In a bold step toward transforming public service through innovation, the Government of Ghana has launched a pioneering Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp designed to equip Cabinet Ministers and key government officials with the strategic understanding to harness AI in national development.

The three-day high-level training, which opened yesterday in Accra, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative marks a significant national milestone as Ghana positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution.

Leading the charge was the sector minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, who stressed the urgency for Ghana to embrace AI as a national imperative. He noted that the application of AI across sectors could revolutionize governance, improve public service delivery, and enhance national security.

“We must begin to incorporate artificial intelligence in strategic institutions, including our foreign missions, to strengthen data analysis and improve screening processes,” Hon. George stated. “AI must no longer be seen as a futuristic concept—it is here, and Ghana must lead in its integration.”

The Bootcamp brings together Ministers, Ministers of State, and AI focal persons from all ministries to co-develop practical, AI-driven solutions tailored to their operational mandates. Each ministry is expected to leave the training with concrete AI use cases and a roadmap for implementation, which will become part of their performance indicators moving forward.

According to the Minister, the goal is not to turn policymakers into programmers but to ensure they possess the knowledge and vision to drive policy decisions in an era of rapid technological advancement.

He cited examples such as the Ministry of Health potentially establishing a national health intelligence hub that uses AI to track and predict outbreaks of communicable diseases—a real-time solution that can reshape how healthcare is delivered.

The Bootcamp enjoys the full support of the Presidency. President John Dramani Mahama has directed that AI deployment be treated as a government-wide agenda, not limited to a single ministry.

“The President was unequivocal—this must be a cross-sectoral drive,” Hon. George said. “Every Ministry must understand and incorporate AI in its core functions.”

Officially opening the session, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah underscored the administration’s commitment to modern governance, announcing that the AI initiatives developed during the Bootcamp would be formally adopted as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all Ministries.

By the end of the three-day programme, participating Ministries are expected to submit actionable implementation plans, with technical support from the Ministry of Communication and oversight from the UNDP.

As Ghana embraces this digital transition, the AI Bootcamp signals a new era of intelligent governance—one that blends innovation with accountability to build a smarter, more resilient nation.

The former head of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, has been found guilty of committing 28 war crimes and crimes against humanity by judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He was accused, alongside Alfred Yekatom, of co-ordinating attacks against the country’s Muslim population in 2013-14.

Yekatom, nicknamed Rambo, was found guilty of 20 charges. The judges gave their verdict after a trial lasting almost four years involving more than 170 witnesses and nearly 20,000 items of evidence.

Ngaïssona was sentenced to 12 years and Yekatom 15 years.

Violence has gripped the CAR for much of the past decade, but a recent peace deal led to the dissolution of two rebel groups this month.

CAR was plunged into turmoil in 2013 when predominately Muslim rebels from the Séléka group seized power in the majority Christian country.

A band of mostly Christian militias, called the anti-Balaka, rose up to counter Séléka after then-President François Bozizé was ousted.

Ngaïssona and Yekatom were convicted of numerous crimes, including murder, torture and persecuting a religious group.

Ngaïssona was acquitted of rape, while Yekatom was cleared of enlisting children as soldiers.

Both men had denied all charges.

The prosecution set out the alleged system of command, saying Ngaïssona provided funds and instructions to anti-Balaka groups in 2013 and 2014.

Yekatom was a commander who allegedly led fighters into the capital, Bangui, on 5 December 2013 where civilians were slaughtered.

The prosecution said the pair’s strategy was to make all Muslims their target, describing them as “enemies of the nation”.

Yekatom authorised his fighters to attack Muslim civilians, including to slit throats, cut off ears and bury people alive, the prosecution alleged.

Asked to enter a plea at the start of the trial, both men rejected all the charges.

Media reports at the time indicates that at least 1,000 people were killed in tit-for-tat clashes in Bangui in December 2013, and half the city’s population fled in that month alone.

Who is Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona?

He was the self-declared political co-ordinator of anti-Balaka forces.

Ngaïssona was barred from running for CAR president in 2015 because of his alleged role in the atrocities.

He is a former head of the CAR’s football federation and briefly served as sports minister before being elected to the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in February 2018.

His appointment was criticised by several human rights groups.

“If the allegations were true, I wouldn’t be here today,” he told AFP news agency at the time. “[I don’t] mix politics and sport – everything I’ve done has been for the good of my country.”

French authorities arrested him in December 2018 and he was transferred to the ICC in January 2019.

The Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire is advancing efforts, in collaboration with stakeholders, to establish a Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at boosting trade relations between Ghana and its Francophone neighbour.

The proposed Chamber is expected to serve as a strategic platform to facilitate commerce, promote regulatory compliance, and support Ghanaian entrepreneurs operating in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abidjan, the leader of the Ghanaian community, Nana Abraffi Koto, said the initiative is timely and would benefit both countries.

“It will strengthen economic ties between the two neighbouring nations,” Nana Koto stated, adding that plans have been well-structured to roll out the chamber, which will help streamline business operations along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire corridor.

She also noted that the community is working closely with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to ensure a successful rollout.

The President of the GNCCI, Stephanie Abass Miezan, led a delegation to meet with the leadership of the Ghanaian community. At the engagement, both parties expressed their commitment to formalising a partnership that reflects mutual interest and shared goals.

“The new partnership will create a structured platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and investors in Côte d’Ivoire. It will facilitate smoother trade, investment, and regulatory compliance,” Ms Miezan said.

She highlighted that the Chamber’s advocacy role would be vital in navigating local rules and representing the interests of Ghanaian business operators in Côte d’Ivoire.

“We’ll also focus on capacity building, equipping the new leadership with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. This includes guidance on business promotion within the local market,” she added, announcing that a formal inauguration date would be set soon.

The Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Commerce is expected to bridge existing trade gaps, address challenges such as customs procedures, taxation, and market access, and promote Ghanaian products and services within Ivorian markets.

Ghanaian business leaders in Côte d’Ivoire have welcomed the move, anticipating that it will reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase investor confidence.

Nana Abraffi Koto, who also leads ECOWAS nationals in Côte d’Ivoire, expressed optimism that the Chamber would address the recurring challenges Ghanaian businesses face, particularly in import and export activities.

“We’re working on documentation to address issues like border restrictions, especially the ban on rice and maize trade. Given the sisterly relationship between our countries, we believe these restrictions should be revisited,” she said.

She reaffirmed the community’s commitment to working with Ivorian authorities and ECOWAS institutions to promote regional trade integration.

With both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire being influential members of ECOWAS, the establishment of this Chamber is expected to significantly enhance intra-West African trade and foster deeper economic cooperation between the two nations.

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 cedi has appreciated by 42% in recent times

The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has commended the government for stabilising the Ghana cedi and urged sustained efforts to consolidate the gains for national progress.

Ernest Gardesey, Bono Regional Chairman of the PSWU, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), praised the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review presented to Parliament by Finance minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, describing it as reflective of improving economic indicators.

He called on the government to adequately resource public institutions to empower them to deliver on their mandates effectively, noting that most state institutions depended entirely on government funding.

“If public institutions are expected to execute their duties effectively, then the government must also commit to resourcing them adequately,” he said, citing Section 9 of the Labour Act 651, which mandates employers to provide workers with the tools to perform their duties.

“Beyond salaries, workers need the resources to deliver quality services that benefit the wider public,” Gardesey added.

He also lauded the reduction in ministerial appointments and portfolios, describing it as a positive sign of fiscal discipline.

“So far, there are no reports of scandal or waste in government expenditure, which shows a tightening of belts,” he noted, adding that declining inflation, lower transportation costs, and reduced prices of some food items were signs of improvement.

However, he emphasised the need for investment in sustainable agriculture, stressing the importance of year-round farming to stabilise food prices and reduce inflation.

“If we grow our own food consistently, we can ease inflation, improve food security, and enhance the socio-economic livelihoods of the people,” Gardesey said.

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Dr Gobind Nankani was a Ghanaian but of Indian descent

The appointment of Korean-born Ghanaian, Kojo Choi, by President John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s chif diplomat to South Korea has brought to light the issue of national identity and the eligibility of dual citizenship holders to occupy public office.

It appears that Kojo Choi would not be the first person of Korean descent, but rather a Ghanaian by naturalization, to receive a government appointment.

Dr Gobind Nankani, an economist of Indian descent and a Ghanaian citizen, was appointed by the late former President Professor John Evans Atta Mills as a senior advisor on the government’s economic management team.

Dr Nankani held a PhD and MA in Economics from Harvard University, as well as a BSc from the University of Ghana.

He had an illustrious 30-year career at the World Bank, where he held senior economist and management positions across multiple regions and sectors.

He also served as Executive Director of the International Growth Centre in London.

In 2008, the government of Ghana honored him with the Order of the Volta for his outstanding contributions to social development and financial policy in Ghana and across Africa.

Dr Nankani was also the Vice-President of the World Bank’s Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Network and a former President of Global Development Network (GDN).

He died in September 2011 at the age of 64.

MAG/AE

Meanwhile, watch what Jane Reindorf Osei says about Ghana’s readiness for tourism investment:

Ghana’s Black Queens secured their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations medal since 2016, defeating South Africa 4-3 on penalties in the bronze-medal match.

Assistant captain Alice Kusi expressed relief at clinching fourth overall WAFCON bronze for Ghana under coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, appointed months earlier.

Kusi, named Player of the Match, stated: “I’m happy we didn’t go home empty-handed. We weren’t just here to participate we made an impact.” She thanked Ghanaian supporters for backing the team through group-stage challenges, noting nationwide encouragement seen “on media.” The forward emphasized the medal’s significance despite falling short of gold.

The victory marks a milestone for Bjorkegren’s revitalized squad, with Kusi’s tournament performance underscoring her leadership role. Ghana previously medaled in 1998 (bronze), 2002 (silver), and 2016 (bronze).

The government is to clear ghost names from its payroll

The Ghana Audit Service will recover GH¢150.4 million in unearned salaries from 53,311 separated staff over the 2023–2024 period.

This follows a nationwide payroll audit commissioned by the government across all 16 regions as part of efforts to sanitise the public sector payroll and eliminate ghost names.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, disclosed this while presenting the Government’s 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review dubbed “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want 2025.”

The exercise would affect separated staff who have retired, resigned, been terminated, are on leave without pay or deceased, yet remain on the government payroll.

Dr Forson said the Ministry would enforce a monthly payroll validation process and apply strict sanctions to individuals who approve ghost names for salary payments.

“Let me use this opportunity to strongly caution those who validate ‘ghosts’ across the public service that they will be personally liable for the loss of public funds.”

“The Ministry of Finance will continue to monitor the payroll and put in place measures to prevent ‘ghost names’ on our payroll,” he added.

Providing an update on arrears and payables as of end-2024, the Minister stated that out of GH¢68.7 billion audited, GH¢28.3 billion had been validated for payment.

He said GH¢3.6 billion was rejected due to errors, duplications and non-compliance with Public Financial Management and procurement rules.

“An amount of GH¢562.6 million was without adequate supporting documents, and GH¢27.3 billion was pending validation,” he added.

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Featured

GNA

Jul – 26 – 2025 , 10:51

2 minutes read

By Daniel Adu Darko

Accra, July 26, GNA – The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has lauded the KGL Group for its exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, describing the company’s efforts as a benchmark for private sector contributions towards national development.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2nd edition of the Democracy Cup in Accra, the Speaker and other Members of Parliament praised the Ghanaian-owned conglomerate for its sustained commitment to social impact through the KGL Foundation.

The Democracy Cup, a flagship initiative of the Parliament of Ghana, is aimed at promoting peace, unity, and civic engagement through sports.

This year’s edition has gained significant momentum, largely due to the full sponsorship by the KGL Group, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Alex Dadey.

“The sponsorship by KGL Group of the Democracy Cup is a significant demonstration of the company’s corporate social responsibility engagements. This goes beyond conventional charity to include economic, social, environmental, health, education, and youth development,” said Speaker Bagbin.

The Speaker called on other private sector players to emulate KGL’s approach in partnering with state institutions to drive sustainable development and promote national cohesion.

The first edition of the Democracy Cup launched in 2024, faced challenges due to inadequate funding and low public engagement. However, with KGL Group’s financial and strategic backing, the second edition is expected to attract broader national participation and impact.

Over the past five years, the KGL Foundation has implemented several multi-million cedi projects across various sectors, including: Construction of an ultra-modern Mental Health Facility in Kumasi in partnership with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, renovation and support for the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, and development of a national Mental Health Index (MHI), investment in football development, including support for the Ghana Football Association, the Black Stars, and the U-17 league.

KGL Foundation had also sponsored the annual Millennium Marathon and provided medical incubators to hospitals nationwide.

In compliance with Section 2(3) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722), the KGL Group allocates a portion of its profit to fund social interventions and philanthropic work across the country.

In addition to its CSR efforts, KGL Group has made significant contributions to national revenue through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Lottery Authority (NLA), all at no cost or financial risk to the state.

Mr. Alex Dadey reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to public-private partnerships (PPP), emphasising that such models should “not become a financial burden to the State or a means of siphoning public funds.”

The Parliament of Ghana, through the Democracy Cup, continues to promote unity and national development, goals that align strongly with the values and mission of the KGL Group.

GNA

Christian Akorlie

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Medikal is set to light up Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) as the headline act for WatsUp On Campus this Saturday, July 26, at 6 pm.

The highly anticipated event is presented by WatsUp TV in collaboration with Betway and other major sponsors. WatsUp On Campus is a nationwide tour designed to bring entertainment, culture, and youth-centred engagement to tertiary institutions across Ghana.

After successful stops in Accra and Ho, the spotlight now turns to Cape Coast—and this weekend’s edition promises to be one of the most electrifying yet.

Known for hit tracks like Omo Ada, La Hustle, Stubborn Academy, and Confirm, Medikal is expected to thrill students with a high-energy set packed with crowd favourites and unmatched stage presence.

“Medikal’s music resonates deeply with students and young people across the country,” said a WatsUp TV spokesperson. “We’re excited to bring this experience to CCTU and give students a memorable night of music, culture, and community.”

The event will also feature performances from top DJs, dance battles, giveaways, influencer appearances, and lifestyle activations powered by leading brands.

With previous editions pulling massive crowds, the CCTU stop is poised to be unforgettable.

Organised by WatsUp TV and powered by Betway, the event is supported by Telecel, Gino, Jago Mayonnaise, Club Shandy, Bel Ice, Hifi Filter, Vim Tape, and Palace Mall, with partnerships from AfroFuture and YFM. Security will be provided by Eye360 Security.

As anticipation builds across campus, one thing is clear: this is more than just a concert—it’s a full-on movement. The WatsUp team is bringing the energy, the music, and the memories.

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.

Ghana beat South Africa to claim bronze at the 2024 WAFCON

South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis, was full of praise for Ghana on Friday night after her side lost to the Black Queens in their third-place playoff match at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Speaking in a post-match interview after her side missed out on the bronze medal, Coach Ellis admitted that the Black Queens were better than the Banyana Banyana on the matchday.

“I think we started a bit slowly. Got into the game, got a goal and we pressed. They came guns blazing in the second half, and the most of the second half, we couldn’t get the ball. They closed the game down, a few crosses came in, they were better than us in the second half,” Coach Desiree Ellis said.

The South Africa coach added, “The game went to penalties. We knew we had a chance, but unfortunately, we didn’t win the penalty shootout this time around, so congratulations to Ghana.”

Coach Desiree Ellis and her side will depart Morocco for South Africa on Sunday after the final of the 2024 WAFCON on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Meanwhile, watch as football fans question FIFA’s move to scrap penalty rebound rule

Ghana beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw to claim the bronze medal in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night.

It was sweet revenge for Ghana’s Black Queens, who had lost 2-0 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the group stage and achieved their 2nd bronze medal after finishing 3rd in the 2016 edition.

South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break through a right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute before Ghana responded with a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, following a defensive mix-up that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net.

Hosts Morocco who are in search of their 1st title will meet 9 time champions Nigeria on Saturday night .

Enroute to the final,Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 while Morocco squeezed past Ghana through post match penalties  after a 1-1 draw.

This Saturday on Newsfile, host Samson Lardy Anyenini and his panelists will discuss the Attorney-General’s decision to drop all criminal charges against Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and seven others in the uniBank case, in exchange for a 60 per cent recovery of GH¢5.7 billion owed to the state.

On July 22, the Attorney-General entered a nolle prosequi in the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister and seven others, who were facing charges related to the collapse of uniBank.

The decision, announced by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, effectively discontinues the criminal proceedings against the accused, a move the AG’s office attributes to the significant recovery of state funds.

Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, who founded uniBank and previously served as Finance Minister, was among those charged in February 2020 with various offenses, including theft and money laundering. Court documents at the time alleged that Duffuor received GHS 663.3 million (approximately $122 million at the time) “knowing it had been obtained by means of a criminal offense.”

The charges also implicated other individuals, including a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, who faced accusations of facilitating financial impropriety.

According to the Deputy Attorney-General’s press release, the Office of the Attorney-General, in collaboration with other relevant State agencies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), established a threshold of 60 per cent recovery of the alleged losses as a condition for reconsidering prosecution in specific cases.

Also this week, revelation from the 2024 Auditor General’s report on public boards and statutory institutions indicates that financial irregularities among these state institutions amounted to GH¢18.4 billion in 2024. This represents a jump from GH¢8.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a staggering 109.3 per cent increment in just a year.

These irregularities included overdue debts owed to the state, unpaid loans and advances, locked-up investments, and other forms of outstanding receivables, procurement violations, delayed contract payments, undocumented store items, and related lapses in financial governance.

The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) presented its 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, outlining the government’s fiscal direction and economic outlook for the remainder of the year. Delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on July 24, the review highlighted improving macroeconomic indicators, including easing inflation, a stronger cedi, and a notable decline in public debt.

The minister also cited falling fuel prices and a reduction in transport fares, offering some relief to Ghanaians.

The show will explore the legal and ethical implications of the Attorney-General’s decision to discontinue the uniBank case, the state’s approach to asset recovery, the alarming rise in financial irregularities revealed in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, and key highlights from the NDC government’s 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review.

Tune in to Newsfile this Saturday as the panel breaks down these critical national issues with insight and clarity.

Newsfile airs live on the JoyNews channel on digital satellite channels 421 on DSTV and 144 on GoTV, and streams on JoyNews’ Facebook or YouTube channels on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.

Viewers can also follow the discussion by tuning in to Joy 99.7 FM or Luv 99.5 FM on the radio or stream the discussion live on either Google or Apple Podcasts.

Newsfile is your most authoritative news analysis programme.

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.

Ghana beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw to claim the bronze medal in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night.

It was sweet revenge for Ghana’s Black Queens, who had lost 2-0 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the group stage and achieved their 2nd bronze medal after finishing 3rd in the 2016 edition.

South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break through a right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute before Ghana responded with a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, following a defensive mix-up that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net.

Hosts Morocco who are in search of their 1st title will meet 9 time champions Nigeria on Saturday night .

Enroute to the final,Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 while Morocco squeezed past Ghana through post match penalties  after a 1-1 draw.