By Naa Shormei Odonkor

Kumasi July 24, GNA – Ali Abubakari, a 25-year-old man, has been reported dead in a fire that gutted an uncompleted fuel station at Ejura Babasso in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

His remains has been handed over to the Ejura police to help in further investigation.

A press statement signed by Divisional Officer II, Mr Peter Addai, Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said investigation was being carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak.

However, after the fire has been completely extinguished by the Ejura Firefighters, the GNFS discovered that the uncompleted fuel station was used to store six gallons of petrol.

Additionally, there were twelve bags of beans out of which six were partially ravaged by the fire and six were saved from burning.

The statement noted that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at about 1225 hours, the Ejura Fire Station received a distress call concerning the fire outbreak at block number E 6264, known to retail petrol in gallons.

Immediately, a fire crew was dispatched to attend to the fire to prevent loss of lives and property.

On arrival at the scene at 1231 hours, the crew led by Station Officer I Daniels Moah, found the structure completely engulfed by the raging fire.

The statement noted that, the crew immediately battled with the wildfire, brought it under control within 10 minutes and completely extinguished it at 1255 hours.

Unfortunately, the GNFS could not save the life of Mr Abubakari who was trapped in the fire outbreak.

The statement admonished the general public to desist from storing or dispensing petroleum products in unauthorized or unsafe structures which could cause fire outbreaks to prevent the lost of lives and properties.

The GNFS extended their condolences to the family of Mr Abubakari and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property through timely and professional emergency response.

GNA

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie

Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

The CEO of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has asked Ghanaians to be circumspect with their expectations of the government since Ghana is still in a crisis.

According to him, Ghana is still broke, and things are still very tough with the government’s limited resources.

He noted that the public purse is still under immense pressure, and Ghanaians must laud the government for the laurels it has chalked in the first six months of power.

He was speaking on an X space by GhanaWeb Business, titled “2025 Mid-Year Budget Review: Expectations and Key Priority Areas,” on July 23, 2025, in anticipation of the minister’s address on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

“Let no one think that we have come out of the economic crisis, so we can start partying again. Ghana is still broke. Things are still tough. And all the stakeholders, traders, exporters, public servants, the private sector, etc, have to accept that things are still tough and we all have to temper our expectations,” Jackson said.

He also noted that his key expectations from the government are to continue on the trajectory that they are currently on.

SSD/AE

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Canal+ has bought MultiChoice for $3billion

A French media conglomerate, Canal+, has acquired MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion (approximately 55 billion rand) deal.

Canal+ previously owned a 45% stake in MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GoTV; therefore, the recent acquisition gives it the rest of the 55% stake.

The deal, according to vanguardngr.com was approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on July 23.

The tribunal’s approval comes after months of negotiations and regulatory reviews, adding that it imposed several public interest conditions to protect local content and maintain South Africa’s media sovereignty.

The deal is, however, expected to be finalised by October 8, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of Canal+, Maxime Saada, said, “The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies.”

As part of the Competition Tribunal’s conditional approval, Canal+ has committed to spending approximately 26 billion rand over the next three years on initiatives aligned with South Africa’s public interest objectives.

In a joint statement, both companies noted their commitment to the acquisition.

“We will maintain funding for South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success,” they said.

Canal+ started the takeover bid in 2023 with a mandatory buyout offer of 125 rand per share, valuing MultiChoice at around $3 billion.

MultiChoice has more than 14.5 million subscribers in 50 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as flagship platforms like DStv and GOtv.

SSD/AE

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Two esteemed Ghanaian Karate Referees, Daniel Gyamfi and Isaac Amponsah, are currently participating in the 2025 Union Federation of African Karate Referees and Judges Course in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The four-day course, which commenced on July 21 and will conclude on July 24, 2025, aims to equip referees and judges with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote and develop Karate in Africa. With 154 participants from across the continent, this course is a significant step towards enhancing the standards of refereeing and judging in African Karate.

The course covers a range of topics, including Rules and Regulations, Referee and Judge Responsibilities, and Practical Experience. These topics are designed to ensure that referees and judges are well-versed in the rules and regulations of Karate competitions, including Kumite and Kata competition rules. 

Additionally, the course provides participants with the opportunity to gain practical experience by officiating at local and national tournaments and participating in workshops or seminars.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaKarateMedia,  Mr. Daniel Gyamfi expressed his gratitude to the President of the federation, Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, for the support. 

“This course is a game-changer for me, and I’m confident that it will propel me to become a better referee and aid my advancement to become a certified judge,” he said. Mr. Gyamfi’s sentiments reflect the importance of this course in enhancing the skills and knowledge of referees and judges in African Karate.

Mr. Isaac Amponsah, who doubles as the Vice President of the federation, also praised the course, stating, “This course is excellent, and it has kept me up-to-date with the current guidelines to ensure the continuous promotion of the sport. I believe that more of such educational courses would go a long way in improving the game in Africa.” He further emphasized the need for ongoing education and training to ensure that referees and judges remain current and effective in their roles.

The 2025 Union Federation of African Karate Referees and Judges Course is a significant milestone in the development of Karate in Africa. 

The final test, which will be conducted by instructors, will assess and reward final certificates for qualified referees and judges, as well as badges, marking a significant achievement for those who participate.

Ghana will host the Global Africa Summit in December, bringing together investors, professionals and business leaders from across Africa and the diaspora to explore trade, investment and partnership opportunities.

The summit, launched in Accra, is an initiative of the Africa Investment Network aimed at strengthening economic ties between Africa and its diaspora. It will feature stakeholders from the private sector, government, academia and global entrepreneurship networks.

Speaking at the launch, Founding President and CEO of the Africa Investment Network, Mrs Jane Reindorf-Osei, said Ghana was deliberately chosen as the starting point for the summit series.

“As a proud Ghanaian, there was no better place to start than here. Ghana has so much to offer, not just resources, but the energy and talent of its people,” she said. “We aim to bring our diaspora and global partners to experience the investment, partnership, and tourism potential Ghana offers.”

Mrs Reindorf-Osei added that the two-day event would focus on trade and investment and is supported by partners such as the National Black Chamber and members of the Africa Investment Network.

“It’s not only about business. Many in the diaspora feel Ghana is home. Some are coming to Africa for the first time, and they want to be part of the Black Star experience,” she noted.

Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, highlighted the economic significance of the diaspora, stating that remittances to Ghana now exceed $6.4 billion.

“President Mahama has maintained the Diaspora Affairs Office to show how much we value engagement with Ghanaians abroad. We want teachers, doctors, and business owners to return and contribute,” he said.

He urged members of the diaspora to visit Ghana in December, not only for recreation but also to take part in the National Diaspora Summit and the newly launched Black Star Experience.

Mrs Yvonne Ocloo, CEO of TopDog Africa and a summit partner, said the event is designed to build lasting economic bridges.

“This is about creating jobs and driving growth. The Summit will move from Washington DC in October to Toronto before culminating in Ghana, which will take centre stage this December,” she said.

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.

Joe Jackson is the CEO of Dalex Finance

‎The CEO of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has said the government’s efforts to create jobs directly will not work unless the private sector is allowed to lead.

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‎Speaking during a discussion on a GhanaWeb X Space on Wednesday, July 23, he said the public sector should rather focus on creating the right environment for businesses to grow and hire more people.

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‎“Creating jobs directly is bound to fail. The government must lay the playing field for the private sector to thrive,” he said.

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‎He added that the government cannot create enough jobs and trying to do so only increases salary costs and reduces productivity.

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‎He urged leaders to support private businesses by making credit more accessible, keeping policies stable, and ensuring fair regulations.

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‎His comments come as many Small and Medium-Sized (SMEs) businesses struggle to grow and create jobs due to limited support.

Listen to the full discussion:

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https://t.co/qAcZ9xZMLy

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) GhanaWeb/status/1948080530387275911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 23, 2025

‎DR/AE

Meanwhile, you can also watch videos from the NPP’s National Delegates Conference below:

‎

Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below:

By Joyce Danso

Accra, July 24, GNA – A 22-year-old security guard, Richmond Botwe, has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for attempted robbery in Nmai Dzorn. 

He pleaded guilty before the Adenta Circuit Court to attempting to rob a hairstylist of her iPhone 14 mobile phone valued at GHS15,000. 

The incident occurred on April 5, 2025, at Nmai Dzorn, Greater Accra Region.  

Botwe was remanded into lawful custody following his plea, and sentence was deferred. 

Passing sentence, the trial judge noted that Botwe was a young offender who had not wasted the court’s time. 

Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Eric Abban, said the complainant, Ms. Tosin Adesokan, a Nigerian hairstylist residing at Ashalley Botwe School Junction, was attacked while returning to her apartment. 

Botwe, employed by a security firm at Adjiriganor, allegedly left his duty post at Caterpillar Junction at about 0400 hours armed with a kitchen knife concealed in his trousers. 

At Manfranco Apartment near Nmai Dzorn School Junction, Botwe followed Ms. Adesokan and stabbed her in the back before snatching her phone. 

Adesokan struggled with Botwe and raised an alarm, drawing the attention of a co-tenant who apprehended the accused and handed him over to the Police at Nmai Dzorn.  

The knife used in the attack was retrieved. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Access Bank Ghana has once again been recognized as the Best Bank in Ghana at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, reaffirming its industry leadership, consistent innovation, and outstanding service delivery in the Ghanaian banking sector.

The award, presented at a high-profile ceremony attended by global financial leaders, was received by a delegation from Access Bank led by Managing Director, Olumide Olatunji; Executive Director, Wholesale Banking, James Bruce; Head, Human Resources, Nana Adu Kyeremateng; Head, SME Sectors, Katherine Ampomah, and Head, Corporate Communications & Brands Management, Edward Nelson-Addy.

Speaking after receiving the award, Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, expressed appreciation to customers and stakeholders for their confidence in the Bank’s brand and services.

“We are honoured to be named the Best Bank in Ghana once again by Euromoney. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the loyalty of our customers, and the impact of our innovation-driven strategy. We remain committed to delivering exceptional value and advancing the financial wellbeing of all Ghanaians,” he said.

This is the second time Access Bank (Ghana) PLC has won Euromoney’s ‘Best Bank in Ghana’ accolade, following its 2023 win which acknowledged the bank’s position as a leading provider of exceptional banking services and its significant contributions to the banking sector, particularly in a challenging financial environment. Specifically, Euromoney highlighted Access Bank’s return to profitability in the first quarter of 2023 and its consistent completion of capital markets transactions.
 
In 2024, the Bank received the coveted ‘Best ESG Bank’ in Ghana by Euromoney Awards for Excellence. This award acknowledged Access Bank Ghana’s dedication to ESG principles and its contributions to the Ghanaian market through various initiatives. The award underscored the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, governance excellence, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion.  

In addition to this latest honour, Access Bank Ghana was also named ‘Best Bank in Ghana’ by Global Finance earlier this year marking a double victory for 2025 and further solidifying the Bank’s reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking financial institution.
Access Bank Ghana continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s financial ecosystem, championing digital transformation, driving financial inclusion, and supporting businesses across all sectors of the economy.

The Euromoney Award adds to a growing list of local and international accolades, reflecting Access Bank’s broader ambition to become the world’s most respected African bank. Euromoney is a widely respected global financial media conglomerate that covers global banking, macroeconomics, and capital markets, including debt and equity. It also runs several independent industry surveys that have become the benchmarks for excellence in various categories of banking and finance. 

Access Bank has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to understanding its customers’ needs, consistently delivering exceptional service, and empowering individuals and businesses alike. Since its inception, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has been at the forefront of the financial sector, providing a wide range of innovative banking solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its customers. With a vision to be the world’s most respected African bank, Access Bank continues to build long-lasting partnerships that drive sustainable growth and economic transformation.

Access Bank is a leading full-service universal bank providing financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations. The Bank operates from more than 700 branches and service outlets across 24 countries in Africa and the rest of the world, including the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, Malta, and France, along with three representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon. Access Bank is passionate about fostering inclusive growth, especially among underserved populations such as the youth. With a strong focus on youth empowerment, innovation, and financial inclusion, Access Bank continues to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the incumbent administration’s Reset Agenda to the solid foundation laid by the late President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills through his Better Ghana Agenda.

He described his leadership as an era characterised not by political insults, but by service, integrity, and principle.

Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony marking the 13th anniversary of the passing of the late President Mills, President Mahama emphasised that the memorial should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial act, but as a national duty a moment to reflect on the legacy of the late President.

“If there’s one lesson we draw from the life of President Mills, it is that no challenge is insurmountable when we lead with integrity, when we listen with empathy, and when we govern with principle,” he stated.

“Professor Mills governed this country with a deep moral compass. He placed truth over expediency, people over politics, and the country over self,” the president said.

President Mahama further addressed the current state of the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Library.

He acknowledged concerns about its condition and gave assurances that plans are underway, with the Chairman of the planning committee for the library Project,  implementing efforts to renovate and restore the facility to its intended standard.

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by senior government officials, executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), members of the party’s Council of Elders, relatives of the late president, and members of the public. Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin were also present.

Professor Mills served as president from 2009 until his death in 2012. He is widely remembered for his calm approach to leadership, promotion of peace, and focus on social justice.

Uphold Mills’ legacy of integrity and peace – Nana Oye urges Ghanaians

Ghana must harness the untapped information technology, digital finance, education services, architecture and creative industries, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has said.

With the right regulatory support and market access frameworks, he said those sectors could generate stable foreign exchange (forex), create high-quality jobs, and diversify the country’s revenue streams while reducing Ghana’s dependence on traditional exports such as cocoa, gold and oil.

“Beyond commodities, we must invest in non-traditional and services exports,” the Governor stated at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra last Tuesday.

The quarterly event, the second of four for the year, brought together stakeholders, including industry leaders, financial experts, policymakers and academics, to discuss the critical issue of sustaining forex gains and their impact on the country’s economic development.

His comment comes at a time when Ghana’s economy is experiencing critical structural reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.

Experts over the years have stressed that Ghana’s over-reliance on primary commodities has exposed the country to external shocks such as unstable global prices and currency depreciation.

Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) showed that the Services remained the economy’s largest sector in the first quarter of 2025, contributing 46.8 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at basic prices, yet the contribution of high-value knowledge sectors within this category remains relatively small.
 

Forex stability

Dr Asiama­­ said while the cedi’s resurgence was commendable, it must not lull the country into complacency.

He indicated that sustaining forex gains was a far more complex task than achieving them.

“It requires anticipating headwinds, managing contradictions, and addressing deeply embedded structural challenges. It is not enough to stabilise the Cedi.

The real measure of success is whether we can translate forex stability into broad-based economic transformation; one that empowers businesses, creates jobs and lifts the productive capacity of the nation,” he stated.

With cocoa, for instance, he said it was time to scale value-added processing, branding and retail export chains.

For gold, the Governor said the country must accelerate efforts towards in-country refining and bullion storage, adding that “in oil and gas, investment in a petrochemical industry is now imperative.” 
 

Reinvesting locally

Dr Asiama further emphasised that strengthening the local economy required more than stabilising the currency, noting that despite a 42 per cent year-on-year appreciation of the cedi in 2025, Ghana remained vulnerable due to limited reinvestment of export revenues.

He explained that many exporters reportedly held their earnings offshore, limiting the productive use of foreign exchange within the country, a behaviour that weakened the financial ecosystem and undermined long-term growth prospects.

To address this challenge, Dr Asiama proposed tax incentives, preferential credit access and public procurement privileges for exporters who reinvest locally.
 

Domestic infrastructure

An Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Ghana Business School, Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, commended the central bank’s efforts at monetary stabilisation. However, she emphasised the need for coordinated government action to address inflation and supply chain bottlenecks that put pressure on the currency.

She advocated reforms aimed at improving domestic infrastructure and addressing inefficiencies in the agricultural value chain, particularly the disparity between farmgate prices and market prices.

“If we are serious about inflation control, we must deal with the power that market queens wield and reintroduce competition mechanisms, such as state-led food distribution companies, to ensure affordable prices in urban markets,” she stated.

Prof. Gyeke-Darko further highlighted the need to change the way importers accessed foreign exchange.

She explained that the overly stringent bank procedures pushed many traders to the black market, fuelling unofficial forex trading and tax evasion.

“There must be a balance between enforcing tax compliance and ensuring that genuine importers are not burdened with unrealistic documentation demands.

If we fail to do this, we’ll keep losing revenue and undermining the formal forex market,” she said.

To boost long-term economic resilience, she urged policymakers to expand access to affordable financing for businesses, improve agricultural productivity through education and mechanisation, and introduce guaranteed pricing for food crops, just as is done for cash crops like cocoa.

“If we want to diversify our economy, we must support food crop farmers in the same way we support cocoa farmers.

Price guarantees will provide stability, encourage youth participation in agriculture and reduce rural poverty,” Prof. Gyeke-Darko added.

play videoDr Cassiel Ato Forson is presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is currently presenting the highly anticipated 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament today, Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The presentation is taking place amid heightened public and political interest, with many watching to see whether the government will maintain its original expenditure framework or request a supplementary budget in response to fiscal pressures and global economic developments.

The country’s Financial Administration Act mandates this review. It aligns with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires the Finance Minister to update Parliament on the execution of the national budget and outline the fiscal strategy for the remaining half of the year.

Dr Forson’s presentation also comes at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators have shown notable improvement, raising expectations for a budget policy that promotes fiscal discipline, boosts investor confidence, and ensures long-term price stability.

Watch the livestream below:

Gyan is a former captain of the Black Stars

French top-flight league, Ligue 1, has paid a heartwarming tribute to Ghanaian football icon Asamoah Gyan, celebrating his impact on French football.

The French top-flight league shared the message on their official social media pages on Thursday, July 24, 2025, reminding fans of Gyan’s memorable spell at Stade Rennais and his wider legacy as one of Africa’s greatest forwards.

Touting the remarkable impact of the Ghana’s football international in their league, they sent some nice words his way on social media with the caption; “I’ll tell my grandkids about Asamoah Gyan.”

Gyan joined Stade Rennais in 2008 from Udinese and went on to spend three seasons in Ligue 1, featuring in 53 matches for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists.

In the league alone, he played 41 matches, contributing 14 goals and 5 assists, a record that cemented him as a fan favourite in Brittany before his move to the English Premier League with Sunderland in 2010.

Beyond club football, Gyan’s exploits for Ghana made him a household name across the footballing world.

The former Sunderland striker is Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer, netting 51 goals in 107 appearances for the Black Stars.

He made his international debut in September 2003 and went on to play at three FIFA World Cups, where he became Africa’s top World Cup goal scorer with six goals on the global stage.

I’ll tell my grandkids about Asamoah Gyan 🇬🇭😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/lLhysBZgOY

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) July 24, 2025

FKA/VPO

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

Versatile Ghana international, Jeffery Schlupp is focused on helping Norwich City to secure promotion to the English Premier League in the upcoming 2025/26 football season. 

Schlupp joins the Championship outfit as a free agent following his departure from Palace at the expiration of his contract. He penned a one-year deal with the Canaries, keeping him at the club until summer 2026.

The experienced versatile Ghanaian player has been handed with the number 27 shirt ahead of the new season.

With his wealth of experience, the 32-year-old is expected to play a huge role for the club in their quest to secure Premier League promotion.

“Obviously, we want to have a great campaign, it’s no secret. The goal for everyone in this league is probably going to be the same, to make play-offs and try to get promoted” he said.

“You have to start somewhere, obviously I’m coming into somewhere new so it’s going to take a little bit of time to find my footing. Hopefully, I get to gel quickly with the players.”

Born in Hamburg, Germany, to Ghanaian parents, Schlupp moved to England at a young age and progressed through the academy at Leicester City, going on to make 150 appearances across all competitions.

The 32-year-old was part of the Foxes side that were crowned Premier League champions during the 2015/16 season, before making the switch to Crystal Palace in January 2017.

He would spend the next eight years with the Eagles, including time on loan at Scottish Premiership side Celtic last season, where he also lifted a league title.