ANOMABO-OBOADZE – In a significant step toward community development, the Anomabo-Oboadze traditional authority has enstooled Regina Nana Akua Fordjour as their new Development Chief, Mpuntuhen Nana Akua Adepa Fordjour II.

During her coronation on Saturday, October 18, 2024, she immediately launched the Nana Adepa Foundation II (NAF 2 Foundation), an initiative aimed at equipping local youth with employable skills and bolstering the agricultural economy.

The vibrant, well-attended ceremony showcased the community’s rich cultural heritage and united traditional and religious leaders in a shared vision for progress.

In her inaugural address, Nana Fordjour expressed her gratitude for the honor and pledged her unwavering commitment to the community’s advancement. “I will give my best to support the development of Anomabo-Oboadze,” she assured.

The cornerstone of her plan is the NAF 2 Foundation, which aims to raise $65,000 from corporate Ghana and individual donors. The funds will establish two key projects: a Cassava Processing Factory and a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) school.

Nana Fordjour, a miner and entrepreneur in her early forties, explained the logic behind the factory. “Since the entire Aboadze community is noted for cassava farming, the factory will process cassava into gari and starch for both local consumption and export,” she said. She confidently declared to the community, “The days of cassava glut in our area are gone.”

She elaborated on the broader benefits, highlighting cassava’s drought-resistant nature as a key asset for food security. Processing the root into flour, starch, and ethanol, she noted, extends its shelf life, expands market reach, and creates jobs in farming, processing, and distribution. This, in turn, supports rural livelihoods and opens up export opportunities.

“Processing cassava minimises waste by transforming all parts of the plant into valuable by-products like animal feed and biofuel,” Nana Fordjour stated. “It is a vital economic activity that improves food security, promotes sustainable agriculture, and diversifies industrial applications for developing countries like Ghana.”

Complementing the factory, the planned TVET centre will focus on equipping youth, particularly vulnerable girls, with practical technical skills tailored to local and global job markets. Nana Fordjour emphasised that this initiative is designed to reduce unemployment, improve job readiness, and foster self-reliance through vocational careers and small business development.

She called for a collective effort, urging corporate Ghana and the community to unite in support. “Collective effort, investment, and collaboration are crucial to unlocking the full potential of Anomabo-Oboadze,” she stressed.

Her vision received strong endorsements from dignitaries at the event. Nana Obokese Ampah, Apegyahen of the Asebu Traditional Area, who presided over the ceremony, praised her determination and spirit. “True wealth is built not just on ambition but on the courage to empower others,” he said.

Dr. Ebenezer Prince Kojo Arhin, the Member of Parliament, and Mr. Stanley Eric Acquah, the Municipal Chief Executive, also expressed their support, noting that Nana Fordjour’s initiatives align with the government’s industrialisation agenda.

“Her rise from humble origins to a revered leader exemplifies the power of faith and resilience,” Dr. Arhin added. “She inspires generations to overcome challenges and lead with purpose.”

An experienced entrepreneur and religious leader, Nana Fordjour has already provided employment to nearly a thousand youths through her various business ventures. Her enstoolment as Mpuntuhen formally recognises her as a proven leader dedicated to the prosperity of her people.

Semper Fi’s unbeaten run in the Division One League came to an end on Sunday as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Golden Kick at the Tuba Astroturf.

After a competitive first half that produced few clear chances, the home side found the breakthrough early in the second period. Shaban Abubakar struck in the 49th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to give Golden Kick the lead.

Despite Semper Fi’s efforts to respond, the hosts defended resolutely and managed the game well to preserve their advantage until the final whistle. It was a frustrating outcome for Semper Fi, who had enjoyed a strong start to the season with one win and two draws, often looking the better side in each of their opening matches.

The defeat will serve as a setback for the Teshie-based club, who will now turn their focus to next week’s fixture at the McDan Sports Complex, where they host Golden Warriors. With their unbeaten start now over, Semper Fi will be determined to bounce back quickly and rediscover their early-season form.

David Accam has backed the Mansour Group’s plan to build a new world-class Right to Dream (RTD) Academy near Accra, calling it a landmark for Ghanaian youth development.

The former Ghana winger, himself an RTD graduate, said the project will lift both education and football standards for the next generation.

The facility—set to break ground in early 2026—will host over 100 student-athletes and replace the Old Akrade base, with all scholarships honoured during a temporary relocation in the Accra area.

Government has welcomed the investment, which forms part of the Mansour Group’s wider backing for RTD’s global network of academies and clubs.

Since acquiring RTD in 2021 through Man Capital, the Group has invested over US$180m, opening new academies in Cairo and San Diego and strengthening pathways to professional football and academic scholarships.

Accam, who rose from RTD to Europe with Helsingborg and later starred in Major League Soccer for Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union, framed the new build as the product of two decades of steady growth he watched from the inside.

“I was part of the first generations coming through the Right to Dream academy in Ghana. Though I am grateful for the opportunity that changed my life, I am also aware, that the students and kids in the program today are benefitting from the progress the organization has made over the years since I started,” he said, reflecting on the academy’s evolution.

He added that RTD’s expansion—more students, a deeper academic pathway and a linked club system through FC Nordsjaelland and the US franchise—makes the Accra project a logical next step.

“I watched it grow with more kids, more opportunities, educational pathway, and the growing network of clubs and schools. And now the next step is ready to be taken with the commitment from the Mansour family to build a great new facility for the Right to Dream students and staff. It makes me happy and even more hopeful for the future.”

Founded in 1999, RTD’s “books and boots” model couples full scholarships with elite coaching, producing professionals and scholars in equal measure.
Alumni now dot senior national teams and top leagues, with recent Black Stars call-ups underscoring the pipeline’s strength.

The new Ghana campus will consolidate classrooms, dormitories, performance labs and training pitches on one site, giving students the kind of infrastructure that has underpinned RTD’s newer hubs in Egypt and the United States.

While construction proceeds, the academy has pledged to retain its 127 Ghana-based staff and maintain all student support.

For Accam, the significance extends beyond first-team football to the wider impact on the men’s and women’s national programmes and the academy’s coaching ecosystem.

“To see how Right to Dream has impacted our Black Stars and Queens, from where it started to where it is today, is mind-blowing, but not a surprise to me. I’m sure there’s more to come. And it’s not just about players,” he noted, arguing that the upgraded facilities will deepen the talent pool across the board.

He pointed to the growing cadre of RTD alumni moving into leadership roles as coaches and educators—evidence, he said, that the system now reproduces excellence well beyond its original remit.

“I see many of my former friends and brothers from the academy who today are coaches – both at the RTD academy but also in clubs and abroad. The future looks bright,” Accam added, positioning the Accra project as a long-term bet on Ghanaian expertise.

The Mansour Group, chaired by Sir Mohamed Mansour, has paired the RTD investment with long-standing commitments in Ghana’s economy through Mantrac, its Caterpillar dealership, and a nationwide automotive network.

Officials have framed the new academy as part of a broader push to align sport, education and industry training—an approach the government says will keep more talent on structured pathways.

RTD, for its part, says the build will tighten links across its four academies and three professional clubs, ensuring Ghana remains central to its global map.

Accam’s message is ultimately about opportunity multiplied: a modern home that widens access, strengthens academics and sharpens performance, while keeping community values intact.

For an alumnus who turned a scholarship into a professional career and Black Stars caps, the calculation is simple—this is how you create more life-changing stories, faster and at scale.

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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.

Market women in Bolgatanga have launched appeals to authorities to reclaim approximately 1,000 locked stores and sheds at the Old Market that have remained unused for years despite being allocated to individuals.

The traders are calling on the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to immediately reallocate these facilities, arguing that the move would provide much needed economic opportunities and address chronic space constraints in the market.

Since the last quarter of the year, frustration has mounted among active traders who conduct business under harsh conditions while valuable market infrastructure sits idle behind padlocks. The women contend that those who secured allocations years ago have neither utilized the spaces nor relinquished them for others to use.

The situation has created what traders describe as a paradox: a market struggling with inadequate trading space while hundreds of allocated stores remain perpetually locked. Many of the women currently trade in open areas exposed to sun and rain, lacking basic shelter that the unused facilities could provide.

The appeal comes at a time when market allocation disputes have become increasingly common across Ghana. In Akyem Oda, the Central Market experienced similar controversies that delayed stall allocation for months after reconstruction was completed in November 2024. Court injunctions and disagreements over management agreements complicated what should have been a straightforward distribution process.

Bolgatanga’s market women argue their case rests on principles of fairness and economic efficiency. They maintain that market facilities are public resources meant to serve active traders, not sit unused as personal holdings.

The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has not yet responded publicly to the appeals, leaving uncertainty about whether authorities will conduct a comprehensive review of allocations or establish criteria for reclaiming unused spaces.

Market infrastructure management remains a contentious issue in Ghana’s municipal governance. The challenge lies in balancing original allocations with the practical need to maximize use of limited commercial space, particularly in regional capitals like Bolgatanga where trading activities drive much of the local economy.

The women’s protest reflects broader tensions between allocation systems designed for orderly distribution and the economic realities faced by small-scale traders who depend on market access for their livelihoods.

Previous market disputes in Bolgatanga have occasionally escalated into confrontations between traders and authorities. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, grain sellers clashed with police over relocation directives from the new market to the old market, resulting in arrests and physical altercations. That incident highlighted the sensitive nature of market management decisions in the municipality.

The current appeal, however, appears focused on negotiation rather than confrontation, with traders emphasizing their desire for dialogue with the assembly to find workable solutions.

For the market women, access to proper trading facilities represents more than convenience. It affects their ability to store goods securely, protect inventory from weather damage, and present their wares in conditions that attract customers and support dignified commerce.

The locked stores symbolize what traders view as wasted opportunity in a region where economic challenges make every commercial advantage significant. With Bolgatanga serving as the Upper East Regional capital and a major trading hub, efficient market utilization carries implications beyond individual livelihoods.

Whether the Municipal Assembly will act on the appeals remains to be seen, but the traders have made clear their determination to secure access to facilities they believe should serve active commerce rather than remain locked indefinitely.

The outcome could set precedents for how municipalities handle similar situations where allocated public market facilities go unused while demand for trading space remains high.

Harry Maguire’s late header delivered Manchester United their first victory at Anfield since 2016, a dramatic 2-1 triumph that condemned Liverpool to a fourth consecutive defeat and marked a potential turning point in Ruben Amorim’s tenure.

The captain powered home Bruno Fernandes’ cross in the 84th minute, just six minutes after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s sensational early opener. The win gives United back to back Premier League victories for the first time under Amorim and closes the gap to Liverpool to just two points.

Mbeumo stunned Anfield after only 62 seconds, finishing past Giorgi Mamardashvili following Amad Diallo’s pass to record the quickest Premier League goal scored at the ground between these fierce rivals. The strike came amid controversy, as Liverpool players protested that play should have been stopped for a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister, who went down after colliding with Virgil van Dijk in the buildup.

The early goal set the tone for what became a thrilling encounter between two sides experiencing contrasting fortunes. United executed their game plan effectively, getting the ball forward quickly and exploiting gaps in Liverpool’s defense through a mobile front three of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount.

Amorim’s tactical decision to leave Benjamin Sesko on the bench proved justified, with Mbeumo and Cunha particularly effective against Liverpool’s left side where Van Dijk and Milos Kerkez struggled throughout. The opening goal exposed defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Liverpool during their recent slump, marking the seventh successive match without a clean sheet for Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool dominated possession with 63.8 percent and created numerous chances, but wasteful finishing and resolute defending kept them at bay for long periods. Gakpo hit the woodwork three times before finally beating Senne Lammens in the 78th minute, but his most glaring miss came with three minutes remaining when he planted a close range header wide of an open goal.

That squandered opportunity proved fatal. Moments later, Fernandes delivered an exquisite cross into the box and Maguire rose above Ibrahima Konate to power a header past Mamardashvili. The goal vindicated the much criticized defender’s place in the team and capped a composed performance that answered questions about his role in United’s squad.

Lammens produced several crucial saves on what was effectively his competitive debut, having impressed in United’s 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break. The Belgian goalkeeper’s shot stopping kept Liverpool’s attacking threats neutralized during periods of sustained pressure.

For Liverpool, the defeat extends their worst run since 2014 and ends a 20 match unbeaten streak at Anfield. The champions now sit four points behind leaders Arsenal in third place, with their title defense unraveling amid defensive fragility and attacking inefficiency.

Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating afternoon, cutting an isolated figure as United’s defensive structure limited his opportunities. When presented with a clear chance at an acute angle, the Egyptian forward sliced his shot wide, summing up Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal.

Slot made three substitutions in an attempt to spark his side, bringing on Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Curtis Jones, but United’s defensive organization held firm. The manager later acknowledged his team created enough chances to win but lamented their inability to convert opportunities.

The loss represents Liverpool’s third consecutive Premier League defeat, a collapse that has transformed their season from title contenders to a side searching for answers. Defensive issues at set pieces continue plaguing them, with Maguire becoming the latest player to exploit their aerial vulnerability.

United’s victory carries enormous significance beyond the three points. Breaking the Anfield curse removes a psychological barrier that has haunted the club for nearly a decade. The manner of the win, coming from behind after conceding an equalizer, demonstrates character and resilience that has been lacking in Amorim’s early months.

The Portuguese manager now has momentum, with consecutive league victories providing breathing space after an inconsistent start to his reign. United sit ninth with 13 points, suddenly within striking distance of European qualification spots.

This result could mark the moment when United’s season ignited and Liverpool’s imploded. For one set of fans, it’s the return of belief after years of suffering at their rivals’ fortress. For the other, it’s a crisis demanding immediate answers before their title ambitions disappear entirely.

The iconic rivalry delivered another memorable chapter, one that will be replayed endlessly in Manchester while causing nightmares on Merseyside. Sometimes football’s narratives shift in 90 minutes, and this was one of those occasions.

A feature by Edward Boateng

Accra, Oct 19, GNA – A major economic development is unfolding in China that could significantly shape the course of industrial progress across Africa.

Beijing’s decision to remove all tariffs on products from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations is seen by analysts as a transformative policy shift that could unlock unprecedented access to a market of over 1.4 billion people and strengthen Africa’s participation in global value chains.

President Xi Jinping first announced the zero-tariff policy in June this year, describing it as a renewed commitment to shared development under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. The policy, reaffirmed during the fourth China –Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, reflects China’s intention to expand trade in a manner that supports industrialisation and inclusive growth across the continent.

The Province of Hunan has long been central to these developments. In 2018, officials from Ghana and China began exploring how Hunan could serve as a major gateway for African products into the Chinese market through early diplomatic and commercial engagements.

Those exchanges laid the groundwork for the establishment of the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo in 2019, which has since become a key platform for promoting African exports and investment opportunities in China.

The Zero – tariff  policy was also a major focus of discussions during the recent state visit of President John Dramani Mahama to China at the invitation of President Xi.

During engagements in Beijing, both leaders underscored the strategic importance of the policy to the long-standing partnership between China and Ghana.

President Mahama says the zero-tariff measure demonstrates China’s confidence in its economic relations with Africa and provides a powerful incentive for Ghanaian exporters, agro-processors, and manufacturers. He commends the Government of China for what he described as “an act of solidarity that aligns with Ghana’s Reset Agenda and the 24-hour economy vision, which seek to promote industrial expansion and sustainable job creation”.

He notes that Ghana and China share six decades of diplomatic friendship, trust, and cooperation – a relationship that has matured into one of strategic partnership. The year 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations, a milestone that symbolises mutual respect and shared aspirations for progress.

Trade between the two countries continues to expand, with bilateral volumes reaching 11.8 billion dollars in 2024.

Between 2020 and 2024, China’s exports to Ghana rose by nearly 46 per cent, while Ghana’s exports to China increased by more than 11 per cent. Chinese investments, recorded by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, are projected to total about 3.9 billion dollars, covering more than 400 projects and creating thousands of jobs for Ghanaian youth.

President Mahama also highlights that frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC have contributed immensely to Ghana’s infrastructure, energy, and industrial capacity development.

He cites China’s transformation over the past four decades as a compelling example of how innovation, long-term planning, and disciplined policy execution can lift millions out of poverty and reposition economies for growth.

Analysts describe China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to African products as a defining opportunity for the continent to shift from exporting raw materials to producing and trading value-added goods. They contend that this will require deliberate strategies by African governments to build strong supply chains, enhance standards, and empower local industries through effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

China’s experience demonstrates that transformative growth depends on purposeful national planning, institutional discipline, and efficient execution. For Africa, the removal of tariffs presents both a challenge and a chance – to build resilient manufacturing bases, create jobs, and secure a fairer place in global commerce.

As the partnership between China and Africa evolves, the zero-tariff policy stands as a reminder that opportunities must be matched with preparedness. The continent’s ability to translate this gesture into tangible development outcomes will depend on how effectively nations coordinate policies, support their private sectors, and invest in competitive production systems.

GNA

Edited by Kenneth Sackey

Edward Boateng was Ghana’s Ambassador to China at the time when the early policy engagements leading to the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo were initiated.

Ghana has become the first country in West Africa to host the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) Technical Assistance Training of Trainers workshop, marking a historic milestone in the region’s garment and textile industry development.

The two day workshop, held in Accra on June 11, 2025, was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry with support from GIZ under its Invest for Jobs programme. The initiative aims to build a pool of certified WRAP Technical Assistants who can help local factories meet international labour, environmental and ethical standards.

Delivering closing remarks at the event, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Sampson Ahi described the initiative as a strategic investment in Ghana’s future as a globally competitive, ethical and sustainable player in the apparel sector. He emphasized that the training would reduce reliance on foreign auditors and make certification more affordable and accessible for Ghanaian manufacturers.

Currently, Ghana faces significant challenges in achieving WRAP certification. Only two companies in Ghana are WRAP certified, with two more awaiting approval and nine in the preparatory stages. The high cost of foreign audits and gaps in workplace systems have traditionally made compliance difficult for local firms.

“This strategic training will reduce reliance on foreign auditors and facilitate the application process for WRAP certification,” Ahi noted, according to reports from the event. He added that the programme would enable Ghanaian factories to earn global trust and integrate into international supply chains.

The Deputy Minister underscored the government’s Vision 2033 for the textiles and garments industry, which targets a modern, sustainable and export ready sector worth over two billion US dollars and capable of creating over 150,000 direct jobs.

John Duti, team leader for Programme Invest for Jobs at GIZ, commended the relevance and growing impact of the textile and garment subsector in Ghana, highlighting its evolution from domestic tailoring practices to structured factory production.

The Deputy Minister encouraged participants to serve as torchbearers of transformation, positioning them as trailblazers who would shape the future of Ghana’s apparel exports. He urged them to use the knowledge gained to build connections and support other industry players.

By developing local WRAP certification expertise, Ghana is positioning itself to compete more effectively in global markets while reducing certification costs for manufacturers. The initiative represents a significant step in building ethical manufacturing capacity across West Africa, potentially opening pathways for neighbouring countries to follow Ghana’s lead.

Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has urged security officers stationed at the Elubo border to remain extra vigilant amid the ongoing influx of Ivorians fleeing election-related violence ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s general election on October 25, 2025.

Over 1,500 Ivorians have reportedly crossed into Ghana seeking refuge from the unrest, prompting heightened border surveillance.

During a working visit to the Ghana–Ivory Coast border at Elubo, Mr. Nelson cautioned security personnel to monitor all entries carefully to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the country.

“The situation is still very fluid. And so let’s keep our eyes on the inflows so that we can check the security side of things, so we don’t have any surprises any day in the future,” he said.

“The elections are coming on in October, as you know, and so as we approach the day, I believe that a lot more of them will come. So put yourself in readiness to receive them, and then, of course, with your eyes wide open, so we don’t get any criminals slipping through the system to pose a challenge to us as far as our security is concerned,” Mr. Nelson added.

Deputy Commissioner of Immigration at the Elubo Command, DCI Joshua Krakue, also expressed concern about the difficulty in distinguishing between regular travellers and those seeking asylum.

“Rationally, people are taking precautions by leaving the country to find safe havens and then maybe after the elections, if everything is fine, they go back. But when they are coming through the border, they don’t present themselves as people who are coming to seek asylum,” he explained.

“They are coming as normal travellers. But then they end up maybe getting to the refugee camp to seek asylum. So, we have also noticed that the numbers are going up. But there isn’t a situation where people are carrying their bags to cross the border to go there,” DCI Krakue added.

Across the continent, governments and corporations are rushing to digitise from e-governance platforms to online banking, from smart agriculture to digital classrooms.

Yet behind the optimism lies a sobering truth: up to 70% of digital transformation (DT) projects fail (Tabrizi et al., 2019; Gartner, 2018).

The reason? Not a lack of technology but a failure of leadership, culture, and engagement.

Africa’s digital revolution is not failing because of bandwidth or budgets, but because of people. Digital transformation is not a one-time software installation.

It is a complete rethinking of how organisations create value in a digital world (Matt et al., 2015).

Unfortunately, many African institutions still treat it as a procurement exercise, rather than a cultural and strategic evolution, similar to the preference of Metaverse sport the world over (Atta-Woode & Gangai, 2025).

According to Buvat et al. (2018), 65% of global firms lack digital leadership capacity, a challenge even more acute in Africa.

In many organisations, decision-making is top-heavy, change-averse, and disconnected from the workforce.

The result is a wave of failed projects and wasted investment.

From Accra to Nairobi, digital platforms have been launched with fanfare only to fall silent months later. Employees resist because they see digitalisation as a replacement rather than empowerment (Sherin, 2023).

When people are left out of digital change, technology becomes a threat instead of a tool. A rigid corporate culture, combined with poor communication, has made digital transformation in Africa more of a slogan than a success story.

My recent study, “Innovative Digital Transformation Strategy: A Conceptual Framework of Leadership, Culture, and Engagement,” suggested a model grounded in Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT).

Introduced by Teece, Pisano, and Shuen (1997), this model argues that an organisation’s survival in rapidly changing environments depends on its ability to sense, seize, and reconfigure resources to maintain competitiveness. In African context, our organisational leadership must cultivate these three critical abilities:

1. Sensing – Detecting emerging digital opportunities and threats.

2. Seizing – Acting decisively through visionary leadership and resource alignment.

3. Reconfiguring – Adapting internal processes and culture to sustain competitiveness.

This makes DCT not only relevant but also essential for African organisations facing volatile economic, social, and technological conditions. Africa’s digital transformation journey differs fundamentally from that of Western economies.

The continent’s challenges includes limited infrastructure, institutional fragility, fluctuating policies, and workforce skill gaps. Africa needs flexible strategies for digital transformation and not static solutions.

Dynamic Capabilities Theory provides exactly that: a model for continuous adaptation and renewal rather than one-off reform for Africa’s organisations in turbulent markets where yesterday’s solutions rarely solve tomorrow’s problems.

In Ghana, for example, the government’s digital ID initiative, e-levy systems, and paperless port reforms show how policy and technology evolve amid uncertainty.

Only institutions that can reconfigure quickly survive such disruption. DCT provides a framework to guide this adaptation by focusing on learning, leadership agility, and resource alignment, all critical for sustainability (Teece, 2018; Eisenhardt & Martin, 2000).

Furthermore, African firms are not just adopting technology; they are leapfrogging entire stages of development moving from analog to mobile or AI-driven systems in one leap (Ndemo & Weiss, 2017). Such rapid, non-linear growth requires what DCT calls dynamic reconfiguration, the ability to redesign structures, retrain workers, and reallocate resources in real time (Ambrosini & Bowman, 2009).

The theory also resonates with African cultural contexts, where informal networks, social trust, and adaptive leadership play crucial roles in business success. Unlike rigid Western frameworks, DCT accommodates contextual learning and improvisation traits deeply embedded in African entrepreneurship and governance systems (Loonam et al., 2018; Okpo, Ikediashi & Afolabi, 2023).

Why African Organizations Need This Model

1. Builds Leadership Agility – Leaders gain the foresight to anticipate digital trends and align them with strategic goals (Kotter, 2000).

2. Promotes Cultural Adaptability – Organizational culture shifts from rigid hierarchies to collaborative, learning-driven environments (Mergel et al., 2019).

3. Drives Employee Engagement – Workers become contributors to innovation rather than victims of automation (Kane et al., 2018; Gallup, 2021).

4. Sustains Competitiveness – Continuous learning and flexibility become built-in, ensuring survival in volatile digital markets (Teece, 2018).

Deloitte (2020) found that companies emphasizing engagement during transformation recorded faster adoption rates and higher morale, while adaptive cultures (Kocak & Pawlowski, 2022) increased success rates across industries.

The Leadership Imperative

Africa’s digital future depends not on coding, but on leadership courage and competence. Digital transformation must be led by leaders who can communicate, connect, and collaborate.

They must:

• Understand technology as a business strategy, not a gadget.

• Build inclusive cultures where every employee understands their role in change.

• Invest in re-skilling and knowledge sharing.

• Encourage open dialogue and cross-functional innovation.

Leadership agility means the ability to pivot quickly and learn continuously-the hallmark of successful digital leaders.

Governments should create national digital leadership programs to build capacity within ministries, state enterprises, and academia. Universities must integrate digital leadership and transformation frameworks into their business and public administration curricula.

The time is now more especially, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising our way of work and the technological space across the world. Africa is already behind in the adaptation of AI and automations.

African success stories such as Rwanda’s e-governance, Kenya’s fintech ecosystem, and Ghana’s digital ID system show it is possible when leadership, culture, and engagement align, as technology alone does not transform institutions; people do.

The Way Forward

Africa is at a digital crossroads. With its youthful population and growing internet access, the continent holds immense potential.

Nevertheless, potential without transformation is inertia. The proposed framework offers a roadmap to convert digital ambition into sustainable success through leadership that senses change, cultures that adapt, and employees who engage. Africa does not need another app, it needs adaptive leaders and digital cultures that can reconfigure and rise.

The truth is uncomfortable: Africa’s digital revolution is not failing because of bandwidth or budgets, but because of people and our inability to acknowledge and appreciate our circumstances and adopt a digital transformation tailored towards our leadership style, inherent cultural traits, and the resources needed for such technological advancement.

Not every process need to be digitalised, and not every organisation or entity needs digital transformation.

The General Secretary of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Bismark Yaw Ofori, has declared the union’s 2025 elections invalid, citing serious constitutional breaches.

In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, the same day elections were scheduled to begin, Mr. Ofori said the entire electoral process lacked legitimacy due to two major violations of the NUGS Constitution.

The first issue, according to him, was the failure to validate the voter register. He explained that the constitution requires both the General Secretary and the National President to sign the voter register before it can be used.

However, Mr. Ofori said he was not asked to co-sign the register, making it unconstitutional and null.

The second breach he cited was the failure to hold the mandatory Conference on Education, also known as the Responsible Mining Conference, which the NUGS Constitution says must take place on the second day of Congress. He stressed that this omission automatically removes all elected national officers from office, except the Administrative Secretary.

Mr. Ofori stated that because of these violations, all national executive positions, including that of the President, are effectively vacant. He urged the Judicial Board to step in immediately to interpret the constitution and resolve the crisis.

Calling for calm, he advised all candidates and delegates to reject the election process and asked the Committee of Bloc Heads to assume temporary leadership to restore order.

Mr. Ofori concluded by reminding future leaders of NUGS to uphold transparency, inclusivity, and respect in decision-making, warning against sidelining elected officers.

The future of the 2025 NUGS Congress now remains uncertain as the union awaits a formal response from its Judicial Board.

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From Mohammed Salisu at Monaco to Alexander Dijku at Spartak Moscow to Jerome Opoku at İstanbul Başakşehir, we’re seeing quite a few Ghanaian center backs impose their skills overseas, and yet another player who’s doing so is Alhassan “Lalas” Abubakar.

Born in Kumasi, Abubakar was raised in Accra and started playing for the University of Ghana as well as Ghana’s U20s before eventually attracting a scholarship offer from the University of Dayton.

Abubakar headed across the Atlantic and started a new adventure in the United States, where he has remained ever since, impressing for the Flyers before eventually prompting Columbus Crew to select him with the fifth pick of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

It was here in Ohio where Abubakar launched his MLS career, making 31 appearances before dropping down the pecking order following the exit of Gregg Berhalter and the arrival of new manager Caleb Porter.

Desperate for regular minutes, Abubakar decided to make the move to Colorado Rapids in May 2019, initially on loan but soon made permanent.

Abubakar excelled in Colorado, winning the club’s Defender of the Year award in his first two seasons and showcasing his excellent reactions and bulky physicality. And similarly to others like Sergio Ramos and Renato Paiva, Abubakar impressed in terms of his goal-scoring ability, racking up 9 goals and 2 assists in 136 appearances before eventually departing for FC Dallas in December 2024. But whilst Abubakar has been gone for over a decade, he still makes an effort to return to Ghana every offseason and spend time with his family and friends.

“It hasn’t been easy, especially with my family,” stated Abubakar in an exclusive Citi Sports interview. “Now that my mom can come and go, it’s easier. But also, I’m a Muslim, and we do Ramadan and Eid, so I always say that those are the times of the year that I miss Ghana the most. Since I came here 11 years ago, I’ve never had an experience like doing Ramadan in Ghana, I’ve never had that. So that’s what I miss most, especially during Ramadan, you want to be around family and celebrate, and I haven’t done that since I was living in Ghana.”

        Abubakar has already played over 200 times in MLS and helped Columbus and Colorado reach the playoffs, and he’s looking to do the same with FC Dallas, who sit 10th in the table, level on 38 points with ninth-placed San Jose, two points behind Colorado, one above Real Salt Lake, and two above Houston Dynamo. Unlike the other sides (apart from Salt Lake), Dallas have three games left to be played, rather than two.

They’ll be seeking to finish in the top nine spots and qualify for the playoffs, and they’ll be counting on Abubakar to continue his impressive performances in defense.After playing the full 90 in 10 straight matches, Abubakar has come off the bench in Dallas’ last three matches.

He’s played 26 times in MLS and two in the U.S. Open Cup, and whether coming off the bench or starting, he’s delivered with consistently impressive displays. It is evident that he has found the right environment in Texas and is enjoying himself both on and off the pitch.

“I like to get some rest, watch soccer games, and play video games at home, I love playing Call of Duty with my teammates, we’ll get on and chat and then play together. I just love it, especially when my mom wasn’t here, my brother and I would just get rest after I got home from practice, and I’d just hop on to play some video games afterwards. Now that my mom is here, sometimes, we’ll go to the mall on the weekends, but yeah, I don’t do too much.”

At nearly 31 years of age, Lalas Abubakar still has several objectives left to be ticked off his bucket list, like winning the first trophy of his professional career and earning a maiden call-up to the Black Stars’ senior team. But whilst his number-one priority is leading Dallas to the postseason and challenging for their first-ever MLS Cup title, he’s also focused on bringing his daughter and wife to the States and starting a new life together.

“Initially I was living alone, but my mom is here to visit, and my brothers moved here with me. However, my wife and my daughter are still back home in Ghana. My daughter is a US citizen, but my wife, I’m still working on her immigration stuff. Hopefully, they can join me very soon. My daughter is one year and two months old and has started walking already. The last time I saw her was December, and it’s been hard, man. I always tell my teammates, ‘My biggest fear is when I go home in the off-season and I try to hug her and she runs away from me, that will break my heart if she doesn’t remember me, but I gotta deal with it.”

By:Zach Lowy

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will walk through the gates of Paris’s La Santé Prison on Tuesday, October 21, becoming the first modern European Union head of state to serve actual time behind bars following his conviction for criminal conspiracy in the Libya campaign funding scandal.

The 70 year old was informed of his incarceration date on Monday, October 13, when he appeared at the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office to finalize the details. Despite having already filed an appeal, Sarkozy must begin serving his five year sentence immediately because the court ruled for provisional execution, citing the offenses as being of “exceptional gravity”.

The sentence marks a spectacular fall from grace for a man who once styled himself as France’s “hyper-president.” Sarkozy was found guilty on September 25 of criminal conspiracy for allowing his associates to seek campaign funding from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s regime for his victorious 2007 presidential bid. However, the court acquitted him of three other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing, saying there’s no evidence the money actually ended up in his campaign.

“If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison, but with my head held high,” Sarkozy declared after the verdict, his voice thick with anger. In a recent interview with La Tribune Dimanche, he said he’d already packed his bags and feels calm, planning to spend his time writing a book.

For security reasons, Sarkozy will likely be placed in solitary confinement or La Santé’s so-called “VIP wing,” a unit reserved for vulnerable prisoners whose safety might be compromised among the general population. His nine square meter cell will include a cooking hob, fridge, television, shower, toilet, and a fixed telephone line allowing calls to approved numbers only. He’ll be permitted visitors three times per week and will take daily walks alone in a small courtyard.

The Libya case traces its origins to shocking claims in 2011 when Gaddafi himself and Libyan media alleged that his regime had secretly funneled millions of euros into Sarkozy’s campaign. Prosecutors argued Sarkozy struck a corrupt pact in 2005, when he was interior minister, promising to help rehabilitate Gaddafi’s international image after Libya was blamed for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and the 1989 Niger plane bombing. The irony wasn’t lost on observers: Sarkozy later put France at the forefront of NATO air strikes in 2011 that helped topple the regime, and Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebels.

Key evidence included Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine’s 2016 filmed testimony that he delivered suitcases of cash from Tripoli to Sarkozy’s entourage, though he later retracted the statement in 2020, prompting accusations of witness tampering. In a dramatic twist, Takieddine died of a heart attack in Beirut just two days before the verdict.

Sarkozy’s right hand man, Claude Guéant, was sentenced to six years, while former minister Brice Hortefeux received two years. Sarkozy was also fined €100,000 and banned from holding public office.

This marks the latest chapter in a remarkable series of legal troubles for the conservative politician. Last year, France’s highest court upheld his conviction for bribery and influence peddling, sentencing him to one year of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, which he wore for three months before being granted conditional release in May. He’s also been convicted in another campaign financing case over his failed 2012 reelection bid, receiving six months in prison with another six suspended.

Following his corruption conviction, Sarkozy was stripped of France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honour.

He’ll be the first French president imprisoned since Philippe Pétain, the Nazi collaborationist head of the Vichy regime during World War II. La Santé has housed some notorious figures over its 158 year history, including Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal, bank robber Jacques Mesrine, and Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. More recently, Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his cell there in 2022 while awaiting trial.

Once incarcerated, Sarkozy’s legal team can immediately request his release from the appeals court, which will have up to two months to decide. He could be freed under judicial supervision or placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor, depending on the court’s decision.

Public opinion appears divided but tilting toward support for the sentence. An Elabe poll found 61% of French citizens believe the imprisonment is fair, while 38% consider it unjust. The decision has drawn criticism from the political right, with far right leader Marine Le Pen warning it’s “a grave danger” that courts are opting for immediately enforceable rulings rather than waiting for appeals. She knows this all too well, having herself been handed an immediate five year ban from public office in March over EU funds embezzlement charges.

Sarkozy’s son, Louis, has reportedly called on supporters to gather outside the family home Tuesday morning to show solidarity. Meanwhile, Judge Nathalie Gavarino has received death threats since issuing the verdict, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn the intimidation as unacceptable.

Despite his legal woes, Sarkozy remains an influential figure in conservative circles. He recently met with his former protégé, newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and continues to be consulted by key political figures. His wife, model and singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has stood by him throughout, and she’ll likely be among the first to visit him in La Santé, making her possibly the first former supermodel to enter the notorious prison.

According to Le Figaro, Sarkozy held a farewell gathering Wednesday evening with about 100 former collaborators, including the current Élysée Palace secretary general, Emmanuel Moulin.

For a man who once wielded immense power from the Élysée Palace, Tuesday will bring a stark new reality. The cold steel of a prison cell door, a nine square meter space, and the monotonous routine of solitary confinement. But if Sarkozy’s defiant words are any indication, he intends to face it all with the same combative spirit that defined his presidency, convinced he’s the victim of a political vendetta rather than justice being served.

Whether France’s justice system is working as it should or has overstepped its bounds will likely be debated long after Sarkozy completes whatever portion of this sentence he ultimately serves. What’s certain is that Tuesday marks an unprecedented moment in modern European political history.

Accra, Oct. 19, GNA-The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Malawi have reiterated commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

During a telephone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Expatriates Nasser Bourita, and the new Malawian (MP) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, both parties welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations since 2017.

The relationship is marked by commitment to strengthen cooperation in various key areas identified by H.E. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, such as agriculture, fishery, mining, trade and public finance.

The two ministers also praised the esteem and respect that characterize the relationship between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and H.E. President Arthur Peter Mutharika, as well as the strong ties of brotherhood, friendship, and solidarity uniting the two countries.

At the end of the telephone conversation, which follows Chaponda’s recent appointment as head of Malawian diplomacy, and the re-election of President Mutharika, both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the quality of the privileged relations between Morocco and Malawi.

In this respect, they reiterated their commitment to continue strengthening these ties, announcing the upcoming signature of a new Roadmap of cooperation.

This instrument aims at promoting the positive momentum of their bilateral partnership, and strengthening coordination and mutual support in regional and international forums.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

Dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale has publicly recognised fellow artist Samini as the true pioneer who “paved the way” for Ghana’s new generation of music stars.

The tribute, delivered before a crowd at Independence Square on October 18, 2025, marked an emotional high point during Shatta Wale’s 40th birthday celebration, known as Shatta Fest 2025 or “Shattabration”.

Shatta Wale, who has often been at the centre of heated industry rivalries, set aside past tensions to honour Samini’s foundational role in Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats.

Introducing Samini to an estimated 30,000 fans, Shatta Wale declared:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the person I’m coming to introduce today is one of Ghana’s greatest legends. He is somebody who paved the way for us all.”

Samini: The Pathmaker for a Generation

This public acknowledgement resonates deeply in a music industry where generational divides and rivalry are common.

For nearly two decades, Samini, born Emmanuel Andrews Samini, has been a leading figure in Ghanaian and African dancehall.

He set historic benchmarks, including becoming the first Ghanaian to win a MOBO Award (2006), and his international tours in the early 2000s — spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, and the UK — demonstrated that Ghanaian music could compete on the world stage.

Samini’s efforts have borne fruit.

According to the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), Ghana’s music exports have grown nearly 400% since 2010, with younger artists like Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and Sarkodie now performing globally and amassing millions of digital streams.

Shatta Wale himself has performed to sold-out crowds in London and New York, opportunities he acknowledged were “opened by Samini’s example.”

A Night of Unity and Record Turnout

The birthday festival, powered by Mobile Money Ghana Limited and MTN MoMo, drew an unprecedented crowd.

Security struggled to control the surge as fans in white — honouring Shatta Wale’s call for unity and victory — pressed against barriers to witness the headline performances.

Viral social media clips captured the intensity of the crowd, prompting calls for improved safety at large events.

The main highlight came when Samini and Shatta Wale performed their 2019 collaboration “Celebration”.

The song, released under Samini’s High Grade Family label, had long symbolised the potential for unity within Ghana’s competitive dancehall scene.

“He is somebody who paved the way for us all,” Shatta Wale reiterated, his words echoing far beyond the stage as fans cheered in approval.

The event also featured chart-toppers like Wendy Shay, Medikal, Tinny, JZyNo, Jupitar, and Empress Gifty.

Hosted by Adom TV’s Sister Sandy and joined by Nigerian influencers Pellet and Big Jiggy, Shattabration became a pan-African spectacle, further testament to the international reach Ghanaian artists now enjoy.

Industry Recognition and Shifting Narratives

Shatta Wale’s tribute is part of a larger trend. In recent months, Stonebwoy, another global dancehall ambassador, called Samini “the undisputed king of African dancehall,” citing his MOBO Award and international milestones.

Industry analyst Bullgod, while defending Shatta Wale’s African Dancehall King title, has consistently credited Samini as the genre’s torchbearer.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture estimates that the creative arts sector directly employs over 100,000 Ghanaians and contributes nearly $100 million annually to the economy, with music exports a major driver.

The international foundation laid by artists like Samini has enabled a new generation to aspire for — and achieve — global recognition.

A Moment of Reconciliation and Inspiration

The symbolic performance of “Celebration” signalled not just personal reconciliation but a broader shift toward honouring legacy over rivalry. For fans who witnessed past feuds, the moment was especially poignant — a reminder that Ghana’s music industry is strongest when united.

Samini’s reaction was one of visible pride. For him, acknowledgement from a once-rival and now superstar validates years spent breaking barriers.

Early in his career, Ghanaian artists rarely performed outside West Africa. Samini’s tours and international collaborations proved homegrown talent could thrive globally — a vision now realised by many.

Shatta Wale’s recent submission of “Street Crown” for Grammy consideration is the latest in a line of international ambitions enabled by Samini’s groundwork. As digital streaming and global tour opportunities expand, the path blazed by Samini continues to widen.

Looking Forward: Legacy and Ambition

The Shattabration event was more than a birthday party. It became a celebration of legacy, gratitude, and generational progress. In an industry often marked by ego and competition, Shatta Wale’s words — “He is somebody who paved the way for us all” — marked a watershed moment.

As thousands departed Black Star Square, the message was clear: Ghana’s music future is built on the pioneering spirit of those who came before, and today’s stars are ready to honour and expand that legacy.

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.

Bechem United beat Vision FC at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park on Sunday, October 19, 2025 to record their first victory of the campaign.

An evenly contested first half ended goalless but the hosts scored two quick-fire goals after recess to bank all three points.

Yaw Acheampong broke the deadlock for the Hunters in 67th minute and Alhassan Razak netted on 70 minutes to double their advantage.

Despite this crucial victory, Bechem United still remain in the danger zone.

The visitors were looking to make it two wins on the spin but the spirited second half performance by the Hunters denied them that feat.

Vision FC are on the road again to Berekum Chelsea for their next match and will be keen to bounce back. Bechem United will also travel to Karela United.

For many business owners in Ghana, one of the biggest challenges is accessing affordable foreign exchange (forex) to pay for imports such as machinery, spare parts, raw materials, and even livestock.

With the cedi’s recent appreciation, every pesewa saved when buying dollars, euros, or pounds matters.

For business owners and individuals, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to get cheaper forex rates in Ghana and how to use certain platforms to compare and choose the best deals.

IMF applauds Ghana’s recent cedi appreciation

1. Understand how forex works in Ghana

In Ghana, foreign exchange is traded mainly through three channels:

Banks – They are the most formal source but often come with stricter requirements, such as account history, documentation, and proof of transfer purpose.

Forex Bureaus – These licensed institutions usually provide more flexible access than banks. Their rates may be slightly higher or lower depending on market dynamics.

The Black Market – Although rates here may sometimes appear attractive, they are risky, unregulated, and often illegal. Businesses are better off avoiding it.

2. Compare rates before buying

One common mistake businesses make is rushing to the nearest bank or bureau without checking what others are offering. Rates can vary widely. For example, one bank may be selling the dollar at GH¢12.20, while a nearby bureau lists it at GH¢12.05.

This is where CediRates becomes useful. The platform tracks and lists forex rates from both banks and forex bureaus across Ghana, allowing you to quickly see who is offering the best buy and sell prices.

3. Verify the legitimacy of the source

Before exchanging large sums, always ensure the bank or bureau is licensed. If you’re using a forex bureau, ask for their Bank of Ghana certification. This protects you from fraud and ensures you receive a receipt for every transaction.

4. Time your purchases strategically

Forex rates fluctuate daily, sometimes even within the same day. Tracking movements over time can help you buy when the cedi is relatively stronger.

CediRates provides frequent updates, enabling you to monitor trends and avoid overpaying.

5. Negotiate where possible

While banks usually have fixed rates, some forex bureaus allow room for negotiation, especially when you’re exchanging larger amounts. It never hurts to ask for a slightly better deal.

6. Use digital platforms for convenience

Many banks and forex bureaus now provide digital services that allow you to lock in rates online before visiting the branch. Taking advantage of this can save you both time and money.

For businesses, whether you’re importing clothes, food, farm equipment, or raw materials, even a small difference in the exchange rate can significantly impact costs.

For instance, saving 20 pesewas per dollar on a $10,000 transaction translates into GH¢2,000 in savings.

By following this step-by-step process and leveraging platforms like CediRates, business owners can protect their margins, plan more effectively, and avoid unnecessary foreign exchange losses.

Remember, never settle for the first forex rate you see.

Compare, verify, and time your purchases, and with the right tools, you can make smarter decisions and keep your business costs under control.

This was originally published on September 16, 2025

SSD/MA

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