By Simon Asare

Accra, Oct.23, GNA – Culture Management Group (CMG) has announced the artiste line-up for the highly anticipated AfroFuture Ghana 2025, taking place on December 28–29, 2025, at El Wak Stadium in Accra.

This year’s festival would feature global Afrobeats superstar Asake as the headline artiste, alongside a remarkable lineup of DJs and emerging talents from across the continent.

With a theme centered around “African Nostalgia”, AfroFuture 2025 seeks to honour the rich cultural heritage that connects Africans across generations.

Asake, known for his electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, will lead a roster of talented performers, including South African sensations TxC and Ghana’s own rising stars Moliy and King Paluta.

In addition to Asake, festival goers can look forward to an impressive array of DJs such as DJ Obi & Obi’s House, ADDJ, DJ Loft, and the dynamic duo K-Dawg & EZPass, each set to deliver high-energy sets that will elevate the festival atmosphere.

Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO and co-founder of Culture Management Group, emphasises the significance of the festival’s theme, stating that “African Nostalgia is the heartbeat of AfroFuture 2025 – honouring the food, music, fashion, art, and traditions that connect Africans and the diaspora across generations. This celebration highlights the legacy of African culture while inspiring future generations.”

As part of the pre-festival programming, AfroFuture would host a series of immersive experiences, including the highly awaited “Battle of Jollof Basketball Game” on December 27 at Bukom Boxing Arena, in collaboration with the Basketball Africa League.

There would also be a Fashion Night Out – December 30, Nubuke Museum and also a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with PVO – December 31 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

With an exciting blend of music, art, and community, AfroFuture Ghana 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of African creativity and innovation.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade

The Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Limited, Shaibu Haruna, has called for balanced regulatory frameworks that foster innovation rather than constrain it, warning that excessive restrictions could slow Ghana’s digital transformation. His remarks come as the country’s fintech sector reaches a critical juncture where regulatory choices will determine whether innovation flourishes or stalls.

Speaking at the 2025 Fintech Stakeholder Forum in Accra, themed “Harnessing Ghana’s Fintech Potential: Regulatory Frameworks for Digital Credit and Digital Assets,” Haruna emphasized that while regulation remains essential for consumer protection and system integrity, heavy handed policies risk stifling the very innovation driving financial inclusion. The forum brought together regulators, banks, fintech firms, policy think tanks and academia to deliberate on strategies for deepening financial access.

Haruna stressed that smart regulations should encourage responsible innovation and allow fintechs to scale securely. He pointed out that Mobile Money Limited, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, has witnessed firsthand how responsive regulation can unlock inclusion, particularly among the unbanked population. The success of mobile money interoperability, instant payments and digital savings platforms demonstrates what becomes possible when industry players and regulators work in sync.

The MML chief urged the Bank of Ghana to continue engaging ecosystem players in designing new frameworks for open banking APIs, digital asset policies and consumer data protection guidelines. These initiatives, he argued, would prove crucial in ensuring that fintech innovation continues thriving under clear and consistent rules rather than navigating a maze of conflicting requirements.

A significant pain point for fintechs involves overlapping compliance requirements from different authorities. Haruna underscored the importance of harmonizing financial and data regulations to enhance interoperability and security across the ecosystem. A unified regulatory framework, he suggested, would help fintechs focus their energies on innovation rather than wrestling with complex approval processes that drain resources and slow deployment.

The CEO warned that many Ghanaians remain hesitant to engage fully with digital financial services due to fears of fraud, data breaches and misuse of personal information. This trust deficit represents a significant barrier to expanding digital finance adoption, despite the convenience these platforms offer. Building confidence requires not just regulation, but visible enforcement that protects consumers without crushing innovation.

On financial inclusion, Haruna noted that digital finance has already transformed access to payments and remittances for millions of Ghanaians. However, sustaining this progress demands strong data governance, enhanced digital literacy and continued investment in infrastructure. Without these foundations, the gains achieved could prove fragile and reversible.

Mobile money transactions in Ghana reached GH¢1.912 trillion in 2023, representing a staggering 78.7 percent increase from GH¢1.07 trillion in 2022. With 15.2 million active users and a network spreading across the country, mobile money has fundamentally redefined financial access for ordinary Ghanaians. This explosive growth has created jobs for agents and merchants, boosted small business operations and improved tax revenue collection.

The digital finance ecosystem has generated opportunities spanning from merchants and agents to app developers. Yet Haruna cautioned that for this momentum to continue, Ghana must maintain balanced regulations that protect consumers while allowing innovation to flourish. The challenge lies in finding the sweet spot where oversight provides safety without becoming suffocating.

Haruna praised the Bank of Ghana for its proactive leadership in supporting innovation, particularly through establishing its Fintech and Innovation Office, which serves as a hub for policy dialogue and industry engagement. This collaborative approach, he noted, ensures that innovation thrives within a stable and credible environment rather than in spite of regulation.

Industry experts from the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems and IMANI Center for Policy and Education echoed similar calls for collaboration. A panel featuring Selorm Branttie of IMANI Africa, Professor Peter Quartey of ISSER, Clara Arthur of GhIPSS, Ethel Cofie of EDEL Technologies and Sylvia Otuo Acheampong of Mobile Money Limited highlighted growing concerns about gaps in data protection and regulatory coordination that risk undermining financial inclusion gains.

The panelists urged stronger inter-agency collaboration, clearer compliance standards and accelerated policy implementation to sustain investor confidence and market growth. They stressed that Ghana’s leadership in fintech innovation could be strengthened through improved interoperability and open data standards that allow different platforms to work together seamlessly.

Matilda Asante Asiedu, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, announced that the Central Bank will begin receiving digital credit applications from November 3, 2025, under its new Digital Credit Directive. The directive sets out ethical lending practices, clear disclosure requirements and governance standards aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring responsible digital finance.

The timing of this regulatory push matters enormously. Ghana’s fintech sector has grown rapidly, but its sustainability depends on maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and financial integrity. Get the balance wrong and either consumers suffer from inadequate protection or innovation withers under excessive constraint.

MML remains committed to deepening partnerships with banks, fintechs and government agencies to expand access to affordable financial services, particularly for small businesses and informal sector workers. These partnerships will determine whether digital finance fulfills its promise of transforming economic opportunities for Ghana’s underserved populations.

The forum underscored growing consensus among key industry players that Ghana’s fintech future must be driven by responsible innovation. As digital credit, mobile money and asset-based technologies expand, the need for adaptive regulation becomes increasingly urgent. Static rules designed for yesterday’s financial landscape won’t work for tomorrow’s digital economy.

What’s emerging is a recognition that regulation and innovation aren’t opposing forces but complementary elements of a healthy financial ecosystem. The question isn’t whether to regulate, but how to regulate in ways that protect without paralyzing and guide without constraining. Ghana’s fintech sector stands at a crossroads, and the regulatory choices made now will echo for years to come.

Ghana’s growing digital finance ecosystem is facing a major test of confidence as industry experts warn that low levels of public trust could slow down adoption and undermine the country’s financial inclusion agenda.

Speaking at the 2025 Fintech Stakeholder Forum in Accra, key players in the financial technology and banking sectors expressed deep concern that despite the rapid expansion of mobile money and digital credit platforms, many Ghanaians still hesitate to fully engage with the system due to fears of fraud, data breaches, and inadequate consumer protection.

Held under the theme “Harnessing Ghana’s Fintech Potential: Regulatory Frameworks for Digital Credit and Digital Assets,” the forum brought together regulators, fintech firms, banks, policy experts, and academia to deliberate on how Ghana can strengthen digital payments and ensure responsible innovation in the growing fintech space.

Professor Peter Quartey, former Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, said the country’s overall financial literacy remains “medium,” while credit usage and trust levels in digital financial services are “low to medium.”

“We still have a long way to go in terms of digital financial usage,” he cautioned. “Our surveys show that about 42% of users of mobile money services have trust issues. These days, we all see how scammers operate, and that affects confidence in the system. We need to do more to educate consumers and strengthen our security systems.”

Prof. Quartey called for a nationwide financial literacy campaign, particularly targeting rural and community banks, to build public confidence and increase responsible use of digital financial services.
“The behavior and awareness around digital finance are growing,” he said, “but without trust, the ecosystem cannot sustain its momentum. People must feel safe when transacting digitally.”

Infrastructure of trust

Adding to the discussion, Ethel Coffie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Edel Technology Consulting, said the issue of trust extended far beyond individual users.

She described it as an “infrastructure of trust” that involved multiple layers — from consumers and service providers to banks, regulators, and data management centers.

“There’s trust between consumers and service providers, yes, but also between banks, regulators, and even data centers,” she explained.

“It’s not just about whether customers feel safe using digital platforms—it’s about whether institutions trust each other with data, compliance, and enforcement.”

Coffie noted that many digital trust conversations tend to focus narrowly on consumers, overlooking the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that drive Ghana’s economy.

She urged regulators to use innovative tools such as regulatory sandboxing to support responsible digital lending for SMEs.

“SMEs are critical to our economy,” she said. “If we create a trusted digital framework that supports them, we are not just improving access — we’re strengthening national development.”

Interoperability and shared responsibility

For Clara B. Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), the biggest challenge facing Ghana’s digital finance sector today is the trust deficit.
Quoting recent findings that only 42% of users trust digital finance systems, she said the figure was “worrying and unacceptable.”

“If my child brought home a score of 42 percent, that would be a problem,” she said to laughter from the audience. “It shows clearly that we have a lot of work to do.”

Arthur stressed that interoperability — the ability of different systems and platforms to work together seamlessly — must not only enhance efficiency but also build trust between banks, fintechs, and regulators.

“Interoperability should build trust between all players—banks, fintechs, and regulators,” she said. “Without trust, we cannot sustain progress in digital credit, virtual assets, or the digital economy.”
She acknowledged that institutions such as GhIPSS also share in the responsibility for the trust deficit.

“It’s a shared 42%. It’s not just MoMo or fintechs—it’s all of us,” she admitted. “We must work together to raise that number and build a financial system that users truly believe in.”

Learning from Kenya’s Experience

Drawing lessons from Kenya, Coffie cited the Central Bank of Kenya’s 10-year digital financial strategy, which links financial inclusion directly to citizens’ overall financial health.

The strategy showed that while access and literacy had improved, the average Kenyan’s financial wellbeing had declined, highlighting the need for deeper, sustained reforms.

“Kenya has gone beyond ensuring access and literacy to tracking financial wellbeing at the municipal level,” she explained. “They’ve set measurable KPIs that assess whether people are not just using digital tools, but actually benefiting from them.”

Panelists agreed that Ghana could adopt a similar data-driven approach, coupling financial literacy initiatives with broader metrics that measure citizens’ financial health, resilience, and trust in digital systems.

Restoring confidence for sustainable growth

The discussions at the Fintech Forum underscored a common concern — that innovation alone is not enough to build a thriving digital finance ecosystem.

Without consumer confidence, data protection, and strong institutional collaboration, the rapid gains made by Ghana’s fintech sector could face serious setbacks.

Experts called for a comprehensive national trust framework encompassing cybersecurity,
interoperability standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, and continuous consumer education.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a leader in digital financial innovation, the message from the forum was clear: trust is the currency that will determine the future of fintech.

“Access is important, literacy is crucial,” Prof. Quartey concluded, “but without trust, the system collapses. That’s where our work must begin.”

Four servicewomen have launched a landmark class action lawsuit against the Australian military alleging sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination.

Lawyers said they expected thousands of women to join the case against the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which was filed in the Federal Court on Friday.

Claims by the four women leading the lawsuit – whose names are withheld for legal reasons – include being forcibly pinned to a wall before being groped, and waking up naked and bruised after a party with male officers.

An ADF spokesperson said it was developing a sexual misconduct prevention strategy and there was “no place for sexual violence” in the army.

All women who served between 12 November 2003 and 25 May 2025 are eligible to join the suit, lodged by law firm JGA Saddler.

One of the lead applicants was a member of the air force who was one of two women in a building of about 200 people.

She alleged she was subject to hostile and sexist comments, inappropriate conversations, as well as being shown unsolicited pornographic photos.

She also alleged her sergeant told her “women shouldn’t be paid as much as men because they are not as strong”.

Another of the four applicants, who joined the navy, said she was subject to lewd comments throughout her training and unwanted touching.

She also alleged that while on duty abroad she was grabbed and kissed by her a colleague who resisted her attempts to get away.

A major report into suicide among Australian veterans last year found that about 800 reports of sexual assault were made within the ADF between 2019 and 2024.

It noted that there was an estimated under-reporting rate for sexual assault of 60% in the ADF and that that was “only a subset of all forms of sexual misconduct that occur”.

“The threat of war often isn’t the biggest safety fear for female ADF personnel, it is the threat of sexual violence in their workplace,” said lawyer Josh Aylward from JGA Saddler.

“They have signed up to defend their country, not to fight off fellow ADF personnel on a daily basis, all while simply trying to do their job.”

An ADF spokesperson acknowledged there was “work to be done” and added that “all defence personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience in the ADF”.

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.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has revoked 278 small-scale mining licenses nationwide following regulatory breaches and expired operating permits. The announcement came through ministry spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf on Thursday, October 23, signaling what appears to be the government’s most decisive enforcement action in the sector this year.

The revocations were authorized under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2173), giving the action firm legal grounding. But what’s particularly striking here is the breadth of violations. The revoked licenses include operators who failed to comply with environmental and safety standards, as well as those who continued operations after their permits expired.

This isn’t the ministry’s first attempt at reform. Earlier this year, the government completed a national review of small-scale mining licenses, initially revoking more than 300 due to irregularities. That suggests this latest batch of 278 represents either a continuation of that broader sweep or a second wave targeting operators who didn’t get the message the first time around.

The timing matters, too. Ghana’s small-scale mining sector has long struggled with illegal operations, commonly known as galamsey, which have caused severe environmental damage to water bodies and forest reserves. The sector has been plagued by illegal operations and environmental degradation in recent years, making regulatory enforcement not just an administrative matter but an environmental imperative.

What sets this action apart from previous attempts is the apparent finality. There’s no mention of grace periods or opportunities to regularize operations. The ministry has simply published the list of affected companies and terminated their authorization to operate. The decision formed part of measures to strengthen governance in the management of mineral rights and ensure compliance within the small-scale mining sector.

The ministry has also introduced tracking devices and geo-fencing systems for excavators to ensure they operate only within licensed zones, suggesting that enforcement won’t stop at license revocation. The government appears to be building a technological infrastructure to monitor compliance in real time, which could fundamentally change how the sector operates.

For the 278 affected operators, this represents a complete shutdown of their businesses. Whether they can reapply under stricter conditions or face permanent exclusion from the sector remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that Minister Armah-Kofi Buah seems committed to following through on enforcement in a way his predecessors often promised but rarely delivered.

The real test will come in the months ahead. Will the ministry maintain this level of vigilance, or will enforcement slip as it has in the past? And perhaps more importantly, what happens to the communities that depended on these operations for employment? Those questions don’t have answers yet, but the government has at least demonstrated it’s willing to take the first difficult step.

play videoBlack Queens defeated Egypt 3-0 in the first leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers

The Black Queens of Ghana produced a commanding performance to secure a 3–0 away victory over Egypt in the first leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers, at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Thursday, October 23, 2025

Ghana took control of the match in the 42nd minute when Doris Boaduwaa broke the deadlock. The in-form forward latched onto a delightful pass from Jennifer Cudjoe, skipped past her marker, and fired a composed first-time finish into the net. The goal gave the Queens a deserved lead heading into halftime.

The second half saw Ghana continue their dominance, and the hosts’ task became even tougher when Habiba Essam Mohammed was sent off in the 52nd minute for a reckless challenge on Grace Asantewaa.

Lionel Messi extends Inter Miami contract until 2028

With the numerical advantage, Ghana pressed higher and doubled their lead in the 85th minute through Mary Amponsah, who reacted quickest to slot home after the Egyptian goalkeeper failed to hold a powerful strike.

Deep into stoppage time, Grace Asantewaa crowned her brilliant display with a stunning third goal, a curling effort from inside the box that sealed a comfortable win for Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side.

With a 3–0 first-leg cushion, the Black Queens will head into the return fixture in Accra full of confidence as they chase qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Watch highlights of the game below:

FKA/MA

Dr Zanetor departs Jubilee House after notifying government of mother’s passing

Ghana’s digital payment ecosystem has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, a senior Bank of Ghana official said.

ACCRA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) — With a local currency in its 60th year of existence, Ghana’s digital payment ecosystem has also seen tremendous growth over the past decade, according to Matilda Asante-Asiedu, second deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana.

Mobile money users and the value of transactions have grown rapidly and consistently between 2015 and 2025, Asante-Asiedu said as the MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference kicked off Tuesday in Accra, the capital.

The number of mobile money customers has increased from 4.9 million in 2015 to 24 million by 2025, she said. “The value of transactions stood at 266 million Ghana cedis (about 24.7 million U.S. dollars). Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has transformed remarkably. Today, mobile money transactions have reached 3.02 trillion cedis.”

With that figure, the deputy governor said, mobile money now accounts for half of Ghana’s formal payment flows, “underscoring the fact that digital rails have become the country’s primary retail payment infrastructure, connecting households, merchants, and small businesses nationwide.”

“We are no longer talking about mobile money as a novelty or an add-on. Payments are not just going digital; they are digital. And with that, the stakes go high,” she said, highlighting the need to scale the benefits of this transformation by ensuring more access, more efficiency, and more inclusion, “while guarding against the downside of fraud, exclusion, and instability.”

With billions of cedis flowing through electronic channels, Asante-Asiedu said, Ghana now has the infrastructure to deliver financial services at a scale that seemed impossible just a decade ago, and government-to-person payments can reach citizens faster and more transparently.

Small businesses are also benefiting from the development as they sell, save, and borrow across digital platforms, she said.

“When digital channels combine with mobile agents, feature phones, and offline modes, they create the possibility of genuine inclusion, where distance, literacy, or bandwidth are no longer barriers to accessing finance,” the official added.

Moreover, to ensure stability and sustainability, the deputy governor said, the central bank is steering a three-pronged agenda, grounded in practicality and evidence, to strengthen instant payment rails, ensure full interoperability across wallets and banks, raise agent-network quality, and tighten the complaint framework.

The central bank continues to pilot its digital currency (eCedi) in offline and online modes to ensure inclusive access, Asante-Asiedu said.

She noted that the digital currency policy document emphasizes minimum disruption to the financial architecture and the principle of equity.

“We are cautious, focusing on evidence-led pilots instead of hype-led,” she said. “The path to full rollout will be based on proof of outcomes and operational readiness.”

The theme of the three-day conference is “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty.”

MOBEX Africa Chief Executive Officer George Spencer Quaye said the continent is at a critical juncture to recalibrate the approach and reclaim the momentum for further growth.

He said digital innovation is not just about building technology for the sake of it. “It is about solving African problems in African ways with African-owned infrastructure to ensure digital sovereignty.”

There must also be inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind, because “a digital revolution that benefits only a few isn’t transformation, but exclusion with better tools,” Quaye said.

“Ultimately, we shall measure the impact of Africa’s digitalization by the number of lives it has changed,” he said.  ■

If there’s one thing the world has taught us in recent years, it’s this: projects shape progress. From roads and hospitals to digital transformation and social impact initiatives, every major leap we take as a nation rests on the shoulders of projects – and the people who manage them.

That’s where the Project Management Institute (PMI) comes in, and more specifically, PMI Ghana.

For over a decade, PMI Ghana has been raising the bar in professional standards, equipping leaders and everyday professionals with the skills, certifications, and network to deliver results that matter. And in today’s Ghana, where industries like mining, energy, fintech, construction, healthcare, Agriculture and education are rapidly expanding, the need for skilled project leaders and a Professional Body that sets Gold Standards has never been greater and urgent.

Why PMI Certifications Matter

What makes a PMI certification special? It’s more than just letters after your name.

• The PMP (Project Management Professional) is globally regarded as the gold standard. It tells the world you can lead projects of any size, anywhere. Research even shows PMP holders earn up to 20–30% more than their peers.

PMI certifications aren’t mere paper credentials. They testify that you can lead projects—anywhere, anytime.

• The PMP (Project Management Professional) is the gold standard worldwide. On average, certified professionals earn up to 20–30% more than their uncertified peers.
• New to the field? The CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) sets you up with the confidence, vocabulary, and credibility to begin strong.
• Looking to specialize? Certifications like Agile (PMI-ACP®), Risk Management (PMI-RMP®), Business Analysis (PMI-PBA®), and more allow you to sharpen your strengths and broaden your impact.

These certifications don’t just teach you frameworks, but they equip you with a mindset to deliver real results.

What the Global Talent Gap Means for Ghana

According to PMI’s 2025 Talent Gap report, the world may face a shortfall of up to 29.8 million project professionals by 2035. Global demand for project skills is expected to surge by 64% in just a decade.

Sub-Saharan Africa is on the frontlines of that demand. By 2035, the region will need as many as 4.6 million project professionals – a staggering 75% increase over today, translating to a potential shortfall of around 2 million skilled professionals.

In Ghana, where industries like mining, energy, healthcare, agriculture, construction, fintech, and education are all expanding, this isn’t just a global trend – it’s a personal wake-up call.

• For students and early-career professionals, the CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) is the perfect launchpad. It sets you apart in a competitive job market by showing you’ve mastered the fundamentals.
• For those who want to specialize, PMI offers credentials in Agile (PMI-ACP®), Risk Management (PMI-RMP®), Business Analysis (PMI-PBA®), Scheduling, and even Portfolio and Program Management (PgMP®, PfMP®).

PMI’s Certifications aren’t just about exams. They shape the way you think, lead, and deliver. They prepare you for real-world challenges – whether you’re managing a government project, a corporate initiative, or even your own entrepreneurial venture.

The PMI Ghana Advantage

Here at PMI Ghana, Professional Membership means more than belonging to a professional association. It means being part of a community of Changemakers.

• We host networking events and chapter meetings where members exchange ideas and learn from industry leaders.
• We’re the bridge between global certification and local excellence – bringing training, community, leadership development, mentorship, and so much more.
• Our Campus Students Clubs ignite the ambition of tomorrow’s professionals.
• Our national flagship events, the PNPMC & PMEA, inspires awareness and elevates project management’s Excellence and impact on Ghana’s future.

A Personal Invitation

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to do more, lead better, or stand out in my career,” now is the time. A PMI certification is not just a credential—it’s a passport to opportunities. And PMI Ghana is here to walk that journey with you.

Let’s build together. Let’s lead together. Let’s show the world that Ghana doesn’t just dream big—we deliver big.

“Great nations are built on great projects—and great projects are led by great project managers.”

For more information, contact +233 240991623 (Head of membership) or send an email to [email protected] or visit www.pmi-ghana.org

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

A five-member committee has been constituted by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to develop a language policy for the country.

The committee, with representation from civil society organisations and members such as the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, Professor George Oduro, has 30 days to submit its report to the Minister of Education.

Mr. Iddrisu disclosed this in Accra on Wednesday during the launch of the book titled “Reconceptualising the Learning Crisis in Africa: Multi-Dimensional Pedagogies of Accelerated Learning Programmes.”

The book, which among others highlights the importance of the use of local language in education, is written by distinguished scholars Professor Kwame Akyeampong and Dr. Sean Higgins.

Mr. Iddrisu, who launched the book, said the compelling argument by the authors about the role of language in learning was an issue “close to my heart.”

He stressed that for too long, African children had been asked to learn in languages they did not understand and then blamed for not learning well enough.

Mr. Iddrisu said language was not a peripheral policy issue; it was foundational in education and learning.

“This is why Ghana’s ongoing work to strengthen our language of instruction policy is so critical. It is the foundation on which comprehension, confidence, and cultural identity are built, especially in the early grades,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.

“When a child begins education in a language they understand, they do not just learn faster; they learn with dignity, as this book argues. They begin to see that their language, their stories, and their knowledge have value and make them successful learners,” he added.

Mr. Iddrisu commended Prof. Akyeampong and Dr. Higgins for writing the book, saying it was “timely and important.”

“Their book reminds us that while the phrase ‘learning crisis’ has become part of global policy language, the real crisis is not in the capacity of African children to learn but in how we have too often ignored the wisdom, languages, and pedagogies that make learning meaningful for them,” the Minister of Education indicated.

Prof. Akyeampong, a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democratic Development, said the book was written to challenge the “learning crisis” narrative that had shaped global education discourse, policy, and funding in Africa for over two decades.

He noted that the book was based on case studies of Accelerated Learning Programmes in Ghana, Liberia, and Ethiopia, which had demonstrated extraordinary success in supporting out-of-school and underperforming children to catch up and thrive.

“Rather than accepting that African children and schools are failing, the book challenges this deficit framing and argues that the real failure lies in the ethical, conceptual, and practical limitations of imposed, top-down approaches,” Prof. Akyeampong, who is the Professor of International Education and Development at the Open University, UK, added.

Among other suggestions, Prof. Akyeampong emphasised that education must recognise and build on the knowledge and strengths of African children and families.

He said local languages must be used longer in schooling to improve learning and inclusion, and also put the teacher at the centre of education.

BY KINGSLEY ASARE

🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

Professor Mike Oquaye is a former Speaker of Parliament

A former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has raised concerns over what he describes as the lack of parliamentary approval or listing of Ghana’s lithium agreement with its foreign partners.

According to him, no official document has been laid before Parliament, a situation he finds worrying and detrimental to Ghana’s natural resources.

Speaking to GhanaWeb Business on the sidelines of the IEA Policy Dialogue Series on Ghana’s Natural Resource Management, Professor Oquaye emphasised that Ghana’s Constitution mandates parliamentary ratification of all international and commercial agreements that bind the state.

He warned that bypassing this process poses a serious risk to the national interest.

“No order paper in our parliament has listed approval of parliament on our linear matter. If it suddenly will come tomorrow, it’s a different matter. Our constitution adjoins that there should be ratification of all such agreements. The foreigners are digging into them. They are working on the Indian side,” he said.

Prof Oquaye calls for end to royalty-based resource governance

He further emphasised that Ghana risks losing millions of dollars if Parliament does not swiftly intervene.

Professor Oquaye called on Parliament to safeguard Ghana’s mineral resources through proper legislation and documentation.

“The representatives of the people in the House we call parliament have not said it. When will they see it? How will they see it? What are the consequences of delay? Another cause of financial loss will come. It’s going to cost them millions of dollars for that and for that matter to our countrymen and women generally is that we must seriously interrogate this issue,” he added.

SP/EB

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

A landmark publication offering profound insights into transformative governance and dedicated service has been announced today.

“Mastering Leadership, Principles, Practices and Lessons,” a compelling new book, has been released and is now available for pre-order, promising to be an essential resource for students, policymakers, and future leaders worldwide.

The book distils critical principles and practical lessons from decades of service, providing a candid and comprehensive look at the foundation required to build and sustain ethical, people-centred leadership.

It delves into the commitment, resilience, and vision necessary to navigate complex challenges while upholding the voice and welfare of the people.

The Authors

This highly anticipated work is the result of a powerful collaboration between two giants in their respective fields.

Sir Samuel Jonah, a renowned statesman and influential business leader, contributes decades of strategic vision and executive experience in both the private sector and nation-building.

Equally vital is the contribution of Professor Pikay Richardson, a distinguished academic specialising in governance and public policy, who provides the rigorous analytical frameworks and theoretical depth that ground the book’s practical lessons.

Together, their complementary expertise offers a comprehensive and balanced perspective expected to influence leadership discourse globally.

It champions the idea that true leadership must be rooted in principles and driven by a sincere dedication to development and accountability.

“Mastering Leadership, Principles, Practices and Lessons” is now available. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their copy immediately.

Purchase Information

To order your copy, please visit the official publisher’s order portal: www.tinyurl.com/PreorderingMasteringLeadership

About the Publication

This work is part of a broader initiative to consolidate and share vital lessons on nation-building, integrity, and democratic participation, ensuring that the legacy of commitment to the people and effective governance continues to inform and inspire future generations.

Media Contact:
Nkenge Arscott
Communications, Nomadic African
[email protected]

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’s year-on-year Producer Price Inflation (PPI) for all goods and services rose to 3.2 per cent in September 2025, a 0.2 percentage point increase from the 3.0 per cent recorded in August, according to new data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

Despite the slight uptick, the September figure is 27.3 percentage points lower than the 30.5 per cent recorded in the same month last year, reflecting a continued easing of producer price pressures over the past year.

On a month-on-month basis, the GSS said prices received by producers for goods and services increased by 0.9 per cent in September, compared with August 2025.

The GSS said the Mining and Quarrying sector, which carries the largest weight in the PPI basket at 43.7 per cent, saw inflation rise marginally from 4.9 per cent in August to 5.0 per cent in September.

Similarly, inflation in the Manufacturing sector, accounting for 35 per cent of the index, edged up slightly from 1.6 per cent to 1.7 per cent during the same period.

However, the Transport and Storage sector continued to record price declines, with inflation falling by 8.2 per cent in September, compared to a decline of 8.0 per cent in August.

In a policy note accompanying the release, the GSS urged businesses to cut waste, boost efficiency, and reinvest savings in technology and workforce development.

The Service also encouraged firms to convert inflationary pressures into productivity gains, adding that government policy should focus on targeted tax reliefs, energy and transport reforms, and strengthening local supply chains to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness.

For households, the GSS advised consumers to compare prices, spend intentionally, and support businesses that pass on cost savings.

BY KINGSLEY ASARE

🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

Radio and media personality Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady

Radio and media personality Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady, has expressed outrage following allegations that former Deputy National Service Scheme (NSS) Director, Gifty Oware Mensah, orchestrated a fraudulent scheme within the institution.

In a submission on Okay FM in a video sighted by GhanaWeb on October 23, 2025, Vim Lady noted the appalling nature of the alleged misconduct, especially given that many Ghanaian graduates under the scheme struggle to receive their monthly allowances.

She recalled parts of the Attorney General’s report, which accused Oware Mensah of using her spouse’s Ghana Card to set up shell companies that allegedly siphoned funds meant for national service personnel.

“What even gives you away is the fact that your husband is testifying against you. That shows you are a malicious person. You took your husband’s Ghana card to open a company. You had opened all these companies to siphon money meant for national service personnel,” she said

The outspoken journalist also pointed out the exploitation of struggling youth, noting that some service personnel are forced to share rooms or rely on friends for accommodation due to delayed payments.

“These personnel were working every day, suffering, and they couldn’t get paid on time. Some had to perch with their friends in hostels cause they couldn’t afford rent.

“How much were they earning that you had to take that meagre amount and still add ghost names on top? We were seeing 100-year-old and 3-year-old people on the list. Why?” she questioned.

Vim Lady further suggested that Oware Mensah’s alleged attempt to buy a football team was part of a grand strategy to gain legitimacy and avoid scrutiny.

She quipped that the bizarre case is worthy of a “Netflix documentary” given its scale and audacity.

“Your brain has to be studied… after this case, we need a Netflix documentary on this,” she noted.

Gifty Oware-Mensah and her husband, lawyer Peter Mensah, are at the centre of Ghana’s largest recent public sector scandal involving ghost names, fraudulent contracts, and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and 2024, Oware-Mensah used her private company, Blocks of Life Consult (BLC), to insert nearly 10,000 fake names into the NSA payroll system and obtained bank loans worth over GH₵31.5 million from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) using the fake personnel’s allowances as collateral.

Her husband’s Ghana Card details were allegedly used without his knowledge to register some of the companies involved; he has since become a cooperating witness for the state.

The former NSA deputy faces five charges, including stealing, abuse of office, willfully causing financial loss, and money laundering, totalling GH₵38 million, while Peter Mensah faces potential aiding and fraud charges but may be treated as a state witness.

The Accra High Court granted Gifty a GH₵10 million bail with travel restrictions.

The case has triggered national outrage, especially after revelations that ghost names included fictitious service personnel.

ID/AM

Scenes from Accra Ridge Hospital after news of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ death

Ghana has not been able to attract new investments in its upstream petroleum industry, the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has stated.

Presenting highlights of the 2025 Semi-annual Report to journalists via Zoom on Wednesday in Accra, Richard Kojo Ellimah, Chair of PIAC’s Technical Sub-committee, said “Ghana is not attracting new investments in its upstream petroleum industry, to the extent that no new Petroleum Agreement has been signed since 2018.”

The oversight body, established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PMRA), said the lack of investor interest coincides with a sharp drop in oil production.

Crude output, according to the report, fell by 25.9 per cent—from 24.86 million barrels in the first half of 2024 to 18.42 million barrels in the same period of 2025.

“The Committee reiterates its call on the government, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that the Ministry of Energy and its allied agencies increase efforts to arrest the decline in crude oil production and secure investments into Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry,” he said.

The fall in output contributed to a steep decline in petroleum revenue, which dropped by 56 per cent—from US$840.8 million in the first half of 2024 to US$370.3 million in the same period this year.

The report attributed the shortfall mainly to lower crude production and weaker international prices, which averaged US$74.93 per barrel compared with US$86.12 a year earlier.

The report also noted that there was no lifting by the Ghana Group on the Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN) Field during the review period, further constraining government receipts.

Mr Ellimah said the situation called for stronger policy direction to restore investor confidence.

“Without new exploration and production activity, Ghana’s petroleum reserves and revenues will continue to dwindle, undermining our ability to finance development,” he said.

Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 2007, Ghana has relied heavily on petroleum receipts to fund priority infrastructure and social projects through the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA).

Cumulative revenue from petroleum activities since 2011 now stands at US$11.58 billion, according to the report.

He urged the government to prioritise reforms aimed at attracting private capital and technological expertise to reverse the downward trend.

The report further recommended that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) be adequately resourced and its establishing law reviewed “so that the Corporation will be better positioned to offer leadership in the exploitation of Ghana’s petroleum resources.”

PIAC called on authorities to strengthen collaboration between the Ghana Revenue Authority, Petroleum Commission, Bank of Ghana, and the Ministry of Energy to recover outstanding surface rental arrears, which rose to US$2.82 million by the end of June 2025.

Despite the challenges, PIAC commended the government for channelling ABFA spending solely into infrastructure development, describing it as a step towards better value for money.

“The Committee remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s petroleum revenues and ensuring transparency in their use,” Ellimah said, urging policymakers to act swiftly “to restore investor confidence and sustain petroleum production for the benefit of present and future generations.”

BY DAVID ADADEVOH

🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

A photo of cedi note and coins

The cedi continues to face some pressure on both the interbank and forex markets.

This follows a period of depreciation after the cedi breached the government’s GH¢12 target on the interbank exchange market.

As of Friday, October 24, 2025, the Bank of Ghana’s published rates show the cedi trading at GH¢10.80 to the dollar.

Banking fraud losses hit GH¢99 million in 2024, staff involvement rises 33%

Here’s how the cedi is faring on the BoG interbank market:

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢10.79, Selling at GH¢10.80

• Pound – Buying at GH¢14.37, Selling at GH¢14.38

• Euro – Buying at GH¢12.53, Selling at GH¢12.54

How a bank manager allegedly orchestrated a GH¢33m fraud scheme

Here’s how the cedi is trading at the forex bureaus

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.10, Selling at GH¢12.60

• Pound – Buying at GH¢15.80, Selling at GH¢16.80

• Euro – Buying at GH¢13.80, Selling at GH¢14.70

SA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Fans, officials heaps praise on Alex Apau Dadey and KGL for GHS 20 million sponsorship deal
Millions of football-loving Ghanaians have showered praise on KGL Group and its Executive Chairman, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, for their crucial role in sponsoring the Ghana Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Ghanaian conglomerate, which operates across fintech, technology, logistics, gaming, and real estate, signed a landmark two-year sponsorship deal worth GHS 20 million with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) earlier this year. The deal has been widely credited for helping the Black Stars secure their spot at the world’s biggest football event.

“We are grateful to Mr. Alex Apau Dadey and the KGL management for their unwavering financial support,” said Kwabena Okine, a passionate Black Stars fan. “It’s rare for a local company to invest such a huge amount—this is a bold and commendable move.”
Another ardent supporter, Bright Yeboah, applauded the group’s commitment, especially in the face of global economic challenges.
“KGL has shown true love for Ghana. Their social investments are impactful, and helping the Black Stars qualify is the best gift for the nation. God bless KGL and Mr. Dadey.”
A National Call Answered
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Mr. Dadey emphasized that the sponsorship was not simply a box-ticking CSR initiative but a strategic national duty.
“At KGL Group, we believe sports is a fundamental force for national transformation—building discipline, unity, and pride,” Mr. Dadey stated. “We are proud to support Ghana’s sporting journey and to be part of the movement to restore pride in the Black Stars.”
Mr. Dadey also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by key leaders in the partnership, including the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, and President H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
“We are grateful to President Mahama for his enduring vision and advocacy for sports development. His legacy inspires us to support initiatives that nurture national pride and future champions,” Mr. Dadey said.
Supporting Football from the Ground Up
Beyond senior national team sponsorship, KGL continues to support grassroots football through the KGL Foundation, which sponsors the Inter-Regional U-17 Colts Championship—a vital platform for unearthing and nurturing young football talent across the country.
Minister Kofi Iddie Adams commended KGL’s investment in football as a powerful example of corporate Ghana rising to the occasion.
“This sponsorship is more than just money—it’s about believing in the power of sport to unite and uplift a nation,” the minister stated. “We thank KGL Group for this meaningful investment.”

GFA President, Kurt Okraku, also expressed his appreciation:
“KGL’s unwavering support is a shining example of how partnerships can drive progress. We are grateful for their trust in Ghanaian football.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the Black Stars now set to participate in their fifth World Cup, expectations are high, and national pride is at an all-time high—thanks in no small part to the support of KGL Group.

As the country begins its countdown to the 2026 World Cup, many hope that this partnership model will inspire other corporate entities to invest in the future of Ghanaian sports.