded to Ghana in 2022, using proprietary scoring to finance solar systems and smartphones in peri-urban areas around Accra and Tamale. Their model evaluates mobile money transaction consistency to determine eligibility and repayment schedules.
• Healthcare Financing: Jamii Africa, which expanded to Ghana in 2023, uses credit scoring to evaluate eligibility for micro-health insurance and healthcare payment plans, allowing patients at partner clinics like Nyaho Medical Centre to access treatment on installment terms based on their digital financial history.
• Education Credit: Student financing platform LEAP Africa uses a combination of academic performance, guardian financial stability, and career path potential to score students for tuition loans at institutions like University of Ghana and KNUST. Their proprietary “future earnings potential” algorithm has helped over 1,200 Ghanaian students access higher education since 2021.

Benefits of Credit Scoring in the Ghanaian and African Context

The benefits of credit scoring in Ghana and Africa extend beyond those identified in Western markets, addressing specific regional challenges and opportunities.

Increased Financial Inclusion

Perhaps the most significant impact of credit scoring in Ghana has been expanding access to formal financial services. According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2023 Financial Inclusion Report, alternative credit scoring has helped increase the percentage of Ghanaians with access to formal credit from 8% in 2015 to 27% in 2023.

Dashable, a Ghanaian fintech startup, exemplifies this trend. Their mobile app uses proprietary scoring of digital transaction histories to provide first-time loans as small as GHS 50 (approximately $4 USD) to market traders in Takoradi and Tamale. Over 80% of their 65,000 customers had never received formal credit before accessing their services.

This expanded access translates into real economic impact. A 2023 study by Innovations for Poverty Action in partnership with the University of Ghana found that microentrepreneurs in Greater Accra who gained access to credit through mobile-based scoring systems increased their business income by an average of 32% over 18 months compared to unserved peers.

Reduced Costs and Operational Efficiency

Traditional lending in Ghana often required extensive paper documentation, in-person visits, and manual verification—processes that made small loans economically unfeasible for most institutions. Credit scoring has dramatically changed this equation.

According to a 2022 study by Financial Sector Deepening Africa, digital lending platforms in Ghana reduced loan origination costs by up to 85% compared to traditional banking processes, allowing profitable lending at much smaller amounts. Cal Bank’s digital lending arm reported that their average cost to originate a small business loan dropped from GHS 1,200 in 2018 to GHS 230 in 2023 after implementing automated scoring systems.

These efficiency gains benefit borrowers through faster decisions. Fidelity Bank Ghana’s “Fast Loan” product, which uses mobile scoring algorithms, provides decisions in under 5 minutes compared to the industry standard of 3-5 days for traditional loans.

Culturally Appropriate Risk Assessment

Perhaps uniquely in Africa, credit scoring has evolved to incorporate culturally relevant factors that traditional Western models would overlook.

For rural and agricultural lending in Ghana’s Northern Region, ADVANCE Ghana (Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement) has developed scoring models that evaluate seasonal income patterns of smallholder farmers, community standing, and even drought resilience practices—factors particularly relevant to agricultural risk in Ghana’s climate.

Similarly, Ghana’s predominant informal economy has led to innovations in risk assessment. Peoples Pension Trust uses a scoring system that evaluates informal sector workers’ consistency in making small voluntary pension contributions as a proxy for reliability, providing small-business loans to market porters (kayayei) and food vendors who demonstrate consistent saving behavior despite irregular incomes.

Data-Driven Financial Education

An emerging benefit in Ghana has been the use of credit scores as financial education tools. MTN Ghana’s “YellowCredit” program provides users with their credit score and specific actions to improve it, creating a positive feedback loop that has improved financial behaviors.

According to MicroSave Consulting’s 2023 research in Kumasi, users who received regular updates on their credit scores were 64% more likely to make timely bill payments and 41% more likely to maintain consistent savings compared to those without score visibility.

Challenges and Concerns in the Ghanaian Context

Credit scoring in Ghana and broader Africa faces unique challenges beyond those encountered in more developed markets.

Infrastructure and Data Limitations

Despite significant mobile penetration, Ghana still struggles with fundamental data infrastructure challenges. Intermittent electricity in regions like Upper West and parts of Volta Region affects the consistency of digital transaction records. A 2023 study by the Ghana Statistical Service found that 37% of Ghanaians experience data connectivity issues at least weekly, potentially creating gaps in the digital footprints used for credit scoring.

The challenge extends to formal identification systems. Although Ghana Card registration has reached over 85% of adults, the incorporation of this data into financial systems remains incomplete. ZeePay Ghana reports that identity verification failures still account for approximately 18% of credit application rejections, even when applicants have sufficient financial profiles.

Cultural and Economic Realities

Traditional communal financial practices sometimes conflict with individualized credit scoring approaches. In many Ghanaian communities, particularly in regions like Brong Ahafo and Northern Ghana, “susu” collective saving groups and family resource pooling remain common financial strategies.

Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans has addressed this reality by developing “community-adjusted” scoring models that incorporate group guarantees and social collateral in communities around Tamale and Wa. Their default rates on these community-scored loans are 42% lower than individually scored products in the same regions.

Regulatory Evolution and Consumer Protection

Ghana’s regulatory framework for data usage and alternative credit scoring continues to evolve. The Data Protection Commission’s 2022 guidelines specifically addressed financial data usage but left significant gray areas regarding telecom data and social media information in credit decisions.

A concerning case emerged in 2023 when a lending platform operating in Tema and Ashaiman was found to be accessing borrowers’ phone contacts and threatening to message family members about late payments—a practice now explicitly prohibited by Bank of Ghana regulations.

In response, the Bank of Ghana established new Guidelines for Digital Lending in January 2023, requiring explicit consumer consent for data usage and prohibiting exploitative collection practices. Ghana’s Consumer Protection Agency has also established a specialized fintech complaints unit that handled over 3,200 cases in 2023, 47% related to digital lending.

Economic Volatility Challenges

Ghana’s recent macroeconomic challenges, including currency depreciation exceeding 30% in 2022 and inflation reaching 54.1% in December 2022, have tested the resilience of credit scoring models. Many models trained during more stable periods performed poorly during this economic stress.

ABSA Bank Ghana noted in their 2023 financial report that their small business scoring models required significant recalibration after default rates spiked from 4.7% to 12.3% during the height of Ghana’s 2022 economic turbulence. The bank has since incorporated macroeconomic stability indicators into their scoring algorithms to better anticipate economic shocks.

Digital and Financial Literacy Gaps

While smartphone penetration in Ghana reached 44% in 2023, meaningful usage of financial applications remains concentrated in urban areas and among younger populations. For many Ghanaians, particularly in rural areas like parts of Central and Western North regions, the concepts behind digital credit remain unfamiliar.

Opportunity International Savings and Loans has attempted to address this through their “Digital Financial Literacy” program, which has trained over 75,000 Ghanaians in communities like Twifo Praso and Assin Fosu. Their research shows that clients who complete this training are 52% more likely to understand digital credit terms and 37% less likely to experience delinquency.

Implications for Ghana’s Financial Sector

The evolution of credit scoring is fundamentally restructuring Ghana’s financial landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for established institutions.

Changing Market Dynamics

Traditional Ghanaian banks with extensive branch networks, like GCB Bank with its 180+ branches, are facing unprecedented competition from digital lenders. Mobile-only operators like Jumo (partnered with MTN) approved over 85,000 loans in Ghana during 2023 without a single physical branch, according to the Bank of Ghana’s 2023 Payment Systems report.

This digital shift is evident even within traditional institutions. Standard Chartered Ghana reported in their 2023 annual report that 73% of their personal loans were initiated through digital channels using automated scoring, compared to just 17% in 2018. The bank subsequently reduced its physical footprint by closing 7 branches in secondary cities like Tarkwa and Techiman while expanding digital offerings.

Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), historically reliant on relationship managers’ personal knowledge of farming communities, has developed a hybrid approach. Their “ADB Smart Credit” system combines automated scoring of mobile money transactions with traditional agricultural extension officer reports, helping them maintain relevance in rural areas while improving efficiency.

Strategic Bank-Fintech Partnerships

Ghana’s financial sector has increasingly embraced collaborative models between traditional banks and fintech innovators. Rather than compete directly, many institutions have formed strategic partnerships that leverage respective strengths.

Stanbic Bank Ghana’s partnership with fintech Bayport is exemplary. Stanbic provides the balance sheet and regulatory compliance, while Bayport contributes scoring technology that evaluates public sector employees’ payment patterns and Ghana government payroll data to offer pre-approved loans through the USSD code *718#.

Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), formed after the 2018 banking sector cleanup, partnered with scoring platform Lendable to recover non-performing loans by rescoring legacy borrowers and offering restructuring terms calibrated to each borrower’s current financial situation. This partnership recovered approximately GHS 287 million in previously written-off debt during 2022-2023.

Emergence of Credit Markets and Secondary Lending

The standardization of credit scoring is enabling the emergence of early-stage credit markets in Ghana. The Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM) reported in 2023 that loan portfolios backed by standardized scoring models accounted for 15% of private debt placements, up from virtually none in 2020.

Ghana Home Loans pioneered the country’s first asset-backed security based on scored mortgage loans in 2022, with a GHS 260 million issuance that was significantly oversubscribed. The transparency provided by standardized scoring was cited by lead arranger Databank as a key factor in investor confidence.

For government initiatives, scoring has enabled more effective deployment of targeted credit. The Ghana CARES program, through partnership with Ghana Association of Bankers, deployed GHS 600 million in COVID-19 recovery loans to MSMEs using standardized scoring through participating banks like Access Bank and Republic Bank, achieving a 92% repayment rate compared to historical rates of 65-70% for similar government-backed schemes.

The Future of Credit Scoring in Ghana and Africa

Looking ahead, several trends will likely shape Ghana’s credit scoring landscape:

Ghana’s Digital Identity Integration

The full integration of the Ghana Card into financial systems represents a transformative opportunity. The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) is developing an API that will allow real-time verification of Ghana Card data for lending decisions. When completed in late 2025, this system will potentially reduce identity fraud in digital lending by up to 90%, according to GhIPSS projections.

Bank of Ghana’s Financial Inclusion Coordinator, Dr. Kwame Oppong, noted at the 2023 Ghana Economic Forum that “the integration of Ghana Card with credit scoring will potentially bring an additional 4.2 million Ghanaians into the formal credit ecosystem by 2026.”

Pan-African Credit Information Sharing

Regional integration initiatives present significant opportunities for cross-border credit scoring. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is developing a regional credit information sharing framework that would allow Ghanaian lenders to access credit histories from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and other member states.

This integration would particularly benefit Ghana’s border communities like Aflao (Togo border) and Elubo (Côte d’Ivoire border), where cross-border trading is common. Ecobank’s pan-African presence positions it to benefit from this regional integration, with plans to launch unified scoring across its West African operations by 2026.

Climate-Resilient Credit Scoring

With Ghana facing increasing climate-related challenges, especially in northern agricultural regions, scoring models are beginning to incorporate climate resilience factors. The Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool, in partnership with GAIP Insurance, is developing scoring models that evaluate farmers’ adaptation practices and diversification strategies when extending credit.

Similarly, coastal fishing communities in regions like Western and Central Region are seeing specialized scoring models that consider sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihood development as risk factors, recognizing the climate vulnerabilities affecting these traditional livelihoods.

Digital Currency Integration

The Bank of Ghana’s e-Cedi project, one of Africa’s most advanced central bank digital currency initiatives, may significantly impact credit scoring. The transaction data generated through this digital currency could provide unprecedented visibility into spending patterns and financial behaviors, particularly for the informal sector that remains difficult to assess.

Sandbox testing conducted throughout 2023 with selected financial institutions in Greater Accra showed that transaction patterns visible through the e-Cedi prototype allowed for 28% more accurate credit risk assessment compared to traditional methods when scored by participating institutions.

Conclusion

Ghana’s journey with credit scoring reflects both universal principles of risk assessment and unique adaptations to local realities. From the bustling markets of Makola to the cocoa farms of Western Region and the emerging tech hubs of Accra, credit scoring is evolving to meet distinctly Ghanaian needs while incorporating global best practices.

Author: Louis Gyimah

Kotoka International Airport

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has categorically denied recent reports alleging critical safety lapses at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

In a statement issued on Friday, May 23, 2025, GACL addressed claims made in a publication by The Herald newspaper, describing them as “false, baseless, and malicious.”

According to the story published on May 23, 2025, a whistleblower at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) exposed critical safety lapses at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), particularly within the Airside Operations Unit.

These issues included insufficient operational vehicles, outdated signalling equipment, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and faulty communication systems which have led to growing unrest among the Airside Operations Unit, with staff threatening to withdraw their services.

However, in a response released by the company, the issues were addressed.

Contrary to assertions that only one operational vehicle is available for airside activities, GACL clarified that the Airside Operations Section has two dedicated vehicles, supplemented by a fleet of operational vehicles to support round-the-clock operations.

Regarding equipment, the company stated that there is a surplus of marshalling wands in stock at the central stores, refuting claims that only three pairs are currently operational.

“The number of marshalling wands used depends on aircraft movement. Currently there is a surplus of marshalling wands in stock for operations at the company’s central stores,” the statement read.

Additionally, GACL emphasised that staff have been provided with the required quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including reflective vests, safety boots, ear defenders, and other necessary gear.

“This assertion is categorically false. PPEs were distributed in Accra and the regional airports as well,” he said.

Addressing communication concerns, GACL asserted that the Airside Operations Section is equipped with adequate handheld and base radios to ensure effective coordination with Air Traffic Control.

The company also clarified that access to restricted areas is managed through established protocols, with Aviation Security granting access as necessary to maintain safety and security standards.

“This is to enhance security while maintaining safety standards, therefore the allegation of airside staff unable to access certain restricted areas to carry out inspections is false,” the statement explained.

GACL dismissed reports of staff agitation within the Airside Operations Unit, attributing such claims to a few individuals with “parochial interests.”

“Staff found complicit in fabricating and spreading malicious lies about the organization to put the image of the company, the management and the government’s image into disrepute emanating from their own parochial interest will be dealt with severely.

“Media houses who accept to disseminate defamatory articles without researching the facts will also be dealt with according to the full rigors of the law,” the statement warned.

GACL urged the public to disregard the unfounded allegations and assured stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to providing safe and efficient airport services.

See some images shared by GACL below:

ID/MA

Ghana is currently hosting the United States Army Southern Europe Task Force-Africa’s annual Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDREX 2025).

Twenty-seven U.S. medical professionals with specialties in critical care, trauma and general surgery, dentistry, obstetrics and gynecology, and veterinary services are participating in the exercise, which started on May 5 and is anticipated to conclude on May 23.

At the three sites namely, the 37 Military Hospital, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Veterinary Clinic, and the Ghana National Dog Academy in Accra, GAF medical personnel are assisting U.S. medical personnel from the North Dakota National Guard, Public Health Command-Europe, Dental Health Activity Rheinland-Pfalz, and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

For the fourth year in a row, Ghana is hosting Exercise African Lion 2025, the largest annual combined joint military exercise of the U.S. Africa Command, which includes MEDREX 2025.

The focus is on joint planning, medical readiness, and military intelligence integration, with the goal of preparing U.S. personnel to deliver care outside traditional clinical settings alongside their Ghanaian counterparts.

The goal of the exercise is to improve the ability to provide quick, flexible, and resource-efficient medical care in support of extensive combat operations.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, 37 Military Hospital, and moderated by Mr Matthew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. medical team members shared their experiences and lessons learnt.

“As a trauma surgeon, I have come to realise that there is no one way of doing things. I have learnt new ways of doing things in different environments with limited resources,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mary Stuever, Trauma Surgeon and Critical Care Specialist.

Commenting further on her personal experience,  Lieutenant Colonel Mary affirmed her commitment to return and learn more from her Ghanaian military medical counterparts.

Sergeant First Class Albert Kwadwo Nimako, a Combat Medic, expressed his desire to give back to his home country, Ghana, and to learn how to adapt and operate effectively in resource-limited medical environments to “sustain life.”

Since its inception on May 5, MEDREX 2025 has served as a platform for U.S. military humanitarian assistance and medical civic action programmes in Africa.

The drill this year also included combined security cooperation activities in Tamale and Kumbungu from May 8–16.

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.

Accra, May 23, GNA-The State Housing Company Limited (SHCL), has officially handed over a newly completed four-storey, 24-unit apartment complex to the Ghana Immigration Service in Savelugu in the Northern Region.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the facility, commissioned by the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was a major milestone in SHCL’s ongoing commitment to support national security through sustainable and dignified housing. 

This project, initiated in 2016 under an agreement between SHCL and the Ghana Immigration Service, was designed to provide modern residential accommodation for junior-ranked officers stationed at the Tamale International Airport and within the northern security corridor. 

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Muntaka commended SHCL for delivering a high-quality facility that did not only meet housing needs, but also enhanced the morale and welfare of security personnel. 

He emphasized the Government’s belief of providing secure and comfortable housing for officers which is geared towards enabling them to serve the nation more efficiently and with greater dedication. 

Speaking at the event, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed appreciation to the government and the State Housing Company for the much-needed intervention. 

He highlighted the accommodation challenges faced by the Service in the region and noted that the project would bring relief to officers and their families. 

Managing Director of State Housing Company Limited, Mr. John S. Bawah, reaffirmed SHCL’s dedication to delivering affordable and durable housing solutions across the country, especially for frontline workers and essential service personnel. 

 This project, according to the MD was a testament to SHCL’s capacity to execute quality government-led housing interventions that promoted national development. 

To demonstrate the Government’s housing agenda, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak also performed a sod-cutting ceremony for a new 24-unit housing complex, targeting senior officers of the Immigration Service which would also be built at the same location. 

 SHCL has also been tasked to execute this second phase, which will include added amenities to serve the unique needs of senior staff. 

GNA 

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba 

Ato Forson meets Plastic Manufacturers Association of Ghana

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured manufacturers of the government’s move to create a production-oriented economy.

The minister acknowledged the challenges local manufacturers are saddled with in their production value chain.

This comes after he met with the leadership of the Plastic Manufacturers Association of Ghana.

The move is part of efforts to stimulate domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and protect local industries.

He noted that they raised key concerns about taxation, export challenges, the abuse of import exemptions, and the dumping of low-quality plastic products on our market.

Ato Forson said, “Let me be clear: I will champion a policy to ensure products that can be produced locally are not imported. We must protect Ghanaian industries, create jobs, and add value to what we make right here at home.”

He also announced plans to work with the Ghana Revenue Authority to address revenue leakages at the ports.

“I also assured them that the government is taking bold steps to stabilise the economy, bring down inflation, and strengthen the cedi, because these directly impact port charges and the cost of doing business.

“We will work closely with the Ghana Revenue Authority to seal loopholes at the ports. Together, we will build a stronger, self-reliant Ghana,” he added.

SSD/MA

You can also watch the latest news on GhanaWeb TV below:

By Francis Kwabena Cofie

Accra, May 23, GNA – The Ayawaso Central Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education, has rolled out a massive child vaccination awareness campaign across the municipality.

The exercise which was carried out among Faith–Based Organizations and identifiable groups was intended to drive home the relevance of periodic child immunization to prevent deadly childhood diseases.

The main highlight of the programme was to focus on community engagement activities to enhance vaccination intake, which was carried out in communities such as Kokomlemle, New Town, Kotobabi, Alajo among others.

It was on the theme “Every child deserves a healthy future; invest in your child. Attend weighing regularly.”

Every year, in the months of April and May, Ghana celebrates the African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week with the aim to raise awareness about essential child health services.

The programme, organized in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate, was undertaken through community engagements, distributing flyers and educational talks.

Madam Rhoda Akuetteh, the Ayawaso Central Municipal NCCE Director mentioned that everyone has a role to play to ensure children are healthy and grow up to realize their full potential.

She said vaccinations were generally safe and effective and most often, there were no side effects.

However, she added that some babies and children may have some mild reaction after vaccination such as irritability, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting.

According to her, all should play their part, from advocacy for support for child health interventions through to reaching every eligible person with vaccination.

Madam Dora Hammond, NCCE, Director for Administration advised participants and audiences in the engagement process to communicate to their relatives and neighbours on the benefits of vaccination.

Interacting with the Ghana Traders and Dressmakers Association at New Town, she impressed on them to spread the message to their clients in their own small ways.

A key feature of the campaign was to dispel myths about vaccines while promoting adherence to the immunization schedule and prevailing on communities to take responsibility in protecting children.

Throughout the campaign, which is ongoing, residents and participants demonstrated their enthusiasm for the cause, pledging to take the message to their families and neighbours.

GNA

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Washington, May 23, (dpa/GNA) – The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol foreign students amid an escalating feud with the elite school.

US President Donald Trump has accused Harvard and other elite US universities of pursuing a left-wing ideology and allowing anti-Semitism on campus. His administration sent a list of demands on April 11 to the school, which Harvard has refused to adopt.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration was “holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”

“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments,” she wrote on X.

“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused.”

The university had lost its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification and existing international students would have to transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status, according to Noem’s statement.

“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

In a statement, Harvard said the government’s actions were unlawful.

“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” the statement said.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts at Harvard.

GNA

PDC

Bank of Ghana Headquarters

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana has opted to keep the policy rate unchanged at 28 percent, following its 124th scheduled meeting.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Accra on Friday May 23, 2025, Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Johnson Asiama, stated that the committee reached the decision unanimously after assessing recent economic developments.

He noted that while inflationary pressures have shown signs of easing, uncertainties in the global economy and risks to the domestic outlook warranted a cautious approach.

The policy rate, used by the Central Bank to influence lending rates and control inflation, has remained a critical tool in managing Ghana’s economic stability amid external and domestic challenges.

MA

play videoDr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana is set to announce its decision on the policy rate, a key determinant of lending costs for the next two months.

The policy rate dictates the interest rate at which banks lend to businesses and the private sector, significantly influencing economic activity.

During its 123rd meeting in 2025, the MPC raised the policy rate by 100 basis points, from 27 percent to 28 percent, citing inflationary risks in the economic outlook.

At the opening of the 124th MPC meeting on Wednesday, March 21, 2025, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, stated that Ghana’s economy is showing early signs of stabilisation, supported by recent policy measures and improving economic fundamentals, both domestic and external.

However, he was quick to caution that “the path ahead remains complex and fraught with risks, both global and domestic.”

The Governor also highlighted recent positive developments in the economy, including a notable decline in inflation and a strong appreciation of the cedi.

The Central Bank is expected to present the committee’s conclusions soon, including any changes to the policy rate and strategic measures aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and promoting sustained

Watch the stream below