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Black Friday signals Nigeria’s E-Commerce Maturity, says Jumia CEO – P.M. News

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Black Friday signals Nigeria’s E-Commerce Maturity, says Jumia CEO – P.M. News

At the close of 2025, the CEO of Jumia Nigeria, Temidayo Ojo reflected on a year-end shopping season that points to the growing maturity of the country’s e-commerce market.

“Black Friday is no longer a single, short-lived spike in activity,” he said. “It has become a familiar, anticipated moment in the retail calendar, where consumers shop deliberately and with confidence.”

Preliminary KPIs for the two months ended November 30, 2025, show strong year-on-year growth in both orders and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), with GMV growth outpacing order growth.

This indicates that customers are placing fuller, more considered baskets rather than shopping in fragmented transactions. Nigeria ranked among Jumia Group’s better-performing markets, with engagement remaining steady throughout the Black Friday period rather than spiking briefly and tapering off.

A key factor behind this performance is the growing familiarity of consumers with online shopping. Customers are increasingly leveraging platform features such as saved carts, brand stores, and price comparison tools to plan purchases in advance. This trend suggests that digital commerce is becoming embedded in everyday habits rather than being viewed as a one-off event.

Ojo also highlighted the role of Jumia’s JForce network in connecting digital commerce to local communities. “Our agents are critical to ensuring that customers across Nigeria, including secondary cities and smaller communities, have access to variety, consistent pricing, and reliable delivery,” he said.

“During peak periods like Black Friday, JForce agents can respond faster, serve more customers efficiently, and build stronger local relationships. This isn’t just a distribution channel—it’s a pathway to sustainable income and inclusion.”

Reflecting on the overall performance, the CEO concluded: “What we’re seeing this year-end is steady engagement across categories, stronger consumer confidence, and partners like our JForce agents benefiting from increased activity.

“It confirms that Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem is maturing, growing in a more structured and resilient way. As the December Holiday Sale continues, we expect these patterns of familiarity, trust, and participation to sustain momentum and drive both commerce and community impact across the country.”

We couldn’t ignore students’ anger over UG fees – Education ministry

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We couldn’t ignore students’ anger over UG fees – Education ministry

Dr Clement Apaak played key role in the fight against UG fee increment Dr Clement Apaak played key role in the fight against UG fee increment

The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has disclosed that the government stepped in on the University of Ghana (UG) fee hikes because growing anger from students and parents could not be ignored.

He made the remarks on Citi FM’s ‘Eyewitness News’ while explaining why the Ministry of Education directed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to intervene and suspend the controversial increases.

The former University of Ghana student said the ministry intervened in the public interest.

UG students kick against over 25% fee hikes for 2025/26 academic year

“We thought that the best thing was to instruct GTEC to call the university to stay any increase so that we can have a dialogue to understand the justification because the level of public outcry from students and parents was such that we couldn’t have ignored,” he stressed.

He further disclosed that the process began after the Minister of Education instructed him over the weekend to engage GTEC to understand reports of a 25 percent increment in academic fees at the University of Ghana.

“Over the weekend, the minister instructed me to get in touch with GTEC to understand the 25% increment in academic fees. Subsequent to that, we became aware that the University of Ghana had made a public statement through its Pro VC that the increases were as a result of third-party increases,” Dr Apaak said.

According to him, the ministry also took note of explanations issued by the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), which sought to justify some of the increments.

However, Dr Apaak stressed that beyond explanations, the legal framework governing fees could not be overlooked. He pointed out that Parliament had not approved any fee increases under the Fees and Charges Act, making the situation legally problematic.

“Given that we work with laws and there are processes and procedures, and the fact that Parliament had not granted an increase through the Fees and Charges Act, we thought that the best thing was to instruct GTEC to call the university to stay any increase,” he explained.

He said the decision was also influenced by the scale of public reaction.

As a result, he said the Education minister has tasked him to lead engagements among all affected parties.

“The level of public outcry from students and parents was such that we couldn’t have ignored it. The minister has assigned me to work with the University of Ghana, the student leaders and GTEC for us to look at something that will be acceptable,” he said, adding that dialogue remains the preferred path.

Earlier on the programme, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, argued that the increases in question were not management-imposed academic fees but third-party charges approved by student leadership.

“What is in the report is about third party fees which were imposed by the student leadership,” Prof Awandare said, adding that SRC and GRASSAG used their own governance structures to approve the charges.

Despite that explanation, Dr Apaak’s comments signal government’s determination to pause the increases and seek a resolution that addresses both legal requirements and public concerns.

Meanwhile, watch as Ashie Moore pays tribute to late Naser Toure

Ghana’s Abigail Fremah adjudged best referee in Africa

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Ghana’s Abigail Fremah adjudged best referee in Africa

Abigail Fremah is a Ghanaian referee Abigail Fremah is a Ghanaian referee

Ghana’s Abigail Fremah has been named Africa’s best Armwrestling referee by the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), following an exceptional year of officiating in major international competitions.

Bursting onto the world stage a year ago, the young referee has since elevated her profile by taking charge of other championships in Africa.

Fremah’s success shattered barriers and captured the spotlight, opening doors for other female referees to rise and excel in a field long dominated by men.

2025 AFCON: Late Appollis penalty fires South Africa into knockout stages

At the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship in Nigeria, her crisp and composed officiating in both the male and female divisions drew glowing praises from athletes and officials alike.

Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), in his “ End of Year” message, congratulated the referee, among other winners for their hard work throughout the year.

He said “As the curtain closes on 2025, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of accomplishment that I send you this message. This has been a monumental year, a year where the strength, unity, and passion of African Armwrestling truly roared onto the global stage.”

He noted that in spite of the challenges encountered, the federation did not only achieve its target but also established new benchmarks, a clear evidence that the sport continues to flourish.

The AFA president revealed that the 14th African Armwrestling Championship, which was held in Abuja remained one of the highlights of the year, showcasing the growing depth of talent in nations like Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana.

“Our commitment to Para-Armwrestling achieved a major milestone this year with the successful inclusion of our discipline in the inaugural West Africa Para Games. The inspiring, medal-winning performances displayed by our Para-athletes elevated the entire event and firmly established Armwrestling as a leading sport for accessibility and power in the region,” he added.

On his re-election as WAF Vice President, Asibey said this was an emphatic global endorsement of the progress of the sport in Africa.

He urged all federations to begin preparations for the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship which would be a mandatory qualifier for the Armwrestling events at the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

“Our major institutional target for 2026 is to intensify our efforts across all member nations to ensure Armwrestling achieves official Sport Code Status,” he said.

The eight awardees will be honoured at the next Africa Armwrestling Champions.

Full list of winners

National Team – Benin

Fastest Growing Team – Cameroon

Male Puller – Daniel Acquah (Ghana)

Female Puller – Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)

Coach of the Year – Geremie of Benin

Referee of the Year- Abigail Frema (Ghana)

Para Athlete of the Year – Omar Said

Promising – Ange Mete

Watch highlights of the 2025 Danny List Foundation Junior golf clinicbelow

‘Jakpa is a vote of no confidence in Ghana’ – Dr Ishmael Yamson laments

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‘Jakpa is a vote of no confidence in Ghana’ – Dr Ishmael Yamson laments

Renowned business management consultant Dr. Ishmael Yamson has described the ‘Jakpa’ phenomenon—the mass emigration of Ghanaian youth—as the ultimate “vote of no confidence” in the nation’s future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the CEO of Ishmael Yamson & Associates argued that while the country’s infrastructure is in a state of “acute depravity”, the more devastating loss is the systematic erosion of national hope and the “Badge of Honour” that once accompanied Ghanaian identity.

Dr. Yamson took the audience on a nostalgic journey, recalling an era when the “Black Star” symbolised African excellence and progress. He noted with sadness that the pride which once defined the Ghanaian spirit has been supplanted by a pervasive sense of cynicism.

“You can appreciate the acute depravity of the state of our infrastructure, but perhaps the most painful loss of all is the erosion of our national pride and hope,” Dr. Yamson remarked. “There was a time when the Black Star was a beacon of African excellence; to say then that I’m a Ghanaian was to wear a badge of honour. Today, that pride has been replaced by cynicism.”

The ‘Jakpa’ Crisis: More Than Just Economics

The veteran consultant focused heavily on the ‘Jakpa’ trend—a slang term for the desperate drive by young professionals and artisans to relocate to Europe, North America, or the Middle East.

Dr. Yamson challenged the government to see this not merely as a search for better wages, but as a psychological divorce from the state.

“When our youth’s primary ambition is to emigrate to Jakpa, it is not just an economic decision,” he declared. “It’s a vote of no confidence in their motherland.”

He argued that when the brightest minds believe their potential can only be realised outside their borders, the nation is facing an existential crisis. This “human capital flight” leaves behind a hollowed-out workforce, further complicating the “structural reset” the government claims to be pursuing.

Dr. Yamson linked this lack of confidence to the “agony of unpredictability” in the Ghanaian economy.

He noted that while the government achieved “spectacular stabilisation” in 2025—bringing inflation down to 6.3% and the Cedi to GH¢10.65—trust has not yet returned to the boardroom or the streets.

According to Dr Yamson, the youth choose to ‘Jakpa’ because they can no longer plan for a mortgage, a career, or a family in an environment where fundamentals “shift like the wind.”

He warned that without a fundamental shift in values and the elimination of the “culture of impunity”, no amount of economic stabilisation will stop the exodus.

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 still training graduates for 1980s, not 2030 – Ishmael Yamson at New Year School

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Ghana still training graduates for 1980s, not 2030 – Ishmael Yamson at New Year School

Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has called for a shift in how Ghana values technical and vocational skills, warning that the country will struggle to build a sustainable economy if skilled technicians continue to rank below white-collar professionals.

Speaking at the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference today [January 6, 2025], Dr Yamson said Ghana’s development would be slowed unless welders, engineers and other technical workers received the same social standing and pay as professionals in banking and corporate offices.

“This mindset must be reset. Skilled technicians in a reset Ghana should command the same respect and pay as a bank manager,” he said.

Dr Yamson noted that Ghana was producing large numbers of graduates whose training did not match the needs of a modern economy, leaving many young people without jobs despite years of formal education.

“We are currently producing thousands of graduates from high schools, colleges and universities who are unemployable because their skills do not match the market,” he said. “We are training students for the economy of the 1980s, not 2030.”

He said the growing gap between education and industry was undermining job creation and increasing frustration among young people, many of whom now see migration as the only option open to them.

Dr Yamson said Ghana’s education system required a reset, beginning with the way university programmes are designed. He argued that academic curricula should no longer be developed within universities alone, without input from industry.

“University curricula should not be written in isolation by professors. They should be developed with industry bodies,” he said.

He stressed that Ghana’s long-term progress would not come from traditional white-collar professions alone, but from practical and technical skills linked to industrial growth and production.

“The development of this country will not be driven by lawyers, sociologists and political scientists alone. It will be driven by welders, mechatronics engineers, agronomists and toolmakers,” he said.

Dr Yamson added that the continued neglect of technical skills had contributed to graduate unemployment, widening skills gaps and low productivity, even as industries struggled to find workers with the right training.

As part of a wider address on the need for a national economic reset, Dr Yamson said efforts to stabilise inflation and the currency would fall short without deeper structural changes.

He said a reset in skills development and education priorities was needed to prepare Ghana for growth in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy and advanced manufacturing.

“This mindset must be reset,” he said, warning that without urgent action, Ghana risked training generations of young people for jobs that no longer exist.

Artisans commend President for appointing one of them as MCE  

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Artisans commend President for appointing one of them as MCE  

By Charles Tawiah

     Atwima-Mim (Ash) Jan. 06, GNA – The Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for appointing one of its members as the Municipal Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya South.  

Alhaji Luqman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu, Ashanti Regional Chairman of GNAG, who gave the commendation said the appointment of Mr Wisdom Osei Boamah, as the MCE, was a clear demonstration of inclusivity and recognition of people with technical and vocational skills.  

Alhaji Appiadu was speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony to begin the construction of a clinic and nurses’ quarters at Atwima-Mim, in the Atwima Nwabiagya South of the Ashanti region.  

 The facility is being constructed by the municipal assembly from its share of the district assemblies’ common fund.  

Alhaji Appiadu, pointed out that, often appointments to such positions had remained in the hands of university graduates and people of influential backgrounds.  

However, he said President Mahama had demonstrated that, artisans through their training of using practical skills and hands-on expertise and life experiences in establishing their own businesses, were more equipped to take up leadership positions.  

He said artisans and people with hands-on practical skills, were equally crucial in nation building, like other professionals.  

Alhaji Appiadu pointed out that the 100 per cent endorsement received from the assembly members during his confirmation was a testament of Mr Boamah’s capability to lead the transformation agenda of the municipality.  

“This is a sign of all-inclusiveness and recognition of the talents, abilities and potentials of all persons including artisans without discrimination”, he stated.  

He commended the MCE for performing remarkably in his first seven months in office.  

The Regional GNAG disclosed the plan by the association to offer free fitting apprenticeship for interested youth to complement the government’s Free Apprenticeship Program initiative and an appreciation to the president, when they finish developing the 26-acre land in the town.  

He said the planned artisanal hub was already affiliated with the Otumfuo Education Fund to offer theoretical and practical training for the youth in the area and beyond.  

He appealed to the government, Technical and Vocational Training Institutions, and other related stakeholders to support the vision of the association.  

GNA  

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade  

John Boadu meets NPP stalwarts to promote unity

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John Boadu meets NPP stalwarts to promote unity

John Boadu, Daavi Ama and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia when they met John Boadu, Daavi Ama and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia when they met

Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has embarked on series of courtesy calls on key party stalwarts as part of efforts to promote peace, unity, and internal cohesion.

The visits, which form part of his nationwide consultation with party stakeholders and elders, are aimed at strengthening bonds amongst various factions, mostly formed in support of aspirants.

Essentially, the tour is aimed at building a shared sense of purpose as the NPP prepares for the Presidential Primaries, slated for 31st January.

Popularly known as Adwenkesie, John Boadu, has so far called on four out of the five presidential aspirants including, former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Yaw Osei Adutwum, Kennedy Agyapong and Kwabena Agyapong. During the Christmas and New Year celebrations, he also visited, former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye and former National Treasurer, Madam Daavi Ama.

Speaking during the engagements, John Boadu emphasised the need for reconciliation and collective responsibility, noting that the strength of the NPP has always rested on unity, mutual respect, and adherence to the party’s core values.

He stressed that fostering harmony among party leaders and grassroots supporters alike is critical to rebuilding confidence and positioning the party for success.

According to him, the courtesy calls are not about advancing his personal ambition, but listening to the wisdom and experience of the leaders, past and present, especially, the elderly, to draw lessons from the party’s history. He described the interactions as opportunities to seek counsel, promote dialogue, and rally the party around a common vision.

The party stalwarts who received John Boadu welcomed the initiative and commended him for prioritising unity and consultation.

They underscored the importance of maintaining peace within the party, particularly at a time when internal solidarity is essential for effective opposition and future electoral victories.

Adwenkesie reiterated his commitment to delivering servant leadership as the National Chairman, pledging to work with all stakeholders to heal divisions and strengthen party structures from the national to the grassroots level.

He called on party members to put the collective interest of the NPP above individual differences and to work together to rebuilding the party.

The courtesy calls are expected to continue across the country, reinforcing John Boadu’s message of inclusiveness, dialogue, and unity as the NPP charts a path toward renewal to recapture power.

BoG ends 2025 with record $13.8bn in international reserves

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BoG ends 2025 with record $13.8bn in international reserves

Sources say BoG reserves could have climbed to approximately US$14.2 billion Sources say BoG reserves could have climbed to approximately US$14.2 billion

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) reportedly closed 2025 with international reserves at a record US$13.8 billion, making it one of the strongest reserve accumulation efforts in the country’s history.

According to myjoyonline.com, sources indicate the reserves could have climbed to approximately US$14.2 billion if it were not for a US$709 million Eurobond payment made in December 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.

The early repayment was reportedly enabled by stronger-than-expected government revenue performance in the final quarter of 2025 and reduced reserves to US$13.8 billion at end-December.

Despite the Eurobond payments, the central bank added roughly US$5 billion to its reserve stock in 2025.

Data from the Bank of Ghana show that international reserves rose to US$11.4 billion by the end of October 2025, up sharply from US$7.4 billion in October 2024.

BoG enacts strict new rules for international money transfer companies

The Bank of Ghana reported that the cedi posted a cumulative appreciation of 40.67 percent against the US dollar in 2025, closing the year at about GH¢10.45 to the dollar.

In December, average daily interbank market trading stood at US$19.7 million, pushing total monthly trading volume to approximately US$394 million.

Analysts attribute the robust reserve growth to the BoG’s reserve accumulation strategy and its domestic gold purchase programme, both of which played a significant role in strengthening the external position.

The record reserve level is expected to support near-term stability of the Ghana cedi by reinforcing market confidence in the central bank’s ability to intervene when necessary.

Measures have also reportedly been put in place to manage these seasonal pressures, adding that they are not expected to pose a significant threat to currency stability.

ID/AE

Mahama justifies Accra–Kumasi expressway, cites New Year traffic gridlock

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President John Dramani Mahama has strongly defended plans for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, saying recent traffic congestion on the highway highlights the urgent need for the project.

The President’s comments come in the wake of widespread public frustration after motorists and passengers spent between 12 and 24 hours in traffic on sections of the Accra–Kumasi highway between December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

The gridlock, which affected areas including Juaso, Asankari, and Dwaso, was linked to large-scale church events that drew thousands of worshippers from across the country.

Despite explanations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways that the congestion was a one-off occurrence, Mahama maintains that the incident exposes deeper structural challenges and reinforces the need for a modern expressway between Accra and Kumasi.

Speaking on the flagship infrastructure initiative under his government’s Big Push agenda at the annual new year school conference in Accra on Tuesday, January 6, Mahama said critics of the proposed expressway would better understand its necessity if they had experienced the severe traffic gridlock recorded over the New Year period.

According to the President, a single church convention brought traffic on the Accra–Kumasi road to a standstill for more than seven hours, underscoring the limitations of the existing road network linking Ghana’s two largest cities.

Accra is the capital and the country’s biggest city, while Kumasi is the second largest. Mahama described it as unacceptable that the two major economic hubs are connected largely by a single-lane highway, warning that such conditions hinder movement, commerce, and national development.

He assured Ghanaians that the situation would soon be a thing of the past, revealing that preparations are underway to cut sod for the construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway early this year.

“One of the iconic projects under our big push is going to be the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. And for those who have spoken against this Expressway, I wish that they were in the traffic jam over the new year when one single church holding a convention brought the Accra-Kumasi road into gridlock for more than seven hours.

“Accra is the biggest city in Ghana and the capital. Kumasi is the next biggest city in Ghana, and the traffic between these two cities is a shame that we have a single-lane road linking our two major cities. This will be a thing of the past, and I am looking forward to cutting sod early this year for the construction.”

Value addition, 24-hour economy key to Ghana’s reset agenda — Mahama

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President John Mahama has announced plans to fundamentally reshape Ghana’s economic model, with a strong shift toward value addition, industrialisation and a 24-hour production economy as part of efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive nation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana, the President said a sustainable Ghana must be anchored on “a productive, diversified and resilient economy” capable of withstanding shocks while creating opportunities for all.

“Our development model must decisively move away from excessive dependence on raw material exports towards value addition, industrial production, and knowledge-based enterprise,” President Mahama said.

He disclosed that the government will roll out a policy this year requiring value addition to Ghana’s minerals, petroleum and agricultural products before export.

The President explained that the policy direction underpins his administration’s broader economic reset agenda, with the 24-hour economy and a renewed export development programme at its core.

According to him, the 24-hour economy is not merely a political slogan but a deliberate structural transformation strategy.

“This programme is not a slogan. It is a structural transformation strategy to extend productivity beyond daylight hours, deepen manufacturing, support logistics and agro-processing, and create millions of decent jobs across the value chain,” he stated.

President Mahama stressed that such ambitions can only be realised in a stable and investment-friendly environment, which he said informed the early reforms undertaken by his administration to stabilise the economy.

He pointed to what he described as measurable economic gains, including a stable currency, which he said had been touted as the world’s best-performing currency in 2025. He also cited a sharp decline in inflation and public debt levels as signs of recovery.

“Inflation has fallen from 23.8 per cent at the end of 2024 to just above five per cent by the end of 2025, while debt has reduced from above 66 per cent of GDP to about 45 per cent,” the President noted.

The Annual New Year School and Conference, organised by the University of Ghana, brings together policymakers, academics, civil society actors and development partners to reflect on national challenges and chart pathways for sustainable development.

This year’s edition focuses on Ghana’s economic transformation and long-term development priorities amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy and expand job opportunities.

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.

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